Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
Thomas H. Gosnell School of
Life Sciences
Overview
Explore the organic universe from DNA to global systems in a supportive academic environment at the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences. From the beginning, our students immerse themselves in biology through innovative coursework, hands-on, in-depth laboratories, experiential learning opportunities, and undergraduate research projects designed for real-life challenges in the life sciences.
We prepare the next generation of researchers, environmental scientists, computational biologists, medical doctors, pharmacists, and genomic data analysts. Whether it’s a cancer researcher developing a new vaccine or a biologist protecting our clean water, our students confront the toughest life science issues facing the world today and find solutions to them.
70%
Of upper-level courses have a fully hands-on, in-depth laboratory component
92%
Of all courses are taught by full-time professors
1st
RIT was first in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology
Latest News
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December 12, 2019
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RIT genomics lab, Golisano Autism Center flourishing one year after receiving state grant
WROC-TV talks to Nicole Cavanaugh, a biotechnology and molecular bioscience student, and Larry Buckley, associate dean in the College of Science, about the impact of RIT's genomics lab.
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December 3, 2019
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RIT gifted 177-acre estate to expand research, educational offerings
RIT will use a substantial gift of real estate in Penfield to expand the university’s research and educational offerings in ecology, agriculture, sustainability and other fields. Amy Leenhouts Tait and Robert C. Tait have gifted to the university their 177-acre property, which will be dedicated as the Tait Preserve of RIT.
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December 3, 2019
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RIT researchers turning to photodynamic therapy to beat cancer
WROC-TV talks to Maureen Ferran, associate professor of biology, about a technique to fight human papillomavirus, or HPV.
Research
Current work in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences uses Next Generation Sequencing to elucidate genomic and proteomics aspects of phage, bacteria and plants as it relates to pathogenesis, resistance, metabolic engineering, etc.
Research Active Faculty:
Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) is a scholarly field that combines disciplinary expertise in a STEM field (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) with research methods from cognitive science, psychology and the learning sciences. Researchers in this field are interested in studying and transforming STEM Education through basic and applied research. Faculty in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences are exploring how students learn concepts in molecular biology and genetics and how students apply their knowledge to novel learning and assessment tasks. Gaining insight into students’ mental models of complex molecular processes allows the team to develop new assessments and activities to measure and improve student learning. Faculty are also investigating how newly developed 3-D models of biomolecules and molecular processes can help students learn concepts related to genetic information flow.
Research Active Faculty:
Featured Work
Graduate Student Helps Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 17%
Carlyn Petrella ’10 (biotechnology)
After earning a spot as an Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps Fellow, Carlyn Petrella had the opportunity to work with the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC).
Tackling Conservation Challenges Head On
Kristen Denninger Snyder ’10 (environmental science BS)
After graduating from RIT, Kristen Denninger Snyder did extensive research on African wildlife at the University of California, Davis, and is now living in Denver and working as a post-doctoral...
Undergraduate Programs
At the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences we offer four exciting undergraduate programs. Whether it’s biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or environmental science, you become part of an active community of students, staff, and faculty working together to explore and solve complex biological problems in state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.
Graduate Programs
The graduate students in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences apply their advanced training in environmental science and computational biology to take a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of biological issues facing the world today. Each student works with a chosen faculty advisor to help them approach their project from a novel perspective, which prepares them to succeed in any path they choose after graduation.
