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Biology


Inside an Undergraduate Student-Run Stem Cell Lab

From experimentation to, ideally, publication, biology majors examine how stem cells age, with hopes to better understand how they could be used to treat disease.

07/28/23 by

Julia Paxson, DVM, associate professor of biology and head of the department, is serious about her research, which strives for a better understanding of how stem cells age and whether age improves or decreases cell efficacy when used for treatment …

On the Floor And In the Labs

New pediatric medicine internship program at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center gets Holy Cross students first-hand clinical experience.

07/12/23 by

As a child, Karla Gonzalez ’24 was not afraid of the hospital. She had Ellen — her nurse, role model and confident — who brought her toys, kept her spirits lifted and always included her family.

How Trees Increase Equity Across Worcester Neighborhoods

Environmental Studies’ Nicholas Geron and students collaborate on surveying, researching the city's trees to aid biodiversity and residents.

06/27/23 by

As a young teacher in the South Bronx, Nicholas Geron focused on engaging his high school students not only in their courses, but also in their environment. At a time when New York City was investing in its Million Trees …

Holy Cross Celebrates 762 Graduates in its 177th Commencement Exercises

President Vincent D. Rougeau encourages graduates to embody strength through differences in a polarized world.

05/26/23 by

The College of the Holy Cross graduated 762 members of its class of 2023 on May 26 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Thousands of family and friends, Holy Cross faculty, administrators, staff and guests gathered as the College conferred …

34 Holy Cross Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society

The honor is bestowed on fewer than 4% of a class.

  In October, 34 members of the College of the Holy Cross class of 2023 were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society.  Selection is one of the highest honors that can be earned on a Jesuit campus. …

‘Get out and look at the leaves’: Holy Cross Provides Unique Fall Foliage Experience

Holy Cross botanist explains why leaves change certain colors, when the peak will reach Worcester and how a dry summer could affect the timing.

10/03/22 by

As the new academic year begins to establish a rhythm, shorts are soon replaced with sweatpants, the sun sets on The Hill earlier and earlier, and the ivy covering brick buildings trades its pop of green for shades of orange …

Why Do Mutant Genes in Glial Cells Increase Risk of Febrile Seizures?

Sarah Iannone ’25 spent her summer researching two genes in glia and how they affect neuronal excitability in fruit flies.

08/24/22 by

For animals to respond properly to environmental changes, such as temperature fluctuations, their nervous systems must be regulating correctly. It’s a biological function that is vital to survival. The question of why some cannot continue managing these necessary bodily functions, …

New Genes Make a Big Impact on Fruit Fly Fertility

Brenna McCormick '24 spent her summer in the lab researching newly evolved genes in Drosophila.

08/19/22 by

As a student participating in the College’s Charles S. Weiss Summer Research Program, Brenna McCormick ‘24 spent eight weeks this summer working with Associate Professor of Biology Geoff Findlay to examine how a novel gene found in only a handful …

Holy Cross First-Year Research Program Helps Inspire Students in STEM Fields

FRAP offers first-year students and senior mentors from historically excluded communities paid research opportunities.

08/09/22 by

From an early age, a small fire burned within Edith Mensah Otabil ’19: a desire to pursue a career in medicine. Growing up in Ghana, she witnessed countless disparities in health care.

Anthony Fauci, M.D., ’62 advises Holy Cross Students: Expect the Unexpected

Namesake of the Anthony S. Fauci Integrated Science Complex tells students in Q&A prior to the building dedication to follow your passion, trust your instincts and keep an open mind.

06/16/22 by

Before the dedication ceremony of the Anthony S. Fauci Integrated Science Complex on June 11, the class of 1962 alumnus met with College of the Holy Cross students for a private conversation, answering a series of their questions, covering topics …

Holy Cross Names Science Complex for Anthony Fauci ’62, Hon. ’87

National health leader and infectious diseases physician honored for lifetime of public service.

06/11/22 by

Hundreds of members of the College of the Holy Cross community stood shoulder-to-shoulder packing the Smith Hall atrium, as well as the hallways of the floors above, as its Integrated Science Complex was named the Anthony S. Fauci Integrated Science …

Class of 2022 Student Spotlight: Isabelle Uong

A biology major, Isabelle will work as an ophthalmic technician in preparation of continuing her education in optometry school

05/26/22 by

Name: Isabelle Uong Hometown: Rockland, Mass. Major: Biology and Health Professions Advising Campus Activities: McAlister Research Lab; Advocating Student Interest in Asia

Class of 2022 Student Spotlight: Kerry Bresnahan

A biology major and environmental studies minor, Kerry will pursue a master’s degree in marine science after commencement

05/25/22 by

Name: Kerry Bresnahan Hometown: Osterville, Mass. Major: Biology major, environmental studies minor Campus Activities: Spring Break Immersion Program, Ultimate Frisbee, Students for Urban Development, Society of Saints Peter and Paul, BioBuddies Peer Tutoring

Holy Cross Fenwick Scholar Finds Unique Opportunities to Go Beyond Science in HIV Research

“It’s not just about the science. It’s about how we can help other people with the science,” says Charles Millard ’22.

05/23/22 by

Throughout his senior year, Charles Millard ’22 said he had ample opportunities to fail, test his perseverance and improve his approach to scientific discovery, moments he might not have experienced had he not been selected as the College of the Holy …

WATCH: Holy Cross Faculty Discuss the Living Legacy of Global Health Champion Paul Farmer

Ten years ago, global health champion Dr. Paul Farmer was an honorary degree recipient and commencement speaker at Holy Cross, telling graduates, “…the miracle of human solidarity… when linked to both meaningful action and compassion, is something all of us, …

Holy Cross Again a Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars

The 2022 rankings by the Chronicle of Higher Education continue the College’s long history as a leading producer of student scholars

03/21/22 by

The College of the Holy Cross, once again, ranks as one of the premier institutions in the country when it comes to producing Fulbright students. 

30 Holy Cross Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society

Alpha Sigma Nu acceptance is granted to less than four percent of the class

Thirty Holy Cross students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honor society founded in 1915, at a ceremony held on Sunday, Oct. 24th in the Rehm Library. The new inductees exemplify the society’s values of excellence in scholarship, …

Student-Generated Urban Studies Minor Debuts at Holy Cross

Maggie Hartnett '23 & faculty advisors team up to create new Urban Studies minor, which will explore themes around how we build our cities, what we do in them and how they shape us

Maggie Hartnett ’23 knew she enjoyed the architecture classes she took during her first year at Holy Cross, but wasn’t quite sure she wanted to be an architect. Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she took note of the changes …

Holy Cross Students, Alumnus Receive Distinguished Scholarships

The prestigious Fulbright and Knight-Hennessy scholarships showcase the talent of Holy Cross students

Once again this year, College of the Holy Cross students—and an alumnus—have earned coveted scholarships from prestigious organizations, including the Knight-Hennessy Scholar Program and the Fulbright Program. These honors speak to the boundless curiosity of Holy Cross students, the impact …

Why Do Tiny Animals Like Spiders and Ticks Have Such a Powerful Bite? A Holy Cross Biology Professor Explains

National Geographic

Why do tiny animals like spiders and ticks have such a powerful bite? Turns out it’s heavy metals! According to a recent study, elements such as zinc and copper mix with natural proteins to make durable stingers, claws and jaws …