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Environmental studies


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 …

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 …

Students Combine Century-Old Documents and Modern Technology to Research Boston Landscape

Using an online collection of historical urban atlases, the student researchers explored how the urban spaces changed over time.

Boston’s Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a bustling 17-acre public park and green space, home to food trucks, fountains and even a carousel. But during the second half of the 20th century, that same space hosted one of the most …

Beavers Are North America’s Secret Weapon Against the Climate Crisis Says Holy Cross Professor in New Book

The New York Times | The Globe and Mail | The Wall Street Journal | Scientific American

Leila Philip, professor of English and environmental studies at the College of the Holy Cross, has authored a new book called “Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America.” Scheduled for release on Dec. 6, the book has already received enthusiastic …

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. …

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

Documentary ‘Pakachoag: Where The River Bends’ Premieres at Holy Cross

The film examines the history of the College’s relationship to the Indigenous Nipmuc people

When College of the Holy Cross was founded in 1843, it was built on land that had been home to Indigenous people for centuries. A new film by Holy Cross faculty and staff, community leaders and students seeks to enlighten …

Holy Cross Once Again a Princeton Review ‘Green College’

The College was recognized for its sustainability-related policies, practices and programs for the 12th consecutive year

The College of the Holy Cross has once again been recognized for its commitment to sustainability by The Princeton Review in its “Guide to Green Colleges: 2022 Edition.” Released on Oct. 26, the annual guide recognizes institutions that are making …

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, …

Holy Cross Faculty Premiere New Documentary “Pakachoag: Where the River Bends”

Worcester Telegram & Gazette

On Tuesday, Sept. 28, a group of Holy Cross faculty members, along with environmental historian Colin Novick, executive director of the Greater Worcester Land Trust, premiered their new documentary “Pakachoag: Where the River Bends” at the Pakachoag Church in Auburn, …

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 …

Marine Biology Research in Maine – Holy Cross Student Summer Series

An experiential learning opportunity in Maine inspires three Holy Cross students

Holy Cross students Allison McGrath ’22, Isabelle Uong ’22 and Kerry Bresnahan ’22 are participating in research this summer with Marine Biology Professor Justin McAlister, who received a grant from the NSF to study seastar larvae and other marine organisms …

Academic Conference Showcases Creativity, Wide-Ranging Research of Holy Cross Students

The four-day celebration featured presentations, performances and lectures from students of all class years

05/03/21 by

  Two summers ago, while studying abroad in Cambodia, Emily O’Regan ’21 had the first inspiration for her honors thesis: “I spent weeks deep in the jungle surrounded by some of the most pristine landscapes and incredible wildlife I had …

31 Holy Cross Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society

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

Thirty-one Holy Cross students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu,  the Jesuit honor society founded in 1915, at a virtual ceremony held recently. The new inductees exemplify the society’s values of excellence in scholarship, loyalty and service.  Selection to Alpha …

Holy Cross Named Among Top ‘Green’ Colleges in the Country for 11th Consecutive Year

The Princeton Review

For the 11th consecutive year, the College of the Holy Cross has been recognized as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to The Princeton Review, receiving a “Green Rating” score of 88 out of 99.  In its …

Tracing and Celebrating Indigenous Roots at the College of the Holy Cross

1620/2020 Speaker Series is part of ongoing work to educate the campus community on the College’s complex history

It is a well-known story that Holy Cross was formally established by the Jesuits in 1843, on land that college founder Bishop Benedict J. Fenwick, S.J. purchased for $1,500. The fact that the land was originally home to the Nipmuc, …

Eco-Action Co-Chairs Focus on Virtual Sustainability Efforts

The student-led group is innovating outreach activities for a remote semester

When the College’s student-led Eco-Action group was canvassing for student votes for the Holy Cross Green Fund last year, Kimberly Fetherston ’22 went to the place she knew she’d get results. “That was my first campaign,” she remembers. “I immediately …

Holy Cross Student Summer: Christopher Smith ’22

The Holy Cross rising junior contributes to a COVID-19 vaccine research study as part of his summer research internship

Christopher Smith ’22 Summer Plans: Intern, NY Medical College Hometown: Tillson, NY Major: Environmental Studies Summer Plans I am a research intern, and along with some other colleagues, I am facilitating a novel COVID-19 vaccine research study. I also attend …

Holy Cross Says Farewell to Seven Retiring Professors

The cohort leaves a lasting legacy in generations of students

They’ve taught generations of Holy Cross students in class­rooms, laboratories, arts ven­ues and even locales abroad. Now, these esteemed faculty members are retiring: Robert Bertin, Distinguished Professor of Science; Thomas Cecil, Dis­tinguished Professor of Science; Barbara Craig, associate professor of …

Holy Cross Names Cathy Liebowitz as First-Ever Director of Sustainability

New position is part of the College's commitment to safeguarding the environment

Cathy Liebowitz began her work in April as the College’s first Director of Sustainability. Liebowitz joins Holy Cross from Emerson College, where she was the Campus Sustainability Manager. Congratulations on becoming the first-ever Director of Sustainability at Holy Cross. What …