School of Natural Sciences
The School of Natural Sciences at St. Edward's University encompasses traditional natural sciences (biology, chemistry, biochemistry), computational sciences (mathematics and computer science), clinical laboratory science and bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary research area at the intersection of biology, mathematics and computer science.
Each program provides sound preparation for graduate and professional schools and a variety of careers — among today's most high-demand fields. While each discipline has its own faculty, space and resources, all create an environment for excellence and share a common approach that draws upon these advantages:
- Small classes, taught by teachers who assume an active role for students.
- Approachable faculty members, who view teaching as their top priority and first love.
- Student-faculty research that challenges you to complete and present original investigatory work alongside mentor faculty.
- Cross training that shows you how to synthesize information and articulate arguments across the sciences, humanities and arts — valuable skills in an era of scientific collaboration.
Dean's Message
Dear Future Natural Sciences Students:
Scientists today must filter an almost infinite influx of data, discerning what is credible and what is unconvincing. As a student within the School of Natural Sciences, you’ll learn how to design experiments to test hypotheses and evaluate claims that come from myriad sources. We foster students who are self-starters, independent thinkers and at ease working in diverse settings, and who possess the capacity to use and interpret data to determine outcomes.
St. Edward’s University provides a nurturing environment that is committed to helping all students attain the full potential of their intellectual, personal and career goals. In addition, when you enter the School of Natural Sciences, you become part of a learning community built upon the Holy Cross heritage, so you’ll graduate with the skills and commitment to build a more just and humane world.
Employers seek students who have learning experience beyond the normal classroom setting and have participated in projects that require original thought, independent learning, group collaboration and the generation of data leading to “real-life” results. A degree from the School of Natural Sciences at St. Edward’s prepares you for careers in a wide range of areas, including industry, medicine, research and academia.
Students cite working with a faculty member on research or an independent project as one of the most important components of a successful undergraduate career. The culminating experience for a student within the School of Natural Sciences is the Senior Seminar in which you’ll present your own research to faculty, students and guests. You will also have the opportunity to present the results of your research project on campus at the Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE), and at regional and national conferences.
I invite you to meet our faculty, tour the John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center–North Building and view the “see through science” design in our state-of-the art facility. We look forward to providing you with excellent teaching and the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research alongside faculty members, and to supporting your academic and personal growth.
Sincerely,
- Thomas Mitzel, PhD
- Dean, School of Natural Sciences
Faculty
Facilities
John Brooks Williams Natural Sciences Center – North Building
Opened: 2006
Overview
A great science building inspires innovation, discovery and exploration — and creates outstanding opportunities for student-faculty research. The atmosphere within this groundbreaking facility reflects the longstanding reputation of St. Edward's for attracting stellar faculty and producing ambitious, accomplished graduates .
As a result, more and more students are choosing St. Edward’s to pursue their dreams and shape their future in the natural sciences — many in pre-med, pre-dental and pre-engineering programs.
Key Features
- "See through science" design
- Large, integrated research space encourages interaction between students in different research groups
- State-of-the-art greenhouse
- Many lounges and nooks for small group learning
- Gallery space for presentations and symposia
- One of the best-equipped small college natural science buildings in the country
- Modern laboratory instrumentation, courtesy of equipment grants from the National Science Foundation and W.M. Keck Foundation
Students in the natural sciences also benefit from the interdisciplinary research laboratory and hands-on learning at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve — a multi-faceted ecosystem in Austin.
Faculty Perspective
"The new science building’s cutting-edge technology lets students conduct high-throughput analyses in their research — for example, examining the expression of 30,000 genes at one time. Wet labs linked to computer labs allow them to apply computational solutions to biological problems."
Charles Hauser
Associate Professor of Bioinformatics
Student Perspective
"The design is open and very modern, which makes the space conducive to advanced learning and research. More importantly, the science building has become a home for all of us to share, study and research together — or just to hang out."
Sunil Rathore ’10
Biology, Pre-med