Introduction

Mission Statement

• To foster an environment that enables students to develop academically and socially through involvement in active learning and faculty/student intellectual interactions through undergraduate research, experiential learning, honors courses, field study, laboratory activities, study abroad, community service, campus employment, and student academic associations.

• To provide academic programs in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics to educate students for entry into professional and graduate schools and for immediate employment in a wide range of careers in the natural sciences.

• To infuse technology into all its courses and seeks extramural funding to enhance the delivery of academic programs.

Department Overview

The Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers bachelor degrees in biology and environmental studies. The department also provides support for the Departments of Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Liberal Studies/Teaching Education,  General Education, and others.

In 2001,  we decided to make undergraduate research one of the cornerstones of the department. Since then, there have been many remarkable changes. The curriculum has been revised and several new faculty were hired with different areas of expertise. Student enrollment has dramatically increased. A program of study incorporating research into laboratory classes with faculty was an essential component. In November 2005, the groundbreaking for the new science facility on campus took place. This will usher yet another phase in our mission to provide exceptional training in the biological sciences for undergraduate students.

Undergraduate research is an integral part of the learning experience. We have developed a series of four research courses for students. The first course is an introduction to research methodology concentrating on the scientific method, literature, and experimental design. The second and third courses are actual laboratory research projects under the direction of a faculty member.  The final course is focused on writing research results for the senior thesis and the presentation of scientific research, especially for professional conferences and publications.

Students in the department are actively encouraged to seek summer research experiences on campus, in industry, in government facilities, and in programs held by universities. The results of their research on campus and off campus is presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). We are very pleased that Dominican University of California has been selected to be the site of NCUR in the spring of 2007.

In addition, there are many opportunities for hands-on activity. Virtually every science class has a laboratory component. Also, there is a field biology course offered every spring. This trip is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in scientific experiences at national and international sites. Previous trips have been to Yosemite National Park, Catalina Island off the coast of California, and also to Thailand, Belize and Brazil.

Faculty and Research Interests

• Dr. Vania Coelho, Assistant Professor
• coral reef ecology, crustaceans
• Dr. James Cunningham, Associate Professor
• avian biology, terrestrial ecology
• Dr. Sibdas Ghosh, Chair
• genetics, plant physiology
• William King, Assistant Professor
• mathematical models, spacial analysis
• Dr. Mohammed El Majdoubi, Assistant Professor  
• neuroendocrinology, stem cells
• Dr. Maggie Louie, Assistant Professor 
• biochemistry, breast cancer cells
• Dr. Diara Spain, Assistant Professor 
• functional morphology, echinoderms
• Dr. Mietek Kolipinski, Internship Coordinator
• field biology at National Park Service

What Students say about “The Dominican Experience”

• The new science facilities will amplify the existing potential and allow fellow students to obtain hands-on learning and research experience.  - Anthony DeGiacomo,Class of 2004
• After a while, you stop seeing a professor at the front of the classroom. Instead, you see a friend who wants to help you succeed and achieve your best."  -Rocky Chavez, Class of 2005
• The NCUR conference gave me a “glimpse of the future”. Designing my own experiments, conducting research, coming to sound conclusions, and presenting my work to be scrutinized by my peers.  - Faith Hall-Glenn, Class of 2006
• My first year presenting opened my eyes to the vast world of research and gave me the confidence to explore  my own research at an internship. My experience from NCUR landed me an internship for the summer in a molecular biology lab.  -Jeri Swanson, Class of 2005
• Having research as a fundamental part of the curriculum provides the opportunity to apply what you have learned in class as well as to acquire a more in-depth understanding; to discover not only nature, but also your capabilities and interests; and to gain experience that gives you a fair advantage - wherever you may go, whatever you may do.  - Diana Hallare, Class of 2007