As the world transforms from winter to spring, I reflect upon the changes happening at the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. Here, we believe in transforming our students through innovative classroom instruction, involvement in unique and timely research opportunities, and strong mentorship and advising. Our forward-thinking faculty are key to preparing our students to pursue advanced degrees and establish successful careers in an always growing number of scientific and mathematical fields. They and our professional partners are devoted to creating curricula and experiences that help students develop essential skills. In addition, our generous supporters are just as important in helping us achieve our mission. Their gifts help us expand our labs, educational spaces, and opportunities for students to attend important conferences and competitions.
Spring is a time for renewal, and one new change on campus is at McCarthy Hall. We recently cut the ribbon on the building’s second-floor renovations, which will transform students’ experiences by offering engaging spaces that encourage formal and informal learning, discovery-based research, and shared scientific achievements.
Exciting research is regularly in progress on our campus. I’m particularly excited about faculty and students in our Nicholas and Lee Begovich Center for Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy (GWPAC) who are playing an essential role in a brand-new area of research and development. They are working on projects for the Cosmic Explorer, the United States’ planned next-generation gravitational-wave observatory.
In the Department of Mathematics, faculty are constantly updating and evolving their curriculum and research offerings to prepare students fully for data-focused careers that are increasingly in demand. In our Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, a renowned researcher and mentor is now working on a scholarship that will support aspiring biochemists who are earning advanced degrees.
We are so proud of the accomplishments of our students and faculty on campus – as well as those of our alumni, who are out in the world doing incredible work every day. One of those alumni, highlighted in this issue of our newsletter, helped create a one-of-a-kind model that illustrates the way COVID-19 behaves in humans and is working on future models that could influence treatments for cancer and autoimmune disease and aid future vaccine development.
Thank you to everyone who enables us to stay true to our mission to provide equitable, inclusive science and mathematics teaching, mentoring, and experiences that prepare our graduates to transform our world.
Marie Johnson, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
