Category Archives: Biology

Inside an Undergraduate Student-Run Stem Cell Lab

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 … Continue reading →

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On the Floor And In the Labs

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.

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How Trees Increase Equity Across Worcester Neighborhoods

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 … Continue reading →

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Holy Cross Celebrates 762 Graduates in its 177th Commencement Exercises

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 … Continue reading →

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34 Holy Cross Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society

  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. … Continue reading →

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

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 … Continue reading →

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

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, … Continue reading →

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New Genes Make a Big Impact on Fruit Fly Fertility

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 … Continue reading →

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

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.

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

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 … Continue reading →

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

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 … Continue reading →

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Class of 2022 Student Spotlight: Isabelle Uong

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

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Class of 2022 Student Spotlight: Kerry Bresnahan

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

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

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 … Continue reading →

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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, … Continue reading →

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Holy Cross Again a Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars

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. 

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30 Holy Cross Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society

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, … Continue reading →

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Student-Generated Urban Studies Minor Debuts at Holy Cross

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 … Continue reading →

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Holy Cross Students, Alumnus Receive Distinguished Scholarships

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 … Continue reading →

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

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 … Continue reading →

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