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Biology


Why Study Biology at Holy Cross?

The biology program at Holy Cross College will provide you with a solid foundation in the broad principles of biological science within a Catholic educational environment. With biology courses taught from an evolutionary perspective that explains the unity and diversity of life, our goal is to form biological scientists who are good stewards and advocates for our neighbors, our communities, and our environment.

Your Journey as a Biology Student

  • Actively explore and support classroom learning with laboratory experiments
  • Research alongside Holy Cross faculty experts or take advantage of additional research opportunities at the nearby University of Notre Dame
  • Build essential communication skills with research papers and oral presentations
  • Immerse yourself in experiential learning as an intern in a real workplace environment
  • Elect to take courses to prepare you for a career in the health sciences or for post-graduate studies in biology
  • Consider disciplinary tracks in physical therapy, public health, exercise science, or neuroscience
  • Take advantage of Pathways to preferred admission to Professional studies in Osteopathic Medicine, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Optometry, Athletic Training or Physician Assistant Studies

Life After Holy Cross

Some of our biology graduates have gone on to attend Professional schools including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Physician’s Assistant, Nursing, and Physical Therapy.

Other graduates have chosen graduate programs in diverse areas such as Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, Science Education, and Business Administration.

Degree Requirements

See program requirements, course descriptions and more in the Academic Catalog.

Meet Your Academic Director:
Dr. Elaine Mokrzan

Before coming to Holy Cross College, Dr. Mokrzan spent 20+ years in biomedical research exploring how newborn lungs work, how toxins harm the brain, and how bacteria cause chronic infections. Her research on bacterial biofilms has helped develop new ways to fight chronic or antibiotic-resistant infections.

She loves mentoring students, sparking curiosity, and helping tomorrow’s scientists, doctors, and health professionals come to a further understanding of our living world.

Biology students photograph a turtle during field work at the Saint Joseph River

Biology Program Faculty

Professors Who Teach, Mentor, and Accompany

Elaine Mokrzan, PhD

Elaine Mokrzan, PhDAssistant Professor of Biology, Academic Director of Biology Areas of Expertise Microbiology, Physiology & Anatomy, Genetics Education PhD, Pharmacology, University of North Carolina BA, Chemistry, College of Wooster Contact Vincent 189 Phone: (574) 472-8551 Email: [email protected]

Aris T. Alexandrou, PhD

Aris T. Alexandrou, PhDAssistant Professor of Biology Office: Vincent 127 E-mail: [email protected] Education PhD, Comparative Pathology (Integrative Pathobiology) School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology University of California at Davis BSc, Biological Sciences (Biomedical Emphasis)…

Katherine Barrett, PhD

Katherine Barrett, PhDAssistant Professor of Biology Areas of Expertise Aquatic Ecology, Watershed Science, Biostatistics, Science Communication, Human Ecology Education PhD, Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame MS, Environmental Science & Biology, The College at Brockport State University of…

Br. Lawrence Unfried, CSC

Br. Lawrence Unfried, CSCAdjunct Professor of Biology Vincent 110 Phone: (574) 239-8412 Email: [email protected]