Biology

Undergraduate research opportunities, both on-campus and off, have included development of surfboard polymers, the ecology of birds, studies within a cancer lab, and more.

For example, students and faculty can use PCR (the polymerase chain reaction) to make copies of DNA from a variety of plant, animal, and bacterial sources, then sequence the DNA isolated in the laboratory. This technique can help us understand plant pathogens, figure out what we are really eating, and more.

Our students have presented their work at regional and national scientific meetings and have even traveled to Australia to help in one of the world’s leading schizophrenia research laboratories (which happens to be run by a Keuka College alumna... watch her TED talk below!).

Keuka College is on the shore of Keuka Lake—arguably the prettiest of the Finger Lakes. The College’s Sunset Woods and the nearby Penn Yan Outlet Trail are home to thousands of species of plants and animals, providing an ideal environment for biology students. Ornithology students are able to work in the field, identifying birds native to the area.

You’ll get to study in the Jephson Science Center, where students hang out in the Chiral Center or at the Math Table in between classes and labs. A highlight of the building is that the laboratories weren’t simply designed in collaboration with architects, but by the professors who use and teach in them.

Our students have access to a wide range of instruments, including:

• Ultraviolet-visible Spectrophotometers
• Sorvall High Capacity Centrifuge
• Opti-sciences Chlorophyll Fluorometer
• Kodak Gel Imaging and Documentation Systems
• Bio-rad Gel Electrophoresis and Western-blotting Apparatus  
• High Pressure Liquid Chromatograph
• Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
• Environmental Chamber and incubators
• Biosafety Cabinet
• Nikon Compound and Stereo Microscopes with Digital Camera
• Nikon Inverted Microscope
• End-point Thermal Cycler
• Real-time Thermal Cycler

Chi Beta Phi, the natural science, math, and psychology honor society, offers students the opportunity to network with like-minded peers and have their scholarly accomplishments recognized.

Biology students have also enhanced their education by participating in a number of projects throughout the campus and the community, including:

• Kelsey Morgan '15 co-wrote a research study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.
   
• Indigo De Jong '15 was the primary author of a study regarding the effects of DDT on eggshell thickness in Red-shouldered Hawks, published in the Kingbird.
   
• Nikki Wilkins '15 was the primary author of a study assessing the accuracy of Eastern Bluebird nestling age estimates, published in the North American Bird Bander.
   
• Janelle Davidson '12 was the co-author of a study that examined factors related to the length of stay of dogs in animal shelters, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

In the division’s work-study program, students learn the “behind the scenes” for preparing a course lab activity and are given a chance to apply what they learn in the classroom. This can include learning microbiological media preparation and sterile techniques, preparing solutions, maintaining live organisms, learning the operation and maintenance of lab equipment, safe chemical handling, ordering supplies, and providing general assistance in the daily operations of a functioning science division.

You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to experiment and discover as a member of clubs and organizations, including Chemistry Club.

• Biology with Biomedical Studies (B.A.)
• Minor Requirements