Biology Student Opportunities

This 70,000 square-foot facility opening for Fall 2013 will house enhanced teaching & lab spaces, research & outreach facilities, and state-of-the-art collaboration areas for students.

Take a look inside the Science Center

Explore the Possibilities

In our biology program you will have plenty of opportunities in the classroom and beyond. Below are just a few of the opportunities waiting for you as a future biology student.

Undergraduate Research & Lab Work

In the biology department, students are encouraged to explore a significant reserach question in their area of interest. After consultation with a faculty member, students will conduct a literature review of the subject and develop a proposal. Students then work closely with their faculty mentor to complete the project. Examples of recent student projects include studies of bacterial diversity in caves, dragonfly and damselfly ecology, zinc deficiency effects on mouse reproduction, and mutational analyses in yeast.

Raystown Immersion Experience

"Live by the lake" at the beautiful Raystown Field Station, which is nestled at the edge of Raystown Lake near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. In a cooperative agreement with Juniata College, SFU students and Juniata students engage in hands-on science courses and related activities, all while living at the field station for the entire semester.

SCUBA Club

The Saint Francis University Scuba Club offers students the opportunity to learn to scuba dive, continue to build their diving skills, travel to various diving locations, and have fun with others while exploring the fascinating underwater world. Various activities are sponsored by the Scuba Club throughout the year to keep divers actively involved in the sport.

Environmental Action Society

Recently we have participated in projects such as SFU Earth Day (carnival organizers), 350.org International Day of Climate Action, Adopt-a-Highway litter cleanup at Prince Gallitzin State Park, Yale Environmental Leadership Conference, Math and Science Saturday presentation at Foot-of-Ten elementary school in Hollidaysburg, Backpacking and hiking trips, SFU Day of Reflection Watershed Trail Clean-up, and the Recycled Gift Christmas Party

Our organization promotes environmental education to the students, faculty, and staff of Saint Francis University. Our goal also includes promoting environmental awareness in the community at large.

Lake Saint Francis Water Shed Trail

The trail was designed to provide access to the University's quieter, more natural areas and to increase knowledge of our local ecology. In addition to its recreational use, the trail and surrounding ecosystem are used by the Biology Department and other members of the campus and local community as a site to conduct scientific research and to promote environmental education.

TriBeta Biological Honorary Society

Saint Francis is home to the Upsilon Beta Chapter of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honorary Society.

The Biology Club

As a Saint Francis student, you have the opportunity to join The Biology Club!

Study Abroad

Study abroad is highly encouraged at Saint Francis. Learn more about the Field Biology in Australia trip led by Dr. Sue Morra.

Internships & Networking

We are committed to helping you explore internship opportunities to give you that extra edge when you are searching for a job after graduation. We work with several organizations that offer research programs or other opportunities for undergraduates. 

Our New Science Center

Our dream for a new sciences facility is becoming a reality with completion expected in fall 2013. This new structure will house state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories and research facilities (including an aquatic research facility), advanced chemical instrumentation and youth outreach areas, in addition to places for students and faculty to gather, study, and learn.