Student Work
What Our Biology Majors Do
Biology majors have many opportunities to engage in academic and pre-professional development activities.
Sigma Xi - The Scientific Research Honor Society
Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 to honor excellence in scientific investigation and encourage a sense of companionship and cooperation among researchers in all fields of science and engineering. The Merrimack College chapter sponsors a symposium each year highlighting the best senior thesis research projects. Selected individuals are nominated for Associate Membership into the Society.
Biology Major Senior Research
All biology faculty are actively engaged in research projects. Senior Thesis Research is an opportunity for students to perform in-depth and meaningful research while working directly and closely with a faculty member. According to our students, this is one of the most valuable experiences offered in biology at Merrimack.
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Michael Napolitano ’08, Ralph Francescone ’08 and William Randolph ’08 have been working on a student/Merrimack faculty project on the Modulation of Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit Expression in Prostate Carcinoma Cells with Dr. Modica-Napolitano.
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Jenna Picco ’08 and Garen Jarkian ’08 and John Kelley ’08 are working with Dr. Birnbaum on the identification of new genes essential for bone cell function.
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Caitlin Piekos ’08 is working with Dr. LeBlanc-Straceski on a project entitled Localization of XlMyo1d in Xenopus Cranial Neural Crest Cells by Immunocytochemisty, and Garry Cuneo ’08 is also working with Dr. LeBlanc Straceski on Localization of XlMyo1d in Whole Mount Sections of Xenopus laevis by Immunocytochemisty. Jenna Pierce ’07 worked on a project entitled Development of Polarity in Spinal Neurons with Dr. LeBlanc-Straceski.
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Mike Asaro ’08 is working with Dr. Lyon on An Analysis of the Take Reduction Process of the Marine Mammal Protection Act through the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan and Alexander Murray ’08 is working on a water quality monitoring and research project in the Fish Brook Watershed.
Recent Internships
As part of the Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences Initiative, several summer internships have been reserved for Merrimack biology majors, including at Opthalmic Research Associates (ORA) in North Andover, MA and Helicos Bioscience in Cambridge, MA.
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Jodi Bonifiglio '09 recently completed an internship in the Radiology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital.
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Alexander Murray ’08 is currently working as an intern with the Conservation Commission in Boxford, MA overseeing a quantitative water quality survey of the Fish Brook watershed.
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Ashley Ray '08 recently completed a summer internship working in drug substance development at Wyeth.
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Ryan Rafferty '08 recently completed an internship at the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory.
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Mike Asaro ’08 recently completed an internship with the Conservation Commission in the City of Gloucester, MA and is now working as an Assistant Marine Mammal Policy Analyst at the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Office in Gloucester.
Co-Op Program
Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Programs are available on a four-year or a five-year plan, depending upon a student's major. This is an opportunity for the practical application of knowledge learned in the classroom and laboratory, not to mention the financial benefits. It can be scheduled during the semester or summer. Extensive job preparation, including resume writing, interviewing, and cover letters are an important part of the Co-op "curriculum." Co-op coordinators help students identify and secure positions that will be well matched to their career interests and abilities. Over 500 companies actively participate in Merrimack recruiting and Co-op programs each year.
Study Abroad
Biology majors also have the option to participate in study abroad programs. Students have studied in Australia, Costa Rica and England. In addition, our Global Field Studies Program gives students an opportunity to explore unique ecosystems across the globe.