Explore the complex and interconnected nature of life from multiple lenses with a major or minor in biology. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with research-focused professors in small classrooms. Then, you’ll apply that knowledge through hands-on laboratory and field-based coursework and research collaborations with department faculty. Your biology faculty advisers will work with you to best plan your educational path, which might include conducting summer research with faculty and studying biology abroad. You’ll leave HWS with a proficiency in biology, well-prepared for graduate school or the professional world.
Biology majors Katherine Colvin '25, Kevin Frost '25, Hannah Hartung '25 and Andrew Painton '25 gained valuable experience working with Cornell AgriTech to prepare for careers in research.
"Working in the program allowed me to engage with real-world research, sharpen my technical skills and gain insights into how agricultural research contributes to broader scientific and environmental goals,” says Frost.
Biology students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Marcella Venettozzi '25: Comparison of Anti-Cancer Activity of Halogen and Methoxy Substituted Small Molecule Tubulin Inhibitors
Patricia Mowery, Adviser
Perform water quality research on Seneca Lake with the Finger Lakes Institute, attend guest lectures on water access hosted by the Fisher Center for Gender and Justice or complete a medical internship with Finger Lakes Health.
At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
![$intro-image[2]/descendant::img/@alt](/images/academics/bio/abroad3.jpg)
Study aquatic life around the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or cell growth in the Netherlands.
Wherever you go, our nationally-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
The Biology department is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion and belonging at all levels. Faculty are always available for extra help and some courses include collaborative components with Haudenosaunee and indigenous centers to explore Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Courses also include readings and perspectives from underrepresented minorities in the sciences, shaping discussion about contributions to scientific knowledge and historical biases.
The Colleges also support and recognize racially and ethnically underrepresented students in the sciences with the STEM Scholars awards.
Gain the basics and then go deeper into subfields in human, animal and plant biology.
Learn the fundamentals of studying biology, including distinguishing between the scientific inquiry and other modes of inquiry along with concepts of biology, the central role of DNA and RNA and the inheritance of genetic information.
Develop a working knowledge of the general biology and ecology of aquatic systems and of the organisms that make up aquatic communities.
Examine immune cells and organs, immune processes, vaccines, immunodeficiency, transplants and immunotherapy.
In 2024, Hobart and William Smith announced that through the generosity of Honorary Trustee Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish ’82, L.H.D. ’23 and John F. Fish, a new, integrated science center currently in design will be named The Fish Center for the Sciences. Their $25 million gift will support the construction of a new building that will provide physical facilities that allow for collaboration across disciplines and that match the sophistication of HWS’ science curriculum.
At HWS, you’ll study biology with some of the best equipment available, and that’s not just our word. Rosenberg Hall, where the biology department is currently located, was called “among the best –if not the best-designed undergraduate science teaching-learning, research facilities we have ever seen” by The Council on Undergraduate Research.
This includes 15 instructional laboratories, 12 student-faculty research laboratories, 3 instrument rooms, a sterile culture room, chemical storage rooms, greenhouse, and computer labs that are light-filled and neatly appointed with soft woods, glass and polished steel.
Off-campus study can be completed in the Henry Hanley Biological Field Preserve, aboard The William Scandling research vessel on Seneca Lake or in cooperation with Cornell AgriTech. The Colleges also provide a perfect, central location to nearby natural resources for study including the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the Finger Lakes National Forest.
Current Position:
Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Current Location:
Worcester, MA
Majors:
Biology
"Close-knit, engaging classes at HWS brought new perspectives to my mind and gave me the confidence to pursue research in biology at HWS, where I found a great sense of community. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship I received from Professor of Biology Patricia Mowery and the guidance of Associate Director of Health Professions Counseling and Fellowship Advising Scott MacPhail in Career Services. The continued support I’ve received from HWS after graduating has been essential in preparing for my future."
Thinking about a career in healthcare? HWS offers a specialty advising program to guide you on the road to medical, dental, veterinary or professional school. Minoring in Public Health is also an option.
