Department of Biology
The Department of Biology offers exceptional education in biological disciplines, rooted in theoretical knowledge, and enriched by interactive, hands-on learning.
Studying Biology at Simmons University
We offer degrees in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Exercise Science, and Neuroscience & Behavior. Our curriculum prepares students for graduate study and careers in many fields, including basic science, engineering, biotechnology, and medicine. We believe interdisciplinary training is the best preparation for future scientists, and strive to cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, innovation, and leadership in every student.
As a small teaching university, we provide a high level of student/faculty interaction, in the classroom and the laboratory. Students participate directly in faculty research, often authoring papers and conference presentations. Simmons’ location in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area creates unparalleled opportunities for research and internships at world-class institutions. Students in all our degree programs benefit from collaboration with Simmons health sciences, such as nursing, physical therapy, and behavior analysis.
We are proud of our reputation for training well-rounded scientists, with the knowledge and experience to succeed and lead in their chosen careers. In all our programs, the Department of Biology embraces the Simmons values of leadership, social justice, women-centered education, and science and practice for the social good.
Highlights of Biology at Simmons
- Faculty members are known for outstanding teaching and cutting-edge scholarship.
- Hands-on learning is integrated into all majors, beginning freshman year and culminating in the senior capstone project.
- Our Biochemistry and Neuroscience & Behavior majors are offered jointly with the departments of Chemistry & Physics and Psychology, respectively.
- We have active chapters of several student organizations, including Sigma Xi (National Science Honor Society) and Tri-Beta (National Biological Honor Society).
One of our greatest assets is the students themselves. They are incredibly motivated learners and innovative thinkers.
- Jane Lopilato, Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair
Outstanding education and training in biological disciplines
- Simmons is making major investments in our campus to provide students with optimized spaces for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and collaborative learning in the sciences.
- Exercise Science is the department’s most popular major and is among the largest at the University, offering excellent preparation for rewarding health and fitness careers.
- Our location provides students with research and internship opportunities at world-class institutions such as the Broad Institute (Harvard/MIT), Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
- Student research at Simmons reflects a high level of innovative, independent work, and intellectual rigor unusual for undergraduate programs. Seniors have the opportunity to present their capstone projects at the Eastern New England Biological Conference, the Simmons Biology Symposium, and/or the Biology Poster Session.
- Simmons encourages dynamic major/minor combinations, such as neuroscience and music, biology and economics, and biology and computer science.
Careers
Graduates of our department work in biochemistry, genetic counseling, microbiology, environmental science, pharmaceuticals, and many other fields. Others are pursuing doctoral degrees at prestigious schools such as T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, Cornell University, and Boston University School of Medicine. The Boston-metro area has the highest employment of biological scientists of any area in the nation.
Learn More About The Department of Biology
Biology Faculty and Staff
Our 9 full-time faculty members are recognized for outstanding teaching and innovative research. Current faculty research includes: anthropogenic impacts on our ecosystems; global regulators of gene expression and antibiotic resistance; formation and function of neuronal connections; effects of natural products and environmental contaminants on cell behavior; applied microbiology, hygiene science, and public health; and the developmental evolution of amphibian neural patterning and formation of appendages.

Jane Lopilato
- Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology

Michael Welch
- Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the Exercise Science Program

Anna Aguilera
- Associate Professor
Ali Ahrabi
- Adjunct Faculty
Sydney Aten
- Adjunct Faculty
Kelliann Banaian
- Adjunct Faculty
Maggie Clancy
- Animal Care Laboratory Technician
Jennifer Cohen
- Adjunct Faculty
Sofia de la Serna Buzon
- Adjunct
Roberto De Luca
- Adjunct Faculty

Tim Hanway
- Assistant Professor of Practice and Internship Coordinator for the Exercise Science Program
Michael Iannessa
- Adjunct Faculty

Seth Johnson
- Assistant Professor
Jonathan Lee
- Adjunct Faculty

Eric Luth
- Associate Professor
Nicole Lynch
- Adjunct Faculty
Tracy Machcinski
- Lab Manager
Maghnus O'Seaghdha
- Adjunct Faculty
Sarah Phenix
- Adjunct

Ester Quintana
- Adjunct Faculty
Jyl Richards
- Senior Lab Manager
Samantha Royle
- Research Fellow

Charlotte Russell
- Teaching Professor
Karen Talentino
- Professor Emerita

Ling Xin
- Assistant Professor

John Young
- Assistant Professor

Alyssa Younker
- Adjunct Instructor for the Exercise Science Program
The Department of Biology in the News

On October 11, the Simmons community gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of six faculty members representing five disciplines. This year’s awardees received recognition for superlative undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, service, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports undergraduate students by funding research opportunities that transcend traditional coursework. Participants of the PLP develop research and critical thinking skills and bring the insights of academia to real world issues. This year’s cohort addresses mental health, neuroscience, environmental science, the foster care system, and technology.

Simmons University received a $10,000 Presidential Grant through the Davis Education Foundation to fund a Post-Pandemic Innovative Teaching Award.

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Spring 2021 cohort is up to!

Sandi Fenwick ’72, CEO of Boston Children’s Hospital, is the recipient of the inaugural Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader award. Prior to the ceremony, we asked Fenwick her thoughts on the award, her career, and what it means to be a visionary leader.

President Lynn Perry Wooten shares the news of the passing of Bruce Gray, Professor Emeritus of Biology, former Chair of the Biology Department, and founding member of the Faculty Senate and the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Committee.

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom.