Department of
Natural Sciences

Class of 2010, Major in Biology

“My experience at Marymount Manhattan College challenged me not only to study the basic sciences in a typical linear sequence, but rather to integrate coursework in sociology, language, and philosophy into the Biology major courses. Furthermore, I felt challenged by my mentors to continually revisit foundational concepts in advanced classes, so as to reinforce key concepts that are important for developing a strong foundation in the biological sciences.”

Class of 2018, Major in Psychology, Minor in Neuroscience

“Being a psychology major and neuroscience minor at MMC prepared me for my graduate studies (Mental Health Counseling). Having previous knowledge on Epigenetics among other important topics from my neuroscience courses has helped me be a step ahead in most of my graduate courses today. My Psych and Neuroscience courses provided me with indispensable skills that taught me how to read and comprehend journal articles in addition to a full year learning how to use SPSS for statistical analysis. I’m a step ahead in my program because of the challenging psych and neursocience courses I enrolled in at MMC.”

Class of 2018, Major in Biology and Behavioral Neuroscience , Minor in Dance and Chemistry

“I spent three years working as a research assistant and then lab manager in Dr. Deirtra Hunter’s MMC Music, Mind and Brain Lab where we studied psychophysiological responses evoked by emotionally charged music in human participants. In my junior year I interned as a research assistant in the Morishita lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. This lab focused on synaptic plasticity and postnatal development of a neural circuit critical for visual spatial attention. This internship led to a part time job as a senior in college, then a full time job for two years after graduation.

Dr. Hunter was diligent in her efforts to ensure I graduated with indispensable practical research experiences on and off campus that made me a competitive applicant for professional and academic positions.”

Class of 2021, Major in Biology

This summer I am doing research at Gilead Sciences in Foster City, CA, in the protein chemistry lab. 

Class of 2009, Major in Biology

“As a bio major at MMC, I was continuously challenged and encouraged by my faculty and peers. Whether I was studying, conducting research, or discussing random scientific topics after class, the bio department was like a second home throughout my college years.  The skills and knowledge I gained during this time continue to filter into my daily professional life, and the relationships I fostered remain invaluable.”

Class of 2019, Major in Behavioral Neuroscience

“Being a Behavioral Neuroscience Major at Marymount Manhattan College is an experience like no other. Working with Dr. Deirtra Hunter, you are allowed to not only get a deeper understanding of your classes, but she will help you find numerous opportunities geared towards your specific interest. Classes such as Perception and Developmental Neurobiology are challenging, engaging, and life changing.”

Class of 2012, Major in International Studies , Minor in Environmental Studies

“After completing my Master of Science in Environmental Policy from University College Dublin, I am now working as both a Logistics Coordinator at Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, an international non-profit in Connecticut, and as an Environmental Assistant at Samsung.”

Class of 2019, Major in Behavioral Neuroscience

“The Behavioral Neuroscience program at Marymount Manhattan College is the perfect addition to the Division of Natural Sciences. It encompasses my passion for biology, chemistry, and psychology. It may seem extensive, but when you have an advisor like Dr. Deirtra Hunter-Romagnoli, you are able to excel in your studies. Dr. Hunter-Ramgnoli has provided me with the education, guidance, and hands on training I needed to not only do well in school, but to acquire a position as a Research Associate at the Nestler Lab at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai after graduation.”

Class of 2012, Major in Biology

“The rigorous curriculum taught me how to study and manage my time. The small class sizes allowed me to know my professors as people, not just educators, so much so that one interviewer commented that my letter of recommendation was one of the best they’ve ever read.”

Class of 2012, Major in Biology with Minor in Environmental Studies

“Today as I sit in my graduate level classes and begin my thesis research, I look back and realize how fortunate I am to have picked MMC for my Biology degree.  I owe it to the extraordinary faculty at MMC who have given me a strong foundation in science through patient, challenging, one-on-one teaching that I would not have found anywhere else!  MMC is a great college to attend if you want to experience rigor, opportunities, and a small, close-knit science community.”

Class of 2018, Double Major in Environmental Studies and Dance (with a Body, Science, and Motion concentration)

Alexis Keller, a double major in Environmental Studies and Dance (with a Body, Science, and Motion concentration), completed a professional immersion internship at the United Nations. Read all about it here .

Class of 2013, Major in Biology

“When I was at Marymount Manhattan, I worked in Dr. Aguanno’s lab for three years, during which time I designed experiments for the lab’s research project, assembled formal scientific posters presenting my data, and attended numerous professional meetings at the national level. It took me a long time to realize how unusual it was as an undergrad to have so much agency in my research, and it gave me a tremendous advantage in making the transition to grad school.”

Class of 2015, Major in Biology

“Currently in graduate school, I am enrolled in a rigorous class in which students present published scientific literature. Because of Dr. Ann Aguanno ’s senior seminar class that I completed at MMC, I have the knowledge and skill set required to understand, communicate and present the ideas and data of primary literature. My current success is a product of the exceptional teaching and guidance offered by MMC’s teaching faculty.”

Class of 2016, Major in Biology

“I interned in the Developmental Neuroscience Morishita Lab at Mount Sinai Hospital where I ran behavioral tests on mice that have a genetic modification to determine the effects on attention. I also worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Rite Aid Pharmacy, where I typed prescriptions, billed claims to insurance, and counted and dispensed medication while also servicing patients.”

Class of 2019, Minor in Neuroscience

“Minoring in neuroscience has given me a better understanding as to why we act/think/behave the way we do. Because of the complex nature of the courses I was anxious to take them but with Professor Hunter’s support and encouragement, I not only enjoyed these classes but excelled at them. My decision to minor in neuroscience after my freshmen year was purely a product of taking a class with Dr. Hunter. She was very passionate about the class discussions and always pushed us to learn more. I felt inspired every time I left the classroom, as my love for neuroscience grew. Professor Hunter was not only an amazing teacher but a mentor too, giving me direction and advice when I needed it. I can confidently say that Professor Hunter’s guidance has not only enabled me to succeed in college but also to pursue a masters in social work at Hunter College in the fall! I can’t thank her enough!”

Class of 2021, Double Major in Urban & Environmental Sustainability and Politics & Human Rights

I intern at The New York League of Conservation Voters, a non-partisan statewide nonprofit organization that fights for clean air, clean water, renewable energy, and open space through various political organizations. It is truly an organization that intertwines environmental advocacy with political action.

Class of 2014, Biology major, Neuroscience minor

While her research at MMC was ongoing, Anna also branched out to other institutions and worked at the Columbia University Medical Center, as well as the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She feels that her on- and off-campus professional experiences were pivotal in helping her gain a position at one of the top hospitals in the world – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Class of 2006, Major in Biology

“The successes I have experienced as a researcher since completing my Biology degree at MMC in 2006 were the direct result of dedicated professors and outstanding mentorship.”

Class of 2017, Major in Biology , Minor in Chemistry

“MMC allowed me to establish close and lasting relationships with my professors through an intimate and challenging learning environment. As a result of my hard work and the support I received throughout my undergraduate years, I am currently working as a research technician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I am able to apply lab techniques and skills from my education and hands-on experience at MMC. It was an honor to be taught and work alongside such brilliant educators.”

Class of 2013, Major in Biology

“The small class sizes and individual attention are really unique to MMC. Not only does this foster a great learning environment, but it also allows for a personal connection with the professors.”

Class of 2008, Biology major, Neuroscience minor 

“I owe a lot to professors Dr. Benedetta Sampoli-Benitez and Dr. Judith Hanks, who served as my mentors during undergrad and beyond. They were so helpful in writing me letters of recommendation for hospital volunteer opportunities, outside research jobs, summer internship programs, and medical school applications.”

Class of 2011, Major in Biology

“Few of my graduate student colleagues can say they had such a fruitful undergraduate experience compared to me. While at MMC, I was able to present seven scientific posters at regional and national conferences. I had the opportunity to participate in two academic talks, and I was also co-author of one publication on organ donation. Since leaving MMC, I have used the skills daily that were taught to me by MMC faculty, ranging from time-management, to critical thinking, and applying concepts of physiology.” 

Class of 2021, Major in Biology

“I have been interning at New York University Langone Health Center’s Environmental Pediatrics Department to aid in their Children’s Health and Environment Study (CHES). This study is the initial part of the larger NIH-funded Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) study, which aims to shed light on how environmental exposures during early life can impact long-term child health outcomes.” 

Class of 2009, Double Major in Biology and Dance

“I had the unique opportunity at Marymount Manhattan College to double major in Biology and Dance. The small class sizes and strong relationships between the students and faculty provided an encouraging and close-knit environment. The program brought out the best of me as a student, a scientist and a human being. My experience has inspired me to continue with my studies, even a decade after graduation!” 

Class of 2021, Double Major in Biology and Business Entrepreneurship

“My research internship at NYU Langone Medical Center actually turned into a full-time job.”

Class of 2015, Bachelor of Science in Biology

“MMC Biology prepared me for graduate medical education with its rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty. I would not have made it this far without the education I received in the small classes. My research experience set me apart from other applicants when I was applying for jobs and med school. I look forward to continuing my journey to becoming a physician.”

Class of 2018, B.S. Biomedical Sciences and B.A. Dance: Body, Science, and Motion

“My unique experience at MMC has not only prepared me for coursework at the doctoral level, but also for my patient-care experiences at physical therapy offices and rehabilitation centers. The professors in the Biology department have created a close-knit community, where I was encouraged to take learning into my own hands.”

Class of 2020, Major in Environmental Studies

Madison Weisend, an Environmental Studies major, interned with Our Climate to promote carbon-pricing initiatives in NYC as part of their carbon-pricing campaign, Put a Price on It . 

Class of 2017, B.S. Biology and B.A. Sociology

“MMC’s small size and liberal arts curriculum really allowed me to explore all of my interests, and the intimate class sizes allowed for personal attention, which I think I really benefited from. I can never thank my professors enough for all they’ve helped me to achieve, and I wouldn’t trade my time at Marymount Manhattan for anything.”