Natural Sciences

Hands-on Experience That Deepens Your Faith

Glorify God by using science and technology to solve real-world research problems. You’ll define and answer significant questions about our world through a Christian lens. As a science major at Houghton, you’ll “Learn by doing,” thinking like a scientist and developing an appreciation for God’s creation and it’s infinite complexity.

Calling all deep thinkers, curious minds, researchers and problem solvers… we have a science major for you.

Take a look.

BiologyChemistryPhysics

Biology Majors

Houghton biology student working in biology lab dissecting specimen.

Biology

Undergraduate Major & Minor – BA, BS
Students working in Biology lab

Biomedical Sciences

Undergraduate Major – BS
Three Houghton environmental biology students using nets in local stream.

Environmental Science

Undergraduate Major – BA, BS
Student wrapping another students wrist with tape.

Exercise Science

Undergraduate Major – BS
Two Houghton biology students working together in lab.

Forensic Science

Undergraduate Major – BS
Houghton students and professor working with BioPac equipment in lab.

Neuroscience

Undergraduate Major – BS
Pre-Health Programs

Chemistry Majors

Two Houghton chemistry students working on lab.

Chemistry

Undergraduate Major & Minor – BA, BS
Two Houghton students working on biochemistry problems in a classroom.

Biochemistry

Undergraduate Major – BA, BS

Physics Majors

Houghton University student working with instruments in physics lab.

Physics

Undergraduate Major & Minor – BA, BS
Houghton student using drill in physics lab.

Applied Physics

Undergraduate Major – BS

Natural Sciences at Houghton

Faculty Mentoring

Houghton’s experienced science faculty all have doctorates in their fields and are active scholars. They’ll partner with you and work side by side with you on research projects. You’ll find that Houghton’s Christian faculty care not only about your academic growth, but your emotional and spiritual growth as well.

Christ-Centered Education

One of the benefits of a Christian liberal arts education in the sciences is that you aren’t just exposed to learning about science. You are encouraged to deepen your faith as you increase your knowledge in your area of interest.

Experiential Learning

At Houghton, our faculty are committed to excellence in their teaching and research programs. You’ll find numerous opportunities to perform real-world research. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct, present, and publish peer-reviewed research in collaboration with faculty members. You can also work directly in the field through off-campus study, practicums, internships, and student/faculty research collaborations at the Shannon Summer Research Institute.

Explore the Shannon Summer Research Institute
Houghton student working with physics equipment in lab.

State-of the-art Labs & Equipment

At Houghton, you’ll gain practical research and design experience in state-of the-art laboratories. The best way to learn is by doing and the science curriculum emphasizes practical laboratory experience. This means that you will be actively participating in studies and research using our professional research equipment and facilities, both at Houghton and other sites.

Explore Physics LabsExplore Biology Facilities & Equipment
Aerial panorama of El Morro Fort in San Juan Puerto Rico.

Begin your college career with a hands-on research experience using a Drone for Remote Environmental Assessment and Monitoring (DREAM). Working with a team of peers, you will have the unique opportunity to design your own research project.  Travel to Puerto Rico to deploy your DREAM on the tropical coastline or mountainous rainforest, gathering and assessing data to explore your research question.

Discover Science Honors
Houghton physics student Adam Brown next to equipment in lab.

Meaningful Research

Adam Brown ’23 loves science and chose Houghton University because of the honors program and the opportunity to complete meaningful research as an undergrad. As a student, he has completed over 1200 hours of hands-on scientific research and conducted complicated experiments working side by side with classmates and professors. While he enjoyed his honors classes and the chance to develop his writing – his experiences with the Shannon Summer Research Institute and work with fellow physicists gave him the exciting opportunity to present his research at two national physics conferences. His love for learning, passion for STEM and the skills he has developed at Houghton have prepared him for graduate work and a future career in physics after graduation.

Explore Physics Student Research

Faculty & Staff

David Brubaker

Assistant Professor of Biology, Director of Health Services, College Physician
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Miriam Case

Academic Departments Coordinator for Paine Science Center
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Daniel Hammers

Assistant Professor of Biology
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Brandon Hoffman

Professor of Physics
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Jill Jordan

Dean of Natural Sciences & Mathematics; Associate Professor of Mathematics
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Eli Knapp

Professor of Ecology
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Katrina Koehler

Assistant Professor of Physics
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Paul Martino

Professor of Biochemistry
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Eden Palmer

Adjunct Professor of Exercise Science
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Jamie Potter

Professor of Biology; Director of Pre-Health Professions
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Ransom Poythress

Associate Professor of Biology
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John Rowley

Professor of Chemistry
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Babafemi Sorinolu

Visiting Assistant Professor of Computer Science
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Karen Torraca

Professor of Chemistry, Alan & Florence Johnson Distinguished Chair in Health Sciences
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Vanessa White

Adjunct Professor of Exercise Science, DPT
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Don Wilcox

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology
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Mark Yuly

Professor of Physics
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