Natural Sciences | Ithaca College

Departments & Programs:

Studying The Natural Sciences:

In the Natural Sciences, students practice the methods that scientists use to study physical and natural phenomena. Students have access to classroom and research laboratories that are filled with the cutting-edge technology and materials necessary to carry out the best science and to prepare for advanced study and professional work. Students become adept at understanding scientific concepts in real-world contexts. They learn the frustration and the exhilaration that are part of the research process, lessons that prepare them well for graduate study or careers in industry.

What careers do students in the natural sciences pursue?

Our alumni work in research, health, government, and organizations serving the greater good. They are researchers, environmental stewards, engineers, teachers, professors, technicians, animal caretakers, computer architects, software developers, culinary scientists, farm managers, directors of operations, and much more. Our graduates develop intellectual flexibility. They can adapt to constantly changing circumstances, and they have the confidence and imagination to envision solutions to our society's most pressing problems. They go on to become active, compassionate members of their communities and knowledgeable leaders in their fields, equipped with an invaluable understanding of the relationship between the day-to-day work they do and its impact on the larger world.

Anne Ruminski '03 earned a BS in Chemistry, and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from UC San Diego. Presently, she is a Composite Manager at Lyten, an Advanced Materials company helping to decarbonize the planet by transforming greenhouse gases into Lyten 3D Graphene™. In a prior role, she was also a Senior Engineer at Matrix Industries, working to develop thermoelectric materials to power wearable devices with your body heat. At Ithaca College, Anne was in cross country and track and field. She also participated in summer research opportunities. She notes that an education at IC is a special and short period in one's life, where "focused help is plentiful and everyone is rooting for your success."

Annie Cooney '19 earned a BS in Physics. Afterward, she obtained her M.S. in Medical Physics from Hofstra University. Presently, she is the Head of Brachytherapy Physics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the nation's top biomedical research programs as measured by competitive research funding from the National Institutes of Health and other sources. While at Ithaca College, she gained valuable research experience working with Dr. Kelley Sullivan using high speed imagery to "accurately calculate the coefficient of restitution of a ball bouncing on a horizontal surface."

Brendan Casey '08 earned a BA in Environmental Sciences. Presently, he serves as the Deputy Director of Federal Fleet Sustainability at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, a council that advises the President and develops policies on climate change, environmental justice, federal sustainability, public lands, oceans, and wildlife conservation, among other areas. Prior to this role, he was a program manager for the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC). Since graduating from Ithaca College, Brendan has demonstrated a history of enabling efficiency improvements through technology integration in the mobility and energy sectors.

Sarah Griffin '20 earned a BS in Biology. Four months after graduating from Ithaca College, she began working as a Technical Manufacturing Chemist at Abbott, a global healthcare leader, where she helped to manufacture rapid COVID-19 antigen tests. Presently, she is a Scientist Associate at IDEXX, an organization that is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. While at IC, she interned every summer in an infectious disease lab, doing diagnostic testing and animal diagnostics. She also worked with Dr. Andrew Smith, professor of biology, in his lab doing research on the adhesive properties of slug mucus, all research experiences that have helped her in her career.