The Biological Sciences Department at RPI was founded in 1925, when Professors Archie Bray and R.H. Luce were hired to support the education of pre-medical students. Since these original hires our department has grown to include 33 Tenure/Tenure Track, Teaching, and Affiliated Faculty, with around 400 students split between five undergraduate majors and two Ph.D. programs.
This 2025-2026 academic year, we will celebrate our centennial with a yearlong celebration of our alums and current students, including a reunion for Biological Sciences Alums during Homecoming 2025, a panel on future careers in the biological sciences, the Centennial Speaker Series, and the inaugural Bray Day! We cannot wait to celebrate with you!
Dr. Jennifer Hurley - Department Head and Professor of Biological Sciences
Upcoming Events:
Centennial Celebration Events - Speaker Series
Department of Biological Sciences Centennial Celebration Speaker Series featuring Julie Harris ’98, Ph.D., M.P.H., Lead, Field Epidemiology Training Program, Global Workforce Development Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Howard Iserman ’42 Auditorium, RPI Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
Join us on Monday, December 8, for an engaging conversation with Dr. Julie Harris, Lead for the Field Epidemiology Training Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as part of our Henry Ehrlich Lectureship. Instead of a traditional lecture, this dynamic event will emphasize dialogue—inviting students, faculty, and guests to participate in an open discussion with our distinguished speaker. Don’t miss this chance to learn about Dr. Harris’s inspiring career path and celebrate an alumna who is making a meaningful impact in the world.
Dr. Harris is an epidemiologist with the CDC’s Division of Global Health Protection. She served as Resident Advisor for Uganda’s Field Epidemiology Training Program (2019–2024) and previously supported FETPs across East Africa. Dr. Harris has expertise in instructional design, epidemiologic methods, and outbreak response, and has taught globally. She completed her EIS training at the CDC in 2007 and holds degrees from RPI, Columbia University, and Johns Hopkins. She has authored over 100 scientific publications.
Each month during our Department of Biological Sciences Centennial year, we will host a distinguished alumni from the Department of Biological Sciences who has taken unique and impactful career path beyond the traditional laboratory setting. These seasoned leaders from diverse disciplines will offer real-world insights into their professional journeys.
If you any questions, please contact the Department of Biological Sciences at Biology@rpi.edu.
Department of Biological Sciences Centennial Celebration Speaker Series featuring Eric Westin ’74, M.D., Chief Medical Office, Bicycle Therapeutics on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Howard Iserman ’42 Auditorium, RPI Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
On Monday, January 26th, join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Eric Westin, Chief Medical Officer at Bicycle Therapeutics, as he delivers the Len and Marybeth Pierce Lectureship. Rather than a traditional lecture, this dynamic event will foster dialogue—inviting students, faculty, and guests to interact directly with Dr. Westin in an open discussion. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about his remarkable career path and celebrate an alumnus making a meaningful impact in the world.
Dr. Eric Westin is the chief medical officer of Bicycle Therapeutics with over 40 years in oncology research and drug development. Previously, he held senior roles at ImmunoGen, Takeda, and Eli Lilly, and was a professor of medicine and an investigator in NIH clinical trials. Dr. Westin earned a B.S. from RPI and an M.D. from Albany Medical College, is board-certified in internal medicine and oncology, and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications.
Each month during our Department of Biological Sciences Centennial year, we will host a distinguished alumni from the Department of Biological Sciences who has taken unique and impactful career path beyond the traditional laboratory setting. These seasoned leaders from diverse disciplines will offer real-world insights into their professional journeys.
If you any questions, please contact the Department of Biological Sciences at Biology@rpi.edu.
Department of Biological Sciences Centennial Celebration Speaker Series featuring Claire Fraser ’77, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, University of Maryland, on Monday, February 9, 2026, from Noon – 1 p.m.
Howard Iserman ’42 Auditorium, RPI Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
As part of the Archie Bray Lectureship, we invite you to an engaging discussion on Monday, February 9, with Dr. Fraser—an accomplished alumna and former Rensselaer Trustee. Rather than a traditional lecture, this dynamic event will emphasize dialogue, offering students, faculty, and guests the chance to engage directly with Dr. Fraser in an open conversation. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about Dr. Fraser’s inspiring career journey and celebrate an alumna making a meaningful impact in the world.
A pioneer in genomic medicine, Dr. Claire Fraser mapped the first complete genome of a free-living organism, launching the field of microbial genomics. As founding director of the Institute for Genome Sciences at the University of Maryland, she led research on the human gut microbiota. As the author of over 300 publications, she has received numerous honors, including the Promega Biotechnology and E.O. Lawrence Awards, and leverages her leadership in genome sciences to enhance women’s health globally.
Each month during our Department of Biological Sciences Centennial year, we will host a distinguished alumni from the Department of Biological Sciences who has taken unique and impactful career path beyond the traditional laboratory setting. These seasoned leaders from diverse disciplines will offer real-world insights into their professional journeys.
If you any questions, please contact the Department of Biological Sciences at Biology@rpi.edu.
Department of Biological Sciences Centennial Celebration Speaker Series featuring Jeffrey Friedman ’73, M.D., Marilyn M. Simpson Professor, Rockefeller on Monday, March 30, 2026, from Noon – 1 p.m.
Howard Iserman ’42 Auditorium, RPI Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
On Monday, March 30, join us for an enriching conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Friedman, the Marilyn M. Simpson Professor at The Rockefeller University, as he delivers the Len and Marybeth Pierce Lectureship. Rather than a traditional lecture, this dynamic event will prioritize dialogue—inviting students, faculty, and guests to engage directly with our speaker in an open discussion. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Dr. Friedman’s inspiring career path and celebrate an alumnus making a meaningful impact on the world.
Dr. Jeffrey Friedman investigates the molecular and neural mechanisms controlling appetite and body weight. He discovered leptin, a hormone derived from fat that regulates energy balance, and continues to study its effects on neural circuits and fat innervation. His work revealed leptin’s role in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, identified regulatory sequences controlling leptin expression, and mapped brain regions that drive feeding behavior. His lab also conducts genetic studies of severe obesity and PCOS in humans to uncover underlying mutations.
Each month during our Department of Biological Sciences Centennial year, we will host a distinguished alumni from the Department of Biological Sciences who has taken unique and impactful career path beyond the traditional laboratory setting. These seasoned leaders from diverse disciplines will offer real-world insights into their professional journeys.
If you any questions, please contact the Department of Biological Sciences at Biology@rpi.edu.
Department of Biological Sciences Centennial Celebration Speaker Series featuring Anne Giblin ’85, M.A., Ph.D., Senior Scientist and Director, The Ecosystems Center, The University of Chicago Marine Biological Laboratory on Monday, April 13, 2026, from Noon – 1 p.m.
Howard Iserman ’42 Auditorium, RPI Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
On Monday, April 13, please join us for a captivating discussion with Dr. Anne Giblin, Director of The Ecosystems Center, as she presents the Henry Ehrlich Lectureship. Instead of a traditional lecture, this dynamic event will emphasize dialogue—inviting students, faculty, and guests to engage directly with our speaker in an open, interactive format. Don’t miss this chance to explore Dr. Giblin’s remarkable career journey and celebrate an alumna who is making a meaningful impact in the world.
Dr. Giblin’s research focuses on the cycling of nitrogen, sulfur, iron, and phosphorus in soils and sediments under varying redox conditions. She has focused on how sediment processes influence the impacts of human-derived element inputs on ecosystems. Projects have included the effects of acid deposition on lake sulfur cycles, phosphorus availability in Arctic soils, and denitrification controls in aquatic sediments. Currently, she investigates how nitrogen inputs, hydrologic changes, and sea-level rise affect nitrogen and carbon cycling in estuaries and Arctic lakes.
Each month during our Department of Biological Sciences Centennial year, we will host a distinguished alumni from the Department of Biological Sciences who has taken unique and impactful career path beyond the traditional laboratory setting. These seasoned leaders from diverse disciplines will offer real-world insights into their professional journeys.
If you any questions, please contact the Department of Biological Sciences at Biology@rpi.edu.
Inaugural Bray Day and Archie Bray Photo Contest
The Department of Biological Sciences invites you to our first annual Bray Day Graduation Celebration!
During the celebration, we will be honoring our graduating undergraduate and graduate Biological Sciences Students. The winners of the Department of Biological Sciences 2026 Commencement Prizes will also be announced and recognized for their achievements.
How to Participate in the Bray Day Graduation Celebration and Awards Ceremony:
- Register for the event at: Bray Day 2026 - Registration Form
- Please RSVP by: 05/07/2026
- Join us at 3:00pm on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, in the CBIS Howard P. Isermann ‘42 Auditorium.
- If you are a graduating student, you will receive an RPI Biological Sciences Department Class of 2026 scarf that you can wear when you come back to visit us as an Alum!
As part of the new annual Bray Day tradition, the Department of Biological Sciences will be hosting its first Archie Bray Photo Contest, with cash prizes and a chance to have your photo hanging in the Department Heads office in perpetuity.
How to Participate in the Archie Bray Photo Contest:
- The Archie Bray Photo Contest is open to all Biological Sciences students. The contest is also open to non-Biological Sciences students whose research photo has a biological focus. Both graduating and non-graduating students are encouraged to submit photos!
- Submit your best science-inspired photo (from lab experiments to natural phenomena, engineering projects, or artistic interpretations of scientific ideas) using the Archie Bray Photo Contest 2026 - Photo Submission Form
- Photos must be submitted by: 05/01/2026
- Entries will be displayed during Commencement week and Bray Day in CBIS for the RPI community to view and vote on!
Archie Bray Photo Contest Prizes:
- Walker Prize: Best Graduating Student Photo - $50
- Luce Prize: Best Undergraduate Student Photo - $50
- English Prize: Best Photo from Outside the Department - $50
- Ehrlich Prize: Best Graduate Student Photo - $50
- Bray Prize: Best Overall Photo - $100 and a copy of the photo will hang in the Department Heads office in perpetuity.
Whether you’re a researcher, artist, or just curious about the world around you, the Archie Bray Photo Contest invites you to see science from a new perspective. Celebrate innovation, imagination, and the art of discovery - all through the scientific lens!
Past Events & Recordings:
Centennial Celebration Events - Reunion & Homecoming Weekend
We thank our visiting alumni, current students, RPI community members, and our incredible alumni panelists for a successful and extremely engaging Homecoming Panel event!
Centennial Celebration Speaker Series: Homecoming Panel Recording
Our 2025 Homecoming Panel featured seasoned leaders from diverse disciplines, offering real-world insights into their professional journeys and reflections on how their Biological Sciences education prepared them for success.
Panelists:
- Peter Alexander ’76, MS ’77, PhD - Senior CMC Consultant, Alira Health
- Paul Bleicher ’76, MD, PhD - Executive Partner, Ardan Equity
- Stan Lewis ’73, MD - Former Chief Strategy Officer, Beth Israel Lahey Health
- Anne Marie Robertson ’84, MBA - Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President, EVERSANA COMPLETE Oncology
Enjoy refreshments and conversation as you reconnect with fellow alumni, meet the current faculty and students, and explore the exciting innovations happening on campus. Guests will have the opportunity to tour state-of-the-art laboratories, hear from current students about their research, and engage in informal exchanges that showcase the collaborative spirit and future promise of the Department of Biological Sciences.
RPI Houston Field House
Show your RPI pride with fellow alumni, students, and faculty in a reserved Biological Sciences section (Section 5). Discounted tickets are available for our departmental community!
To purchase your tickets as part of the “Bio100” block ($12/each), please visit: https://rpiathletics.universitytickets.com/.
- When purchasing tickets, select Section 5 and then select your seats. On the Checkout Page, put "Bio100" in the Coupon Code section. This will provide the discount.
Centennial Celebration Events - Speaker Series
Dr. Susan Rundell Singer Seminar Recording
Department of Biological Sciences Centennial Celebration Speaker Series featuring Susan Rundell Singer ’81, M.S. ’82, Ph.D. ’85, President, St. Olaf College on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Howard Iserman ’42 Auditorium, RPI Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)
Join us on Monday, November 17, for an enriching conversation with Dr. Susan Rundell Singer, President of St. Olaf College, as part of our Archie Bray Lectureship. Rather than a traditional lecture, this dynamic event will emphasize dialogue, inviting students, faculty, and guests to engage directly with Dr. Singer in an open discussion. Don’t miss this chance to explore her inspiring career journey and celebrate an alumna who is making a meaningful impact in the world.
Dr. Susan Rundell Singer, president of St. Olaf College, is a national leader dedicated to uplifting liberal arts and STEM education. As a former NSF Division Director and Carleton College professor, she champions equitable, evidence-informed strategies to enhance undergraduate success and belonging. An AAAS Fellow and Senior Scholar for the Association of American Universities, she chairs the National Academies’ Board on Science Education. She serves on national boards, advancing partnerships and networks that transform undergraduate education at scale through collaboration and innovation.
Each month during our Department of Biological Sciences Centennial year, we will host a distinguished alumni from the Department of Biological Sciences who has taken unique and impactful career path beyond the traditional laboratory setting. These seasoned leaders from diverse disciplines will offer real-world insights into their professional journeys.
