Natural and Applied Sciences
At Bentley University, the Natural and Applied Sciences Department is at the forefront of driving innovation and shaping the future through our three key areas of emphasis: Health Industries, Sustainability Sciences and Psychology. Our cutting-edge programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between science, technology and society.
In our Health Industries programs, students explore the physical and psychological aspects of health, gaining insights into how advancements in these areas can be applied to various sectors, including human resources, organizational management, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and health care delivery. Our Sustainability Sciences programs empower students to tackle the pressing challenges of our time, such as waste management, energy and water conservation and global climate change. By fostering a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between humans and the environment, we prepare our students to become leaders and problem-solvers in the rapidly evolving fields of sustainability and environmental sciences. Our Psychology programs delve into the fascinating world of human behavior, cognition and development, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and positively influence individuals and society.
Through a seamless integration of scientific theory and hands-on learning experiences across all three areas of emphasis, our courses span diverse fields such as biology, chemistry, earth and environmental science, genetics and psychology. Join us at Bentley University’s Natural and Applied Sciences Department and unlock your potential to make a positive impact on individuals, businesses and society as a whole, no matter which area of emphasis you choose to pursue.
Degree Programs
Minor Programs
Meldrum receives Outstanding Educator Award
Associate Professor Helen Meldrum recently received the International Listening Association’s (ILA) Outstanding Educator Award. Recipients are recognized for their knowledge about how to teach listening and for sharing techniques for education through activities such as presentations and publishing.
A contributing member of the ILA for almost 20 years, the citation for Helen’s award mentioned her conference presentations on “The History of Empathy Instruction in Medical Schools” and “Obstacles to Listening in Healthcare.” Helen also serves on the editorial board of The International Journal of Listening.
Scoglio’s research offers evidence of mind-body connection
In research published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, Assistant Professor Arielle Scoglio indicates that psychological resilience can positively impact physical health. Using data from Nurses Health Study II, a large longitudinal cohort of current and former female nurses, she examined how resilience to prior trauma informed the coping styles and strategies used early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scoglio found that individuals with higher psychological resilience — who were more likely to use approach coping strategies and other adaptive techniques, such as positive reframing, emotional support and humor, in response to prior trauma — had a lower risk of infection and lower somatic symptoms during the pandemic. This suggests that supporting and building resilience following trauma may promote effective coping in times of future stress.
Skubisz assesses breast cancer awareness campaigns
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the second-most prevalent and fifth-deadliest cancer worldwide. When detected in its early stages through mammography and self-exams, however, the disease is often treatable. In research appearing in the International Journal of Communication, Assistant Professor Christine Skubisz reviewed the use of persuasion theories, which identify variables that influence attitudes and behaviors, in messaging from Breast Self-Awareness (BSA) campaigns from 31 countries.
She found that hope and fear emotional appeals were common, as were gain-framed appeals, with 50% of BSA messages including an explicit cue to action. The campaigns, which most often featured white women, also emphasized self-efficacy over response efficacy. None of the messages, however, communicated BSA as a typical behavior, suggesting the need for establish self-exams as a routine health practice.
Courses
Contact
Ryan Bouldin
Associate Professor and Chair
Jennison Room 142
781.891.2638
rbouldin@bentley.edu
Doreen Mirley
Senior Academic Coordinator
Jennison Room 141
781.891.2691
dmirley@bentley.edu