The Department of Biology at St. Joseph’s University, New York (SJNY) has expanded its experiential learning offerings with two research-based courses: BIO 199: Introduction to Biological Research and BIO 399: Biological Research in Practice. The courses allow students to gain original, hands-on research experience while earning college credit and working directly under faculty mentorship. They are designed to provide opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
About the Courses
BIO 199 introduces students to the fundamentals of research. Through laboratory and fieldwork, students learn basic techniques, collect and analyze data and present results using proper scientific methods. The course emphasizes foundational skills that prepare students for more advanced projects.
BIO 399 builds on this foundation by immersing students in direct, practical research experiences with SJNY biology faculty. Students refine research skills, explore specialized topics, and gain exposure to the professional practices of their intended career paths.
Both courses are open to high school and undergraduate students and are offered in the fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. Students must secure a faculty mentor and submit a brief statement about their research interests and availability in order to participate.
Bio 399 student Danielle Marichal holding an Asian Stalked Tunicate.
Hands-On Opportunities in Action
This past summer, Danielle Marichal became the first student to enroll in BIO 399 after reading several published papers by Konstantine Rountos, Ph.D., associate professor of biology at SJNY. Inspired by his work in marine fish ecotoxicology, she pursued the opportunity to gain meaningful experience before beginning graduate school.
“BIO 399 gave me experience, exposure and skills directly relating to marine fish ecotoxicology, which is exactly the route I want to follow,” Marichal said.
As part of her project, she studied Sheepshead minnows from Long Island’s coastal estuaries. Using morphometric analysis, she examined more than 200 fish specimens exposed to harmful algal blooms and ocean acidification, documenting how environmental stressors can affect their development.
“The process let me study coastal conditions that directly affect marine life right here on Long Island,” she explained.
Mentorship and Growth
Marichal credits Dr. Rountos’ mentorship with helping her design and complete the project successfully. Working at the Stony Brook Marine Station, she gained experience using pH and dissolved oxygen probes, caring for live fish under IACUC-approved conditions, and troubleshooting challenges along the way.
“Dr. Rountos was a reliable and supportive mentor who helped me navigate the unexpected and think outside the box,” she said. “I learned so much this summer.”
In addition to technical skills, Marichal said the experience strengthened her problem-solving abilities and prepared her for the demands of graduate school.
Building Skills for the Future
For Dr. Rountos, Marichal’s success illustrates the value of SJNY’s research-based courses.
“These courses are designed to give students an authentic experience of what doing research as a scientist is like,” he explained. “This is valuable for students so they can better understand if a research career in a certain discipline is really what they want to pursue.”
He emphasized that direct mentorship from SJNY faculty is a unique feature of the program, helping students gain both confidence and independence as researchers.
Marichal agrees. “The mentorship offered by this program helped me develop research skills immensely, allowed me to network, and opened up very exciting opportunities. I highly recommend taking this course if you want amazing research experience under your belt,” she noted.
Through BIO 199 and BIO 399, the SJNY Biology Department continues to provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore science in action. The courses prepare students for graduate study, careers in biology, and future professional success.
