"Welcome from the Dean!"

Welcome to the Division of Natural and Applied Sciences at Hope College! For many years science at Hope has been guided by a defining theme, and that is "scientific learning is best achieved by doing science.” This teaching philosophy enables students to learn and simultaneously make scientific contributions to society. We are committed to delivering an excellent undergraduate program of study as well as providing an opportunity for cutting-edge research in all scientific disciplines.

The Natural Science Division at Hope encompasses eight departments: biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geological and environmental sciences, mathematics, nursing, and physics. Our faculty adhere to the highest standards of teaching and scholarship and actively works to fully involve students in the educational experience. Many in our faculty are recognized as outstanding educators at the state and national levels. We embrace an institutional core liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and educating the entire person, mind, body, and spirit. Hope College is accredited by the American Chemical Society, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the Engineering Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

In addition to our classroom programs, research is an integral part of the Natural and Applied Sciences Division. The U.S. News & World Report, “America’s Best Colleges,” recognizes Hope’s leadership in undergraduate research as among the very best in the nation. We offer the opportunity for students to participate in meaningful research projects with faculty mentors. Our student-faculty research programs are funded by numerous sources: the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Research Corporation, the Petroleum Research Fund, the Whitaker Foundation, the Pew Foundation, NASA and the Michigan Space Grant Consortium, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and others. Last year, our division received over a million in external grants and awards. From their research activities, students presented their discoveries at regional and national professional meetings. Students are often co-authors of publications in scientific journals. Last year our faculty produced more than twice the national average number of scientific publications among predominantly undergraduate institutions in the nation. In addition to research, Hope offers a multitude of internships, with national laboratories and private industry both locally, within the United States and abroad. With these broad active learning experiences, our well-educated graduates are highly sought after by leading graduate and professional schools, and industry alike. Our program is not only designed to prepare students for a wide variety of opportunities in each of the disciplines, but it is also ideally suited to nurture students interested in professional programs that require scientific and technical backgrounds.

At Hope, students will get to pursue their studies in well-equipped and spacious facilities, including a brand new state-of-the-art science complex and the recently renovated Peale science center. The new buildings encompass more than 150,000 square feet, include 21 teaching laboratories, 30 faculty research laboratories, contemporary teaching and research equipment, as well as a science museum that emphasizes community outreach. The college's facilities are equal to the outstanding teaching and scholarship that take place within them.

I encourage you to study the department and program websites and learn more about the myriad of activities and opportunities available at Hope College. Find your passion and engage us to help you explore and grow. I hope I have communicated my excitement for our programs and I encourage you to visit Hope College.

Sincerely,
Moses Lee
Dean and Professor of Chemistry