Biomedical Studies & Molecular Biology
College of the Atlantic
How can we combine science and an understanding of the human condition to improve health around the world?
COA offers courses and research experiences so that students can learn the state-of-the-art in genetics and molecular biology and how ideas and techniques from these fields are used for improving public health and the conservation of biodiversity. In these efforts we work closely with two local partners, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL).
Every spring break students participate in a one-week intensive molecular genetics workshop at MDIBL, where they learn molecular genetics techniques. Many of these students then work as research assistants in labs at JAX and MDIBL during the academic year. In addition, each summer we provide funding via a National Institute of Health INBRE grant for several students to work full-time in a lab.
In addition to conducing biomedical research, students also pursue their interest in medicine by pursuing ethnography—understanding the social and cultural dimensions of health. Recently students have done senior projects doing ethnographic work in biomedicine and public health in Maine, Europe, and Nepal.
Students working in biomedical science and molecular biology at COA choose a range of careers: some become doctors, nurses, or veterinarians. Others pursue science and biomedical research, while some go into public health.
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Student voices
COA Might be Right for You if…
…you are ready to have your life and identity flipped on its head and dunked in the ocean repeatedly.
Jonna Lynn Nielsen ’27
…you don’t know what you want to study because you have far too many interests to just focus in on one of them.
Wilson Korneev ’28
…you want to be in a small community where people will remember your name.
Alya Kiiashko ’25
…you have an open mind, enjoy small communities, and want a well-rounded (however unconventional) education experience.
Seth Sears ’28
…you want to meet politically, emotionally, and academically engaged people.
Alder Ame ’27
…you think being sent to the oceanside to improve your mental health actually sounds awesome (it totally is).
Carolina de Oliveira Castro ’26
…you are passionate about the natural world and want to study it and love spending time outside.
Conrad Kortemeier ’26
…you want to be surrounded and inspired by people who are excited about niche subjects, and by people who are still figuring out what they’re doing.
Marina Schnell ’25
…you can’t choose between the mountains and the sea.
Megan Maloney ’26
…you want freedom in your class structure.
Andie Piliouras ’26
…you want small, intentional community.
Conlan Lamb ’28
…you want to expand your perspective and knowledge of the world around you, and gain valuable connections from all around the world!
Trinket Lester ’28
…you question the answers to your questions, challenge the status quo, and seek tranquility in the heart of the spruce-fir forests.
Greta Bernier ’27
…you have the desire to choose your own path to a degree.
Béatrice St-Louis ’28