GCU’s College of Natural Sciences Rankings

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College of Natural Sciences

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Authentic Experiences From CNS Students

Delve into the authentic experiences of our students as they share their journeys through the College of Natural Sciences at Grand Canyon University. Insightful testimonials can provide firsthand accounts of the enriching educational environment, valuable opportunities and impactful learning encounters within our college.

Testimonial

What Our Students Are Saying

“"At GCU I felt like I wasn’t just learning so I could pass a class. I was learning because I was passionate about it. And that was largely due to the instructors who were teaching."”

Mario Barrera

Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine, Class of 2020

Key Factors of the College of Natural Sciences

GCU's mission emphasizes the availability of hands-on labs, clubs and science-focused Research and Design Programs (RDPs), as your experiences are a central pillar of our approach to help shape you into a pioneering and enterprising graduate. In GCU’s science programs, teaching is integral — the College of Natural Sciences at GCU doesn't house traditional research professors within its physical confines. Instead, faculty prioritize teaching, even within the context of their research. Research programs like the RDPs are primarily designed to offer you a valuable, mentored experience.

The College of Natural Sciences faculty leverage their expertise and skills within their respective domains to deliver effective teaching, with less focus on their research achievements. Professors offer readily available office hours, dedicated to aiding your comprehension of the subject matter and imparting insights to aspiring scientists, clinicians and practitioners. You are encouraged to visit faculty early and often, as the relationship between you and your faculty has the greatest chance of significantly influencing your progress in the classroom, in your program and in your career.

Student Support and Opportunity

College of Natural Sciences faculty make themselves available outside of class to help you understand the content being taught and to provide career and graduate school guidance. GCU faculty is focused on helping you grow as a scientist and to earn the professional recommendations that may be necessary for many graduate schools.

GCU Resources, Facilities and Campus Clubs

Within the College of Natural Sciences, GCU offers a diverse array of events, clubs and activities that can spotlight science, emphasizing hands-on learning and the exploration of sought-after STEM careers. These opportunities are further enriched by GCU's facilities and campus clubs dedicated to promoting STEM engagement.

Showcase and Awards

GCU places great significance on recognizing the achievements attained by our students, faculty and staff by highlighting a few notable accomplishments within our community.

College of Natural Sciences professor, Dr. Ramesh Velupillaimani, has secured a $6,000 award from the Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO) for his undergraduate research project titled “Novel Antimicrobial and Pharmacological Products from Higher Plants, Algae, and Mushrooms.” This funding, awarded for the Fall 2024 semester, will provide a $1,000 stipend to each of his students who participate in the project.

GCU is proud to announce that Dr. Zachary Zeigler, an esteemed professor in exercise science at the College of Natural Sciences, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). This recognition highlights his significant contributions to the field. For more details, visit the ACSM website at www.acsm.org.

GCU professor in the College of Natural Sciences, Dr. Daisy Savarirajan, was elected a Fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) in recognition of her stature in the scientific community. She is recognized for her contributions to issues of science and Christian faith, as well as her support of the ASA. Dr. Savarirajan is an accomplished scientist and educator who has effectively bridged the gap between Christianity and the scientific field, inspiring her students and earning recognition from her peers.

GCU faculty member Zachary Ziegler published a manuscript titled “Impact of Wildland Firefighting on Arterial Stiffness and Cardiorespiratory Fitness” in the journal “Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health” in May 2021. His co-authors include three former GCU students: Joe Sol, Payton Greer, now a student in the AT Still University Physical Therapy Program and Laura Verduzco, now enrolled in the ASU Master of Science in Physical Activity and Health program.¹

¹Zeigler, Z., Sol, J. and Verduzco, L. (2021, May 3). Impact of Wildland Firefighting on Arterial Stiffness and Cardiorespiratory Fitness. Taylor & Francis Online. Retrieved Oct. 10, 2024.