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Knowledge. Generosity. Community.

STEM at Smith

Engineering student in class

Nearly half of all degrees awarded to Smith College students are in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)–compared to 42% of women graduates nationally. At the heart of Smith’s learning is active engagement, coupling innovative teaching with real opportunities for in-depth research. Journey inside the human mind, along the edges of volcanic craters or out among the stars and galaxies. Engage in the blossoming fields of statistics, operations research, biomathematics and information science.

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Why Study STEM at Smith?

Students on computers in Young Science Library

STEM in a Liberal Arts Setting. Students consider how STEM fields impact the whole of life, including ethical and political considerations in a global environment.
Professor John Brady looking at the Rock Park with students

Cross-Discipline Collaboration. Smith’s open curriculum lets students personalize their learning across major fields of knowledge.
Professor Ileana Streinu with student in class

Meaningful Research. About half of Smith’s STEM majors conduct research with Smith professors, some as early as their first year, not just observing teachers but becoming partners in discovery.
Three students in a lab in Ford Hall

Graduate School & Career Opportunities. Smith students go on to such schools as Dartmouth, MIT and Harvard, and to careers as doctors, lawyers and engineers.

Explore Programs in STEM

From introductory classes to advanced seminars, Smith’s world-class professors—50 percent of whom are women—engage students in scholarship and research that is changing the way the world benefits from STEM. Classes draw on nearly all aspects of the human experience, including history, politics, economics and the arts. Generations of pioneering women have studied STEM at Smith and have gone on to rewarding careers in medicine, engineering, environmental consulting, public policy, applied research and more.

Clark Science Center

Five buildings form a vibrant hub for STEM at Smith—Ford, Burton, Sabin-Reed, McConnell and Bass halls. They offer state-of-the-art equipment that meets exacting standards for modern experimentation.

About the Clark Science Center

McConnell Hall

STEM Advising & Mentoring

Generations of pioneering women have studied STEM at Smith and have gone on to rewarding careers in medicine, engineering, environmental consulting, public policy, applied research and more. A major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics at Smith opens doors to a variety of graduate school and career options. Smith faculty and advisers at the Lazarus Center for Career Development can provide guidance and resources to help you explore professional opportunities, whether you are poised to graduate or are just beginning your college experience.

Achieving Excellence in Mathematics, Engineering & Science (AEMES) programs aim to help underrepresented students succeed in STEM.
The prehealth advising team, as part of the Lazarus Center, supports students and alumnae in their exploration of the health professions.
The Lazarus Center guides students and alumnae in finding STEM-related opportunities and options for graduate schools and careers.

Research Centers & Resources

Center for Aqueous Biogeochemical Research

This interdepartmental research center explores the chemistry of geological and biological actions upon the hydrosphere.

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Center for Microscopy & Imaging

The CMI maintains and provides access to multiple light and electron microscopes.

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Center for Proteomics

The center provides equipment for preparative and analytical experimentation with biopolymers and small(er) organic molecules.

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Spatial Analysis Lab

The Spatial Analysis Lab explores spatial patterns and processes through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies.

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Center for Design & Fabrication

The design center provides equipment for machining, welding, fabrication, woodworking and rapid prototyping.

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Spinelli Center for Quantitative Learning

The Spinelli Center supports students doing quantitative work across the curriculum.

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Center for Environment, Ecological Design & Sustainability

CEEDS facilitates academic and applied experiences in support of the environment.

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The Botanic Garden of Smith College

Students engage in botanical and horticultural research through Smith’s STRIDE program, internships and a variety of classes.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT RESEARCH AT SMITH

The Nature of Inquiry: Student Research at Smith

Smith offers many unique research opportunities to undergraduates in most academic disciplines, from the sciences to the humanities and the arts. The ways in which students can conduct research, beginning even in their first year, varies from assisting faculty with their research endeavors to participating in the Summer Research Fellows Program to initiating their own projects of inquiry.

Contact

Clark Science Center
Smith College
44 College Lane
Northampton, MA 01063
Phone: 413-585-3800
Fax: 413-585-3786

Faculty Director: Kevin Shea
413-585-3801

Administrative Director: Tom Richardson
413-585-3802

Administrative and departmental contacts

Keep Exploring

Clark Science Center Events

Weekly Clark Science Center events range from visits by national and international dignitaries and scientists to dozens of informal “lunchbag meetings” focusing on a timely topic.

Clark Science Center Portal

The Clark Science Center website is designed to help currents students, faculty and staff keep in touch with all things STEM at Smith.

Celebrating Collaborations

The annual Celebrating Collaborations conference showcases and celebrates the scholarly work of Smith student projects with faculty. 

The Libraries

The Smith College Libraries advance teaching, learning, research and discovery for Smith students, faculty and staff.

STEAM Outreach

Smith College collaborates with the broader community on a wide variety of science learning opportunities.

Five Colleges Academic Programs

Five College academic programs offer opportunities for students, faculty and staff across all campuses.