Science & Engineering Faculty Features

World-Class Research. For Undergraduates.

Undergraduates studying science and engineering at Yale have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and makerspaces, an expansive assortment of courses that allows for both breadth and depth, and the opportunity to work alongside dedicated faculty who are leaders in their fields. We asked six Yale faculty members share what makes Yale special for scientists and engineers.

Watch the videos below to learn about research projects, special campus spaces and facilities, and opportunities for undergraduates to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries and innovations. 

Introduction

Physics: Professor Sarah Demers

Sarah Demers is the Horace D. Taft Associate Professor of Physics. Her research focuses on using tau leptons to probe for and characterize physics beyond the standard model at the ATLAS Experiment at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. Recent courses for Yale undergraduates include The Physics of Dance, Being Human in STEM, and Science and Public Policy. Learn more about Professor Demers and her research at demerslab.yale.edu
 
Professor Demers: Physics

Neuroscience: Dean Marvin Chun

Marvin Chun is the Dean of Yale College, Richard M. Colgate Professor of Psychology, and Professor of Neuroscience. His research focuses on using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study visual attention, memory, decision-making, perception, and performance. Recent courses for Yale undergraduates include Introduction to Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Society. Learn more about Dean Chun and his research at www.marvinchun.com.

Dean Chun: Neuroscience

Biology & Medicine: Dean Sandy Chang

Sandy Chang is the Yale College Associate Dean for Science & Quantitative Reasoning Education and Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Laboratory Medicine, and Pathology. A graduate of Yale College, his research focuses on how telomeres are properly maintained to protect chromosome ends from engaging a DNA damage response. Current and recent courses for Yale undergraduates include Topics in Cancer Biology, Perspectives on Biological Research, Medical Impact of Basic Science, and Molecular Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Chang and his research at medicine.yale.edu/profile/s_chang/.

Dean Chang: Medicine

Astronomy: Professor Debra Fischer

Debra Fischer is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Astronomy with secondary appointments in Statistics and Data Science and of Geology and Geophysics. Her research centers on exoplanets and instrumentation; she has discovered hundreds of exoplanets, including the first known multiple planet system in 1999. Current and recent courses for Yale undergraduates include Origins and the Search for Life in the Universe, Frontiers and Controversies in Astrophysics, and Exoplanets. Learn more about Professor Fischer and her research at exoplanets.astro.yale.edu.

Professor Fischer: Astronomy

Engineering & Applied Science: Dean Vincent Wilczynski

Vincent Wilczynski is the Deputy Dean of the Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science and the James S. Tyler Director of the Yale Center for Engineering Innovation & Design. He helps plan and implement all academic initiatives and manages teaching and research resources and facilities at Yale SEAS. As Director of the CEID, he leads efforts to promote collaboration, creativity, design, and manufacturing activities at Yale’s makerspace. He teaches Introduction to Engineering, Innovation, and Design. Learn more about Dean Wilczynski and the CEID at ceid.yale.edu.

Dean Wilczynski: Engineering & Applied Science

Engineering & Applied Science: Dean Jeffrey Brock

Jeffrey Brock is the Dean of the School of Engineering & Applied Science, Zhao and Ji Professor of Mathematics, and Faculty of Arts & Sciences Dean of Science. A graduate of Yale College, his research focuses on low dimensional geometry and topology. Learn more about Dean Brock and his research at jeffbrock.net.

Dean Brock: Engineering & Applied Science