If you’re pursuing a career in healthcare or the biological sciences you already know: textbooks alone won’t get you there. SEU science students thrive in an environment where mentorship, hands-on learning, and purpose-driven education come together to shape their future.
SEU’s College of Natural & Health Sciences offers students an experiential, high-impact education that prepares them to lead in some of today’s most crucial fields.
What Makes the College of Natural & Health Sciences at SEU Stand Out?
Whether you’re conducting algae research, delivering vital health support through medical missions, or exploring human anatomy using SEU’s state-of-the-art 3D Anatomage Table (which allows students to study and virtually dissect real human cadavers, in preparation for medical school) SEU’s approach is built on one central belief: science and faith are not separate.
Just ask Joven Jose, a Biochemistry major with a minor in Neuroscience. Joven is an international student from Kuwait who came to study medicine in a place where he could see Christ in science. “Back home, education and faith don’t mix. But here, professors start class with a prayer or a Bible verse,” Joven shared. “It just blows my mind how perfectly Christ has created us.”
Or ask Phillip Lee Gray II, a senior graduating in fall 2025 with a degree in Biochemistry. Phillip came to SEU looking for something rare: a rigorous science program that would challenge him intellectually while also allowing his faith to grow. “I had in the back of my mind that I wanted to do research,” he said. “SEU gave me that opportunity — and so much more.”
He credits professors like Dr. Sheila Abraham for nurturing that spark, helping him explore his interests in organic chemistry, and guiding him toward his goal of earning a PhD after graduation. “There are a lot of metabolic disorders in my family,” Phillip shared. “I especially have a passion for learning about thermostable insulin and improving the quality of life for diabetes patients. Right now, there aren’t enough effective medications out there. I want to help change that.”
From Classroom to Clinic (and Beyond)
Over the last decade, SEU’s science programs have experienced remarkable growth. Some of the most notable advancements include:
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- Biomedical research opportunities on campus, led by faculty members
- The MS in Medical Sciences program, which mirrors the first year of medical school, setting students apart for acceptance to competitive programs
- A dedicated faculty team for grad school application support that guides students through mock interviews and personal statement coaching
- A student fund to help cover grad school application fees and test prep costs
- A semesterly Science Symposium for students to present original research
- Faculty-led medical mission trips to Guatemala and Africa
- Clinical partnerships with Lakeland Regional Health for real-world experience
“We’re not just teaching students science,” said Dr. Aimee Franklin, dean of the College of Natural & Health Sciences. “We’re mentoring them as they develop into the next generation of compassionate healthcare and scientific professionals.”
Dr. Franklin, an SEU alumna herself, understands firsthand the power of combining faith and science. She returned to SEU after earning her PhD to invest in the next generation of scientists, just as her mentors once invested in her. “SEU is where I fell in love with science,” she said. “Now I get to help create that same experience for students who are discerning their calling.”
Real-World Experience
Students like Joven and Phillip are already making a difference, both on campus and beyond.
Joven’s experience includes:
- Two years of algae research on SEU’s campus (SEU offers algae research opportunities through faculty-led projects that give students early exposure to real lab work and publication potential.)
- Award-winning summer research at Washington University in St. Louis
- Cardiovascular research at UPenn, studying stem cells and organoids
- A medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where he was able to bring valuable healthcare support to disadvantaged people groups
- Attendance at the Global Medical Missions Conference, where he confirmed his calling to medicine
Phillip’s impact is equally inspiring. In addition to his research goals, he’s deeply involved in SEU’s student community. Phillip is:
- President of SEU’s chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Member of science-focused student groups like PHSO, SCMDA, and FLORA, where he’s helped lead science experiments with kids at Downtown Lakeland’s First Friday events and worked in the community garden
- Active in the student government association at SEU, where he’s contributed to building a student study lounge, hosting town hall events, and serving as a voice for the student body
Involvement on SEU’s campus has allowed Phillip to flourish. “Since SEU has smaller class sizes, there are so many mentorship opportunities with faculty,” Phillip said. “You get to connect with classmates and professors on a personal level. This campus is beautiful, and I feel relaxed here. I love hanging out in the library and playing chess with my friends.”
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a university where you can grow through hands-on learning and be mentored by faculty who truly care, SEU’s College of Natural & Health Sciences is the place for you. You’ll be challenged to learn, inspired to grow, and supported by faculty who genuinely care about your success.
Here, students benefit from small class sizes that allow for deep connection and personalized instruction. They engage in real research that prepares them for graduate school and medical careers. They participate in global missions that serve communities and solidify their callings. And through it all, they’re surrounded by Christ-centered mentorship that nurtures both their faith and their future.
Future doctors, nurses, scientists, and researchers — SEU is ready for you.
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