College of Health Sciences & Technology

College of Health Sciences and Technology

St. Thomas University’s College of Health Sciences and Technology is elevating science programs to a higher level of excellence through internships and hands-on research. All students with an interest in research are given the opportunity to work with distinguished faculty members who have extensively published peer-reviewed research articles and journals, as well as books and book chapters. The close experience with faculty members and cutting-edge research inspires the students to learn more, while realizing their intelligence and developing their capabilities.

The College offers undergraduate baccalaureate degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Health Sciences, Applied Mathematics & Data Science, and Computer Science. A Master of Science degree can be obtained in Big Data Analytics, Bioethics, Cyber Security, and Health & Medical Sciences.

Small class sizes in the classroom and in teaching laboratories are key factors for the experience and success of our students. These settings allow for innovation, greater student engagement and the ability for students to develop and grow in their field of interest.

Meet Your Dean

Dr. Jeffery Alan Plunkett

Dean Plunkett has been with St. Thomas University for the past 23 years and has moved through the faculty ranks and now serves an administrative role as Dean with the university. Dr. Plunkett completed his undergraduate degree in Microbiology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and completed his Ph.D. in Neurobiology at Georgia State University. He also completed his post-doctoral training at the University of Miami (Miami Project to Cure Paralysis).

Dr. Plunkett remains active in instruction at the university and still maintains his research laboratory at St. Thomas. He and his students currently study the role of stem cells in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. The results of data generated in his laboratory at St. Thomas are presented each year at national and international scientific meetings. He has served as principle investigator (PI) on over 4 million dollars in federal grants and is currently principle investigator for a minority student support initiative through the United States Department of Education.

Jeffery Alan Plunkett, Ph.D.
Dean/Professor of Health Sciences and Biology
jplunkett@stu.edu
(305) 628-6572

Additional Contact Info

Administrative Assistant

College of Health Sciences and Technology
St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37 Ave. Miami Gardens FL 33054
Phone: (305) 628-6521
Email: fleach@stu.edu

General Information

1 (877) 788-7526
(305) 625-6000

St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, Florida 33054
United States of America

Meet Our Faculty

Jason Dawlabani, LAT, AT, LMT

Jason Dawlabani, LAT, AT, LMT

Program Director

Email: jdawlabani@stu.edu

Mario Gozalez III, MD

Mario Gozalez III, MD

Professor

Email: mgonzaleziii@stu.edu

Pilar Maul, PhD

Pilar Maul, PhD

Program Director

Email: pmaul@stu.edu

Office: (305) 628-6603

Bernard Parenteau, PhD

Bernard Parenteau, PhD

Program Director

Email: bparenteau@stu.edu

Office: (305) 623-2353

Maria Pina, PhD

Maria Pina, PhD

Program Director

Email: mpina@stu.edu

Office: (305) 474-6024

Jeff Plunkett, PhD

Jeff Plunkett, PhD

Dean

Email: jplunkett@stu.edu

Office: (305) 628-6572

Konar Smith, MAT, ATC, CAT(C)

Konar Smith, MAT, ATC, CAT(C)

Program Director

Email: konar@stu.edu

Office: (305) 474-6075

Alexis Tapanes-Castillo, PhD

Alexis Tapanes-Castillo, PhD

Professor

Email: atapanes-castillo@stu.edu

Laura Turek, Ed.D, ATC

Laura Turek, Ed.D, ATC

Program Director

Email: lturek@stu.edu

Office: (305) 474-6846

Undergraduate Programs

Featured Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science at St. Thomas University prepares students for careers in athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant programs. This program provides a comprehensive foundation for over 20 healthcare professions, giving students the competitive edge needed for graduate school success. The degree offers specializations in Allied Health and Sports Medicine, Exercise Science and Human Performance, and Pre-Professional Track for pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary candidates.

Graduate Programs

Featured Program: Master of Science in Applied Kinesiology

The Master of Science in Applied Kinesiology program equips students with the skills to excel in the field of physiological mechanics. The program offers two specialized concentrations designed to elevate your career and catapult you to the front of the field: Sports Coaching and Human Performance. Both concentrations will prepare you to take the next step in your kinesiology and human performance journey.

BECOME A BOBCAT

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#STUFeatured
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Meet Deondre Hough — one of the faces behind the STU Bobcat!

While earning his bachelor’s in Criminal Justice (with a minor in Sociology and a certificate in Homeland Security & Terrorism), Deondre brought school spirit to life as our mascot—rallying crowds and even representing STU alongside mascots from the Miami Heat, Marlins, Panthers, and Sharks!

He was also part of the inaugural STU Rugby team, contributing to an incredible run that included three state and two national championships. Now finishing his master’s in Criminology, Deondre recently made his international rugby debut with Team Jamaica 🇯🇲

From mascot to international athlete, Deondre continues to show what it means to represent STU with pride. 💙

#STUMiami // #NationalMascotDay // #STUBobcat // #STURugby // #STUFeatured
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Relive the day’s epic moments in this recap— a huge thank you to our visionary designers, rising culinary and fashion students, generous sponsors, and everyone who made it all happen. 

We’re already counting down to next year’s showcase — and you won’t want to miss what’s coming! 💫 

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Fútbol isn’t just a game—it’s a global industry. ⚽️
Ready to turn your passion into a career?

Apply now for the MS in Sports Administration – Global Fútbol Management, offered in partnership with the Global Institute of Sport 🌍

Learn what it takes to lead soccer club operations around the world.

📲 Link in bio to apply!

#STUMiami // #STUGlobal // #STUFutbol // #STUFeatured

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