College of Health Sciences & Technology

You are here: / 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

Admissions

1 (800) 367-9010
(305) 628-6546
admissions@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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

You are STU!

A view of the St. Thomas University campus focusing on the STU Tower
Request Information

Learn about degrees, admission, and more!

Visit Campus

Our Miami campus will take your breath away!

Apply Today

Ready to become a Bobcat? Complete your application.

Confirm Enrollment

Begin your journey pursuing excellence!

BECOME A BOBCAT

You are STU!

Request Information | Learn about degrees, admission, and more!
Visit Campus | Our Miami campus will take your breath away!
Apply Today | Ready to become a Bobcat? Complete your application.
Confirm Enrollment | Begin your journey pursuing excellence!
{"visible_panels":"4","width":"1310","height":"650","orientation":"horizontal","panel_distance":"20","max_openedaccordion_size":"48%","open_panel_on":"hover","shadow":"false","autoplay":"false","mouse_wheel":"false"}

Thinking about transferring? Join us on campus this week for Transfer Week! Bring your college transcripts and leave with your admissions decision, transfer evaluation, and financial aid offer – no appointment needed.

📍 Office of Admissions, Mimi Dooner Hall 103

#STUMiami // #BobcatBound // #STUFeatured

52 3
Open post by stumiami with ID 17974142327753379
Thinking about transferring? Join us on campus this week for Transfer Week! Bring your college transcripts and leave with your admissions decision, transfer evaluation, and financial aid offer – no appointment needed. 📍 Office of Admissions, Mimi Dooner Hall 103 #STUMiami // #BobcatBound // #STUFeatured

🚨PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT🚨

St. Thomas University remains committed to building meaningful partnerships that empower students, enrich campus life, and foster bold leadership. The university is proud to announce a new collaboration with Coke Beverages of Florida, a partnership grounded in shared values of excellence, innovation, and community uplift.

From the classrooms to the playing fields, this alliance brings a refreshing boost to every corner of Bobcat Nation.

STU looks forward to the opportunities this partnership will provide and welcomes Coke Beverages of Florida to our community with gratitude and anticipation.

#STUMiami // #CocaColaAtSTU // #WeAreCokeFlorida // #STUFeatured

178 6
Open post by stumiami with ID 18078616615905333
🚨PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT🚨 St. Thomas University remains committed to building meaningful partnerships that empower students, enrich campus life, and foster bold leadership. The university is proud to announce a new collaboration with Coke Beverages of Florida, a partnership grounded in shared values of excellence, innovation, and community uplift. From the classrooms to the playing fields, this alliance brings a refreshing boost to every corner of Bobcat Nation. STU looks forward to the opportunities this partnership will provide and welcomes Coke Beverages of Florida to our community with gratitude and anticipation. #STUMiami // #CocaColaAtSTU // #WeAreCokeFlorida // #STUFeatured

Looking back on one of the most memorable moments of the year: Graduation Week 🎓
A celebration of achievement, resilience, and the spirit that defines every Bobcat. 💙

#STUMiami // #STUGrad //
#ForeverABobcat // #stumemories // #STUFeatured

173 3
Open post by stumiami with ID 18332419963206431
Looking back on one of the most memorable moments of the year: Graduation Week 🎓 A celebration of achievement, resilience, and the spirit that defines every Bobcat. 💙 #STUMiami // #STUGrad // #ForeverABobcat // #stumemories // #STUFeatured

📣 Save the Date: STU Ethical Leadership Speaker Series

We’re kicking off another extraordinary year with an inspiring keynote you won’t want to miss!

🌟 Ellen Latham, Creator & Co-Founder of @orangetheory, joins us as the first speaker in our 2025–2026 Ethical Leadership Series.

🗓 Wednesday, October 8, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Gus Machado Auditorium
🎟 Open to students, faculty, staff, and the community

🔗 Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/momentum-shift-unlocking-your-leadership-potential-tickets-1478054443629?aff=oddtdtcreator

________________________________
Ellen’s journey—from launching a Pilates studio as a single mom to building one of the world’s largest fitness ecosystems—is a story of vision, resilience, and purpose.

💬 Don’t miss her talk:
Momentum Shift: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential

Seats are limited. Secure your spot for this powerful leadership event!

#STUMiami // #EthicalLeadership // #EllenLatham // #Orangetheory // #SpeakerSeries #LeadershipInspiration // #STUFeatured

45 1
Open post by stumiami with ID 18034491608420676
📣 Save the Date: STU Ethical Leadership Speaker Series We’re kicking off another extraordinary year with an inspiring keynote you won’t want to miss! 🌟 Ellen Latham, Creator & Co-Founder of @orangetheory, joins us as the first speaker in our 2025–2026 Ethical Leadership Series. 🗓 Wednesday, October 8, 2025 🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Gus Machado Auditorium 🎟 Open to students, faculty, staff, and the community 🔗 Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/momentum-shift-unlocking-your-leadership-potential-tickets-1478054443629?aff=oddtdtcreator ________________________________ Ellen’s journey—from launching a Pilates studio as a single mom to building one of the world’s largest fitness ecosystems—is a story of vision, resilience, and purpose. 💬 Don’t miss her talk: Momentum Shift: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential Seats are limited. Secure your spot for this powerful leadership event! #STUMiami // #EthicalLeadership // #EllenLatham // #Orangetheory // #SpeakerSeries #LeadershipInspiration // #STUFeatured

Celebrating freedom, culture, and resilience this Juneteenth! Let’s honor the past and continue striving for equality and justice for all.

#STUMiami // #Juneteenth // #FreedomDay //
#STUFeatured

95 0
Open post by stumiami with ID 18048848462435527
Celebrating freedom, culture, and resilience this Juneteenth! Let’s honor the past and continue striving for equality and justice for all. #STUMiami // #Juneteenth // #FreedomDay // #STUFeatured

🐾 Happy National Mascot Day!

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

401 18
Open post by stumiami with ID 17903714541076080
🐾 Happy National Mascot Day! 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
FOLLOW @STUMIAMI

STU NEWS & HAPPENINGS

ALL STU NEWS
ALL STU NEWS
© 2024-2025 St. Thomas University