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Springfield College Spotlight: Frank Torre

Fulfilling a Dual Mission in Science

Dr. Frank Torre
Professor of
Chemistry & CIS;
Department Chair
ftorre@spfldcol.edu
413.748.3380

Frank Torre , professor of chemistry and chair of the chemistry/biology department and Distinguished Springfield Professor of Humanics in 2001-2002, came to Springfield College after earning his doctorate in physical chemistry at Rutgers University. While he oversees all his department’s offerings, he also teaches general chemistry—an area of particular passion for him. “First-year chemistry is second only to accounting in the number of undergraduate students who take it nationwide,” he explains. “It’s a gateway course for people going into the sciences.” Professor Torre’s concern is that the failure rate in this course is around 20 percent nationally, and that affects the number of people in the pipeline to become scientists.

Dr. Torre’s professional affiliations and activities reflect this concern. He is active in the Division of Chemical Education of the American Chemistry Society and is on the Board of Directors of the International Center for First-Year Undergraduate Chemistry Education. “Both organizations foster research on effective methods of teaching chemistry,” he says. “The goal is to be more successful at teaching the first-year course in particular, so that more students like it and continue on in the sciences.”

The chemistry/biology department at Springfield College pursues a dual mission, Professor Torre explains. On the one hand, it prepares students who are in traditional biology majors, including concentrations in comprehensive biology, biochemistry, environmental science, and cell and molecular biology. On the other hand, it provides a critically important foundation for other majors, such as physical education and the various health and fitness-related majors. For instance, it is in his department that future physical education teachers, physical therapists and athletic trainers learn about anatomy, and future doctors and physician assistants master the scientific underpinnings of medical knowledge.

The department’s most popular major, he points out, is sports biology, which is a collaboration between faculty in biology and in exercise science. “The students who come to us are usually athletes, but they’re also interested in science,” he says. “They often want to understand their sport better and put science behind it.” Others are looking at medical or allied health careers.

Springfield’s program offers some unique opportunities for students aiming for medical careers, Professor Torre notes. “The College has affiliation agreements with eight medical schools,” he explains. “These agreements provide assured or preferred admission if a student does well at the College or on the medical school entrance exam.” The agreements also testify to a high level of confidence in Springfield graduates on the part of the partnering institutions.

The renovation of Schoo Hall holds much potential for the future of Springfield s science programs, says Dr. Torre. “Having a more attractive and usable facility will attract additional students, and it will provide more opportunities for undergraduate research. It s an exciting prospect!”