Neuroscience debuts as stand-alone academic department at Thiel College

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- This fall marked the beginning of an exciting new era at Thiel College. For the first time in school history, the Neuroscience program became its own department and is offering both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree.

Greg Butcher, Ph.D. (pictured left) is department chair. Butcher comes to Thiel from the Centenary College of Louisiana, where he spent eight years as the Neuroscience Program Coordinator.

“Neuroscience is a growing field that exemplifies the liberal arts. Covering topics from molecules to the human mind, its findings impact our daily lives and help us understand what it means to be human,” Butcher said. “The [department] will help students explore this fascinating area through an interdisciplinary approach. Additionally, the Greenville Neuromodulation Center (GNC) provides a unique opportunity for Thiel students interested in clinical neuroscience, medicine, and biotechnology.”

Butcher earned dual B.S. degrees in Psychology and Zoology from the University of Wyoming, and his doctorate in Neuroscience from the Ohio State University. His graduate training focused on molecular neurobiology, but his research into the biological rhythms employed both molecular and behaviors techniques.

“Our new neuroscience department will give students the opportunity to delve into mysteries of the brain and the nervous system. Student and faculty collaborations will create a generation of researchers and experts who could solve some of the most perplexing brain puzzles of our generation such as dealing with post-concussion issues or Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases,” Thiel College president Dr. Troy D. VanAken said. “It is not only future neurologists who will benefit from the department, but students could use neuroscience work to help explain human decision-making, perception of art and architecture or even what makes humans prefer one soft drink over another. It’s my belief that our Neuroscience department will lead to insights into why humans do what they do and deliver innovative solutions that will enable millions of people to live longer and healthier lives. The Thiel College commitment to a new generation of scientists, researchers and health leaders sends a signal to the world that our students can make a lasting and a global impact.”

• To learn more about the Neuroscience department, visit the department website.