
School Of Science
The School of Science at Indian River State College deserves high praise and notoriety. Housed primarily on the Massey Campus in Ft. Piece, but with classrooms and labs located on the 5 Indian River State Colle campuses located throughout the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee, the school offers associate degrees in general biology, preprofessional biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as a B.S. Degree in Biology. Courses are offered for STEM students, and the School of Science supports all the health sciences offered at the College.
Dr. Anthony Dribben has been the school’s Dean for seven years and looks forward to upcoming building renovations slated to begin in the summer of 2025. The building will be vacated, and work will begin on the third floor, which will include HVAC upgrades and new chemistry laboratories. Pending funding, the following summer’s renovation will include remodeling the 1st and 2nd floors where faculty offices, the Hallstrom Planetarium, and traditional classrooms are located. A refresh to the planetarium’s seating, carpeting, and equipment is also planned.
Dr. Dribben hopes to add a Science Building Annex on the grounds adjacent to the present Science Building. Plans include additional biology and microbiology labs, an ecology display, a museum space, and an interactive area where community events and “hands-on experiences” will be held.
Student Success Coordinator Merle Lipvack wants to “get the word out there” that the School of Science at Indian River State College has built essential partnerships with several businesses in the community that have hosted inspiring workshops for biology students, highlighting the practical applications of Indian River State College’s Biology programs. Sea and Shoreline and Perpetual Peptides, Inc. showcased the promising career paths available to environmental restoration and biotechnology graduates.
“We are always looking for fantastic students,” says Dr Dribben. In order to attract them, the School of Science continues to highlight its exceptional academic programs and supportive faculty demonstrating the value of a well-rounded education tailored to individual aspirations. With commitment to innovation, Environmental Science, a new course will be offered in the fall.
The School of Science at Indian River State College offers students a dynamic and enriching educational experience designed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. With a wide range of programs students can explore their passions and prepare for impactful careers in rapidly evolving industries. The school provides hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Collaboration with accomplished faculty mentors encourages students to engage in groundbreaking research projects, internships, and community initiatives. Additionally, the School of Science fosters interdisciplinary learning, preparing graduates to tackle complex global issues and excel in competitive professional or graduate pathways. With a strong focus on academic rigor and practical skills, the School of Science equips students to lead and innovate in science-driven fields.