Notre Dame Prep Students Explore Biology at SHU

Students conducted lab experiments and learned about anatomy and physiology in SHU’s state-of-the-art classrooms

Key Highlights

• ^{Notre Dame Prep AP biology students participated in a hands-on immersion day at Sacred Heart University}
• ^{Students conducted microbiology experiments, testing the effectiveness of disinfectants on microbial growth}
• ^{Explored anatomy and physiology using SHU’s Anatomage Table, a 3D human anatomy visualization system}
• ^{Measured vital signs (respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, pulse, heart rate, reflexes)}
• ^{Collaboration between Notre Dame Prep and SHU biology department fosters real-world learning and college readiness}
• ^{The program bridges high school and college-level science, enhancing student engagement and discovery}

Sacred Heart University’s biology department recently welcomed Advanced Placement (AP) biology students from Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University for a hands-on biology immersion day, giving them a firsthand look at college-level science in action.

Prior to their visit to SHU, the students collected samples around the Notre Dame campus—including restrooms, railings, sinks and vending machines—to test pre- and post-cleaning so they could measure the effectiveness of various disinfectants on microbial growth. During their visit to SHU, they analyzed their samples in the microbiology lab.

Later, the students explored SHU’s Anatomage room, where they examined the human body in 3D and participated in interactive anatomy and physiology activities. Students also measured vital signs such as respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, pulse, heart rate and reflex responses.

Notre Dame science department chair and AP biology teacher Kathy Almeida said the experience helped connect what students learn in class to real-world science. “We wanted to give the students an experience in a college science lab and setting—an opportunity to interact with college faculty,” Almeida said. “They were so excited. Having Sacred Heart right across the street is such a benefit for our students. It’s been such a great help teaching these kids, and this collaboration ties perfectly into our curriculum.”

She added that the partnership between Notre Dame and SHU enriches the students’ learning and provides them with experiences they wouldn’t necessarily have if SHU weren’t so close.

“I love to see kids get excited about science. There’s a connection and collaboration with SHU,” she said. “We have kids who want to go into the medical field, and this experience really supports their learning.”

Students said the day was both inspiring and educational. Ava Witting, who plans to study nursing, said she especially enjoyed working with the Anatomage Table, a 3D anatomy visualization system.

“Seeing anatomy in depth for the first time was such a cool experience,” Witting said. “It was an eye-opener, and I hope more students get the opportunity to experience it. It makes learning so much more interactive, and I learn so much better this way.”

Genesis Jetter, who hopes to become a veterinarian, said she appreciated the chance to explore topics most high school students don’t get to examine. “I love having this opportunity; most high school students don’t have access to this kind of learning,” Jetter said. “I loved coming here and learning about microorganisms.”

Jade Houston, another student interested in veterinary medicine, said the experience helped her prepare for what’s ahead. “This is what I’m going to be doing in my future career,” she said.  “Senior year is all about preparing for what comes next, and this really helped.”

Ariana Isaza, who plans to pursue nursing, agreed. “It was exciting to see what our lives could look like next year,” she said.

The collaboration between SHU and Notre Dame will continue to give students meaningful, hands-on experiences that bridge high school learning with college-level exploration and discovery.