Original Research Open access

Fostering STEM competency in high-school students by bridging engineering and ophthalmology through eye research

Authors

  • Kevin Real https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0163-8748 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.
  • Giovanna Guidoboni Corresponding author Email https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7470-0171 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME , United States.
  • Rajat Rai https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0171-3869 Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.
  • Holly C. White https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3752-5738 School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.
  • Stephen Abbadessa Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.
  • Michael Murphy John Bapst Memorial High School, Bangor, ME, United States.
  • Giuseppe Aulisa John Bapst Memorial High School, Bangor, ME, United States.
  • Logan Hart John Bapst Memorial High School, Bangor, ME, United States.
  • Ethan Marquis https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3912-0069 John Bapst Memorial High School, Bangor, ME, United States.
  • Lorena Bociu Department of Mathematics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
  • Alon Harris https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8770-3726 Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States.
Published
September 3, 2025
Section
Original Research
DOI
10.4081/peasa.59

Abstract

Recent data across the globe indicates a decline in stem competency among secondary education students. Despite persistent interest in STEM fields this decrease in preparedness could yield detrimental effects for both future scientists and engineers. To address this current trend, a collaborative partnership between a university and high school commenced. The goal was to create an advanced experiential engineering course focused primarily on ophthalmology principles, research, and hands-on solutions. Twenty-one high school students (grades 9-12) enrolled in the course. Their objective was to investigate research questions involving ocular physiology. These ranged from surveying intraocular pressure measurement methods, examining the nature of vitreous humor properties, and investigating the inherent connection between blood flow and fluid dynamics. Furthermore, students engaged in hands-on experimentation that resulted in a hydraulics-based model which attempted to link the correlation between blood pressure and intraocular pressure involved in glaucoma progression. Post-course interviews revealed three major themes: i) an increased appreciation for the utility of mathematics and its real-world use; ii) the importance of the mentor-mentee relationship and professional networking; and iii) increased access to resources beyond what is traditionally found in a high school classroom. These findings suggest that incorporating research into a high school classroom can foster positive outcomes and spark students’ interest in ophthalmology research and in STEM more broadly. This course can serve as a model in future development of project-based engineering curriculum and help broaden participation in STEM.

 

Keywords

References

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Author Biographies

  • Giovanna Guidoboni, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME

    Maine College of Engineering and Computing; School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
    Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA

  • Ethan Marquis, John Bapst Memorial High School, Bangor, ME

    The Taft School, Watertown, CT, USA

  • Alon Harris, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME

    Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA

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