Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Dennis Awasabisah's Organic Chemistry II Lab perform an experiment extracting lycopene from two brands of tomato paste. Lycopene is a type of organic pigment called a carotenoid that's is related to beta-carotene and gives some vegetables and fruits (e.g., tomatoes) a red color. It is a powerful antioxidant that might help protect cells from damage. 

Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Dr. Michael Nosek's Cell Culture  Techniques are back at it after spring break in the Antonucci Science Complex. Cells they froze before the break needed to be thawed out before performing today's experiment. This course consists of a survey of the techniques and experimental approaches used in cell culture experimentation. Topics covered will include sterile technique, media preparation, types and sources of cells, cell propagation and quantification, and viability assays. Students will develop their own research project based on their interests. They will use the scientific method to formulate hypotheses and carry out appropriate experiments to address the hypotheses.

The Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB) sponsored an Ice Cream Social to welcome students back to campus after spring break.

 Film and Video Professor Robert Harris takes it "old school" when he helps a student reel up her film assignment to be projected.

Kevin Bell, a paraplegic, is  in the simulation lab, complaining of a headache, general discomfort - tests point to kidney stones and an infection. Our nursing students were directed to administer medications, and work through the simulation in real time. The Fitchburg State University Nursing Simulation Laboratory assists nursing students in learning critical thinking and clinical judgment skills in preparation for their healthcare careers. The “manikins” act as lifelike patient simulators, wherein instructors provide real-time feedback via a control center, giving students as close to a hospital scenario as possible. Fellow students watch as their classmates work through the simulation. All students and faculty debrief after the scenario.

Students in Exercise and Sports Science Professor Monica Maldari's Cardiovascular and Electrophysiology course compare heart rate and blood pressure at rest and during activity. Cardiovascular dynamics is studied through the anatomy, electro physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular systems. Description of the ECG variations and the underlying mechanisms forms the foundation for practical experience in clinical interpretation of the ECG.

Taking advantage during spring break, upgrades are being made in the Antonucci Science Complex thanks to a grant worth nearly $750,000 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) for enhancing the biology and chemistry laboratories here at Fitchburg State University, creating new research and learning opportunities for students and faculty members. Biology and Chemistry Professor Dennis Awasabisah observes, and lends a hand when needed, while MBRAUN Technician Craig installs the new glovebox workstation.

Nursing students at Fitchburg State University will benefit from cutting edge technology and next-level simulations thanks to generous grants from the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Charitable Foundation and the George I. Alden Trust.

The grants will fund wearable technology to let students and instructors utilize the latest augmented reality software as well as stipends for nursing and game design students to create and deploy new scenarios for nurses in training.

“This really is cutting edge,” said Associate Professor Deborah Benes, chair of Fitchburg State’s Nursing Department. “We’re giving our students the opportunity to work with equipment they never would have seen before that’s being used in the workforce right now.”

As part of our Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness'  Women's History Month celebration the campus was urged to wear purple and commemorate international women’s day, and invited to stop by G-Lobby to learn a little, win a little, and grab a snack.