The university's first ever "Writer in Residence" with  The New York Times bestselling author, and Fitchburg State University Alum, R.A. Salvatore '81, '91 continued today with Salvatore visiting classes. First, he stopped into Communications Media Professor Kyle Moody's History of Interactive Media and Games, and then visited English Studies Professor Kisha Tracy's World Lit I: Myths & Traditions course. In both, Salvatore discussed his journey as a writer, starting at Fitchburg State University, and all of the many places, opportunities, and experiences that  brought to him to where he is today. He also held Q & A sessions with the students.

Hand-to-hand combat Students in Kelly Morgan's Stage Movement: Combat course learned how to safely act out various forms of hand-to-hand combat. Stage movement: Combat is a workshop-oriented course that utilizes the basic techniques of movement that emphasize developing the  student's potential for effective physicalization of a character on stage. Learn more about our Theater Concentration here.

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.