During the Fall Semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, Hickory High School's Advanced Placement (AP) Academy freshmen made history by participating in and completing the groundbreaking NIIMBL bioLOGIC Program. Led by educator Kelly Ruff, students immersed themselves in AP Environmental Science while engaging in real-world medical challenges, conducting thorough research, and crafting potential biopharmaceutical solutions using cutting-edge biotechnology principles.
This remarkable initiative saw students working collaboratively in teams, delving into authentic medical dilemmas, and envisioning innovative treatments and cures. Their journey culminated in a compelling business pitch and presentation to peers, educational leaders, and professionals within the biopharmaceutical sector. Notably, these AP Academy students marked a significant milestone as the first cohort from a traditional public high school in North Carolina to complete the NIIMBL bioLOGIC Program.
The success of this endeavor was made possible through strategic partnerships with key institutions, including the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Appalachian State University, and Novozymes Biotechnology Company. These collaborations underscored Hickory High School's commitment to fostering academic excellence and real-world skill development among its students.
Participating in the NIIMBL bioLOGIC Program proved immensely beneficial for AP Academy students, who honed crucial skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and presentationā€”attributes indispensable for thriving in 21st-century science and business careers.
Further recognition came when Hickory High School's AP Academy students and the NIIMBL bioLOGIC Program were prominently featured at the Science for All Summit at UNC-Chapel Hill in February 2024. This event champions diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and highlights the exemplary contributions of Hickory High School's educational initiatives.
Looking ahead, Hickory High School and the AP Academy are committed to sustaining and strengthening community and statewide partnerships. Plans are underway to reintroduce the NIIMBL bioLOGIC Program during the 2024-2025 academic year, ensuring continued innovation and excellence in education.
For more information about Hickory High School's AP Academy, please contact Rebecca Tuttle, Hickory High Principal, at
[email protected] or Nathan Fredericks, Assistant Principal/AP Site Coordinator, at
[email protected].