Bridging the gap between science, innovation, and technology, Edison Township is now offering a new biomedical academy at John P. Stevens High School. As a sister school within the same township, J.P. Stevens’ program reflects a growing district-wide commitment to preparing students for careers in a biomedical environment. Students in 8th Grade at Herbert Hoover and Thomas Jefferson Middle Schools were eligible to apply, with bussing available each day. This means that those South Side students who were accepted are enrolled in JP for all four years of high school.
The Academy, an experimental program designed to empower students with the knowledge and experience to succeed in a biomedical science field, equips its learners with the skills required to navigate a field that is no longer limited to hospital settings. Recognizing the growing need for diverse healthcare professionals, this program enables students to confidently turn their scientific passions into reality.
J.P. Stevens’s Biomedical Science (BioMed) Academy is a rigorous four-year program designed for students to explore their interests in the medical and science fields. Through challenging courses, hands-on laboratory experiences, and real-world exposure, the BioMed Academy is equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
“I would describe my time at J.P.’s Biomedical Science Academy as memorable and impactful; the experiences that I have gained are none other than extraordinary,” said Vishwa Adenwala ‘29, a current student in the program.
Adenwala’s experience reflects a broader sentiment among current BioMed students who mention that the academy provides the students with a broad insight into the biomedical sciences field.
“I believe that the first thing that comes to a person’s mind when thinking about the medical field is the profession of being a doctor,” said Anika Anand ‘29, another student in the Academy.
“Which is why I am really grateful that as a student in the BioMed academy, my fellow peers and I are presented with many different career paths including neurology, cardiology, criminology, and more.”
Students note that the program challenges common stereotypes of the medical field by presenting students with a wide variety of careers in the field—some of these professions don’t even involve a hospital—allowing students to explore the breadth of the field and pursue their individual interests.
“One of the greatest strengths of BioMed is the emphasis on authentic learning experiences,” said Ms. Kristen Tsaoys, Supervisor of Academic Programs. “Students apply content knowledge to real-world challenges, develop strong collaboration and communication skills, and gain early exposure to college-level coursework and career pathways.”
Some of the courses that students get to learn about are human medicine, genetics, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. Certain courses are based on internship and work-based learning, and the senior capstone project is exclusive to students in the academy.
The Biomedical Science Academy is not just home to north Edison students, but is also home to students who live in south Edison and were previously supposed to attend EHS and instead chose to go to BioMed to advance their education in the biomedical field so that they can be more prepared for the future with the opportunities and resources that the academy offers.
When asked if there are any lingering regrets with her decision, Adenwala said, “I think that the only thing that I truly miss the most is my friends, as almost all of them are at EHS. In the beginning at J.P. Stevens, it was hard to make friends as everybody already has their own friend groups, but since I had classes with a lot of the same people due to the Academy, I have been able to make new friendships with very driven students.”
Being a part of the academy is distinctive compared to a traditional high school experience. With only 24 students being accepted each year, BioMed is home to a tight-knit community of students that shares a sense of unity and passion. Students are able to push each other to reach their full potential by giving their best effort each and every day.
“We motivate each other to do our very best. The bond this program creates within the students is so strong that the complexity of our classes does not matter, as we help each other succeed,” said Adenwala.
BioMed continues to be a place where students can gain a comprehensive and rigorous education based on unique learning experiences. The exposure to different career pathways lets students explore and apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. The program is also home to cohorts of students who can rely on each other to achieve their goals together.
