Through a new virtual reality lab and hands-on research experiences, scientists at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy are introducing high school students across the state to biomedical research and natural product discovery.
The program, called Hands on Education and Research for Biomedical and Analytical Learning (HERBAL), is supported by a $1.35 million Science and Education Partnership Award from the National Institutes of Health. Led by David Rowley, Ph.D., professor, the initiative combines virtual experiments with real laboratory experiences to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Using VR headsets, students enter a simulated research lab where they investigate medicinal plants and the molecules they contain. In the virtual environment, students perform experiments such as biological assays and high-performance liquid chromatography, allowing them to explore advanced scientific techniques often unavailable in high school settings.
“We see this program as a bridge between high schools and university research. Our goal is to help students discover their potential as future scientists and healthcare innovators.”David Rowley, Ph.D.
“The VR lab allows students to conduct experiments similar to what we do in real research laboratories,” Rowley said. “It is an interactive way to introduce students to chemistry, biology and health sciences.”
Students from Woonsocket High School, the Met School, and South Kingstown High School participate in the program through partnerships with URI faculty and students in pharmacy and computer science. After completing virtual experiments in their classrooms, students visit URI’s Avedisian Hall during the summer to conduct research using professional laboratory instrumentation.
Working with plants from the Herbert Youngken Medicinal Garden, students investigate natural compounds that have inspired important medicines, including cancer drugs such as paclitaxel and antibiotics derived from natural products.
By combining immersive technology with real research experiences, the HERBAL program helps students build confidence in STEM fields while introducing them to careers in biomedical science.
“We see this program as a bridge between high schools and university research,” Rowley said. “Our goal is to help students discover their potential as future scientists and healthcare innovators.”
As the program grows, the team hopes to expand participation to additional schools and make the virtual lab platform widely accessible to educators across the country.
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