Northwood offers a wonderful array of classes outside of its standard core credits. One of the most unique independent work classes is the Advanced STEM Research program. This class is the pinnacle of science at Northwood and allows students to explore the field that interests them the most. A few exemplary projects include those by Will Schneid ‘25, Michael Peluso ‘25, Leo Doyle ‘25, and Lokoah Paye ‘25.

Doyle and Paye are working together on an exciting project focused on recovery. The inspiration for the project came from their animosity towards being restrained from playing due to injuries. The general outline for their project is to “compare three different recovery methods for Northwood athletes: foam rolling, Normatecs, and massage gun. Results will be measured through a surveyed ‘feel good scale’ scale that each subject answers after the use of recovery tool,” Doyle said. Using these methods will be an important study for the health and well-being of the Northwood School athletes. “We are excited to find out which method is best and for us and to share that with the rest of the school and hopefully help the athlete community,” Paye added. Using scientific methods, these two will aim to measure subjects from all teams: Hockey, skiing, soccer. Both students said they would like to thank both Ms. Walker and Mr. Donatello for their help in pursuing the project and motivating them.

Will Schneid ‘25 and Michael Peluso ‘25 are working on another sports-focused project that is looking at the effect of plyometric exercises for on-ice performance. “We are going to use a group using a warm-up incorporating plyometrics directed by Will and me and another group not doing the plyometrics. We will then see how each group’s power and explosiveness improve to see if the plyometrics have an effect,” Peluso said. They will be using the Helios sensor, a wearable device to enhance hockey performance by tracking key metrics such as skating speed, stride length, acceleration, and impact forces, to measure results. This small, helmet-mounted device provides players and coaches with real-time data and insights, helping to improve players’ performance.