Colleagues,
We are pleased to share this wonderful news from the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical School District. The biotechnology curricula is being transformed! The BVT Chapter 74 program was a recipient of a National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) BioLEAP Classroom Grant. We thank Elise Bogdan from BVT for proving us with all of the information and pjotos.
David
Transforming Biotech Curricula: BVT Students Benefit from Grant-Funded Tools
Transforming Biotech Curricula
February 27, 2026
Our Students Benefit from Grant-Funded Tools
Biotechnology Students (L-R): Ella Drumheller, MacKenzie Moran, and Fiona Comeau.
We’re a recipient of the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) BioLEAP Classroom Grant. The competitive grant allowed us to purchase 10 life-size rat models for our Biotechnology program, eliminating the need for traditional animal dissection and equipping students with modern educational tools.
The male and female rat models are detailed anatomical replicas designed specifically for educational dissection. Each model features interchangeable reproductive systems, detachable organs—including the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines—and a numbered key to support student learning. These tools allow students to explore anatomy thoroughly without the use of real animals.
“The reusable models are cost-effective, humane, and easy to manage," said BVT’s Biotechnology Instructor Zoë Army, M.S. “Introducing our students to the accessible rat models allows them to gain early exposure to animal anatomy without the pressure of a full dissection. This approach supports student learning and engagement, while fostering curiosity in career paths where lab animals are important components.”
Fiona Comeau of Millbury, a sophomore in BVT’s Biotechnology program, recently used the model in class. She said, “I liked them a lot more than if we had an animal dissection, which I think is rather off-putting. I think we got a lot of useful information about identifying rat anatomy via the dissection model.”
“The dissection model made learning anatomy less stressful and more interactive, and it encouraged more discussion and participation,” said MacKenzie Moran of Grafton, also a Biotechnology sophomore. “I would recommend that we continue using them for future classes.”
Multimedia Communications seniors Logan Didio (L) and Joseph Bache (R) interview Ella Drumheller.
As part of the grant agreement, recipients are required to submit a video of the models in use. This requirement created an opportunity to collaborate with students in BVT’s Multimedia Communications program, who are producing a professional video for NAVS highlighting the benefits of the grant-funded models.
Logan Didio of Upton, a senior in the program, assisted with video production. “It was exciting to be part of this grant-funded initiative and see how our multimedia skills support humane science education,” he said.
Joseph Bache of Hopedale, also a senior in Multimedia Communications, participated in planning and filming interviews with Biotechnology students. “It was a great experience attending meetings, selecting equipment, and preparing interview questions to clearly communicate the purpose of the grant while keeping students comfortable on camera,” he said. “We used a Canon cinema camera on a tripod, an external clip-on microphone for clean audio, headphones for sound monitoring, and LED lighting to ensure consistent, well-lit shots.”
“The on-camera interview gave me a chance to reflect on what I learned using the rat model and how it applied to our biotechnology work,” said Ella Drumheller of Douglas, a sophomore in the Biotechnology program. “The model reduced the anxiety of traditional dissection while building my confidence and understanding of rat anatomy, which will support my future labs, animal-based co-ops, and science fair projects.”
Once completed, the video will be shared with NAVS and available here on our school website.
The BioLEAP Classroom Grant is awarded by NAVS to help teachers purchase humane, non-animal models that replace the use of specimen dissection. The goal of the grant is to support excellence in science education without harming animals.
About Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT):
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. For more information about the school, visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us.