Seven ambitious Springfield High School students enrolled in Mr. Marty Perlaky’s college credit plus Biology 201 class recently had the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of medical science during an unforgettable field experience at the University of Toledo Medical Campus (UTMC).
Accompanied by Perlaky, SHS biology teacher and longtime advocate of hands-on science education, the students explored a variety of advanced research labs and learning facilities, guided by some of the university’s most respected scientists and educators. The field trip was hosted by Dr. Robert Blumenthal, Distinguished University Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Dr. Jyl Matson, both of whom led an inspiring and interactive day of learning.
“This class is unique because students are getting hands-on experiences that even college freshmen often don’t have access to,” said Perlaky. “These students are not just ahead of the curve academically— they’re already preparing for careers in medicine, biology, pharmacy, immunology, engineering and more.”
All seven students participating in the trip will receive five hours of college credit through the CCP Bio201 course. Perlaky emphasized the importance of small-group learning, noting the advantages of taking this rigorous course in a high school setting with a dedicated teacher rather than in a lecture hall filled with 200 college students.
“Would you rather take a course with six of your friends and receive individual attention, or sit in a massive lecture hall with nearly 200 strangers?” he said. “These students are learning in ways that are deeply personal and highly effective.”
Throughout the day, students met with medical professionals and researchers in labs across the UTMC campus, including the Wooten Lab and confocal microscopy unit led by graduate students John Presloid and Hugo Sigona Gonzalez, the Matson Lab with Dr. Rudy Sloup, and the Wuescher Lab with Dr. Leah Wuescher. Dr. Kalinoski provided an in-depth tour of UT’s core research facilities, and students also visited classrooms, research spaces, the library and the CCI (Cardiovascular and Clinical Imaging) facilities.
When asked what motivates her, Dr. Kalinoski shared, “It’s definitely a challenging career, but when you get a good day, it’s a really good day. I get to help students achieve their dreams and help them get where they want to go.”
Dr. Blumenthal echoed the enthusiasm, “What gets us out of bed each morning is the chance to experience something new—something different— every single day.”
Dr. Matson added, “We are truly fascinated by what we do. I love being in the lab, learning something new. Our collaborative spirit—driven by diverse research interests— is what makes our work successful.”
Perlaky, who is widely respected in the Springfield community for his engaging and forward-thinking approach to science instruction, attributes his own career in education to the impact of excellent teachers during his formative years.
“I was never really good at science growing up,” he shared. “But I had really exceptional science teachers in high school. Because of them, I excelled in college. From that point on, I knew my future was in science education.”
This powerful day of discovery exemplifies Springfield Local Schools’ commitment to creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences that connect students to their futures. With inspiring mentorship from both their high school teacher and top university researchers, these SHS students are already blazing a trail toward careers in science and medicine—and doing so with curiosity, confidence and college credits in hand.
For more information about Perlaky’s CCP Biology 201 course, contact him at martyperlaky@springfield -schools.org.
