Mount Spotlight: AP Biology with Dr. Kominos

When they begin their college studies, juniors and seniors at Mount Saint Mary Academy know that their experience in Dr. Dorothea Kominos’ Advanced Placement (AP) Biology course will have given them a solid foundation for excellence in the sciences.

 

“We have a very strong STEM program, and our girls are not afraid to explore AP science electives,” said Dr. Kominos (or, as she is affectionately known by students as “Dr. K.”).

 

“While we are carefully following the AP Biology curriculum, we are doing it at a faster, more advanced level,” she said. “This course is equivalent to a two-semester college biology course with a science lab. There are two sections of girls who are taking the course – 29 in total.” That is the largest amount of girls who have taken the course since it has been taught at the Mount.”

 

While Dr. Kominos acknowledges that her nine-year career at the Academy has produced quite a following, it is the students’ “commitment to and interest in STEM-related careers that drives enthusiasm for the course.”

“Many of our students take the course because they are curious, while others have already determined their career path,” she added.

 

When asked to provide a snapshot of what one week of AP Bio includes, Dr. Kominos said, “We focus on two to three specific topics, there is a lecture, case studies and hands-on activities to support the topic. In each cycle, we have a lab. For example, we recently did a case study on insulin and diabetes.”

 

She added, “This course truly prepares our students for college experiences because we make sure they are able to use the equipment, take notes properly and in an organized fashion, complete readings, summarize, analyze problems, and develop effective solutions. Soon, we will be working on a DNA electrophoresis, which involves sorting DNA molecules by length.”

 

According to Dr. K., students may receive 8 to 10 college credits from many colleges and universities upon successful completion of the Mount’s AP Bio course.

 

"I would like to start by saying that the class is very fun, it's not only a lecture, but has real life labs that help you better understand what you are presently learning,” shared Grace Ramirez ’22. “In addition, Dr. K. gives you the necessary resources you need to thrive in the class. She is not only very well-educated on the topics, but she is passionate about what she is teaching. These attributes really bring the class to life and keep you engaged!” 

 

Sidra Al-Ktaish '22 noted, "AP Bio is a class that involves a lot of work and effort, but it’s also a fun class. Dr. K. provides us with more than enough resources to help up succeed in the class. Plus, you get to preform cool labs to see how things work."

 

"AP Biology has provided me a setting where curiosity is welcomed and I am challenged to investigate the complex network of life,” said Charlotte Gray ‘22. I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity, especially under the leadership of Dr. K!”