Student Creates Concussion Detection Device
![Student and physics teacher posing with football helmet]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715100656/saintbernardschoolorg/vu2toebpri5aketkhwds/PalmerAlexhelmet-news.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1715100656/saintbernardschoolorg/vu2toebpri5aketkhwds/PalmerAlexhelmet-news.png","width":512}])
- Academics
Student Creates Concussion Detection Device
A Saint Bernard sophomore won a special award for developing a smart helmet aimed at making football safer.
Palmer Noe entered his project into the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair and received recognition from the Office of Naval Research – U.S. Navy / U.S. Marine Corps.
“I created an accessible, objective smart helmet that reports head impact data in real time to notify coaches when a player needs to be pulled off the field for the concussion protocol,” Palmer says.
This was done through programming in several languages such as C++ and JavaScript, and engineering a small module which can be used in any existing helmet, the East Lyme resident explained.
“I was able to apply conceptual physics involving kinetic and potential energy to create a system that is more accurate than the current NFL concussion evaluation process,” he said.
Palmer always wanted to play football, but never got the chance because his parents were concerned with the risk of head injuries and concussions in the sport.
“I wanted to make a project that could help prevent injuries and possibly give other kids the opportunity to play that I didn't have,” he says.
After thinking about the idea for many years, Palmer began working on it in October. It took about five months to complete the model, poster, research paper, and informational video, he said.
Palmer says his AP Physics 1 class at Saint Bernard with Mr. Mathioudakis taught him the proper concepts of physics for his model, and the computer science classes he has taken over the years with Mrs. Jakubielski helped him execute the project.
In the future, Palmer sees himself in either an engineering or computer science related career.
“To receive an award, especially of this level, for all the work I have been putting into engineering over the years is very rewarding and marks a big milestone for me and for my career,” Palmer says. “It shows I put in hard work, understood complex concepts in both computer and physical engineering, and persevered throughout the journey no matter how difficult it was.”
- academics
Saint Bernard Named to AP Honor Roll
College Board announced that Saint Bernard School has been named to the Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Silver Distinction.
The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Saint Bernard School had 54% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 45% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 5% of seniors who took five or more AP exams during high school!
“Saint Bernard School has maintained its reputation of academic excellence since its inception in 1956. That tradition continues today,” said Don Macrino, Head of School at Saint Bernard. “Advanced Placement classes provide students with an authentic level of rigor that will be experienced at the university level, thus preparing students soundly for the college experience.”
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement, and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance – they represent the best of our AP program.”
Saint Bernard School is a Catholic coed, college-preparatory school for grades 6-12, located in Uncasville, Connecticut. It is co-sponsored by the Diocese of Norwich and the Xaverian Brothers and welcomes students of all faith backgrounds who value academic excellence, personal and spiritual growth, and a commitment to community.
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
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