Comenius Projects 2025: A Celebration of Independent Research

A signature experience at Moravian and a transformative one for students, the Comenius Project pays tribute to Moravian scholar John Amos Comenius who inspired the school’s founder in 1742. Upper Schoolers design an independent honors project and bring it to fruition under faculty mentorship. 

Projects span the arts and sciences, economics and ethics—perhaps investigating how private equity ownership affects healthcare or the cost efficiency of implementing micro-scale hydroelectric power in the region. Whatever the topic, projects lead students to explore career areas, refine college goals, and pursue passions.

This year’s Comenius Projects explore a wide and thought-provoking range of topics, bridging the sciences and humanities in exciting and meaningful ways.

Ria Gandotra ‘26
“Ramifications and Impacts: Private Equity Acquisitions in Healthcare”
Ria investigated how private equity ownership affects healthcare—examining its influence on patient care, healthcare costs, staffing levels, and long-term outcomes.

Kavineha Perumal ‘26
“Linking the Brain, Body, and Stress”
Kavi’s project explores the nature of stress, the brain’s stress responses, the physiological impact on the body, and the long-term effects of chronic stress, including potential strategies for mitigation.

Tyler Shankweiler ‘26
“Washington’s City: How the United States’ First President Shaped the Architecture of Washington, D.C.”
Tyler delved into how the architecture of Washington, D.C., reflects the nation's collective conscience, especially during its founding era, and the symbolic role of design in shaping national identity.

Lauren Sheckler ‘25
“Shaken, Not Destroyed: Earthquake-Resilient Structures”
Lauren investigated engineering solutions that improve building resilience against seismic forces. Using shake table testing on scale models, she demonstrated how structural bracing can significantly reduce earthquake damage.

Sophie Wandall ‘26
“How Can We Improve the Lives of Childhood Cancer Survivors?”
Sophie’s research addresses the underrecognized challenges faced by childhood cancer survivors and explores ways to better support their long-term health and well-being. 

Madeline Yang ‘27
“Exploring Ethnobotany: Indigenous Agriculture Practices for a Healthier Society and Planet”
Maddie explored how indigenous agricultural techniques—specifically those of the Lenni Lenape—can contribute to environmental sustainability and community health. 

Iosif Zavilevich ‘26
“Are Micro-Scale Hydroelectric Generators an Efficient Alternative Energy Source for the Lehigh Valley?”
Iosif examined the cost efficiency of implementing micro-scale hydroelectric power in the region. His work included both higher-level mathematics and hands-on field (and stream) work. 

Thank you to faculty mentors–Mrs. Katie Burd, Dr. Rachel Engl, Mr. Cole Wisdo, and Dr. Jeff Lawlis–for guiding our students through these meaningful and rigorous projects.

The Comenius Project is the culmination of several programs, like FIRE and SCORE, that teach students how to do independent research. It is a valuable skill sought by colleges and employers and the kind of real-world learning that would make Comenius proud.