Ochsner Welcomes STAR Program Class of 2011

Added on May 30, 2011 | Filed Under: General News

High School Students Explore Interests in Healthcare in Summer Science Program

NEW ORLEANS – Now in its 6th year, the Ochsner Academic Division’s STAR Program has selected the 16 Student Scholars for its popular, high school science program featuring actual, hands-on research in a laboratory with medical scientists. The STAR program (Science, Technology, Academics and Research) is a free, educational summer camp specifically for high schools students throughout the state of Louisiana.  This highly successful program has led to over 70% of participating students continuing their studies in medicine-related college programs.  Only students who have demonstrated an interest in science and healthcare and have come highly recommended from their high schools were chosen for this year’s program.

 

Participants must also meet other criteria, including:

  • Be a rising sophomore, junior and/or senior
  • Demonstrate a focus on and dedication to academics
  • Be at least 16 years old by May 1 of the program year

 

Applications for the 2011 program were received from 60 highly qualified students in the South Louisiana region.  After review by the STAR Administration, 25 students were selected to the interview portion of the application process.  Ultimately, 16 students were selected for the coveted spot as a Student Scholars .  The 2011 STAR class includes 16 high school students from surrounding parishes.  Students are as follows:

  • Zach Melchiode - Ben Franklin High School - Orleans Parish
  • Claire Franklin - Ben Franklin High School - Orleans Parish
  • Abigail Rhode-Paussina - Mount Carmel Academy - Orleans Parish
  • Alex Soniat - Patrick F. Taylor - Jefferson Parish (Eastbank)
  • Jaylen Parquet - Patrick F. Taylor - Orleans Parish
  • Linda Arellano - Patrick F. Taylor - Jefferson Parish (Westbank)
  • Bristol Bell - Country Day - Jefferson Parish (Eastbank)
  • Chelsie Wilbon- Destrehan High School - St. Charles Parish
  • Ekuase Ogunbor - Destrehan High School - St. Charles Parish
  • Dua Farhoud - Thomas Jefferson Academy - Jefferson Parish (Westbank)
  • Kara Alexander - Riverdale High School - Jefferson Parish (Eastbank)
  • Kassiy DeTiege-Jeffreys - John Curtis Christian - Jefferson Parish (Eastbank)
  • Kevin Kirchner - Archbishop Shaw - Jefferson Parish (Westbank)
  • Neda Khoshkhoo - Haynes Academy - Jefferson Parish (Eastbank)
  • Valeriya Kozmenko - Haynes Academy - Jefferson Parish (Eastbank)
  • Saya Menzies - Ursuline Academy - Jefferson Parish (Westbank)

 

The STAR Program gives students an opportunity to participate in hands-on scientific research in a laboratory setting with research-funded scientists in the areas of Molecular Genetics, Molecular Cardiology, Pediatric Endocrinology, Cellular Immunology, Infectious Disease and more. Leadership classes including how to use the Medical Library, Medical Terminology, Effective Teams, workshops on HIPAA, Stress Management, Nutrition and Clinical experiences such as CPR, Radiology, Robotics, Flight Care, Blood Bank and Ochsner’s Burkard Air Sampler (a regionally unique device that measures daily pollen counts) will also be offered.

 

For more information on the Ochsner STAR program, please visit www.ochsner.org/STAR or contact Allison Sharai, Senior Administrator, Academic Outreach, at (504) 842-5321 or asharai@ochsner.org.

 

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Ochsner Health System is southeast Louisiana’s largest non-profit, academic, multi-specialty, healthcare delivery system with eight hospitals and over 38 health centers in Louisiana. Ochsner has been named the Consumer Choice for Healthcare in New Orleans for 15 consecutive years and is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a “Best Hospital” across seven specialty categories. Ochsner employs more than 12,500 employees, over 850 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties and conducts over 300 clinical research trials annually. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

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