NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health System announced the 16-member graduating class of the 11th annual STAR Summer Scholars Program (Science, Technology, Academic, Research). This rigorous full-day, four week program is offered to selected high school students who have an interest in pursuing education and careers in science and medicine. The goal is to engage students in healthcare careers through practical learning and innovative educational opportunities.
More than 80 high school students throughout the state of Louisiana applied and interviewed for the free, educational summer program designed to support high school science curriculums through Ochsner’s inquiry-based research projects. Students gleaned insights from over 50 healthcare-related departments and specialties and learned from over 150 Ochsner employees and staff that comprise the program’s faculty. Students also worked with Ochsner scientists to complete Leadership Development Coursework and participated in hands-on training with the DaVinci Surgical Robot, the MAKO Robot and clinical skills with the University of Queensland – Ochsner Clinical Medical School medical students. The 16 Student Scholars received CPR Certification, traveled to 4 Ochsner campuses within the New Orleans region, and completed poster defense for their PhD led research projects focused on antibiotic resistance, infectious disease, cancer screening and cancer drug effectiveness.
“Ochsner is committed to educating and encouraging the next generation of physicians, scientists and healthcare workers,” said Dr. Jawed Alam, interim vice president for research and STAR scientific director, Ochsner Health System. “Every year we conduct this program I am amazed at these students as they progress through the program. They come in every day ready learn, get hands on experience and show a real passion for the science and medicine. We are extremely proud of them.”
The 2017 Class of STAR Scholars are:
Andrew Bordelon – Hammond High Magnet School
Madeleine Brake – North Atlanta High School
Ashley Couget – Mount Carmel Academy
Chelsea Deitelzweig – Benjamin Franklin High School
Kaylan Green – Destrehan High School
Branden Jeudy – John Ehret High School
Sahabia Kamal – Archbishop Chapelle High School
Carrie Beth Lloyd – Mandeville High School
Isiah Lundy – Loranger High School
Graeme Mjehovich – Jesuit High School
Ethan Nicklow – Benjamin Franklin High School
Mia Robertson – St. Katherine Drexel Prep
Heidi Santos Viera – New Orleans Military Academy
Michaela Stevenson – St. Katherine Drexel Prep
Layla Taylor – Hammond High Magnet School
Talon Washington – New Orleans Charter Science & Math
The 2017 STAR Program was funded by a generous donation from Dr. Barbara Beckman.
STAR is supported by the research department in the academics division at Ochsner Health System and through generous private donations and local grant funding, Ochsner reps said.
Applications for the 2018 STAR program will be available in January 2018.
