Each year, NYIT COM conducts enrichment initiatives for local high school and college age students as part of the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). Under the direction of Ms. Dianne Williams of NYIT COM, students with a special interest in in the sciences are brought to campus every Tuesday evening over a two- month period for dinner, a presentation and then a workshop. For the second year, School of Health Professions (SHP) faculty provided lectures and hands-on workshops as part of this program to great acclaim.

The series began with Dr. Lorraine Mongiello’s talk on the food environment and the health consequences of fast food and highly sweetened beverages. The following week nursing faculty members, Dr. Pam Triester and Dr. Mercy spoke about the nursing profession and gave the students an inside look at our simulation lab. Prof. Sara Winter of our Physician Assistant (PA) Studies department explained sterile procedure and gave each participant the opportunity to don gowns and gloves as they would as real health professionals.

Dr. Rose Gallagher and Dr. Veronica Southard, Physical Therapy (PT) department, presented on balance and the PT profession. Our Occupational Therapy (OT) department was well-represented by, Dr. Melanie Austin’s program on sleep and the OT profession, Dr. Pamela Karp’s hand therapy activities and Dr. Kelly Lavin’s workshop on pediatric OT.

Many students reported that the SHP presentations have inspired them to consider the professions represented in this program. Kudos to all faculty who gave so generously of their time and effort to make this program such a success!