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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

MCC Upward Bound Student Participates in Perry Initiative at University of Rochester


One of our Upward Bound students, Nataijah Ridley, attended the Perry Outreach Program held January 18th at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She was one of 32 students from 14 different schools in the Rochester area. The Perry Outreach Program is a part of the Perry Initiative, which partners with medical centers, universities, and high schools in an effort to inspire young women to pursue the exciting fields of engineering or orthopedics.

These day-long programs are held at different locations nationwide throughout the year. Participants in the program get to hear from prominent women engineers and surgeons in the field and engage in hands-on activities, such as: mock orthopedic surgeries and biomechanical engineering experiments.

The workshops held at the University of Rochester allowed students to learn about and implement fundamental anatomical functions, structures, and orthopedic procedures. Workshops included lessons on rotator cuff structure and repair, spinal fusion for scoliosis, knee ligament repair, and suturing.

Nataijah, a sophomore at Joseph C. Wilson High School, wants to pursue a career in Engineering and hopes to major in computer software at R.I.T. “There were many presentations based on these job titles— how much schooling it took, what experiences they had, and likes/dislikes about their job— which was helpful. The Perry Outreach Program was a great opportunity to learn new skills in a hands-on way. We learned how to repair bones that are structured in the human body and also performed suturing on pigs’ feet. That part interested me because I got a feel of what it's like to stitch something. I've gotten sutures before when my wisdom teeth were taken out and it was interesting to see how the surgeons actually performed it. The Perry Initiative is a great experience for those who are interested in engineering or orthopedics. Also, it encourages young women such as me to pursue a career in those fields.” said Ridley. 

Carmelita Brown-Wallace
MCC Upward Bound
01/28/2014


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