Students from Pitt and surrounding counties enrolled in a the STARS   (Students Take Advantage of the Rewards of Self-Worth) Leadership   Academy visited the college in September to get a glimpse of some of   the career opportunities offered through human ecology programs.

  The students, in grades 4-8, received an overview of CHE programs   from Dean Judy Siguaw. The dean encouraged the students to explore careers thoroughly and not limit their options to popular, over publicized, or glamorized careers. She pointed out several human ecology career options that were not well known to the students but lead to rewarding careers.

Runying Chen, PhD, associate professor of merchandising, led the STARS students through a hands-on exercise to determine the burning behaviors of fibers such including wool, cotton, and nylon. The experiment stimulated interest in textile science and increased understanding of textile product fire safety.

With direction from Melani Duffrin, PhD, RD, assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, the FoodMASTER (Food, Math and Science Teaching Enhancement Resource) team led students through an activity to boost skills in fractional math, food science, inductive reasoning, and sensory evaluation. The students practiced using weights and measurements and experimented with various fats in the process of making chocolate chip cookies. The students also learned about careers relating to nutrition and food science.  For more on the FoodMASTER initiative, visit www.foodmaster.org.

Dr. Sarah Colby, PhD, RD, assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics, discussed the importance of healthy eating habits with the students. She engaged the STARS in a lively conversation about why some people choose to eat healthy while others do not. She explained the work of nutritionists and dietitians in health care and food science.

Hunt McKinnon, MArch, teaching assistant professor of interior design, explored basic elements of interior design. With the help of senior interior design students, McKinnon discussed elements that affect the aesthetics of living spaces, such as light, color, and balance. He especially encouraged students with an interest in art and building design to consider the interior design field.

About STARS
STARS Leadership Academy works in collaboration with East Carolina University to house the program on its campus and to ensure that youth are trained, mentored, and coached by some of the finest faculty, staff, students and community leaders.  The program helps young students identify their passion by engaging in activities in the areas of art, theatre and dance, music, communications, hospitality management, etiquette, and pageantry on/off the campus of East Carolina University and other disciplines.  For information on STARS, contact Lola Thompson at thompsonl@ecu.edu or  252-328-5358.

Photos: Hunt McKinnon explained the basic elements of interior design.