The Department of Animal Sciences recently hosted a group of students from the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program. Dr. Lyda Garcia, assistant professor of meat science, addressed the group and got them involved in sausage making in the meat lab of the Animal Science Building. "The LSAMP program assists universities and colleges in diversifying the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce through their efforts at significantly increasing the numbers of students successfully completing degree programs in STEM disciplines. Particular emphasis is placed on transforming STEM education through innovative recruitment and retention strategies and experiences in support of groups historically under-represented in STEM discipline." The visit was part of the LSAMP STEM Summer Bridge Program.
"I explained the different areas of agriculture and its relavence of STEM within each, then wrapped up with Meat Science," said Garcia. "We discussed a little biochemistry and muscle structure that led into breakfast sausage making, product development, sensory, and open evaluations."
To learn more about the LSAMP program, visit the we web site at odi.osu.edu/ohio-lsamp-alliance/.