Photo: UPIKE

The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry hosted 29 middle school girls in January 2019 for the Verizon Innovative Learning Program. The group was welcomed to campus by KYCO Dean Michael Bacigalupi, O.D., M.S., FAAO, and spent the day exploring KYCO with faculty and optometry students. After playing eye Jeopardy with Director of Admissions Casey Price, the group rotated between three different activities. Stations included a demonstration in the surgical suite with Eilene Kinzer, O.D., M.Ed. VFL, FAAO, assistant professor of optometry, a virtual reality demonstration in the anatomy lab with Josephine Owoeye, O.D., M.P.H., FAAO, and in an optics lab with George Asimellis, Ph.D., associate professor and director of research. KYCO student ambassadors were present at each station to help demonstrate state-of-the-art technology. These experience give students at KYCO the opportunity to invest in the next generation of physicians, scientists, and problem solvers. Josephine Owoeye, assistant dean for student and professional development, said it’s important to expose young learners to different paths for education and careers, especially in the fields of STEM.