Hillary Smith, Huma Javaid and Bonnie Bernard, of Barbe High School, study the anatomy of a male torso model during a summer camp at McNeese State University. They are among 14 Southwest Louisiana students taking advantage of this unique camp called Medical Applications of Science for Health (MASH), a program that offers high school students who are interested in health care an opportunity to study biology and medical technology essential to health care professionals. McNeese is one of only two state universities to offer this summer MASH program. McNeese Photo

Fourteen high school students from around Southwest Louisiana took turns dissecting the male torso model, affectionately called "Sampson," in Room 139 of Frasch Hall to learn about his heart, his kidneys, his stomach and much more during a summer camp at McNeese State University that explores health science careers.

These students were part of a two-week program‹Medical Applications of Science for Health, which is sponsored by the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center. MASH offers high school students an opportunity to study biology and medical technology essential to health care professionals, according to Dr. Juliana Hinton, McNeese assistant professor of biological science and an instructor for the MASH camp.

This is the MASH program's 14th year on the McNeese campus hosted by the McNeese department of biological and environmental sciences. "These students live on campus, attend labs and class lectures taught by professors and tour area medical facilities to learn more about health career opportunities," Hinton said.

Rachel Whitstine, who attends DeQuincy High School, said she is interested in pursing a medical career. "MASH camp has allowed me to learn more about the health sciences and what to expect. It¹s been a cool experience."

Josiah Eastman of Jennings High School wants to be a physical therapist and said that MASH provided him with a good start. "It also gave me a taste of college life."

Barbe High School student Hillary Smith, who also wants to be a doctor, said MASH provided in depth classes on biology, anatomy and physiology. "I now know what it will take to major in pre-medicine."

McNeese is one of only two Louisiana universities to host a MASH camp. "Students successfully completing the MASH program at McNeese can receive college credit if they enroll here," said Hinton.

Students attending this year's MASH camp are: Bonnie Bernard, Huma Javaid and Hillary Smith, Barbe High School; Jasmine Jeff, DeRidder High School; Rachel Whitstine, DeQuincy High School; Samuel Richard, Grand Lake High School; Josiah Eastman, Christian LeBlanc and Matthew Tucker, Jennings High School; Quinn Quebodeaux, Kaplan High School; Celeste Edwards, Lafayette High School; Jared France and Victoria McDaniel, St. Louis Catholic High School; and Donavan Tietje, Welsh High School.