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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) students at Collinsville High School (CHS) got a better understanding about how the stomach works, and how drugs are absorbed into the system. 

SIUE’s School of Pharmacy (SOP), in its first time partnering with UBMS, introduced an experiment and presentation on Thursday, March 31 during an afterschool workshop, Think Tank Thursday. Jessica Kerr, PharmD, SOP associate dean; and Deja Finley, PharmD, SOP clinical assistant professor; developed the partnership upon request by UBMS Program Director Desiree Tyus. 

Each group of students was given a set of glass beakers that each contained an acidic or basic pH solution.  They were also given an immediate release and enteric coated tablet to conduct an experiment. 

“The presentation talked about the chemistry of the gut, and how drugs are absorbed or broken down in the system through a simple lesson on pH,” said SOP second year student Avery Risinger. “The experiment allowed students to identify an acid or basic pH environment and learn how regular and enteric coated tablet formulations work in the gastrointestinal tract.” 

“We are glad to be involved in this collaboration,” said Risinger. “As future pharmacists, it is our duty to educate the public on as many health and drug-related topics as possible. It is also our mission to plant the seed of interest in STEM and pharmacy in high school students, and introduce them to opportunities in the field.” 

“I never knew that certain medicines could destroy your stomach lining, if you took too much of them,” said UBMS student and CHS sophomore Brian Castro. “I had no idea that some medicine took longer to dissolve, but SIUE’s School of Pharmacy did an amazing job of explaining that to me. It exposed me to a whole world of opportunities and potentially a new line of work for the future.” Castro has interest in chemistry and math. 

 “The lab gave me exposure to a career I hadn’t thought about,” said UBMS student and CHS sophomore Gabriela Hernandez. “I learned about different types of pills, and how they are designed so that there are no complications while taking them.” Hernandez wants to study obstetrics and gynecology. 

“During our Think Tank Thursdays, part of what we focus on is STEM career exposure,” said Melissa Bidinger, UBMS program counselor coordinator. “Because 60% of our students have expressed interest in the medical/health field, it is important to provide unique, hands-on opportunities for them to explore and cultivate their medical field interests.” 

“I have had so much fun interacting with the UBMS students,” said Risinger. “They’ve been engaged and have asked great questions. I hope to have the opportunity to do more with them.” 

UBMS not only has plans to continue its partnership with SOP, but also to broaden it in the future, according to Tyus. “Our program has worked diligently to bridge access to numerous SIUE departments and community partnerships in efforts to provide our students with authentic STEM-related exposure and experiences,” she said. 

The SIUE Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program helps youth prepare for higher education and serves students from Collinsville. Participants receive instruction in advanced mathematics and science during the school day, homework assistance and hands-on STEM workshops twice a week after school, and cultural, career and college preparation on Saturdays. During the summer, students participate in a six-week residential program that allows participants to reside on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s campus and undergo college preparedness. Services provided prepare students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary STEM degree programs. The program is designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. For more information about how you can get involved in our program, please visit us at collinsvilleubms.com. For more information about the SIUE Healthcare Diversity Summer Camp from June 21-24 visit, this link.

Photos:
School of Pharmacy (SOP) second year student Avery Risinger gets feedback from UBMS junior Tremonte Dickerson. Seated next to Dickerson is sophomore Luis Rivas. 

Risinger explains the digestive system to UBMS students. 

Risinger checks in on another group of students that includes (right to left) Crista Rodriguez, Julianna Sotelo, and Crystal Montalvo.