Southeast Lauderdale students get hands-on college lab experience at MCC
A group of Southeast Lauderdale High School juniors and seniors stepped out of their classroom and into a college lab at Meridian Community College as part of their dual-credit Anatomy and Physiology I course.
The students, many who are considering careers in health care, participated in a rat dissection — a standard lab for MCC Anatomy and Physiology I students and a first-time experience for this group.
“This gives them a real taste of college-level coursework,” said Dunham Shirley, who teaches the dual-credit class at Southeast. “The dissection is something most of these students have never done before, and it sparks interest in health care careers. I wanted the day to go beyond a campus tour and give them a meaningful, hands-on experience.”
Along with the lab, the students toured MCC’s health education programs, including the Associate Degree Nursing Program simulation lab. They also heard from faculty and staff representing programs such as nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, and Physical Therapist Assistant — areas that align with many of the students’ career interests.
MCC’s Valerie Bishop, dean for dual enrollment education and SACSCOC liaison, and Dr. Angie Carraway, chemistry instructor and chair of the Science and Wellness Division, helped coordinate the visit. Bishop guided students through the dissection, noting how valuable it is for them to experience college-level labs firsthand.
Twenty-two Southeast Lauderdale students participated in the visit. For some, the day confirmed their path toward health care, while for others, it opened new doors to explore.
“These students are already Eagles through dual credit,” Shirley said. “Our hope is that opportunities like this make them even more excited to continue their education at MCC after graduation.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.