March 2021
Science and Technology Edition
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Meet our team
Christina Ruotolo Editor
Christina Ruotolo is the Editor of Her Magazine, Hot Dish writer, and a Multi-Media Specialist at The Daily Reflector Newspaper. She is active in the community, is a part-time bookseller at Barnes & Noble and creative writing instructor. Christina enjoys binge watching cooking shows, eating chocolate, and is hard at work on her next novel.
Jasmine Blount is a graphic designer at The Daily Reflector. She enjoys YouTube, traveling, music, slushes and spending time with her husband, Dom & two sons, Dash and Jett. Contact her at jblount@apgenc.com. Jasmine Blount Designer
Emily Leach Designer
Emily Leach is a graphic designer at The Daily Reflector. Things that take up her free time are, going to the gym, practicing her cello and piano, and getting together with family. She loves spending time with her husband, Nick and puppy Miles. Contact her at eleach@apgenc.com.
Dear Readers,
I grew up in the 80s. There were no cell phones, no home computers, no iPads, and if you wanted to know something, you either had to go ask dad or look it up in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Other than English, I loved science and biology probably because both my parents worked in the same field. Mom was a Microbiologist and Dad was a cervical pathologist and Cytotechnologist. A massive electron microscope sat on our dining room table. If you wanted to know what bacteria looked like, Mom let us put our hands on lambs blood petri dishes, took it back to the lab to incubate and brought it back a few days later showing us how dirty our hands really were. Once you see Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Streptococcus, you will always wash you hands. In the 90s, my dad created an agar stain for cervical prep slides that allowed cancer cells to appear brighter and Mom helped during outbreaks such as the West Nile Virus and Anthrax. So of course, my parents helped me with my science projects from growing my own alfalfa sprouts in the kitchen to measuring contaminants in various lakes and ponds in my town. Things have evolved since then as the world is now connected on a super highway of information on the World Wide Web. From the creation of new vaccines, artificial intelligence, the possibility of commercial flights to space, and self-driving cars, it’s an exciting time to be alive. As the world changes in the science, technology, engineering, and math field (STEM), more women are at the forefront of this technology. This special science and technology issue features Sasha, Julianna, and Jenevieve Surkin, a trio of sisters who are innovative and accomplishing impressive things in these fields. I am excited to share their story with Her readers. It might just get you excited about learning science and technology at any age.
Virtual hugs,
Marlen Luna is an editorial and lifestyle photographer based out of Greenville, North Carolina. When she is not behind the camera, she is a Business Development Specialist at Hyster-Yale.
Christina Ruotolo
Marlen Luna Photographer
Angie Watson, RDN, LDN, CDCES Contributor
Christy Jones Contributor
— editor
Angie Watson, RDN, LDN, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian working in the Diabetes SelfManagement Program at the Pitt County Public Health Department. Angie earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (BScAHN) from Mount Saint Vincent University in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2003. Since that time, she has been living and working as a dietitian in North Carolina. She became a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) in 2013, and has been working in outpatient DSME programs since that time. Angie is married with a 5 year old daughter, and likes to spend her free time outdoors sailing, camping, and kayaking.
Christy Jones, also know as Coach Chris, is an improvement coach for leaders and helps them break free from feeling overwhelmed and prepares them to take their teams to high levels of performance. Contact her at www.beginmonday.com .
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Contents Cover Story
4-14 Surkin Sisters: STEM Success
Inside
16 Her Health: A Healthier,“App”Ier Lifestyle 17 Her Recipe: Chocolate Nut Cookie In A Mug 18 Her Success: March Success 22 Her Shopping: Gizmos & Gadgets 25 Her Puzzles 26 Her Charity Spotlight: Daughters For Dads
28 Her Soultions 30 Her Advice: Let The Physical World Show You The Beauty Of Life
Meet Her
21 Julianna Surkin 24 Sasha Surkin 29 Jenevieve Surkin
Contact Her Christina Ruotolo | Editor | 329-9532 Craig Springer | Advertising | 329-9632 Jasmine Blount | Designer | 329-9606 Emily Leach | Designer | 329-9598 Email: cruotolo@reflector.com
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Photos by: Marlen Luna
BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO
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hree teenage sisters. Bonded by blood. All three masters of their own destinies. Wise beyond their years and each one gifted in the field of science and technology. The Surkin daughters, Sasha, Julianna, and Jenevieve, have accomplished so much in their short years from studying Mandarin since early childhood, to creating their own businesses as tweens, to competing on a robotics team, to winning grants, awards, and giving TEDx talks. Each sister has her own vision for the future. Whether it’s redesigning vision care, creating a social media platform to prevent negative content and spread kindness, or serving as secretary of the Society of Women Engineers at UNC Chapel Hill, it’s safe to say, these young women are well on their way. You can find the girls studying remotely in each of her respective fields. In their spare time, Sasha can be found reading, playing a variety of instruments from the piano to the ukulele or creating, editing, and producing videos for Boneyard Robotics and her start-up. Julianna spends time practicing yoga, playing chess, or mastering Adobe Fresco. And Jenevieve enjoys completing the great British Baking show challenges, and exploring nature with her sisters. Each sister is paving her way toward a bright future. I have known these incredible young women since they were young girls teaching me Mandarin words, or playing with Barbies and singing and dancing around the piano. Whatever dream they have had, with supportive parents, they have been able to accomplish. Their drive and determination over the last 10 years have shown in their numerous accomplishments and awards each has received. I am excited to share each of their journeys with Her readers because they are the future of STEM. Each one unique, each one gifted, each one a scientific treasure.
advanced topics, as well as Waves, Sounds, and Optics physics class.” Sasha will attend a four-year undergraduate university this coming fall. “In terms of ClearCare, I am on track to have it in a strong place to begin introducing it to the world and people who need it,” she said. I had the pleasure of interviewing each sister in order to share their dynamic and diverse education journeys. Let’s get started and meet Sasha.
Tell me what your favorite subject in school was and when you realized what you wanted to be when you grew up?
My favorite subject has always been at the intersection of all the common subjects. I love the mathematics involved in chemistry and physics, as well as the art included in it as well. Mathematics is also involved in economics, finance, and business, which involves aspects of humanities and philosophy. I’ve explored these intersections more thoroughly during my time at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics as well as Stanford Online High School, and Boneyard Robotics.
Who or what has been influential on your journey in the field of science, math, and technology? Was there a person or group of people that helped you determine your life’s work?
Sasha Surkin A clear vision for the future At just 18 years old, the youngest Surkin daughter, Sasha, made headlines when she was recently awarded a $50,000 grant as the winner of the 2020 Archangel Dreamer Competition before graduating from high school. The grant will fund Sasha’s initiative, ClearCare, which is a “self prescribing lens kits that will create accessible vision care for those who geographically and financially are not able to receive it,” Surkin says. It all started with an idea and a $550 seed grant that helped create the prototype and entry video for the contest. Sasha is a student at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), for academically gifted high school juniors and seniors. She is also a student at Stanford University Online High School (SOHS). Why two schools? “When I applied to NCSSM and SOHS at the same time, and as expansive as NCSSM’s courses are, I wanted to explore more business, economic, philosophy, and policy classes, so I decided to apply to SOHS. Right now, I am currently in classes ranging from Topics in Humanities: Mind as a Maker of AI, where we discuss how our mind works and what it means to create artificial intelligence. I am also taking procedural programming where I program in coding languages such as Java and Python. I’m also studying molecular and cellular biology, as well as AP Calculus with
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First and foremost, I have been so lucky to grow up with two amazing and brilliant parents who have supported and encouraged me in all my goals and aspirations. They surrounded me with glorious knowledge, with Mozart always playing during the daytime, and daily study of flashcards of Renaissance art, botany, and mathematics. I studied violin for seven years as well as piano since I was 4, using the Suzuki method. While these are not directly what one may think STEM is, it contributes to creating a bolstered and strong foundation to pursue the STEM-related activities and pursuits that I am involved in today and experienced in the past. In terms of a specific person or a group of people that helped me determine “my life’s work,” I do not believe I’ve quite settled on that yet. My “so-far life’s work” I would consider to be pursuing education and academic success in order to best equip myself for my ventures such as ClearCare. I also consider the kindness and compassion of my two sisters and mom and dad to be elemental in finishing my life’s work, because I know it is and will be oriented around helping others, like ClearCare helps give people sight, which in turn improves their education, employment opportunities, and quality of life. Another thing that has been incredibly impactful on my life is the Sunday New York Times. When I was in middle school, I asked my parents for a subscription to the Wall Street Journal for the holidays. I said this was all I wanted: a newspaper delivered to the house every day, in-hand, so I could read it. My parents suggested a subscription to the Sunday New York Times. Today, most if not every morning, I have a cup of strong coffee and read the newspaper, absorbing the smell of the ink on paper, the sound of the folding of the paper, which is an art in itself. My vision for ClearCare, if you’ll forgive the pun, started with a March 2018 article in the New York Times about the lack of affordable vision care worldwide. Having suffered from myo-
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pia myself, I knew how difficult it would be to try to accomplish anything in a world without corrective lenses, and was amazed at how prevalent the problem is in underdeveloped countries. Where others focus, nobly, on clean water or disease prevention, I was captivated by the idea that there had to be some method by which people without easy access to Western ophthalmological equipment could have their vision corrected. After all, without good vision, people cannot read, and without the ability to read, long-term development is practically impossible. If I thought that education needs to become a priority in undeveloped nations, proper eye care was a hurdle I’d never considered before. I began to research both the economic and social side of the problem and the optometric side, because without understanding both I could not solve either. I did research at NCSSM on vision care as a fundamental human right, through my research experience in the humanities class, and an economic impact study at NCSSM as part of an internship program in computational science. I met with engineers who mentored me through the process of developing self-prescribing lenses with the use of, essentially, stickers, and won a $550 micro-grant to develop a prototype. I couldn’t stop there, however, as I would need more to make my vision a reality. It was with the Archangel Dreamer Competition that I found the resources I would need to make a true start on the project. I competed against people worldwide for a $50,000 grant to fund my idea and begin production. Among the finalists, I was the only teenager, and in fact just about the only person under 40. I was chosen as the winner of the $50,000 grant for ClearCare.
How long did you study mandarin and Chinese and what was the reason for this added skill?
Do you consider yourself a technology influencer? And if so, what does that mean to you?
I definitely consider myself a technology influencer; however, not influencer in terms of celebrities who promote products and lifestyles, rather an influencer in my daily life and people I interact with. For example, I recently was featured on the podcast “And She Did,” where I talked about secrets of entrepreneurship that I’ve never heard anyone else discuss before. The podcast is geared towards women who are aspiring towards their goals and dreams, to showcase other women around the world sharing their sentiments and motivation. Technology influencer also means taking a break from technology, ironically. Even though it has become such an elemental part of today’s population, and to an extent necessary to take advantage of many opportunities (i.e. LinkedIn), it is also important to pay attention to the technology that is not inside a screen. Something that always baffles people around me it that technology does not have to be electric or conductive or a phone. The first spearheads that people hundreds of years ago created to survive was a technology. Wheels, the steamboat, a pulley, all of it is technology. So, what I mean is that it’s important to step away from technology and become aware and mindful of oneself and appreciate the less fast-paced world around them, rather than scrolling from video to video. And, this means maintaining a balance.
How do you manage work, school, and research projects? This can be difficult for an adult to juggle, let alone a teenager. How do you manage a day in the life of you? I’d like to preface my answer with saying YES, it is 100% not at all easy to manage work, school, and research projects. Each are
I’ve been studying Mandarin since I was 2 years old. Granted, I did not have the ability as a 2-year-old to research the Raleigh Chinese Language School and enroll myself, so it was initially my parents’ decision, but they gave me the freedom to choose to continue, and I did, because learning such a beautifully complicated and historical language is amazing. I thought everyone missed Saturday cartoons, but apparently, Chinese school was not a normal part of every kid’s routine. Despite my lack of Chinese heritage, the Raleigh Chinese Language School became my second home, along with the people and culture it connected me to. I loved spending every Saturday immersed in Chinese; practicing for tests with my classmates, sneaking a bite of a white-rabbit candy, and running around the halls, parents yelling “Man-yi-dian!” (“Slow down!”). My fluency benefited me at the 2018 FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, where I conversed freely with Chinese teams and made plans to collaborate the following year, as seen in this world-award-winning video I created. I later became the publicity officer for the Chinese Language and Cultures Club at my school, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, during my junior year. I was then chosen to be Events Chair during senior year. Even though I graduated from the Raleigh Chinese Language School, I still feel at home whenever I hear the intonations of Chinese conversations, remembering the culture I wasn't born into but nevertheless is part of my identity.
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so intricate and necessitate a steady attention, something that I have and am achieving. However, it has been difficult ever since I was little. For example, every Saturday I had Chinese class at the Raleigh Chinese Language School. Most of my friend’s birthday parties in elementary school were on Saturdays, but I remember even as young as I was, I knew that I was investing in myself, setting myself up for success, and also, doing something that would bring me deeper and more long term enjoyment than a simple yet delicious birthday cake with friends. That’s not to say I never went, some were on Sundays or Fridays, but this is an early example to preface how I manage my workload today. I like to say that things in life are so difficult, meaning my work, school, research, social life, and future planning, as well as just relaxing. But because I have the desire and motivation to do well not for the sake of something, but rather because I truly enjoy it, it makes difficult things slightly easier to manage.
and Asian studies with a Chinese concentration at UNC. Jenevieve has set her self up for success and feels blessed to be able to study as a woman in a STEM field. “Today, I have so many options and opportunities as a woman in STEM,” she said. “As such, I feel it is my duty to the women who pioneered the path and continue to pave the way to explore all that I can to find the place where I can make the biggest impact and fulfill my purpose.”
Tell me what your favorite subject in school was and when you realized what you wanted to be when you grew up?
From the typical standpoint of English, math, science, or history, my favorite subject in school would have been English. I’ve always loved to read, and having a class where reading books was the main component was so much fun. But, when I was accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Math online program, I was exposed on a much deeper level to the wonders of math and science in the form of biomedical engineering. I can remember the excitement when I actually grasped the concept of neuroprosthetics and understood the vast impact that these devices can have for people. I had already heard of and attended programs in biomedical engineering, but this course completely convinced me that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I also discovered agriculture biotechnology through NCSSM and am utterly fascinated with the technologies that are improving food growth and production. So, while my plan is to become a biomedical engineer, I hope to and probably will always be involved in agriculture biotechnology.
How long did you each study Mandarin and Chinese and what was the reason for this added skill?
I’ve been studying Chinese since I was 6 years old when my parents began taking me to the Raleigh Chinese Language School every Saturday and continued to take me until the end of 2017, when the rigors of high school meant I needed to stay home on the weekends. As I grew older, I came to appreciate what I suspect was my parents’ original reasoning for taking us so far, both physically and mentally: I now identify with two cultures and can communicate in one of the oldest and the most widely spoken language in the world. Going to RCLS every Saturday for so long made it feel like my second home. I could go there to learn Mandarin, but also to have fun with my classmates, watch the tai chi class during break, learn how to use the Chinese yoyo, and play Chinese chess, Go, and Ma Jiang ( ). I am now almost complete with a minor in Chinese from UNC Chapel Hill. I am focused on ensuring that no matter what I do or where I am, I will always be a part of the language that I am proud to call my own.
Jenevieve Surkin The biomedical engineering engine that could
Tell me a little about school. What are you studying? What do you plan to accomplish once you graduate?
At just 19 years old, Jenevieve Surkin already has her next few years planned out. Biomedical engineering is in her sights and graduate school. She attends UNC-Chapel Hill, where she is double majoring in biomedical and health sciences engineering through the joint department at North Carolina State University
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I am a sophomore and am studying biomedical engineering in the joint department with NC State University as well as Asian studies with a Chinese concentration at UNC. The phrases “plan to accomplish” and “once you graduate” on their own are daunting questions, but put together incite a whole new level of alarms going off in my brain. In truth, I have not had and still do not have any exact route that I will follow from point A to point B. My map would look more like those paper ones that always look so confusing and at some point, will rip and tear so that you can’t fig-
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Looking Back Surkin family
ure out where that bend in the road was supposed to lead. Once in a while though, while straining my eyes to follow one path, I see a deviation where I might find something that shines just a little bit brighter. I do have an idea of where this map and these deviations might take place under the umbrella of biomedical engineering. I know I want to help people and that it’s important to me to have direct contact with those people in addition to being able to conduct research into more modern and beneficial technologies. Whether this means going to medical school or pursuing a doctorate in biomedical engineering, I don’t know.
Who or what has been influential on your journey in the field of science, math, and technology? Was there a person or group of people that helped you determine your life’s work?
Sasha Surkin
jenny Surkin
Surkin sisters
Julianna Surkin Sasha Surkin
To clarify, I would like to say that STEM has never come easily to me. I’ve always considered my educational background to be rather unique, even when I knew of nothing different. I began attending Children’s Montessori School and proceeded to spend kindergarten through sixth grade at Greenville Montessori School where I benefited immensely from Maria Montessori’s vision for children to learn to love to learn through literary tea, homework sharing Fridays, great books, the big bang demonstrations, and junior/senior projects. I then attended Roseleaf Academy for seventh and eighth grade, where it felt like living in “Little Women,” my headmistress’ favorite book. Every memory I have is of growth – trying new things and implementing new ways to teach and learn, reading every book possible, and expanding the horizon for the humanities to include
STEM, where history is rife with women striving beyond their so-called limitations. For high school, I received a merit scholarship to The Oakwood School and was accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics online program for my junior and senior years. Beyond school, my FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team, #2682 Boneyard Robotics, was the most impactful group of people. Through Boneyard, I was enlightened to what a community can truly feel like: welcoming of differences, supportive during challenges, and filled with kindness and love. The cherry on top was, of course, getting to partake in what I believe to be the greatest sport of all time: robotics. While I began in the engineering sub-team, I was enveloped into marketing where I had the absolute best people as mentors. It was in marketing that I discovered my love of translating a feeling, a conglomerate group of people made a unit through the word “team,” to the rest of the world. And I am not exaggerating when I say “the world.” We expanded our dynamic of embracing differences and equity through the Boneyard Autism Recruitment Handbook beyond our program, which led to our recognition as a top three international finalists for the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship Chairman’s Award. Boneyard showed me what it felt like to be celebrated for being different, for being the one that sticks out in a crowd at school, and I am utterly grateful to have been a part of The Boneyard and a member of the FIRST community. While I have fought against the labels of “the Surkin girls” and “the twins” that define my
sisters and me as a single entity instead of as dynamic, very different individuals who just so happen to be related, Julianna and Sasha are my copilots. That’s not to say that I don’t see the similarities. Sometimes I’ll look at Julianna or Sasha uncannily and see what I think others must see: a mirror image, or at the very least a close likeness to my own. But then I’ll notice how Julianna carries herself like she’s in her own world, how she absolutely glows when she is at work designing and coding, and how her laugh is the most valuable gift. I’ll see Sasha confidently and gracefully leading, giving her full attention to whatever she is doing, knowing that when she looks at you, Sasha really and actually sees and values just you in that moment. While it is a huge compliment to be mistaken for either Julianna or Sasha, they are too special and unique to be anyone but themselves. They have encouraged me when it was tough, engaged my random questions about everything, been the best dates to dances, and are my sisters beyond the blood we share. I would not be who I am without them.
Do you consider yourself a technology influencer? And if so, what does that mean to you?
My ego would definitely want to think of myself as a technology influencer, in the sense that I am always pushing for the question of “how can this be made better?” and never accepting the status quo. That being said, I am not active on any social media (except maybe LinkedIn). However, as I have come to learn in both my Lenovo internships, being a technology influncer inside a group is just as impactful as being one outside to the world. In the end, I think that my interpretation of being a technology influencer is to share opportunities, challenge opinions, and relentlessly object to the impossible. Therefore, it was really neuroprosthetics that influenced me. I may have heard of the concept of neuroprosthetics, and likely became aware of the possibility in “Star Trek:
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The Next Generation,” but when I actually learned, logistically, how they would work, how neuroprosthetics were objecting to the impossible, I merely jumped on board. I do hope to be an influencer by this definition, where I am spreading awareness of neuroprosthetics and what it symbolizes in terms of future advancements into the unknown.
How do you manage work, school, and research projects? This can be difficult for an adult to juggle, let alone a teenager. How do you manage a day in the life of you?
A day in my life involves a lot of patience, self-awareness, and compassion. It is difficult to juggle classes and extracurriculars under normal circumstances, but with the added stress of COVID-19 and the lack of structure that campus life would allow, it is difficult to work. The “non-stop” feeling that accompanies classes at UNC is accentuated by the fact that I really am nonstop between Zoom links. Taking the time to make Zoom calls is often forgotten when the impending assignments take up most of my time and energy. I have been meeting with an academic coach weekly since freshman year through UNC’s Learning Center during which I make plans, usually weekly, for strategies to manage my courses, extracurriculars, and self-care. I am still going to academic coaching during the pandemic, and it has been immensely helpful in allowing me to have a designated time in which I will prioritize my activities and make realistic goals for how I can accomplish them. I am also secretary of the Society of Women Engineers chapter at UNC-Chapel Hill which I assisted in co-founding. One of the many aspects of the Society of Women Engineers that I love is that it is not only designed to create a community, but also to prepare us for life beyond college and getting to know my fellow future engineers.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
related field afterward. My other favorite subjects in school were art and philosophy. I loved writing as well as creating designs and fonts. In high school, I studied energy and sustainability at the North Carolina School of Science and Math and designed an equestrian stable that was energy efficient and self-sustaining with a low carbon ‘hoof print.’ I enjoy designing user interfaces in my product management group at UNC. While interning at Lenovo, I had the opportunity to learn how to write competitive analyses, conduct mobile regression testing and communicate within a multi-level team setting. Right now I am interested in data, design and how they are integrated into society. I see programs as opportunities to express passion in the details and experiment with the possibilities of something new.
How long did you each study Mandarin and Chinese and what was the reason for this added skill?
I was first introduced to Mandarin when I was very young. Yes, it was challenging to have the additional homework, but it became a tradition to do Chinese homework Friday nights and on the drive into Raleigh, go to class and then celebrate the week’s achievements afterward. The places we would frequent became my second home and I still use them as markers in the timeline of my life. In the early years of learning Chinese, I was really too young to understand how it would impact me years later. It taught me perseverance and how delayed gratification resulted in greater rewards. When I was in middle school, I developed an educational app to teach Mandarin. I won a ‘shark tank’ competition at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and received funding. Now that I am in college, I view my ability to speak, read and write Chinese as an invaluable networking tool.
Tell me a little about school. What are you studying? What do you plan to accomplish once you graduate?
Julianna Surkin Tech savvy in a Happiverse Julianna is just as bubbly and happy as her two sisters. At 19, she is all smiles as co-founder of the a social media platform called Happiverse that is specifically designed to not only prevent negative content but also help people spread kindness and be their authentic selves. Creating a social media platform, interning at Lenovo for two summers, and designing an energy-efficient equestrian stable are just a few of the amazing projects Julianna has taken part in.
Tell me what your favorite subject in school was and when you realized what you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was in my sophomore year of high school, I had the first of three extensive orthopedic surgeries, and my computer science class aided in my recovery. Solving those puzzles and applying myself towards a problem that could produce tangible results (albeit digital) helped me feel accomplished. This inspired me to pursue computer science in college and then a
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I am an honors student at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in computer science and minoring in cognitive science and studio arts. While I am pretty set on my major, I am still exploring a combination of minors like information science and philosophy. I think that the technological and scientific spheres of study are best understood when balanced with more abstract and artistic pursuits, so I am trying to find which mix best fits my interests. Before COVID, I was involved with the UNC model United Nations as a speaker/team leader and so far this year, I just completed my first TEDx talk. I see myself working in the tech industry within my own startup or a corporate capacity so that when I go to graduate school I have a good idea of where I would like to focus my studies.
Who or what has been influential on your journey in the field of science, math, and technology? Was there a person or group of people that helped you determine your life’s work?
The first Robotics Competition team, Boneyard Robotics, and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics have been extremely influential on my STEM journey. In 2019, our robotics team was a finalist for the International Chairman’s Award, an award bestowed on three teams worldwide. Our platform was based on advancing neurodiversity for students
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with autism and other neurodiverse, underserved groups. My teammates, classmates, teachers and mentors really helped me realize how much of the technological sphere relies on social endeavors that we wouldn’t necessarily associate with the industry. Just because STEM fields are more modern and not stereotypically equated to issues of social justice, by no means exempts them from endeavors to enact lasting culture change in our society. I have also co-founded a social media platform called Happiverse that is specifically designed to not only prevent negative content but also help people spread kindness and be their authentic selves. My co-founders and teammates inspire me to search for ways I can improve my community.
Do you consider yourself a technology influencer? And if so, what does that mean to you?
It is necessary to acknowledge that the influence on and of technology can be seen as rather controversial. How I act and engage with society is constantly impacted by technological advancements (ie: social media, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things) which I in turn utilize to more effectively act and communicate. Therefore, to say that I am a technology influencer would not be complete without also acknowledging the extent to which I am also influenced. What I hope to achieve through academics, awareness and action, is make it so that I can tip the scales and better shape the world around me so that others have the power to do the same.
How do you manage work, school, and research projects? This can be difficult for an adult to juggle, let alone a teenager. How do you manage a day in the life of you?
In addition to school work, I try to only take on projects that excite me. With so many opportunities in the field, learning to carefully consider each one before committing is difficult, but it allows me the necessary time to devote to the endeavors that truly interest me. I don’t believe in stressing to complete a project, but I do believe in stretching beyond what is considered acceptable to discover new possibilities. A day for me involves setting the intention of doing the best I can today so that tomorrow is not as stressful as if I had only focused on instant gratification. I balance the amount of energy required to do an assignment with how far away the deadline is from today in order to prioritize what I do next. I try to make sure I do one non-recumbent activity per day because it makes me feel more well-rounded. Days that include some yoga and meditation are always my best! As you can see, the Surkin sisters are amazing and incredibly talented young women who have expanded and astounded in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. This is just the beautiful beginning of their incredible life journey. When thinking about what the future still holds for the girls, I think of the Mandarin proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Sasha, Jenevieve, and Julianna are ready for hundreds of miles of added success.
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HEALTH
A HEALTHIER,“APP”IER LIFESTYLE BY ANGIE WATSON
“There’s an app for that.” How many times have we heard that in recent years? In case you didn’t know, app is short for application that can be downloaded on a smart phone or tablet. As I share with you about lifestyle and nutrition, I would be remiss if I did not include the role that technology can play in helping you make lifestyle changes. Whether you want to eat healthier, exercise more, drink more water, be more consistent in taking your medication, limit stress, or sleep better – you guessed it – there is an app for that. As a registered dietitian and diabetes educator, I enjoy helping my clients increase their knowledge in the areas of nutrition and diabetes. However, I fully recognize that knowledge alone does not always change behavior. Behavior changes require reinforcement and dedication, and some apps can help with that. One of my favorite food-tracking apps allows people to track everything they eat and drink throughout the day and provides detailed nutrition information for each item. The app even has a feature where you can scan the bar code of a food package with your smart phone or tablet to populate all of the nutrition information for that item. This helps with accountability and shows where we may be consuming excess calories, carbs, fat or sodium. I still remember years ago when I tracked a particular dessert from a fast food restaurant and thought “What? It has how many calories?” The taste was not worth the calories to me, so I no longer indulge in that item. Apps that allow for tracking behaviors such as physical activity and sleep can help us make sure we are getting enough of these important contributors to our health. Whether it is a step counter encouraging the goal of 10,000 steps or an app that will total your minutes of physical activity to help you meet that minimum of 150 minutes per week, it can be a motivator. Have you tried some healthy lifestyle apps? If so, keep using them. If not, there is no time like the present. Choose a goal you want to work on and try to find an app that will help you succeed with that goal. USDA’s “Start Simple With My Plate” app is a great one to ease into healthier eating habits. Have fun, commit to your goal, and be “app”-y! Angie Watson, RDN, LDN, CDCES is a registered dietitian working in the Diabetes Self-Management Program at the Pitt County Public Health Department. Angie earned a bachelor of science in applied human nutrition (BScAHN) from Mount Saint Vincent University in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2003. Since that time, she has been living and working as a dietitian in North Carolina. She became a certified diabetes educator (CDE) in 2013, and has been working in outpatient DSME programs since that time. Angie is married with a 5 year old daughter, and likes to spend her free time outdoors sailing, camping, and kayaking.
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Recipe adapted from: American Heart Association
RECIPE
NUT RI T I O N I NFO RMAT I O N:
CHOCOLATE NU
A N I M E I UG K O O TC
Serving Size: 1 Cookie Calories: 134 Fat: 9 grams Total Carbohydrate: 1 gram Protein: 4 grams
I NGREDI ENTS: • •
•
• • •
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon egg white 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
DI RECT I O NS: 1.
2.
3.
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1 tablespoon trans-fatfree tub margarine 10 drops chocolateflavored liquid stevia sweetener 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Put the margarine in a small microwaveable mug, ramekin, or custard cup. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 10 seconds, or just until the margarine is melted. Stir in the liquid stevia sweetener and the cocoa powder. Gradually stir in the flour until well blended. Stir in the egg white and nuts until well blended. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 45 seconds, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes.
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SUCCESS
Regina Smith & Elizabeth Rogers Regina Smith and Elizabeth Rogers have been selected as 2020 Caregivers of the Year by SILVERcare. Smith has been with SILVERcare since 2018 and has been a certified nursing assistant for 15 years. Rogers is a personal care assistant and has been with SILVERcare since 2016. Both have demonstrated their abilities to adapt to their clients’ individual needs to provide exceptional quality of care.
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LaDena Tilley, Wanda Williams, & Geraldine Bell LaDena Tilley, Wanda Williams, and Geraldine Bell have recently expanded their online forum called Beyond Sisters. The group is an evangelistic outreach ministry, which offers gender-specific services, conferences, and retreats for Christian Fellowships. The ministry was founded in 2015 with a mission to bring women together to encourage, uplift and to become a part of each others story. The group has recently expanded and now has videos on You Tube. For more information, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/infinitybeyondsisters or their website at https:// infinitybeyondsist.wixsite.com.
Lauren LaMantia Lauren LaMantia from Greenville launched LaMantia Career Coaching in September 2020. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), she assists upcoming and new graduates, along with anyone else, in resume development, job search strategies, interview skills, career assessments and more. For more information, contact her at Lamantiacoaching@gmail.com, call 619.985.0115, or follow LaMantia Career Coaching on Facebook and Instagram.
Connie Moore Corey Connie Moore Corey has been named the Realtor of the Year by the Coastal Plains Association of Realtors, and she received the North Carolina Realtor Service Award. This is the third time the Farmville resident has been named Realtor of the Year. She held the title in 1995 and 1997. Corey is a broker with Aldridge & Southerland Realtors of Greenville. She has served in numerous leadership positions at the local, state and national level and has won many awards, including the 2015 N.C. Realtors Lifetime Achievement Award.
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CONNIE MOORE COREY
Diane Edwards CSSS, GREEN, SRES
Multi-million Dollar Producer Former WBCBR Realtor® of the Year Coldwell Banker Sterling, Diamond and President’s Circle
C2EX, GRI, SLS
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mobile: (252) 945-0981
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JULIANNA SURKIN
19, GREENVILLE, STUDENT
College attending and major: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, computer science major with cognitive science and studio arts minors. Hobbies and passion projects: Yoga, chess, mastering Adobe Fresco, garden planning (a new quarantine Pinterest habit), reading What is the one thing so far, that you are most proud of and why? I am proud of my resilience/diligence as well as my friends and family who believe in me and whose support has lead me to the cover of Her Magazine. What is a quote that best represents you? “He had said that our lives are steered by uncertainties, many of which are disruptive or even daunting; but that if we persevere and remain generous of heart, we may be granted a moment of supreme lucidity — a moment in which all that has happened to us suddenly comes into focus as a necessary course of events, even as we find ourselves on the threshold of the life we had been meant to lead all along.”― Amor Towles, “A Gentleman in Moscow” Favorite food? Oatmeal and peanut butter (sometimes together but usually separate) Favorite book? “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo Who is your current role model or someone you look up to and why? My role models are first-responders and those who acknowledge the fear and uncertainty of this pandemic and still resume their posts, holding up the pillars of our society. Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself having worked in industry or established a startup and then returning to school to get a master’s degree.
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Her — March 2021
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SHOPPING
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$
The Smithsonian 5" Plug-In Plasma Ball
95
Touch this classic plasma ball and see the lights gravitate towards your hands. Enjoy the youthful fun this creative ball will provide. (Barnes and Noble: www.bn.com)
Celestron Labs Compound Microscope
215
$
95
Have you ever wondered what something looks like close up? This compound microscope will bring specimens into clear focus at up to 2000x magnification. Also features a crisp, up-close view of specimens and fully mechanical stage coaxial focus with coarse and focusing knobs. Set includes 10 prepared slides, 3 color filters for image enlargement (blue, yellow, green), immersion oil, and an owner’s manual. (Best Buy- www.bestbuy.com)
Science of Wine sand etched stemless wine glasses
29
$
98
Each tumbler features a detailed look at the molecules found in wine, with a short explanation about how each molecule contributes to this elegant beverage. Perfect for science and chemistry lovers. (www.greenlinegoods.com)
Heritage acrylic Periodic Table of Elements
180
$
00
Explore the Periodic Table of Elements with this unique gift for science lovers which includes 83 elements embedded in crystal clear acrylic. (www.engineeredlabs.com)
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**Prices of products subject to change. Please check website for correct pricing**
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$
Thames & Kosmos Genetics & DNA kit
95
Dive into an in-depth investigation of genetics & DNA with this exciting educational kit. Conduct 20 different experiments with the full-color, 48-page manual including assembling a model to see the elegant double-stranded helical structure of DNA or learn about the biology of reproduction, the components of cells, and how chromosomes are combined and copied. (www.homesciencetools.com)
Engraved Solar System Sphere
19
$
97
This remarkable sphere features an advanced 3D laser engraving technique, that re-creates a realistic depiction of all of the planets, as you would see them in real life. Each of the planets is labeled with a beautiful, white engraving that glows when light is placed below it, creating a wonderful and magical effect. This gift is perfect for astronomy lovers. (www.inspireuplift.com)
Science & Math Duvet Covers
136
$
99
Choose from a modern right & left brain duvet cover set perfect for Psychology lovers. Stay engaged and warm at the same time. (www.wayfair.com)
Astronaut Freeze Dried Ice Cream
3
$ 99
Enjoy the unique flavor of freeze dried Neapolitan ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate wafers, the same food astronauts ate during the early Apollo Space missions. The food is frozen to -40 degrees and then vacuum dried and placed in a special foil pouch. Also makes a unique gift for space enthusiasts. (www.astronauticecreamshop.com)
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SASHA SURKIN
18, GREENVILLE, STUDENT
Hobbies or passion projects? ClearCare, reading, “CAPTURE 19,” a start-up I founded to aid in COVID relief (www.capture19.org), as well as playing the piano, harpsicle, guitar and ukulele. I created, edited, and produced the world-award-winning video for Boneyard Robotics, my FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics team. I also created NCMMS’s Giving Tuesday Campaign. What is the one thing so far, that you are most proud of? I am most proud of the journey that has led me to where I am today with ClearCare. It has not been just one thing that has enabled me to bring myself to where I am today, it has rather been a multitude of things, mainly being my family. My parents, Elizabeth Surkin and Dr. Lee A. Surkin, are my best friends and greatest supporters in my life, and my two sisters, Jenevieve and Julianna Surkin, are also my best friends and make me smile every day. So, I am really most proud of my conduct as well as my actions that have resulted in who I am and what I do today. What is your anthem (song that represents you)? I adore the song “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce. Favorite food? Most often, it’s breakfast food like fruit (blueberries) with yogurt, an over-easy egg on toast with coffee. I love broccoli so much, and spinach too! If you could have dinner with any one person dead or alive, who would it be and why? I’d have dinner, well preferably breakfast at a restaurant I’ve always wanted to go to in New York called Balthazar’s, with Bill Gates. This is because I read in the same New York Times article that inspired ClearCare that stated that Gates did not comment on the issue of the lack of vision care worldwide, so I’d like to ask him his thoughts on ClearCare and his thoughts on my research on the economic and social impact of vision care. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I will be 22. I see myself graduating from university and attending graduate school. In five years, I see myself being happy and excited to see what I will do, which right now I think will definitely be entrepreneurship. Important Video Links: ClearCare Dreamer Competition video: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=wFNAp_xcMBY The TEDx program I created and am Executive Chair of: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=oX6auetY6WM&t=172s 24
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PUZZLES
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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
High School Scholarship Recipient
D
BY CHRISTINA RUOTOLO
aughters for Dads is a non-profit organization started in 2010 and inspired by a fathers never ending love. After losing their fathers to cancer Allison Mallison, her sister, Andrea Dixon, and Lisa Cartwright created Daughters For Dads. D4D’s mission is to help local friends and families who are fighting cancer. They started by helping several families ease some of the burden cancer brings, such as providing financial insurance assistance, treats for caregivers, meals and much more. The first year, the friends got together with additional patrons in the community for a girls night out event called “Get Carded” which included wine, food, and raffle items. To attend, guests do-
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nated a gift card for various services like gas and groceries to gift cards to restaurants and for other services. This is how they were initially able to help local families for the first few years. But they wanted to be able to help more people. Five years ago, Corrie Blackwelder with the Blackwelder Foundation joined the group and helped establish a Daddy Daughter dance to help raise even more money for their non-profit organization. They created the first Daddy Daughter dance in 2017. The event, which is held every February brings in over 400 attendees and guests get to enjoy great music, dancing, food, beverages, and raffle items. “We started small just wanting to help people we knew, but thanks to the The Blackwelder Foundation, the
Her — March 2021
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East Carolina University Scholarship Recipient
Daddy Daughter Dance has allowed us to help so many more people because of all the generous donors and fabulous attendees! We have come so far in just a few short years and we could not be more grateful” Cartwright says. These generous donations have allowed the organization to provide greater assistance from paying insurance bills, mortgage/rent payments, electricity bills, helping cancer patients take much needed vacations and in some cases even paying for funeral expenses. The organizations encourages those in need to contact them so they can assist them in their time of need. “Everything we do is on a personal level and based on the needs of the individuals. Last year, we donated a basketball goal to the local Ronald McDonald House. Every year, we donate something different, something meaningful and we are blessed to be able to change so many lives in the process. Sometimes the littlest things from a gas card or a comfort basket with goodies is just what they need at the time” Cartwright says. COVID did slow progress down last fall but they were able to make a large donation of pillows, blankets, socks, and other warm items to the chemo bay at the Marion L. Sheppard Cancer Center located in Washington, NC. this past Christmas. Last month, the 2021 Daddy Daughter dance was canceled. Daughters for Dads needs just as much help now more than ever. They are asking for help with gift card donations and comfort items as well as cash donations so they can continue to provide support all year long. They are hoping to hold another Get Carded event this coming July. For more information on Daughters for Dads, email daughtersfordads@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook.
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PUZZLE SOULTIONS
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JENEVIEVE SURKIN 19, GREENVILLE, STUDENT
College/ school attending and major: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, double majoring in biomedical and health sciences engineering through the joint department at North Carolina State University and Asian studies with a Chinese concentration at UNC. Current job-describe duties? I am a full-time student. My job currently consists of trying to make sure I get sufficient sleep and eat three meals a day. This can be rather trying when I feel as though every second is spent on learning and studying and filling my brain with information to apply in the future. Hobbies and passion projects: I enjoy organizing, reading Agatha Christie and Jane Austen books, baking the Great British Baking Show challenges, going on walks, playing with my dogs, playing chess, watching television series with my family. What is a quote or song that best represents you? “Accentuate the Positive” by Perry Como. I actually just recently discovered this song on the radio this past month and was in fact rather surprised at not having found it sooner! I love to listen to Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Mel Torme, and Ella Fitzgerald. They transport me back in time to both their own and my time when I first heard about having “the world on a string” and learned that in the end, “que será, será.” Favorite food? My dad’s tuna salad on a toasted cheese bagel. And also, chocolate. Fashion Icon? Schiaparelli for her outlandish work and for daring to shock society into submission with her radical designs. If you were given a 1 million dollars research grant, what would you use it for? I would use it to aid in the search for a cure for Alzheimer’s. My grandmother passed away from the disease, and I would do anything to get five minutes of time with her as she was. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself happily eating chocolate probably while wondering about some random fact about the universe. I hope to have graduated college and be preparing for secondary school potentially by working in a hospital to gain more experience prior to medical/graduate school. Link to Jenevieve's TEDx talk on the Keys to Productive Conflict: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX6auetY6WM&t=172s www.reflector.com/her
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C
BY COACH CHRIS an you believe that it is March — already? I am tell-
me. I used to look up at the sky and try to figure out how clouds
ing you, time is flying, and I am constantly asking
are formed or why you cannot see wind although you can feel it
the question: Where did the time go? Daily, I am
on your face. I loved watching how flowers grow, how trees can
looking in the mirror and seeing myself get older as
stand for hundreds of years with root systems that go deep into
time is racing past me. I remember being in elementary school
the earth. Science was amazing to me!
and being enamored with science. I think I liked science a lot
And then, I got introduced to technology, pagers, emails, Nin-
because it was a system of knowledge that is concerned with the
tendo systems’ first Super Mario Brothers game (I realize I am
physical world. I have always been intrigued by the world around
telling my age), cell phones, iPads, and so much more! During
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this pandemic, I truly wondered how in the world we would have made it without Zoom calls, Microsoft teams, and other technology-based systems. We have depended on technology so much, and our world has changed a lot because of these technological developments. I am thankful that we have had these avenues to remain connected with each other! Science and technology advances have contributed a great deal to the way we have been able to maneuver through this pandemic. And although, I have been thankful for both science and technology, I must admit that I have been doing a lot of thinking about the power of silence. I do not know about you, but for me, our
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world has been so busy, so noisy, and so full of various activities. As much as we have advanced and achieved, I often wonder how much have we missed because we have been moving so much. A lesson science taught when I was younger that I still enjoy today is observing the way birds take flight in the air and to do so without saying a word. You see, observation was the first step I learned in the scientific process. In other words, take a moment and look around. Ask yourself what you see. Listen for cues of what is happening around you. Be present in the moment and do not get caught up in the whirlwinds of life. I have been on this silent quest, to be more “in the moment”
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and to observe the world around me. I want to encourage you, as the time is flying by so fast, take some still moments and allow the physical world around you to show you the beauty of this life. Allow the quiet of the wind that assists the birds to ascend high toward the heavens to captivate your thoughts as you release all frustrations, pressure and tension. This life is like a vapor. Do not miss important moments with what is around you and who is around you. Allow the first step in the scientific process to speak loudly and boldly to you: observe. Until we connect again, observe - intentionally! Christy Jones, also known as Coach Chris, is an improvement coach for leaders who works to help them break free from feeling overwhelmed while taking their teams to high levels of performance. Contact her at beginmonday.com.
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