Bodies and Bites blends science and snacks
VTCSOM medical students helping kids build healthy futures
The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s Bodies and Bites program is helping young students discover the science behind how their bodies work while enjoying nutritious snacks they make themselves.
Led by medical students and faculty, the program partners with the West End Center for Youth in Roanoke to introduce children to hands-on STEM learning and healthy habits. Each year, second through fifth graders explore topics like biology, genetics, and physiology through interactive experiments and cooking activities.
“Bodies and Bites is really about sparking excitement for STEM and healthy living,” said Kris Rau, assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and program leader. “It’s a win-win experience where kids learn and have fun, and medical students gain valuable communication and teaching experience.”
In the Fall 2025 series, students learned about cell biology by isolating their own cheek cells and viewing them under microscopes. They then made edible cell models using rice cakes, cream cheese, and fruit. Another session focused on biomechanics. Participants built model “spines” from straws and tape before creating celery-and-pretzel “critters” for a snack.
“I loved science (and food) as a kid — still do. I initially volunteered for the Bodies and Bites program to share in the joy of learning how things connect on microscopic and cellular levels, how these connections make our bodies and world live and breathe. Kids also have the power to change the nutrition habits of their whole household,” said Mary Frazier, a first-year medical student. “I have been volunteering for the Bodies and Bites program for 3 years now. I've continued volunteering because the kids at the West End Center are delightfully chaotic and very funny, and I love learning from them.”
The program’s genetics lesson invited students to extract DNA from strawberries and whip up a healthy brownie batter dip served with apple slices. Finally, during a physiology session, students measured their heart and breathing rates before and after exercise, and rewarded their curiosity with banana split pudding cups.
“I love Bodies and Bites because we get to learn a lot of new stuff. They teach us stuff like what’s in the body and how that keeps us active and healthy,” said Nalani Clay, a student. “I actually get to make some new friends with the adults and learn from them.”
Bodies and Bites runs four sessions each semester, offering a rotating lineup of activities and recipes. By working with children from second through fifth grade, medical students often reconnect with the same participants year after year, fostering lasting relationships built on curiosity and discovery.
“This is an experience that can possibly open up some doors that may not have been open before. Maybe a kid can see themselves as one of the students and that comes through,” said Danny Britton, director of operations at the West End Center. “The kids really enjoy learning about medical careers and the body and how to be healthy.”
