Veganism is becoming quite the lifestyle in many circles, yet rarely do you meet someone who has been vegan from birth. Sarina Farb, featured on the NHA Health Science Podcast with Dr. Frank Sabatino, is one such individual. Born and raised vegan in Kansas—a state not exactly known for its vegan culture—Sarina's unique upbringing has shaped her into a dedicated science educator and passionate activist. Throughout the episode, she shares how her early life experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to advocating for a more compassionate and just world, both for animals and the planet.

Born and Raised Vegan: A Unique Upbringing

Sarina’s vegan journey began before she was even born, thanks to her mother’s decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle after witnessing the horrors of animal testing and factory farming during her career in the pharmaceutical industry. Despite living in Kansas, a place where veganism was far from the norm, Sarina’s mother was determined to raise her children without contributing to the exploitation of animals.

By the age of seven, Sarina was already reading food labels, educating herself about non-vegan ingredients like gelatin, and making her own informed choices about what to eat. This early exposure to vegan ethics and activism set the stage for her lifelong advocacy.

Early Activism: A 14-Year-Old Fighting for the Planet

Sarina’s passion for activism started young. At just 14, she was protesting against a Kansas coal plant, but her activism truly began much earlier. By the age of seven, she was educating her friends about animal rights and the environmental impact of their food choices. “For my 14th birthday, I didn’t want a party—I wanted to protest a coal plant,” Sarina recounts, highlighting her deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place from an early age.

Her homeschooling experience played a pivotal role in fostering this activism, as it allowed her to get involved in civic issues and take part in local government meetings. This blend of education and activism shaped Sarina into a fearless advocate for justice and sustainability.

Combining Science with Activism

Sarina’s love for science was another driving force in her advocacy work. As a high school student, she conducted cell biology research at the University of Kansas, exploring the effects of chemicals like BPA on breast cancer cells. Through this experience, Sarina witnessed the influence of corporate interests on scientific research, which only strengthened her resolve to advocate for unbiased, ethical science.

Her passion for science and critical thinking eventually led her to teach high school chemistry and environmental science, where she emphasized the importance of questioning research and understanding bias. “Science is about asking questions and being open to new information,” Sarina says, echoing her commitment to educating others on how to approach science with a critical and ethical mindset.

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