YWIB-Greater Montreal: Planting the Seeds of Science Fall 2026

On November 27, 2025, YWIB-Greater Montreal once again hosted this in-person event at McGill University’s Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) to encourage young women to explore career opportunities & fields of study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A total of 32 Grade 9 students from Vincent Massey Collegiate participated, together with their Science & Social Studies Teacher, Lev Berner. Fifteen keen women graduate students volunteered their time for this event, with PhD candidates Alice Nam and Clarisse Echavez leading its organization at GCI.

There were short introductions to WIB/YWIB, as well as to McGill and the Goodman Cancer Institute. Dr. Katie Cockburn, Assistant Professor at GCI spoke about her career path and choices and how she ended up studying cell dynamics in the living skin. A science quiz was held for the students. The grad students introduced the Goodman Cancer Institute and the importance of studying cancer. The event offered 4 different lab tours including demonstration of lab experiment covering Bacteria Work, Visualizing Cells via IF, DNA Extraction and PCR/agarose gel electrophoresis. There were several individual talks on various scientific careers including academic, MD/PhD programs, industry and non-academic path options. The morning ended with the students and volunteers being treated to a pizza lunch, a great opportunity for high school students to mingle one-on-one with the volunteers.

We would like to thank our organizers from the Goodman Cancer Student Society: Alice Nam (PhD student) and Clarisse Echavez (PhD student), grad student presenters, and Dr. Katie Cockburn, as well as the rest of the volunteers from GCI, taking time out of their schedule to share their stories and experiences with the young women.

Submitted by Helen Paparis