YWIB-Greater Montreal: Planting the Seeds of Science

October 29, 2024, 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 and fields of study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). There were 30 Grade 9 students participating from Vincent Massey Collegiate together with their Science & Social Studies Teacher Lev Berner and Principal Franca Cristiano. Fifteen keen women graduate students volunteered their time for this event, with PhD candidates Alice Nam and Adeline Masse leading its organization at GCI.

There were short introductions of WIB/YWIB, 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 four different lab tours, including a demonstration of lab experiments covering Enzymes in Action, Visualizing Cells via IF, DNA Extraction, and PCR/agarose gel electrophoresis. 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 treated to a pizza lunch, a great opportunity for high school students to mingle one-on-one with the volunteers. We want to thank our organizers from the Goodman Cancer Student Society: Alice Nam (PhD student) and Adeline Masse (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