YWIB-Greater Montreal: Planting the Seeds of Science Workshop, October 30, 2023

October 30, 2023, 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). A total of 28 Grade 9 students from Vincent Massey Collegiate participated with their Science & Social Studies Teacher, Lev Berner, and Vice-Principal Chantal Juhasz. Fifteen keen women graduate students volunteered their time for this event, with PhD candidates Diana Berry and Mara Whitford leading its organization at GCI.

There were short introductions of WIB/YWIB, McGill, and the Goodman Cancer Institute. Professor Dr. Heather Melichar spoke about her career path and how she spent her career looking to uncover the mysteries of T cell development and function. A science quiz was held for the students. The grad students introduced the Goodman Cancer Institute as well as the importance of studying cancer. The event offered four different lab tours, including a demonstration of lab experiments covering Enzymes in Action, Microscope/Immunofluorescence, DNA Extraction, and PCR/DNA Gel. Following the lab demonstrations, the students and volunteers were treated to a pizza lunch, a great opportunity for high school students to mingle one-on-one with the volunteers. There were several individual talks on various scientific careers, including academic, MD/PhD programs, industry, and non-academic path options.

We want to thank our organizers from the Goodman Cancer Student Society: Mara Whitford (PhD student) and Diana Berry (PhD student), grad student presenters, and Dr. Heather Melichar, Professor, GCI, 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.