YWIB-Greater Montreal & McGill University: Planting the Seeds of Science Workshop, March 20, 2023

On March 20, 2023, the YWIB Greater Montreal Chapter 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). There was a total of 28 Grade 9 students participating from two schools, Villa Maria High School and College Prep International, ages 14 to 17, together with their Guidance Counselor, Ms. Irina Patratanu. Sixteen very enthusiastic 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 as well as of 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 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 would like to thank our organizers from the Goodman Cancer Student Society: Mara Whitford, Diana Berry, 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.