Budding scientists indulge their curiosity during summer science research program

“My career goal involves conducting research,” says Maggie Thai, above. “What other way is there to get your feet wet, but to jump straight into the pool?” Thai and 21 fellow Grade 11 students got the chance to jump into the research pool this summer at the University of Calgary thanks to the Alberta Innovates-funded Heritage Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) Program.

HYRS is a six-week summer science program designed to give Grade 11 students hands-on training in biomedical and health research labs. Each student is matched with a UCalgary faculty member to complete a research project during their time on campus. Students are paid a $2,500 stipend from Alberta Innovates for their work during the program.

Thai, a student from John. G. Diefenbaker High School, is working with Dr. Laura Curiel, PhD, in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her summer project involves developing a 3D printed prototype for conducting hyperthermia experiments. Hyperthermia is an attractive therapeutic option for cancer, though further research in this area is required. The prototype will be used to improve the accuracy of these experiments.

“Every day, I learn something new,” says Thai. “I highly recommend HYRS to students who have even the slightest shred of curiosity in research.”

Serena Zhang, a student from Bishop Carroll High School, explains, “HYRS offers a different form of education than that of traditional high school classes or lab demonstrations.” Zhang is working in the lab of Dr. Jiami Guo, PhD, examining how certain genetic mutations can affect the shape and connectivity of nerves in the brain.

“My current plan is to enter a career in the biomedical or social sciences,” says Zhang. “HYRS has only affirmed that decision.”

Julia Beaumont, a student from St. Francis High School, is working in the lab of Dr. Walter Herzog, PhD, in the Faculty of Kinesiology. Her project involves researching how skeletal muscle can adapt to exercise, and directly relates to her career goals.

“Having experienced many injuries through my involvement in sports, I would like to help others in the prevention of, and recovery from, sports-related injuries,” she says. “Bettering the lives of others while doing what I am passionate about sounds like a win-win situation to me.”

In addition to lab experience, students also participate in enhanced programming throughout HYRS, including tours of various research facilities on campus. This year, the cohort will tour the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, W21C, the Gross Anatomy Lab, and the Human Performance Lab, among others.

Students also attend workshops and panel discussions on a variety of topics, from writing scholarship and university applications to learning about different career paths available in the health sciences.

At the end of the program, each student creates a poster and presents their research findings at an open house attended by friends, family members, high school teachers, MLAs, and other members of the university community. The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

This year’s open house will take place Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) in the atrium at UCalgary’s Foothills campus.

Jiami Guo is an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and is a member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM).

Walter Herzog is the director of the Human Performance Lab at the Faculty of Kinesiology. He is also  a professor of biomechanics in kinesiology, medicine, engineering, and veterinary medicine at the University of Calgary and member of the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health and ACHRI at the CSM.