Villanova high school student Adriana Uros peers through a microscope during the “Let’s Talk Cancer” symposium Thursday at the University of Windsor.
A symposium to introduce local high school students to the science of cancer was educational, says Isabella Scott.
A Grade 11 student from St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic High School, she was one of more than 130 attending “Let’s Talk Cancer,” hosted by Let’s Talk Science and the Faculty of Science on Thursday, February 23.
“I am looking to pursue a career in the medical field and I am interested in cancer research,” Scott said between sessions touring labs and meeting faculty and student researchers. “I’ve been learning a lot here so far.”
Ellen Laurie, a master’s student of biology, led the high schoolers through her work in the lab of professor Lisa Porter, scientific director of the Windsor Cancer Research Group.
“It’s good for them to get hands-on experience,” Laurie said, as students peered through a microscope at embryonic fish samples. “It’s important for them to see the current state of the field and where it’s going.”
In addition to their lab activities, the students heard from faculty in biology, biochemistry, physics and nursing. Partnering to present the symposium were the Windsor Cancer Research Group, University of Windsor Alumni Association, Department of Biology Graduate Students Association, Katelyn Bedard Bone Marrow Foundation, Canadian Blood Services, and UWindsor Science Society.