The campus hosted about 100 high school students Thursday for Let’s Talk Cancer, a day-long symposium on the science and treatment of cancer.

One was Ryan Hermes, a Grade 11 student at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School who lost his grandfather to lung cancer.

“It gave me the drive to see what cancer is all about,” he said during a break from a series of lectures and hands-on activities presented by UWindsor researchers and local health care professionals. “Just seeing the progress here encourages me to do more in the community to raise awareness and money for this work.”

His senior schoolmate, Eddie Grimmett, plans a more direct contribution to the fight against cancer. Grimmett intends to begin studies this fall in biomedical sciences, with a view to a career in medicine. This was his second year attending the event, hosted by Let’s Talk Science, the Faculty of Science, and the Canadian Cancer Society’s Research Information Outreach Team.

“I enjoyed it a lot and think it will make me a better doctor,” said Grimmett. “It gives you empathy for the impacts you don’t always think about — the human aspect.”

The interest of the students inspired Sadia Almas, a third-year neuroscience major who volunteered for the day, leading groups between break-out sessions.

“I really enjoy promoting curiosity and learning, showing them the endless possibilities they have,” she said. “I love how enthusiastic they are to make change.”

Organizers called on about 30 UWindsor students to help with everything from registration to serving lunch to running events for the Cancer Cup competition.