Participants in the Science Academy examine cells through microscopes during a session organized by the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
From July 8 to 12, the University of Windsor welcomed 45 top-achieving high school students for the 11th annual Science Academy. The event aimed to provide students with opportunities to explore the Faculty of Science’s diverse programs, expand their interests, and connect with faculty, staff, and peers.
Throughout the week, students participated in interactive presentations from various departments, enjoyed a campus tour, took part in an alumni question-and-answer panel, competed in the “Amazing Science Race,” and explored different clubs and programs at the University of Windsor. Over 30 student volunteers, alongside staff and faculty from all nine science departments, played a key role in organizing and supervising the activities.
Adam Bakos, a third-year biochemistry and biomedical Sciences student who attended Science Academy as a high school student, took on a leading role this year as student co-ordinator, working alongside experiential learning specialist Michelle Bondy and Dora Cavallo-Medved, associate dean of science, faculty and student engagement.
Reflecting on his own experience, Bakos says, “I attended Science Academy when I was in high school, and I really appreciated exploring all the different forms and fields of science, especially before choosing what programs to apply for in university. So, I jumped at the opportunity to get involved once I entered university, and I’m grateful and eager to help high school students who are in the same position as I once was.”
Bakos also highlighted the Amazing Science Race as the standout event: “The students were extremely passionate about completing each science-related challenge, travelling from each station by deciphering obscure clues, and working with team members, most of whom they had just met that week!”
Students who participated every day were awarded a $1,000 entrance award to any Faculty of Science program. Additionally, two students were awarded sponsorships to attend the Ontario Nature Youth Summit, thanks to a collaboration with Friends of Ojibway Prairie.