Hello, My name is Shreya S. and I am a grade 12 student at Mount Doug! From July 5-August 13, 2021, I participated as one of 39 high school students from across Canada in the WISEST Summer Research Internship hosted at the University of Alberta.
In the WISEST Summer Research Program, Grade 11 students from rural, Indigenous, and urban communities work for six weeks as paid research assistants at the University of Alberta. The program encourages female and gender non-conforming students to explore fields in which they are currently underrepresented, primarily science, engineering, and technology labs, and male students in nursing or nutrition. While in the program, students gain first-hand experience and are encouraged to advance in their education within these fields of study.
In my placement this summer, I learned the ins and outs of Biomechanical Engineering while being paired with a Mechanical Engineering professor and PhD candidate to conduct a statistical analysis of efficiency in scoliosis and spinal research. The program offered several mentor opportunities, lab tours, and professional development sessions. Through the program, I have earned valuable role models, insightful information and advice on career pathways within engineering, and lifelong friends who share the same passions as me.
Come find me at school and I would be happy to share more with you about this experience and help you with your application process! I will also make a presentation about WISEST later this year to help students apply to this amazing paid science internship!
Saanich news article: https://www.saanichnews.com/community/inclusive-research-program-hosts-saanich-grade-12-student-in-paid-online-internship/