Are you a UBC faculty member in a STEM field?
Would you like to host a high school student (or 2) from an Indigenous background in your lab this summer?
seed2STEM offers Indigenous high school students from grades 9 to 12 paid, six-week summer research internships on a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) topics. We are hoping that this experience in a research environment might inspire them to go on in the sciences, and maybe consider further studies or a career in science, medicine, engineering, math, and other STEM fields.
seed2STEM runs from Tuesday, July 2 until Friday, August 9, 2024. Students work 5 hours/day Tuesday to Friday (with group activities on Mondays).
Curious about the program? Watch this talk for potential supervisors presented to UBC Radiology Grand Rounds, April 3, 2024.
Comments from 2022-23 supervisors:
“I was surprised at the complexity of the research projects some of the students completed. For instance, the project that [my student] completed, was in a lot of ways very much like a Master’s research project. I’ve heard repeatedly how interesting, informative, and impactful being involved in the project has been for [the student], so I’m glad we offer this kind of a program. Also, it was a great learning and mentorship experience for myself.” – 2023 supervisor“I really appreciated the structure of the program and the fact that so much was provided in the way of field trips, skills sessions, and social opportunities. This made it way to concentrate on the actual “work”. On the whole, this is an enriching experience for these young people, and hopefully will mean that a few of them are motivated to go on in science or engineering or even medicine.” – 2023 supervisor“A major surprise was the level of interest and maturity shown by a student as young as grade 10. The initial challenge was to overcome the nervousness of the student. The co-supervisors and myself were able to conquer the nerves by establishing communication channels to support the student.” – 2023 supervisor
“I am a huge advocate of the program and have had great experiences with my four students over the past 2 years!” – 2022 + 2023 supervisor
ICORD Administration looks after:
- student recruitment
- funding salaries for students (in partnership with UBC SBME, the Gynecological Cancer Initiative, UBC Faculty of Medicine, BC CDC, PHSA)*
- setting up appointments in Workday
- scheduling group lab visits, field trips, end of term celebration and poster session, and other activities for summer students
- organizing and running pre-program workshop, and weekly learning modules
- providing support to supervisors as needed
Faculty are responsible for:
- developing small research projects suitable for a high school student
- assigning a supervisor for the student(s) (lab manager, grad student) if desired
- participating in pre-placement supervisor workshop (one hour)
- checking in regularly with the student(s) to discuss their progress and answer questions
- providing desk or lab space for the student(s) (can be shared)
- encouraging the student(s) to participate in lab activities (meetings, journal clubs, social events)
- hosting lab visit by other program students (if appropriate/possible)
*If you have funding available to help support a student, your contribution would be much appreciated and allow more students to access the program.
How to submit a project
- Complete the fillable PDF application form and return it by email to summer@icord.org
- Proposals for Summer 2025 (July 7 to August 15) are welcome.
Please email us if you have any questions.
Want to host a student but don’t know what kind of project would be appropriate?
Contact the program team for help or ideas:
Cheryl Niamath, seed2STEM Co-Chair; ICORD Communications and Administration Manager | 604-675-8844 | Email
Dr. Corree Laule, seed2STEM Co-Chair; Professor, UBC Radiology and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine | Email
JC Rong, seed2STEM Program Manager | Email
seed2STEM supervisor timeline for Summer 2025
- Confirm lab availability from July 7 to August 15
- Create a project and submit the project proposal (Application will open January 2025)
- Assign a supervisor (or 2)
- Attend pre-placement workshop (mid-June)
- Check-in with student and assigned supervisor (if you have one) during work term (July 7 – August 15)
- Come visit the seed2STEM Lunch and Poster Session on August 15
- Provide program feedback
