This past month, the Centre for Blood Research attended the Girls and STEAM Summit, presented by Stemcell Technologies. This year, the Summit focused on inspiring the next generation of STEAM professionals as they navigate unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to engage with numerous different activities that build on their passion for innovation and progress.

Held in-person on November 2, 2024, this event invited girls aged 12-14 to attend hands-on workshops and a chance to meet professionals in mentor cafés and showcase booths. It also featured a keynote speaker presentation from Moronke Harris, an award-winning deep-sea scientist with experience in climate engineering and intergovernmental, multi-vessel research expedition planning on the high seas.

Our workshop was developed by the CBR Outreach Committee, who are actively engaged in sharing their passion for science and inspiring the public. The workshop, entitled “Who Stole the Necklace: A Forensics Mystery,” included a hands-on blood typing activity and a DNA fingerprinting analysis, with the aim of helping participants understand what blood is, different blood types and the importance of this while donating blood and doing blood transfusions.

The success of the Outreach Committee’s workshop was a result of its hardworking and dedicated members. This included putting together our presentation and script and translating technical, science jargon into fun and easy-to-understand terms and visuals for our young scientists. It also took several meetings to fine-tune the blood typing activity to mock an ELISA analysis using the correct amounts of food dye, cabbage powder, vinegar and water. Lastly, all of our presenters brought the script to life and attended the summit to lead three successful and engaging workshops.

My favourite part about these outreach events and the reason I keep doing them is because I love how excited the students are to be there. I love fielding all of the rapid-fire questions that they have at the end of any experiment or demonstration because their curiosities and creativities are just so endless! – Alexandra Witt, PhD Candidate, Pryzdial Lab

Overall, the Girls and STEAM event was a fantastic way to bring together today’s scientists and future young leaders to empower and educate the next generation. The event was an opportunity for engaging scientific communication and helped to achieve the Outreach Committee’s goal to inspire generations through science and enhance STEAM literacy.

I truly enjoyed collaborating with the enthusiastic young girls and witnessing their excitement as they engaged with the activities. It was inspiring to work alongside such passionate staff who genuinely cared about creating a seamless and enriching experience for everyone involved! – Mona Lee, UBC Undergraduate Student, CBR Volunteer

The Committee would like to thank Science World, as well as the mentors, speakers, volunteers, and facilitators for leading this successful event!

Special thanks to all CBR members who helped create, lead and participate in these workshops: Alexandra Witt, Helena Sverak, Julliet Zama, Kaitlyn Chuong, Loulou Cai, Mona Lee, Taylor Da Silva, Tess Smith