AUTHOR: Crystal Mahadeo
I have been exposed to a wide variety of opportunities to share neuroscience with the community, including a unique chance to guide a budding scientist through McMaster’s Out of our MiNDS outreach program. Out of our MiNDS is run by MiNDS students and takes basic and cutting edge neuroscience research and makes it accessible to the public. Our volunteer-run outreach program teaches basic neuroscience “crash” courses in an understandable and fun way at schools, senior homes, and other community organizations throughout the year. These crash courses offer something for all ages, providing hands-on demonstrations from microanatomy to macroanatomy and even neurophysiology (with dancing cricket legs!).
Out of our MiNDS was looking to expand its out-reach to young individuals who had a specific affinity for sciences and the regional Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair (BASEF) offered the perfect setting in which to do so. Graduate student volunteers mentored students competing in the fairs as they prepared for the national Canada Wide Science Fair (CWSF).
The annual BASEF competition is open to students in grades 7-12 from Hamilton and Halton regions. Students compete for awards and prizes, and 16 winners from BASEF go on to CWSF, which is being held this year in Fredericton; the top 3 grade 9-12 winners from BASEF can go on to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (IISEF) as part of Team Canada.
As a mentor of one of the BASEF winners, I helped edit a student report, gave feedback on their experimental design, and helped them prepare their poster and presentation for the conference.
My mentee was level 7-8 (a grade 7 student), and was a formidable competitor in every way. Her project examined the neuroprotective properties of natural compounds in an animal model. I found myself researching her project when I finished my day in the lab so that I could be of the utmost benefit to her. I was impressed with her level of scientific knowledge, and excited by her keen interest and passion for research. To see that kind of innovation and drive in a young student was inspiring.
Science fairs like BASEF and CWSF offer students a chance to challenge their scientific passions and creativity, and receive feedback on their work. If my mentee represents the quality of student that is aspiring to someday have a career in science, then I feel confident in the future of neuroscience research! Personally, I found the experience positive and rewarding, and taught me about the dedication and time that these students put into their work. I urge all of you (faculty and students) to check out these local science fairs and to volunteer for the Out of our MiNDS program.