Providing hands-on health and biomedical research experience to Grade 11 students in Alberta
A total of seven area grade 11 students are on campus this week taking part in the Heritage Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) program, a six-week, hands-on, multidisciplinary research program that is offered to top students with a proven academic record and an interest in innovative health-care solutions.
Successful HYRS applicants have the opportunity to:
conduct research and experience diverse approaches to health solutions from multiple disciplines across campus
gain professional exposure and references for their future education and careers
potentially publish and present cutting edge research not yet in textbooks
be involved in projects that focus on topics such as:
o the effects of carcinogens on DNA,
o inheritance of disease and stress,
o analysis of rural health coverage,
o mental health and disease,
o recreational therapy, and
o bioengineering.
However, HYRS is not strictly research. Participants hear from guest speakers and participate in field trips, technology workshops and social events. Students also have the opportunity to explore multiple research facilities and meet other students with similar interests. All participants are mentored by researchers working on campus, and are given the chance to experience what a research career might be like.
Successful applicants are approved through a process including grade requirements, references from teachers, and a written essay. Students who complete the program are given a $2,500 award. A key responsibility of HYRS participants is to return to high school in the following year and present their research to grade 11 science students and share experiences from the program. The program runs at the University of Lethbridge, the University of Calgary, and the University of Alberta. Seven students are currently participating in the HYRS program on the University of Lethbridge campus.
For more information please visit our website: https://www.uleth.ca/node/2982
ABOUT Alberta Innovates:
Alberta Innovates funds and supports health research and innovation activities in Alberta. They provide leadership for Alberta’s health research and innovation enterprise by directing, coordinating, reviewing, funding and supporting research and innovation.
Working with many partners in the health system, Alberta Innovates ensures that research achieves innovation in care, policy and practice, and that the needs of patients and clinicians influence research. Their mandate is to improve the health and wellbeing of Albertans and create, through innovation, health related social and economic benefits for Albertans.
HYRS is just one of the many programs and initiatives Alberta Innovates supports. Please see their Alberta Innovates website for more details.
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Contact:
Trevor Armstrong, Faculty of Arts & Science
403-332-4116
HYRS@uleth.ca
