The Student Experience
HYRS is about more than the project you work on.
You'll spend your summer surrounded by other curious and motivated Grade 11 students from across Alberta. You'll learn together, explore together, and build connections with people who share your curiosity about what comes next.
You don't need to know exactly what you want to do after high school. You don't need previous research experience. You don't need to be certain that you want to become a doctor or work in a laboratory. What you do need is curiosity, a willingness to learn, and an interest in exploring how research and innovation can make a difference.
Start by asking a question. Then spend your summer discovering where it takes you.
Meet the class of 2026!
This summer, the Alberta Innovates High School Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS) program at the University of Lethbridge welcomed 12 exceptional Grade 11 students for an immersive six-week research experience. Each student was paired with one of nine faculty mentors and gained hands-on research experience contributing to ongoing health research projects.
There is no better way to learn about the HYRS experience than through the experiences of those who have lived it!
Learn about the research they presented at the Summer Research Showcase and their experience as a HYRS student below.
Ada
Lab: Dr. Igor Kovalchuk
Department: Biological Sciences
The HYRS program gave me the opportunity to make connections, learn new skills, and experience science in a way I never have. Through the program, I met university staff and students who helped guide me on the procedures for working in a lab and showed me what science really is: having a question and working to answer it. In the Biological Science lab, I worked on a project that looked at the effects of antioxidant and pro-oxidant compounds on wound healing. Overall, this was an amazing experience that allowed me to dive deeper into my love for science.
Afsaneh
Lab: Dr. Paul Hayes
Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry
My experience at HYRS was really meaningful. I learned so much about chemistry and gained so much research experience in the lab. The Hayes’ lab was the perfect fit for me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn from my mentor, Thamara, who was one of the kindest and most supportive people I have ever met. I also made new friends and genuine connections that I know I will carry with me for a long time!
Agrim
Lab: Dr. Laura Keffer-Wilkes
Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry
While preparing for HYRS, I never expected a program to be so well designed that it would strengthen my scientific lab skills but also allow me to socialize to this level with like-minded individuals. I learned skills that will stick with me for the rest of my life, along with a new perspective into how I strive to resolve problems. HYRS presented me with an opportunity that very few can get, and I am so grateful to have been a part of the experience.
Ama
Lab: Dr. Stacey Wetmore
Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry
I came into this experience very anxious and with little sense of direction. But with the help of the community I formed through this program (shoutout to everyone, for real), I leave feeling more confident and purposeful. HYRS came with its downsides, such as feeling like you don't know what you're doing a lot of the time. However, the people I met along the way, the exposure, and the opportunities I gained greatly overshadowed any of the negatives.
Amira
Lab: Dr. Igor Kovalchuk
Department: Biological Sciences
HYRS has been such a great opportunity for me. This program acted as a doorway, introducing me to so many new fields and ideas. HYRS connected me with so many like-minded individuals and helped me gain confidence in STEM. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the program!
Brady
Lab: Dr. Arundhati Dasgupta
Department: Physics & Astronomy
HYRS has been a fantastic opportunity for me this summer. I first heard about it through a dual-credit biochemistry course I took at the university and my science teacher, so I decided to apply. I had the opportunity to do quantum computing research, which was really fascinating for me as I love physics. Everyone in the lab was really welcoming and helpful and made it easy for me to ask questions and learn. It was a lot of fun getting to know the other HYRS students as we ate lunch together most days and hung out together outside of HYRS. HRYS really helped me narrow down what I wanted to do after high school, and I am extremely grateful for everyone involved with HYRS and Alberta Innovates, especially Megan for coordinating everything and answering all our questions.
Camryn
Lab: Dr. Jon Doan
Department: Health Sciences
Being a part of the 2026 HYRS program was a valuable and rewarding opportunity. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the research field and environment. During my time at HYRS, I built relationships with like-minded individuals, further explored my interest in the sciences, and learned of so many new opportunities. In the Human Performance Lab, I learned about the usage of industrial gloves and their effect on motor skills. This hands-on project deepened my interest in human movement and helped me develop valuable skills for the future. Overall, HYRS allowed me the opportunity to form life-long connections and solidified my interest in health sciences. I’m grateful to the HYRS program and to everyone who made my experience possible.
Kaylee
Lab: Dr. Jessica Willi
Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry
I first found out about HYRS when a friend that attended a similar program told me I should try it. I’m so glad I listened to her about that because not only did I gain valuable life experience, but I also made new friends and got closer with friends I already had before. My mentor, Jessica Willi, and everyone in my lab were all friendly and helpful the entire time. Overall, HYRS was an amazing program, and one that I would strongly recommend to anyone who may be considering.
Levi
Lab: Dr. Robert Benkoczi
Department: Math & Computer Science
I’ve always been interested in STEM, and the HYRS program has given me an incredible opportunity to learn more about these topics as they relate to healthcare. In the math and computer science department, I worked on anonymizing patient data to protect privacy. The project enhanced my understanding of code and how much work goes into keeping information private. The skills I gained in problem solving and communication will be invaluable going forward. Personally, the connections and friendships I made were the best part of this experience. They were always supportive and motivating. HYRS has only enhanced my passion for science and my curiosity to learn more. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the program and would highly recommend it to anyone interested.
Mazen
Lab: Dr. Laura Keffer-Wilkes
Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry
I want to share my immense gratitude for such an opportunity; it has been a blast. HYRS reshaped my perspectives on science, transforming it from merely a body of knowledge into a pursuit through which I could discover and work towards my own purpose in life. The memories I made along the way have shaped my character deeply, and I am appreciative of being part of such an amazing group of individuals who paved the way for a memorable experience.
Phoenix
Lab: Dr. Robert Benkoczi
Department: Math & Computer Science
I greatly enjoyed my time at HYRS; all my coworkers were really nice and the lunch and learns and tours made the experience really fun. I got to code and learn how to do lots of different stuff and it was a good educational experience. I also really liked that I got to see what everyone else had been doing with their time during the lab shadows and it was so cool that we were all doing very different work.
Sophia
Lab: Dr. Trushar Patel
Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry
My first days in HYRS were filled with equal parts excitement and fear: excitement for what I may get to do, and fear that I would make mistakes. I learned that fear and not knowing are part of science. I went from a 17-year-old interested in science to one who conducted real, meaningful research and became even more excited about education and careers in science. HYRS has fostered an inextinguishable passion for doing real science that will carry me toward future success.