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08/23: Young cancer researchers take science from the lab to the classroom at the BC Cancer Agency
The day that a BC Cancer Agency outreach program came to Jaime Sim’s school was a turning point in her blossoming interest in a medical career.
“Up until then, I had no idea what research was,” Sim says. “I was interested in science, but had thought about being a doctor. The outreach program opened my eyes to other opportunities in science.”
Since 2004 the BC Cancer Agency’s Trev and Joyce Deeley Research Centre has offered the High School Internship Program (HSIP) to Grade 11 students. The HSIP is a chance for select high school students to not only work in a real cancer research lab, but to take that experience and knowledge back to the classroom. In the fall of 2004 the High School Outreach Program was launched, teaching students to take science from the lab bench into the classrooms of Victoria.
Sim was so impressed by the program that she applied to the Internship Program and was selected to be an Outreach Leader for this year. Over the next two weeks, students will get an intensive teach-the-teacher course in how to present science to their peers at the BC Cancer Agency’s research centre in Victoria.
“It’s a chance for them to see what ‘real science’ is,” explains Ann-Marie Braithwaite, manager of the high school programs. “We’re trying to get more kids interested in science, to learn what researchers are doing right here on Vancouver Island, and to understand the relevance of science in their lives.”
This program has been designed to offer students the opportunity to explore cancer research from the front lines, learning the latest techniques in the fight against cancer today and setting the ground for the future.
Grade 11 students are nominated by their schools to apply to the internship program and all nominees are invited to attend a one-day intensive Cancer Education Retreat in April, Up until this year, nominations were restricted to Victoria-area students. In 2007, Braithwaite will be expanding the program to take nominations from across Vancouver Island.
The level of science presented by the outreach team is very high, says Braithwaite – they will be teaching students how to analyze DNA samples using molecular techniques that are commonly used by researchers today – so the group is challenged with teaching both advanced and less advanced students.
“They’re good at relating to their peers and knowing what they will respond to,” Braithwaite explains.
Sim says there’s an excitement in being able to share her enthusiasm for science with others, plus the advantage of expanding her own knowledge in the process.
“I think biology is so incredible – all the complex things going on in our bodies that help to keep us alive," she says. "And I learn so much more when I'm explaining that to other people. I enjoy helping people understand, and I think others will get that satisfaction if they aren't frustrated by science.”
The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation supports research and care enhancements at the BC Cancer Agency.
** Please note, High School Outreach Students will be available to media on Thursday, August 24, from 1 pm to 3 pm. For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Director, Communications
BC Cancer Agency
604.675.8105
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 8105
nadams@bccancer.bc.ca
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