Brumer and Bohlmann Labs host science program for Aboriginal students

In May of 2016, the research groups of Prof. Harry Brumer and Prof. Joerg Bohlmann hosted students as part of the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program. The students came from Salt Spring Island, Lake Country, Maple Ridge and Chilliwack communities. During their week-long mentorship program, these students were able to experience active research in their respective labs, learning procedures in cloning, protein expression/purification, enzymatic reaction kinetics, product analysis, PCR and site directed mutagenesis. This was a rewarding experience for the labs to be able to host these students and share in their enthusiasm and excitement for research. 

The Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program was established in 2009 to address the under-representation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at Canadian universities. The Foundation offers scholarships to Aboriginal grade 11 students to provide them the opportunity to spend a week at a Canadian university interacting with scientists in their research laboratories. During their week on campus, the students share in the excitement of the research experience as they are mentored in the laboratories, as well as being exposed to the support systems available to them on campus.

  

Reported by Shaheen Shojania