2017 Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program Experience in Their Own Words

Fisher River Cree Nation members and Charles Sinclair School students Keaton Amos, Victoria Garson and Kierra Spence; won scholarships to spend a week at a Canadian university interacting with scientists in their research laboratories.

About The Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program

The Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Education Program addresses the under-representation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at Canadian universities. One of the factors contributing to this is the lack of academic role models for these students.  The Foundation addresses this by offering scholarships to Aboriginal grade 11 students to spend a week at a Canadian university interacting with scientists in their research laboratories. During their week on campus the students have the opportunity to meet role models, learn about the support systems that are available to them on campus and experience the excitement of doing research.

The 3 students written about their experience in the program:

Keaton Amos:

The Science and Engineering program was a great success in my opinion. I thought it was absolutely wonderful. The different things I learned in the Faculty of Geology was ground breaking; the professors were magnificent, and not to mention the friends I’ve made there are amazing and I’m glad to have shared the experience with them. 

Signing up for this program was a bit intimidating in the beginning, but upon arriving it was a very welcoming place and the stay exceeded my expectations. My only regret is not exploring more of what the program and the campus had to offer.

Some of the things we learned throughout the week included:

Fish Otolith analysis using Laser AblationChemical Treatments in Soil and Sample extraction from Artificial WaterbodiesMercury Analysis in FishRock Analysis and Carving Stones

Sincerely,

Keaton Amos

Victoria Garson:

Being able to attend the Verna J. Kirkness program showed me a glimpse of how it actually is to be like a University student.  I liked it very much, everyone was friendly, including the professors that helped show me what I want to pursue in life.  I was in the Faculty of Kinesiology, where I was introduced to different areas that you can study.  For example, Athletic Therapy and Strength Training.

Thank you to Verna J. Kirkness and Ron Woznow for the opportunity.  I really appreciate the effort you put into the program.

Kierra Spence:

On May 29th to June 2nd, I attended the Verna J. Kirkness Science and Engineering Program.  I was in the nutritional department.  I was in a lab all week doing different projects to find out how much fat is in fast food restaurant burgers and fries.  Being in a real Science lab was pretty cool and a good experience.

The best part of the wee was meeting new people from around Manitoba and Canada.  I would encourage any Grade 11 students to apply to this program because it is not only a learning experience, but a really fun way to learn about university.