MCB to host high school students for SSP International’s Summer Science Program

This summer, the University of Guelph will be SSP International’s first Canadian campus to be included in its renowned Summer Science Program, which offers immersive science experiences to Grade 11 high school students from Canada, the U.S., and beyond.

For five weeks, beginning in July, 36 students will come to campus and work within the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology to learn about bacterial genomics and take advantage of the teaching facilities and equipment. Students will learn from Canadian and U.S. university professors, as well as U of G teaching staff and undergraduate students.

In groups of three, they’ll learn about directed evolution by growing non-pathogenic bacteria and exposing the population to ever-increasing stressors. Evolved strains are then sequenced and their mutations mapped.

Besides learning about microbiology and molecular genomics, and building lab, data analysis and communication skills, students will also have opportunities to learn from faculty members within MCB, as well as other microbial genetics researchers from other Canadian universities. There will also be social activities for the students, including a field trip.

“I think the students will get a real appreciation for the importance of science – microbial genetics, in this case – and how broadly applicable it is, as well as an appreciation for the University and what our facilities have to offer,” says Dr. Cezar Khursigara, chair of Molecular and Cellular Biology. “They’ll be using our lab spaces and engaging with our teaching coordinators, as well as our undergraduates, who are the best ambassadors you could ask for.”

In future years, Khursigara hopes the program can be expanded to host a larger cohort and support programs in cell biology and biochemistry as well.

SSP International was founded in 1959 to provide high school students with learning opportunities in the sciences. The organization offers students five programs that focus on astrophysics, bacterial genomics, biochemistry, cell biology, and synthetic chemistry. This year marks the first time the program has expanded outside the U.S., with the University of Guelph being its first-ever international campus.