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WLSS student explores careers in science

WLSS student Samantha Delacherios attends Innovation Exploration conference in Vancouver.
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Williams Lake Secondary Grade 9 students Gabriele Lachapelle (left)

Samantha Delacherios, a Grade 9 student at Williams Lake secondary, was among 68 top science students from around B.C. and the Yukon to participate in BCIC’s Innovation Exploration event held in Victoria Oct. 24-25.

In Victoria, Samantha was able to tour the University of Victoria and meet the dean and various government representatives.

Among other things the students visited a 72-inch reflecting telescope, an enchanting undersea virtual observatory, participated in an interactive plate tectonics workshop and visited UVic’s  genome proteomics lab.

“The trip was a great experience,” Samantha says.

Delacherios and the other participating students were among those who represented B.C. and the Yukon at the Canada-Wide Science Fair and International Fair earlier this year in Toronto.

Samantha started participating in science fairs when she was in Grade 4.

At the nationals this year Samantha showcased her project Fuel for the Future in which she tested the issues of crude oil, and solutions such as biofuels that will replace the increasingly limited resource.

In her project Samantha tested the algae biofuel.

“It’s cheap to produce and to run, and it self-reproduces like crazy,” Samantha says.

“It’s the fuel of the future.”

Innovation Exploration provides students an opportunity to explore the many post-secondary and career possibilities available in science and technology and to meet and network with leaders in B.C.’s science and technology community.

Dr. Moira Stilwell, parliamentary secretary for industry, research and innovation was joined by members of government, academia and industry to welcome Samantha and the other students at the opening dinner held at the Royal B.C. Museum.

“I congratulate BCIC and its partners for giving these talented students a chance to see first-hand the exciting careers a science education can lead to,” Dr. Stilwell said.

“What a great way to inspire our best and brightest young innovators from all over British Columbia – and to prepare them for rewarding futures in our knowledge economy.”

During the two-day program the students had the opportunity to visit a number of Victoria’s leading edge science and technology centres including Victoria Advanced Technology Council, Vancouver Island Technology Park, Centre of the Universe (Astronomy Interpretive Centre), The University of Victoria, and the Institute for Ocean Sciences.

“It has been a pleasure working with our partners in Victoria, a vibrant and growing tech community, to deliver this unique program to B.C.’s young innovators,” said Mark Payne, acting CEO of BCIC.

“This was a great opportunity for students to learn directly from Victoria’s science and tech leaders and decide for themselves what path they want to follow.”

Created in 1990, Innovation Exploration provides B.C. Regional Science Fair winners (who represent B.C. and the Yukon at the Canada-Wide Science Fair and International Fair) the opportunity to explore the many post-secondary and career possibilities available in science and technology.

 

These young scientists, innovators and budding entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to meet and network with leaders in B.C.’s science and technology community.