The seed2STEM Summer Research Program for Indigenous Youth increases Indigenous representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by offering paid, six-week research studentships for Indigenous high school and university students across BC. Developed by ICORD, the program expanded this past summer to BC Cancer in partnership with the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative.
Building a new chapter
In 2025, BC Cancer served as a host institution for the first time, hosting six students to the BC Cancer Research Institute (BCCRI) in Vancouver and one student to the BC Cancer – Kelowna site. Students were welcomed from both local and remote communities.
“For me, it wasn’t so much inspiration as opportunity,” reflects student Levi Cottrell. “I’m from a small town and I had no idea the program existed. This was perfect as it was paid, in Vancouver, and covered my living costs. I got to be in a real research setting with wonderful people.”
Levi Cottrell, Guillard Lab
Creating access to inspire a future in STEM
To reduce barriers, supports such as transit passes, loaner laptops, some meals and youth support workers were provided, as well as travel bursaries for students from remote communities.
“I have always wanted to study something within the STEM field and had no clue where to start,” shares student Topaz Koett. “This program helped me narrow it down. I was able to explore various things in labs, and I got to meet so many new amazing people and friends.”
Topaz Koett, Steidl Lab
Hands-on learning and meaningful experiences
Students at the BCCRI began their program with a Cancer 101 workshop led by GrasPods and trainees from the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, before touring a range of BCCRI environments including the radiation oncology unit, BC Generations Project (BCGP) Lab, Breathomics Lab, Photonics Lab, and the Cancer Genetics & Genomics Laboratory (CGL).
They learned how the BCGP tracks participants over time, toured the biobank, and observed DNA extraction. At the CGL, they followed the full diagnostic workflow and heard from technologists about clinical molecular careers.
Dr. Stephen Yip leading the Cancer Genetics and Genomics Lab tour
Beyond their research projects, students joined UBC Vancouver learning activities such as poster design, presentation skills and resume development, plus a career speed-mentoring session with local STEM professionals. They also toured Microsoft’s downtown headquarters, explored UBC research institutes, and participated in cultural activities that centred on Indigenous knowledge and community, including cooking workshops hosted by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society and traditional singing, drumming and Coast Salish games led by members of the UBC Indigenous Students Society.
In Kelowna, student Mikayla Daigle took part in parallel programming at UBC Okanagan: a campus tour, Indigenous Land Walk, cooking workshop, photovoltaics session, Innovation Precinct tour, poster practice, a full day at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, and a hands-on health-care careers workshop.
Kelowna-based seed2STEM students at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Kaleden, BC
The summer program concluded with a poster day where students shared projects supporting patients and helping recruit future research participants.
Learning Through Practice and Reflection
Seed2STEM student Amelia Grevy was surprised by “how much precision and patience” lab work required. She shared that she is “most proud of how I was able to understand new and complex topics like biochemistry,” adding that contributing to cancer research “even in a small way” was meaningful.
Amelia Grevy, Lau Lab
Returning student Arwen Buckman, who participated in both 2024 and 2025, noted the steep learning curve: “the amount of background knowledge needed to understand the majority of the papers and studies I was given - it took me a week and a half to actually retain most of what I was reading!” Her main project involved creating patient resources about ctDNA. “Having to explain it meant that I had to actually understand what I was talking about, and it was very daunting at first.”
Strength in partnerships
The expansion of seed2STEM to BC Cancer was made possible in part through the generosity of the BC Cancer Foundation, whose donors contributed $30,000 to grow the program and create opportunities for more students, with continued support helping fund future years.
Looking ahead
seed2STEM plans to expand next to BC Cancer – Prince George, continuing its mission to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue futures in STEM.
“I want to pursue pathology and I want to help Indigenous people build trusting relationships with healthcare,” states student Shana George. “I want to be someone Indigenous communities can look to, trust and help. I want to gain knowledge, strength and healing, and bring these back to my communities in the future.”
Shana George (with her mother), Huntsman Lab