On March 4th, students had the opportunity to speak with professionals in several science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers at the STEM Conference, hosted by the STEAM and HOSA clubs. This conference brought together specialists from various fields, providing students with insight into different postsecondary and career pathways in STEM. Students had the opportunity to speak with:
Engineering Physics Professor - Victor Snell;
Chemical Engineer - Mark Dunham;
Chiropractor - Dr. Mike Skiby;
Physiotherapist - Shirley Chan;
Masters Student in Speech Language Pathology - Joelle Peresin;
Critical Care Nurse - Amanda Leslie;
ER Nurse - Robyn Taylor;
Masters Student in Medical Genomics Renée Smith; and
Senior Software Engineer Gordon Bosiljevac.
With over 50 students in attendance, the conference fostered meaningful discussions. In the library, students circulated between speakers to ask about daily life in their respective fields, their transition from high school to postsecondary and industry, overcoming challenges, choosing their career path, and much more. This was a valuable experience for students, sparking ambition, interest, and motivation in the world of STEM within our school community. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by students highlighted the value of bringing real-world expertise into the academic setting.