The advice I would give to a student interested in the HYRS program is to apply even if you don’t think you’ll get in. This program is incredible and, for me, was life changing. HYRS has impacted the degree I decided to take, the classes I choose to take, and my ability to continue working/be involved with research throughout the remainder of high school and university.
Tabitha Gangur-Powell had a dynamic HYRS program experience. From working with 9-day old rats, to going to see cadavers on an anatomy field trip, Tabitha had the opportunity to immerse herself in research and hands-on learning. At the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, she spent time in immunology, trace analysis, soil biochemistry, and entomology labs.
What drew you to the HYRS program?
The HYRS program gives students the opportunity to get involved in cutting edge research before graduating high school which is what drew me to the program. As a high school student, I got to immerse myself in research learning about the process that leads to new discoveries, rather then merely reading information written in textbooks.
What research have you engaged in? Tell us what you have enjoyed most about your project(s), including any cool findings!
Through the HYRS program I had the opportunity to work in a neuroscience lab under Dr. Gerlinde Metz at the University of Lethbridge. I looked at the impacts of stress on multiple sclerosis finding that early life stress exacerbates optic neuritis and hind limb paralysis in mice. At the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada I have spent time in immunology, trace analysis, soil biochemistry, and entomology labs. In the immunology lab, I worked on identifying and quantifying airborne fungal spores which can devastate crop yields and contributed to method development for immune-PCR. Another project combined soil biochemistry and trace analysis where I exposed soils to clopyralid (herbicide) and examined the resulting yield of microbes. Biomix was of particular interest for the clopyralid project as it is meant to absorb pesticide reinstate and provide a suitable environment for microorganisms to ingest pesticides, thus, eliminating pesticides from the environment. In the trace analysis lab, I worked on a project investigating the effects of veterinary antibiotics and parasiticides in cattle and the resulting microbiomes in rumen, dung, and soil. For the entomology lab I am primarily investigating ticks and midges, looking at their vector ecology and diseases transmission.
What have you enjoyed the most about the HYRS program?
My favorite part of the program was going to see cadavers, this allowed me to have first hand experience with human anatomy and was an activity I was completely immersed in the entire time. Another stand out to me was preforming behavioral tests on rats, particularly working with 9-day old rats.
What advice would you give students who are interested in research through the HYRS program?
The advice I would give to a student interested in the HYRS program is to apply even if you don’t think you’ll get in. This program is incredible and, for me, was life changing. HYRS has impacted the degree I decided to take, the classes I choose to take, and my ability to continue working/be involved with research throughout the remainder of high school and university. HYRS has the ability to open doors for students so apply. If you get accepted to the program, make the most of your experience by working hard, asking questions, building friendships, and having fun. It is truly the best summer job ever.