Youth in STEM: Recent Episodes
UBC Geering Up
Youth in STEM is highlighting the voices of Canada's youngest inventors. From neurotechnology to sustainable energy sources, these young people are working to better their communities through hard work and ingenuity. This podcast is created by undergraduate students and UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach, a non-profit based in British Columbia dedicated to empowering and educating young people in STEM.
Meet Nickolai, a grade seven student and our youngest guest yet. Nickolai is working to give back to the frontline workers whose lives have been dramatically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today we talk with Nickolai about his service projects, travel, and 3D printing. Find Nickolai’s website here.
Interested in becoming involved in STEM? Sign up for Geering Up summer camps here.
Meet Olivia, a grade 12 student and Geering Up volunteer. Olivia is passionate about math and is sharing her passion as the president of her school's math club. We talk about her research papers, leadership experiences, and the importance of representation in STEM. If you are interested in getting involved in STEM, you can now register for Geering Up's spring clubs now! Click the link here do register.
[SEASON FINALE] Meet Emily and Jeannie, members of Youth to Sea, a program from Ocean Wise and the Vancouver Aquarium. The Youth to Sea program is working to promote ocean conservation with youth from British Columbia. Today we are talking with Emily and Jeannie, about their service projects, leadership, and how STEM is crucial to marine conservation. Find Youth to Sea on instagram @youthtosea, and the Youth to Sea podcast @youthtoseapodcast.
Want to be in Youth in STEM? Email our producer at meghan@geeringup.ca.
Meet Patricia, a high school student and seasoned science fair participant. Patricia is genetically modifying the DNA of yeast to make it suitable for life on Mars. Today we talk about the inspiration for her project, the challenges of inter-planetary living, and how to get started on a successful science fair project.
Meet Raphael, a high school student and seasoned science fair participant. He uses mathematical analysis and to understand how bird’s migratory patterns are impacted by urban development. Today we talk with Raphael about his project, his other passions, and how this and other statistical research can have an impact.
Meet Nethra, a high school student passionate about psychiatric research. Nethra is working to make mental health care more accessible with a wearable device that measures physical indicators of mental illness and works with an app to provide personalized therapy. We talk about her research, how she plans on moving forward, and her impressive leadership skills.
Meet Ocean, a high school graduate and incoming student at the University of Victoria. This summer Ocean participated in the Geering Up internship program for Indigenous youth, in which she taught other students about the science behind traditional medicine. Today we talk with Ocean about her experience growing up in a small town and how traditional medicine can be used today.
Meet Megan, a high school student and Geering Up alumna. Megan is working as a Junior Instructor with Geering Up’s STEAM camps and teaching violin to students over the internet. Today we discuss Megan’s passion for both arts and sciences and her experiences teaching in such varied fields. Learn more about Geering Up's STEAM programing here!
[SEASON PREMIERE] Meet Claire and Vanessa, twins taking the scientific world by storm. In addition to starting their own initiative empowering young people in science, Claire and Vanessa were awarded silver at the Taiwan International Science Fair. Their newest endeavor: running a continent-wide virtual science fair with over two-million dollars of prizes through Inspo Science. We talk with them about their research, their philanthropic work, and their work-life balance.
[SEASON FINALE] Meet Keon, current student and aspiring video game developer. Keon developed a passion for coding while creating his science fair project, with which he earned the BC Game Developers Innovation Award. We talk to Keon about his coding project and about the trials and triumphs of the video game industry.
Meet Leo and Thomas, an innovative team working to make tech-newcomers familiar with complex artificial intelligence. For the science fair, Leo and Thomas created a simplified interface for their machine-learning website that helps people learn how A.I. works. We talk about their project, the neural network technology behind it, and the pros and cons of automated decision making. Check out "Joe" here!
Meet Mankeerat, a student passionate about using artificial intelligence to better the world. For his science fair project, Mankeerat created a wearable device to track physical symptoms of mental illnesses and a corresponding app to help guide users to a healthier mental state. Today we talk about his project, new developments in AI, and the potential pitfalls of unregulated technology.
Meet Maia, an incoming McMaster student working to better the world through research. This year Maia researched the genetic factors of liver cancer for the science fair, while also working with Quantum Leaps, an event working to empower women in STEM. Today we talk to her about her impressive accomplishments and about the intersection of arts and science.
Meet Brayden, a student leader working to better his communities. In school, Brayden attends the robotics academy, helping younger students learn about building, coding, and driving competitive bots. Now, as a member of Geering Up’s Indigenous Internship program, Brayden is using his heritage to help others understand STEM.
Check out Brayden’s upcoming livestream on August 7th on the Geering Up YouTube channel!
Meet Milo, a recent high school graduate and science fair expert. In addition to creating new life-saving clothing and sustainable power options, Milo encourages his peers to compete in science fairs. He talks with us about his projects, the all-important process of iteration, and how to succeed at a science fair.
Find out more about the Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia!
Meet Catherine, a Grade 10 student actively fighting for women’s empowerment. In addition to starting her equality initiative, Girls Will Stay, Catherine has competed with tremendous success in science fairs throughout high school. We talk to Catherine about her impressive projects and about we can combat gender inequality in STEM.
Connect with Catherine on Instagram!
Check out Catherine's TEDx Talk!
Find out more about the Science Fair Foundation of British Columbia!
Meet Prajwal, a high school student passionate about aerospace engineering. Using his engineering skills, his 3D printer, and his drive to help other people, Prajwal has created a more efficient ventilator. We talk to Prajwal about his amazing innovation and how his research and his life have changed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Check out the self-care advice from this episode!
Meet Mac, a student in grade ten who's grown up on a farm. After noticing the poor conditions of the shipping containers used to transport baby chicks, she created a safer version that has now saved the lives of countless chickens. We talk to her about her process, her flourishing bussiness, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her.
Find out more on Mac's website: https://saferchickments.com/