As a child, Shana George always loved science class. But it wasn’t until she spent a summer during high school working in a UBC research laboratory that she realized the possibilities that could come from pursuing post-secondary studies in science.
“I think it’s just amazing how science can help people,” says George, who is from the Squamish Nation. “I realized that by pursuing a career in science, I could maybe make a difference in people’s lives too.”
During the summer of 2019, George spent six weeks with seed2STEM, an innovative program at the University of British Columbia that invites B.C. Indigenous youth in grades 9-12 to participate in six-week paid summer internships in research labs on either the Okanagan or Vancouver campus.
Now a second-year biology student at UBC Vancouver, George says her seed2STEM experience planted a dream to one day become a physician or medical researcher. She hopes to apply to medical school after she finishes her undergraduate studies.
“I have been told that there are people in my community who look up to me and want to go to university, too,” says George. “I hope that I can inspire others to pursue higher education as well.”
