Genetic Analysis: Bridging the Gap in Biological Understanding

Each of our camps are high-energy, hands-on learning, and include a broad exposure to a variety of topics in science, engineering, technology and math (STEM). 

York University's Spark Lab Programs are week-long sessions designed for students in grades 9 to 12 who want more hands-on science. Using experiment-based learning, students explore physics, biology, chemistry and coding through lab work. Escape the traditional classroom and learn science by doing science. Programs run from 9:30am to 3:30pm daily, for four- or five-days depending on the week. Each session will allow participants to be involved in hands-on experiments, participate in mentor visits, and experience working in a university environment.

Research Spark courses are developed and delivered by graduate students and/or Professors and are based on the research they are doing at York.

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is often used as a model organism to provide insight into human physiological systems because the “simple” insect system is considered functionally analogous to human systems. The fly genetics course will explore powerful molecular, genetic, and physiological tools to investigate biological systems. This includes examining the neuroendocrine system that regulates the renal organs of the insect similar to the mammalian kidney using techniques like the bipartite GAL4/UAS system to express or knockdown genes in a tissue/cell-specific manner. In addition, students will also explore other techniques, such as in vitro bioassays to measure urine secretions from the insect renal organs and physiological assays that can measure the percent survival from changes in genetics. Overall, this course is very useful in understanding concepts of animal physiology since the fruit fly is used as a model to study kidney diseases.

About the Instructor: Marishia Agard is currently pursuing her PhD in biology at York University. Her research focuses on invertebrate neuroendocrinology, using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) to gain insights into human renal function and diseases. Marishia has extensive experience in teaching lab techniques and STEM activities, having worked as a camp instructor, camp counsellor, and mentor for the Science Engagement Programs. She has previously taught the Introduction to Genetics course at the Science Engagement Programs Spark Labs, which covered molecular, cellular, genetic, and physiological techniques. Marishia has also served as a teaching assistant and is currently a teaching assistant coordinator for an undergraduate animal physiology course at York University. Her ultimate goal is to continue researching fly genetics in animal physiology and teaching students.
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Science Engagement Programs offer innovative and engaging programs designed to inspire youth and discover exciting topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Our programs use a discovery and inquiry-based learning approach with a focus on ‘learning by doing’. Our outreach model provides students with a chance to work in small groups on a variety of projects. This model helps foster problem solving, critical thinking, and an overall passion for STEM.

Testimonials about our in-person programs:

• Without exaggeration, this was a life changing week for our daughter. She arrived with a curious spark about science and left with a brightly burning passion. Her instructors Vanessa and Joey inspired her like no other educators. She would leave camp totally energized. Some nights she spent 2 hours recreating her day and sharing what she had learned. Then she would spend another couple of hours researching sigma and pi bonds, chemical reactions and brainstorming ideas for next year's science fair. 
  
  This was the summer camp she had been wanting her whole life to be part of. It wouldn't surprise me if years from now she will look back on this week and the impact it had on her.
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• My daughter's main focus is dance. It's all she cares about. Wasn't sure how she much she would enjoy Mini Med. She was hooked from the first day. It was refreshing to hear her talk about everything she learned and how much fun she had! 
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• This program is a chance for my child to do and learn more. The school system limits children; it doesn’t allow them to fly. We all look for programs that give our young ones wings. 
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• A mix of hands-on experience and lectures, this unique introduction to the medical field beats all our expectations! It is one-of-a-kind, this seems to be the only camp that really talks about medicine and sciences which is fantastic! 
  
  Coming home from camp, my children go on and on about what they've learned and they talk about how they can discuss science with counselors who are studying science in university. My children will continue to delve into their science interests every summer with York University's camps. 
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• My son told me that it was easy to make friends at this camp and that he learned something new that he never did before everyday. The teachers and volunteers have a lot to do with the success of this camp. I found them so enthusiastic and keen as well as knowledgeable, approachable and caring with the kids. Thank you.