By John-Paul Bonadonna
High school students from Vincent Massey Secondary School presented their work to University of Windsor faculty at the inaugural Massey Research Conference.
Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Karen Pillon, Dr. Tim Brunet and special guest Roger Reka (also a Massey grad), were on hand for the presentations.
Ten research presentations covered topics spanning neuroscience, astrophysics, surgical technology, research methods and environmental science. In addition to the formal program, students discussed post-secondary education with UWindsor faculty and staff.
At the end of the conference, students who also presented at the recent UWill Discover Student Youth Colloquium were given certificates for their excellent work. Mia Isidore received an additional honourable mention for her work titled “Beyond Metrics: A critique on measuring functioning rather than expanding capabilities.”
“We live in a world where students navigate messaging from influencers and journalists,” said Dr. Brunet.
“Secondary students deserve an opportunity to understand where to find the research and the skills to assess it.”
Event co-organizer Dr. Ruxandra Nahaiciuc praised the opportunity the event afforded the high school students. “This will only further open the eyes of the Massey Research Club members to continue pursuing academia,” she noted.
“The Student Research Colloquium showed that secondary students can have a place at the UWill Discover Conference and we were pleased to see that happen.”