This episode features Samantha Xu and Dawson Isbister, two students from the 2026 seed2STEM Summer Research Program for Indigenous Youth — an initiative designed to increase Indigenous representation in STEM by providing meaningful, paid research opportunities for Indigenous youth. Developed by ICORD, the program offers paid six-week research studentships to Indigenous high school and university students from across British Columbia. Samantha and Dawson join us to share their experiences working within research labs, what they’ve learned along the way, and what they took away from the program.
This summer marks the second official year that BC Cancer, in partnership with the GCI, is an official host institution. Although BC Cancer had participated in previous years, 2025 marked the first time it served as a host institution at both the BC Cancer Research Institute in Vancouver (BCCRI) and the BC Cancer – Kelowna site.
Its expansion to BC Cancer in 2025 was made possible in part through the generosity of the BC Cancer Foundation, whose donors contributed $30,000 to grow the program and create opportunities for more students, with continued support helping fund future years.
For the first time, the GCI expanded placement opportunities beyond traditional research lab settings to the Knowledge Mobilization Team. Through this role, seed2STEM trainee Kayleigh Courtorellie, gained experience in knowledge mobilization and science communication, including co-developing this GOSH podcast episode.
Tune in to the first episode of Season 7:
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