For 17-year-old Westlane Secondary School student Harroop Ahuja, joining a youth-led research project at Brock meant being part of something bigger.

“I wanted to surround myself with like-minded individuals to increase awareness of mental and physical health, expand my skill set and more importantly, give back to my community,” he said.

Harroop Ahuja

Ahuja is one of 13 Niagara youth is driving change as part of the Brock Healthy Youth Project (BHYP).

The Centre of Lifespan Development Research is looking to youth to guide and inform the project, examining the link between health-risk behaviours and adolescent brain development on a long-term scale.

The group of 13 youths, aged 14-24, have come together as the Youth Engagement Committee to assist the BHYP team in developing research ideas, keeping the project team informed about important matters affecting health and happiness, and providing a youth voice at various events.

“Not only can I positively influence my peers, but I can also motivate them to do their part in creating a community where topics like mental health are accepted and openly discussed,” said Ahuja.

Ahuja views this as an experiential learning segue into studying Medical Sciences at Brock next year.

“I’m equipping myself with the knowledge and experiences needed to become an excellent doctor,” he said.

The group will meet with Brian Hutchings, Vice-President, Administration and Jamie Mandigo, Vice-Provost, Enrolment Management & International Wednesday to talk about Brock University and leadership.

Earlier this year, a transdisciplinary team of Brock researchers received a $1.43 million grant over the next five years from the Canadian Institute of Health Research for the project.

What: Youth Engagement Committee Meeting

When: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Centre for Lifespan Development, 6^th floor of Plaza Building, Brock University