Brock University is looking for Niagara youth to voice their opinions and share their experiences in order to impact research.

Brock’s Lifespan Development Research Institute is looking for Niagara residents aged 14 to 24 to join its Youth Engagement Committee (B-YEC), which helps to inform youth-focused research.

Committee members will assist the Lifespan team by offering fresh perspectives on a variety of topics while also discussing youth well-being, current research projects and potential research ideas.

Lifespan Director Teena Willoughby said the Institute has “always had a strong connection to the community.”

“Committees like this one help to create the space and opportunity for Brock researchers to directly connect with members of the community — gaining valuable insights and input to help inform the questions they ask and how to share findings,” she said.

In the case of the Lifespan Youth Engagement Committee, it also provides youth members with professional development and networking opportunities and the chance to learn more about the entire research process.

“As a member of B-YEC, connecting with researchers to learn about their work has been a unique experience that I’m excited about sharing with more students in the Niagara region,” said Salony Sharma, a Niagara Falls high school student who sits on the committee and is completing her Grade 12 co-op placement with the Lifespan Institute. “I’m motivated by our goal to bridge communication gaps between research and the very students it seeks to represent.”

Applicants, who must live in the Niagara region and be between the ages of 14 and 24, should be passionate about youth well-being and demonstrate curiosity, creativity and communication skills. They must be willing to serve a one-year term, committing to three to five meetings over the year, in addition to email communications with the Lifespan team. Meetings will take place virtually for the time being.

No previous experience is required.

Applications, which can be filled out on the Lifespan website, must be submitted by Monday, Nov. 15.

For more information or for questions about the application process, email lifespan@brocku.ca