Budding scientists explored atomic structures, DNA fingerprinting, fireworks and blood typing during Brock University’s 35th annual Scientifically Yours conference.

Hosted by Brock’s Faculty of Mathematics and Science, the event aims to ignite high school students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in post-secondary studies.

The conference welcomed almost 90 Grade 10 and 11 students from 26 high schools across Ontario.

“We are excited to continue to cultivate interest in STEM amongst high school students and build capacity of curious scientists,” says Co-organizer Christene Carpenter-Cleland, Wet-Lab Supervisor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Participants bolstered their skills, and confidence, by completing six hands-on STEM projects during the event, which took place on Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9.

This year’s program included two new projects — Optical Spectroscopy of Molecules and Films and Engineering in Your Hands — and the popular high-tech ice cream demonstration.

During the experiment, Lab Co-ordinator/Instructor Sergio Paone poured liquid nitrogen (-195.75 C) from a canister into a metal bowl full of ingredients to flash freeze it, producing a rich, velvety ice cream.

As well as gaining hands-on STEM experience, students had opportunities to learn from professionals in medicine, university research and industry during a range of networking events, recreational activities, panel discussions and a mentors’ dinner.

Participants also got a taste of life on campus while staying in residence and enjoying meals at Brock’s dining halls.