High school students across Canada and the United States are spending the summer at the University of Guelph, gaining hands-on science experience in state-of-the-art labs and facilities.
The students are part of SSP International's (SSPI) Summer Science Program, a renowned STEM program that offers immersive experiences for Grade 11 students at campuses across the United States. The program expanded into Canada this year, partnering with U of G as its first international campus.
"SSPI chose us because we could provide world-class facilities, equipment, people and support," says Dr. Mazyar Fallah, dean of the College of Biological Science (CBS).
"U of G is known for the strength and quality of our biological science programs, so we were a natural partner for their first international site because we could offer an excellent experience with amazing outcomes for students."
CBS is the only Canadian faculty solely dedicated to biological sciences.
In-depth science education in university labs
Thirty-six students made the journey to Guelph this summer, participating in the bacterial genomics program offered by SSPI. Over five weeks, they'll spend around eight hours a day in the lab or lectures, studying stress resistance in a harmless bacterial strain to test whether increasing stress causes the bacteria to either evolve or die.
The hands-on program gives students a far deeper understanding of evolution and genetics than they'd receive in a typical classroom setting.
"It's taking the students through a gamut of science knowledge and understanding that would normally take decades to discover," Fallah says.
Georgiana Harris travelled from New York City to take part in this year's program and has enjoyed the opportunity to get a deep dive into topics that wouldn't normally be covered in high school.
"It's transformed research into something I've considered for my future into something I actually view as a career path," Harris says. "I love working with my hands in a lab, rather than just classroom learning."
The young scientists are able to use specialized tools and lab facilities in the Summerlee Science Complex that they wouldn't be able to access in a high school science class. They also have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field through guest lectures, including U of G faculty members Drs. Matthew Sorbara, Rebecca Shapiro and Cullen Myers.
"Students are learning about the importance of science, particularly microbial genetics, and getting a better understanding of the role of biochemistry when it comes to life sciences and health sciences," says Dr. Cezar Khursigara, chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. "By using our lab space and working with our U of G staff, students and faculty, they're getting a full picture of all U of G has to offer."
David Yang, a student who made the journey from Boston to Guelph for SSPI, says he's passionate about the work he's doing in this year's program.
"It's not that common for high schoolers to get to do research like this," he says. "Having university professors take the time to guide us through the learning has been really nice."
Developing a love of science
Fallah says programs like SSPI play a vital role in training the next generation of scientists.
"Having had the opportunity to do a summer science program myself, the real value comes from giving students the chance to engage hands-on in real science in a much deeper level than in their high school programs," he says. "This is how you develop a love of science."
Sam Bracken, a U of G student studying molecular biology and genetics who's working as a TA with the SSPI team, says students are reaching even further than he expected coming into the program.
"They're even looking into topics we aren't covering because of their own drive and interest," he says.
The University ranks in the top 150 in the world for life sciences, according to the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. In Canada, U of G is ranked sixth for life sciences overall, fourth for teaching in life sciences and sixth for research environment in the life sciences.
Fallah says U of G plans to continue the partnership with SSPI into the coming years and is exploring adding more programs, including biochemistry. The inaugural program runs until Aug. 10.
