June 6, 2026
Today, I attended the kickoff meeting for the 2026 McGill University Lab Biology Summer Camp. The mentor invited me to share my experience from the 2025 summer camp with the new participants.
Here are the highlights:
1. Traveling Together
- Carpooled with other families.
- Stayed in a hotel room with fellow campers and building new friendships.
- Shared dinners (French cuisine) and explored Montreal together.
- Spending free time with friends (e.g. shopping).
- What I learned outside the lab:
- I became more independent as a result of living and traveling with peers.
- I was able to friends who share similar interests in science and learning.
- I experienced university life beyond the classroom.
2. Laboratory Experience
- Toured a university research laboratory and learned about advanced scientific instruments.
- Prepared samples and followed experimental procedures.
- Performed filtration and dilution techniques.
- Created a standard curve and analyzed experimental results.
- Observed professor using professional laboratory equipment.
- Organized data and interpreted findings.
Scientific Communication:
- Learned how researchers document their work.
- Organized results into a scientific format.
- Wrote a research report based on our experiment.
3. Skills Learned
Research Skills:
- Learned how scientific experiments are designed and conducted.
- Understood the importance of accuracy, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
- Discovered how scientists turn observations into conclusions
Learning Skills:
- Before the lab visit: Professor explained the scientific theory.
- During the lab visit: Professors guided us through each step.
- After the lab visit: Learned how to analyze results and write a scientific paper.
Personal Growth:
- Gained hands-on research experience.
- Built confidence working in a university laboratory.
My Advice:
- Be curious, ask questions, work with other students, and receive opportunities to experience real science
At the begining of 2025 summer camp, I was expecting to only learn about biology. When I finished it, I had gained much more than scientific knowledge. This experience provided the opportunity for me to see what research life is like and encouraged me to continue exploring where my interests may lead in the future.
