John Wang
I am a Master’s student at Western University with a passion for making science, healthcare, and education more accessible for underrepresented youth and local communities. Alongside my research, I have helped build several student-led initiatives focused on STEM education and patient support. Through InspirED Science, I have had the opportunity to design and deliver hands-on workshops that connect what students learn in the classroom with real research, careers, and problems scientists are working to solve. As a young community leader, I believe students are most inspired when they can actively participate, ask questions, and see people they can relate to pursuing careers in STEM. My goal is to create those opportunities and help more students see a place for themselves in science.
InspirED Science
InspirED Science is a graduate student-led STEM outreach initiative that brings interactive, research-inspired science workshops into high schools and youth programs. The project connects classroom concepts with real laboratory techniques, current research, and STEM careers through hands-on activities in areas such as neuroscience, physiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Workshops are designed and delivered by young researchers, giving students an opportunity to conduct experiments, ask questions, and interact directly with scientists close to their own stage of education.
About this Project
Communities Served
My project will involve and/or impact the following communities:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
When it comes to community impact projects, the UN has created 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are the Sustainable Development Goals associated with my project.
How the project works
InspirED Science develops hands-on workshops with teachers and community partners throughout the school year. Graduate researchers visit schools and youth programs to deliver experiments, explain the science behind them, and discuss research and STEM careers. Student and teacher feedback is then used to improve and expand future programming.
Project Impact
InspirED Science has delivered workshops to students across Southwestern Ontario and through programs such as Shad Western. In recent programming, 97% of surveyed students enjoyed the workshops, 95% said the hands-on activities improved their understanding, and 90% reported increased interest in science. The project also gives students direct access to young researchers and relatable STEM role models.
Project Mission
InspirED Science aims to make STEM engaging, accessible, and relevant by connecting students with real research and the people behind it. Its goals are to increase interest and confidence in science, provide meaningful hands-on learning opportunities, expose students to diverse STEM pathways, and build sustainable partnerships with schools and community organizations to expand access to high-quality science outreach.
Project Team
A multidisciplinary team of Western graduate researchers passionate about science communication, mentorship, and hands-on education.
- John Wang Abinaci Bahra Kathleen McCombe Abbey Kirkwood Sam Ugulini
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