• 2021 Black Excellence in STEM and Health (BESH) Symposium Logo

Learn more about the Symposium…

Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (ILA), in association with the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN), Promoting Leadership in health for African Nova Scotians (PLANS) and the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI) is hosting a one-day conference on March 27, 2021 entitled Black Excellence in STEM and Health Research Symposium (BESH).  The 2021 event will bring together STEM academics, research students, and secondary students from across Nova Scotia and Canada to:

  1. Discuss the contributions of Black scientists to STEM
  2. Expose secondary students to Black STEM professionals and offer three unique hands-on activities to deepen their understanding of science and health concepts and innovations, and
  3. Highlight research being done in STEM and health by Black scholars and develop solutions to address barriers to entry in these fields.

This conference seeks to positively contribute to the educational and career development of African Canadians in STEM.

Conference attendees can attend one or more of the conference sessions.

  • DAY 1 (virtually)
    • Session 1 – KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
    • Session 2 – Concurrent Breakout Workshops (including sessions for Secondary students)
    • Session 3 – Student Research Poster Presentations

The concurrent Breakout Workshops includes sessions in which university STEM and Health-students of African heritage will virtually engage participating youth in fun, thought-provoking, hands-on STEM activities.

TIME ACTIVITY
1:00pm-1:05pm Welcome
1:05pm-1:35pm Keynote Presentation – Dr. Maydianne Andrade
1:35pm-1:50pm Question & Answer for Keynote Presentation
1:50pm-2:15pm Breakout Workshops

  • STEM and Health Hands-on Activity for Secondary School Learners
2:15pm-2:25pm Networking Break
2:25pm-3:55pm University Student Researcher Presentations

  • Fola Akpan  (Topic:  In-patient Stroke Rehabilitation System)
  • Celeste Ferrus  (Topic:  Microgravity and the Heart)
  • Loukman Ghouti  (Topic:  Alpha-Synuclein & Parkinson’s Disease)
  • Ifeanyi Kennedy Nmecha  (Topic:  Cripto-1 as a potential anti-fibrotic agent in diabetic kidney disease)
  • Tyra Obadan (Topic:  Reproductive Technologies)
  • Success Wokili  (Topic:  CFIA-compliant Food Traceability System)
3:55pm-4:00pm Awards & Closing

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