Contest gives student a chance to work in food science.

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EDMONTON

When Danielle Iron learned that she'd been chosen as one of 12 First Nations, Metis and Inuit students from across Canada to attend a one-week all-expenses paid internship at a Kelowna university lab, she was excited.

"I want to become a dietician or nutritionist and recognized this experience as being helpful in reaching my goal," she said.

The 19-year-old from Canoe Lake First Nation is currently finishing her high school subjects at Fresh Start in downtown Edmonton and was excited to learn she was successful in her bid to participate in the first-of-a-kind program called Be a Food Researcher for a Week. The allexpensepaid internship during this year's spring break allowed her to gain hands-on experience in food science research. And being on a plane for the first time made the adventure even more fun.

"It was fantastic. I met a lot of really nice people and made some new friends, and I learned so much in the lab," she said. "For example, we extracted DNA from apples in the orchard, and did some experiments on how to make the apples last longer and retain their freshness and nutrition once they're picked and stored."

Hosted by leading scientist Louise Nelson, who is wellknown for her cutting-edge food and nutrition research, the students worked at a University of British Columbia laboratory. "We worked with her grad students, under her overall direction, and we learned a lot."

An essay contest among grade 11 and 12 students was the required prerequisite to being chosen. "I wrote about why I wanted to be involved and how the experience would be useful," she said. Her sister, with whom she lives in Edmonton, was as excited as she was. "My mom is a nurse back home in Saskatchewan and she was really proud."

When she has finished her high school studies, Iron is considering different university options on her way to her career. "I enjoy school, especially at Fresh Start, because the atmosphere is relaxed and we can concentrate on learning," she said, adding that being on a university campus for a week was also a good learning experience.

Fresh Start teacher Catherine Filewych noted that the experience would give Iron an opportunity to consider the possibility of a career related to food science. "Participating in this food research program gave Danielle a new perspective on foods and nutrition other than the preparation and delivery of food, which is what we do in our class," she said. "And for her to travel to another province to participate in a program in which she knows no one, certainly gave her self confidence a boost."

Iron encourages all students to seize any occasion to participate in a similar activity. "You have to look for them, but there are many chances to get involved in programs like this," she said. "It can help you in so many ways to reach your goals of more education and a great career. I'll always appreciate this opportunity."

BY HEATHER ANDREWS MILLER

Sage Writer