Biophotonics: Understanding Life with Light

Each of our camps are high-energy, hands-on learning, and include a broad exposure to a variety of topics in science, engineering, technology and math (STEM). 

York University's Spark Lab Programs are week-long sessions designed for students in grades 9 to 12 who want more hands-on science. Using experiment-based learning, students explore physics, biology, chemistry and coding through lab work. Escape the traditional classroom and learn science by doing science. Programs run from 9:30am to 3:30pm daily, for four- or five-days depending on the week. Each session will allow participants to be involved in hands-on experiments, participate in mentor visits, and experience working in a university environment.

Did you know that plants, and indeed all life, can glow? At the intersection of physics, chemistry, and biology, the field of biophotonics–“life” and “light”–is a branch of biophysics which finds itself uniquely suited to tackle one of the most pressing topics of our time: the health of our environment and sustainability on Earth. In this course, students will uncover nature’s strategies for breathing colour into life with a focus on the intriguing phenomenon of fluorescence. Students will have the opportunity to learn about exotic plant species housed at the YorkU greenhouse. In chemistry and physics labs, students will gain hands-on experience with fluorescence spectroscopy, even by counting individual particles of light! By the end of the course, students will gain valuable skills in research and understand how the light-life interaction   is an important tool for studying the health of plants and other organisms. Students will also look beyond—they will visit the MiBAR Biophotonics Research Lab to explore new frontiers for these techniques in medicine and how they can be used to study human health in space! 

About the Instructors

Professor Ozzy Mermut and Professor William Pietro: Prof. Ozzy Mermut is a biophysics professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at York University. Her specialty is in biophotonics, using light to study biological matter and diseases, develop diagnostic biosensors and phototherapeutics. Prof. William Pietro is a chemistry professor in the Department of Chemistry. His speciality is in developing advanced photo-active functional materials and biotech devices.

Coral Hillel graduated from York University with a Specialized Honours B.Sc. in Biophysics. With a passion for research in this highly interdisciplinary field, Coral is currently pursuing a M.Sc. in photonics and chemical physics under supervision of Prof. Ozzy Mermut and Prof. William Pietro. Her work focuses on the exciting area of molecular photoswitches and Science Engagement Programs Great Science Plays Here Page 7 of 15 photoresponsive materials. Using both experimental and computational approaches, Coral investigates the fundamental properties of these photoswitches towards improving the design of photoresponsive materials, including optical sensors and light-triggered recyclable materials. Throughout her studies at York, Coral has been passionate about communicating biophysics to her fellow peers and the wider community through volunteer tutoring, student physics clubs, and YorkU biophysics outreach.
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Science Engagement Programs offer innovative and engaging programs designed to inspire youth and discover exciting topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Our programs use a discovery and inquiry-based learning approach with a focus on ‘learning by doing’. Our outreach model provides students with a chance to work in small groups on a variety of projects. This model helps foster problem solving, critical thinking, and an overall passion for STEM.

Testimonials about our in-person programs:

• Without exaggeration, this was a life changing week for our daughter. She arrived with a curious spark about science and left with a brightly burning passion. Her instructors Vanessa and Joey inspired her like no other educators. She would leave camp totally energized. Some nights she spent 2 hours recreating her day and sharing what she had learned. Then she would spend another couple of hours researching sigma and pi bonds, chemical reactions and brainstorming ideas for next year's science fair. 
  
  This was the summer camp she had been wanting her whole life to be part of. It wouldn't surprise me if years from now she will look back on this week and the impact it had on her.
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• My daughter's main focus is dance. It's all she cares about. Wasn't sure how she much she would enjoy Mini Med. She was hooked from the first day. It was refreshing to hear her talk about everything she learned and how much fun she had! 
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• This program is a chance for my child to do and learn more. The school system limits children; it doesn’t allow them to fly. We all look for programs that give our young ones wings. 
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• A mix of hands-on experience and lectures, this unique introduction to the medical field beats all our expectations! It is one-of-a-kind, this seems to be the only camp that really talks about medicine and sciences which is fantastic! 
  
  Coming home from camp, my children go on and on about what they've learned and they talk about how they can discuss science with counselors who are studying science in university. My children will continue to delve into their science interests every summer with York University's camps. 
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• My son told me that it was easy to make friends at this camp and that he learned something new that he never did before everyday. The teachers and volunteers have a lot to do with the success of this camp. I found them so enthusiastic and keen as well as knowledgeable, approachable and caring with the kids. Thank you.