Why to How: Adventures in STEM

In this episode of the Why to How podcast, CWSF 2016 alum Sarah Simionescu discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of overcoming analysis paralysis and learning through experience. She highlights the necessity of collaboration and seeking advice from those who have navigated similar paths, as well as the importance of customer feedback in the development process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to STEM Journeys

01:22 Sarah's Science Fair Experience

05:50 The Impact of STEM Fairs

08:06 Transitioning to Coding and Education

09:18 Navigating University Challenges

10:41 Research and Growth in Computer Science

17:51 Finding Co-op Opportunities

23:04 Building a Startup: SalesBop

27:33 Acquisition and Current Work at MongoDB

34:16 The Importance of Mentorship

36:43 Learning Through Experience

37:38 Building Confidence Through Presentation Skills

42:49 Navigating Feedback and Iteration

43:06 Working at a Dream Company

45:47 Advice for Aspiring Software Developers

52:36 Creating Impact Through Community

57:45 The Value of Sharing Your Work

01:05:46 Thanks for Watching Outro Video.mp4

In this episode of the Why to How podcast, we interview Claire Sehn, a young innovator who won the Junior Discovery Platinum Award at the Canada-Wide Science Fair for her project 'Beat the Blaze: Preventing Wildfires and Drought With a Novel, Biodegradable Treatment.' Claire discusses her biodegradable treatment designed to prevent wildfires and drought, the inspiration behind her project, her research and development process, and her experiences in the lab. She shares insights on balancing her interests, the support she received from family and friends, and her aspirations for the future. She also emphasizes the importance of curiosity and determination in tackling environmental challenges and encourages other young scientists to explore their passions.See Claire's project here: https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/project/beat-the-blaze-preventing-wildfires-and-drought-with-a-novel-biodegradable-treatment*Chapters*00:00 Introduction to Claire and Her Project03:48 The Inspiration Behind Beat The Blaze06:35 The Science of the Hydrogel09:44 Research and Development Process13:00 Experiences at Science Fairs15:48 Advice for Young Scientists18:57 Future Aspirations and Interests21:48 Balancing School and Science Projects24:44 The Importance of Curiosity in Science27:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement46:28 Thanks for Watching Outro Video.mp4

In this episode of the Why The How Podcast, host Stuart McKelvie interviews Sara Waqas, a young scientist who has made significant strides in mental health research, particularly focusing on schizophrenia. Sara discusses her award-winning project that aims to develop personalized treatments based on neurobiological profiles. She shares her journey of inspiration, the research process, and the importance of community engagement in mental health. Throughout the conversation, Sara emphasizes the need for flexibility in research, the impact of mentorship, and the significance of pursuing interests in STEM. She also addresses misconceptions about schizophrenia and the challenges faced during her project, while encouraging others to explore their passions in science.

See Sara's project here: https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/project/neurobiologically-informed-targeted-schizophrenia-treatment-a-multi-omic-fmri-approach

*Chapters*

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Waqas and Her Achievements

01:02 Understanding the Project: Targeted Schizophrenia Treatment

03:01 Inspiration and Research Journey

06:02 Project Development and Flexibility

09:00 Timeline and Research Process

11:59 Mental Health Research Approach

17:01 Challenges in Mental Health Research

20:05 Impact of Research on the Community

24:00 Misconceptions and Surprises in Research

27:05 Overcoming Challenges and Mental Blocks

33:42 Exploring Chemistry and Learning Resources

35:20 Finding Mentors and Building Connections

39:10 Support from Friends and Family

41:49 Balancing Multiple Commitments

47:16 Protecting Mental Health in Research

50:04 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

54:38 The Importance of STEM Projects

57:11 Developing Communication Skills

59:57 Future Aspirations and Research Goals

In this episode of the Why to How podcast, host Stuart McKelvie interviews Trisha Haldar, a grade 9 student and the Junior Innovation Platinum Award winner at the Canada-Wide Science Fair 2025. Trisha discusses her award-winning project, the Visual Drug Interaction Checker, which aims to simplify the understanding of drug interactions for patients, especially seniors. She shares her journey of inspiration, the challenges she faced during the project, and the technical aspects of her work, including programming and research. Trisha emphasizes the importance of accessibility in health information, the value of STEM projects for youth, and the significance of support from family and mentors. The conversation highlights the learning process, the importance of simplicity in solutions, and the motivation to continue exploring new ideas in STEM.

See Trisha's project here: https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/project/visual-drug-interaction-checker

Welcome, welcome all, to this episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an amazing CWSF a few months ago, I wanted to check in with our Platinum & Best Project award winners, to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.   

Today, I’m joined by Annabelle Rayson, a student from Lambton County and our Best Project Award - Discovery winner at CWSF 2022 for her project, "Plankton Wars: An Innovative Analysis of Daphnia Genotype Biomanipulation for Algae Bloom Prevention".  

Feel free to check out Annabelle's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/plankton-wars-an-innovative-analysis-of-daphnia-genotype-biomanipulation-for-algae-bloom-prevention

Welcome, welcome all, to this episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an amazing CWSF a few months ago, I wanted to check in with our Platinum & Best Project award winners, to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.   

Today, I’m joined by Arushi Nath, a student from Toronto and our Best Project Award - Innovation winner at CWSF 2022 for her project, "Strengthening Planetary Defense: Detecting Unknown Asteroids using Open Data, Math, and Python".  

Feel free to check out Louis and Koral's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/planetary-defense-detecting-unknown-asteroids-using-open-data-math-and-python

Welcome, welcome all, to this episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an amazing CWSF a few months ago, I wanted to check in with our Platinum & Best Project award winners, to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.   

Today, I’m joined by Louis Wu and Koral Kulacoglu, students from York and our Senior Platinum Award - Innovation winners at CWSF 2022 for their project, "FourSight Screenings".  

Feel free to check out Louis and Koral's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/foursight-screenings

Welcome, welcome all, to this episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an amazing CWSF a few months ago, I wanted to check in with our Platinum & Best Project award winners, to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.   

Today, I’m joined by Max Du, a student from Calgary Youth and our Intermediate Platinum Award - Innovation winner at CWSF 2022 for his project, "A Novel Pre-Hospital Indoor Rescue Drone".  

Feel free to check out Max's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/old-novel-pre-hospital-indoor-rescue-drone

Welcome, welcome all, to this episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an amazing CWSF a few months ago, I wanted to check in with our Platinum & Best Project award winners, to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.   

Today, I’m joined by Jasmine Schneider, a student from Waterloo-Wellington and our Intermediate Platinum Award - Discovery winner at CWSF 2022 for her project, "Phosphate Removal from Groundwater Using Mussel Shell Biochar".  

Feel free to check out Jasmine's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/phosphate-removal-from-groundwater-using-mussel-shell-biochar

Welcome, welcome all, to this episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an amazing CWSF a few months ago, I wanted to check in with our Platinum & Best Project award winners, to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.   

Today, I’m joined by Audrey Cowen, a student from Toronto and our Junior Platinum Award - Discovery winner at CWSF 2022 for her project, "The Hidden Side of Your Dog's Love".  

Feel free to check out Audrey's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/the-hidden-side-of-your-dogs-love-npdmr