Advertise on podcast: 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

✨ Welcome, welcome all, to this special episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. Today, I’m joined by Shreya Plassery, a Grade 8 student from Peterborough and our Junior Platinum Discovery award winner at CWSF 2021 for her project, Unlocking the Legacy: Can Mycorrhizae and Spent Mushroom Substrate activate Legacy Phosphorus? 🎙️ Available on all your favourite podcast apps, you can also watch this episode on YouTube at: https://cstu.io/40fa2f 📣 Feel free to check out Shreya's project and leave comments of support at: https://cstu.io/c25e9b 🤷 Who is Shreya Plassery? Hi! I am Shreya, a grade 8 student from St. Catherine Elementary School, Peterborough. This is my fourth time doing the science fair and I got to go to Canada Wide virtually this year. It was a fantastic experience! Instagram: @shreyaplassery  💜 Thanks so much for your support! Have a great day, and stay curious

✨ Welcome, welcome all, to this special episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. Today, I’m joined by Calvin Karthik, a Grade 9 student from Peterborough and our Discovery Best Project award winner at CWSF 2021 for his project, A Mighty Mushroom and the Power of Poop: Testing Biogas Production using Spent Mushroom Substrate Phase 2.   🎙️ Available on all your favourite podcast apps, you can also watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/sasi_t-5JU8 📣 Feel free to check out Calvin's project and leave comments of support at: https://cstu.io/55bc7a  🤷 Who is Calvin Karthik?  Hi, my name is Calvin Karthik and I'm a Gr. 9 student. I love playing basketball, hip-hop music, dancing, coding, creating digital art, and science. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to participate in the CWSF.   💜 Thanks so much for your support! Have a great day, and stay curious

Bienvenue à tous dans cet épisode spécial du podcast Pourquoi et comment, où nous explorons les aventures dans le domaine des STIM. Aujourd'hui, je suis accompagnée d'Allison Engo, une élève de 12e année du Réseau Technoscience et notre lauréate du prix Platine Découverte senior à l'ESPC 2021 pour son projet Saved on the Fly. Feel free to check out Allison's project and leave comments of support at: https://cstu.io/db1cbc Pour sa vidéo de présentation en français: https://cstu.io/055b14 Who is Allison Engo? My name is Allison Engo, born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. I'm a 16-year-old student from Marianopolis College studying in the Honours Health Science program. I'm passionate about sciences and finding ways to improve the lives of people in our community through research and education. My Social Media Links https://cstu.io/0c0b15 https://cstu.io/8ccf6e https://cstu.io/507ee6 You can also watch this episode in French on YouTube at: https://cstu.io/c7e9e0 Thanks so much for your support! Have a great day, and stay curious 💜

Welcome, welcome all, to this special episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an absolutely incredible virtual CWSF a few weeks, it was clear that you all wanted to hear more from our Platinum & Best Project award winners, so over the next few weeks, I’ll be catching up with them all to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.    Today, I’m joined by Hardit Singh, a Grade 9 student from Waterloo-Wellington and our Best Project Innovation award winner at CWSF 2021 for his project, Speculor: A Comprehensive Teleophthalmology Platform for People Centered Eyecare.    Feel free to check out Hardit's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/speculor-a-comprehensive-teleophthalmology-platform-for-people-centered-eyecare  Who is Hardit Singh? Hi! My name is Hardit Singh and I am a Grade 9 student from Waterloo Ontario. My interests include computer science, artificial intelligence, optics, medicine, and sports. I love developing innovative solutions involving my interests to help solve our world's biggest problems! Check out my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvmkfw1hfQvAdsY4Qi714MA You can also watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/XgouWFTv29o Thanks so much for your support! Have a great day, and stay curious 💜

Welcome, welcome all, to this special episode of the Why to How Podcast, where we explore adventures in STEM. After an absolutely incredible virtual CWSF a few weeks ago, it was clear that you all wanted to hear more from our Platinum & Best Project award winners, so over the next few weeks, I’ll be catching up with them all to learn more about their science fair projects & the adventures they’ve had along the way.    Today, I’m joined by Timothy Cai, a Grade 11 student from South Fraser and our Senior Platinum Innovation Award winner at CWSF 2021 for his project, An Investigation into Active Control for Accessible Orbital Flight.   Feel free to check out Timothy's project and leave comments of support at: https://projectboard.world/ysc/project/an-investigation-into-active-control-for-accessible-orbital-flight    Who is Timothy Cai?  Timothy Cai is a grade 11 student currently attending Fraser Heights Secondary. He decided to begin this project out of an interest and love for engineering and aerospace. At school, he runs the school science club, makerspace, and the class server. He enjoys reading novels and tinkering with his 3D printer and assorted projects in his free time. He also likes to snowboard and play badminton, and he hopes to reach provincials with his school. Timothy would recommend future science fair students to find something they love and work on it until it becomes something exceptional. In the future, he hopes to stand out in the field of aerospace and catch the attention of SpaceX. You can also watch this episode on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/3MWzFIDefKQ  Thanks so much for your support! Have a great day, and stay curious 💜