Toronto High School Students Explore Molecular Genetics Through nextGen Outreach Workshops
Community
By
MoGen News
Between April 23 and May 1, 2026, the Department of Molecular Genetics’ nextGen outreach program welcomed approximately 200 students from across Toronto to the University of Toronto for workshops focused on molecular genetics, laboratory skills, and STEM exploration.
Students from St. Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School, James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School, Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School, and Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School participated in four outreach days hosted across the University of Toronto’s downtown campus.
The workshops began with an introductory molecular genetics lecture led by Dr. Martina Steiner, Assistant Professor, who introduced students to DNA, genes, and the molecular basis of sickle cell disease before students transitioned into laboratory sessions in the Medical Sciences Building.
Laboratory activities and breakout sessions were led by graduate student mentors, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and staff from the Department of Molecular Genetics and affiliated research centres. This year’s mentors included Ashley M. Campbell, Lauren Verhaeghe, Ran Xu, Juan Pablo Padilla Martínez, C’airah Ceolin, Ryan Marks, and Sasha Morozova.
Students explored techniques commonly used in undergraduate laboratory courses and biomedical research settings, including pipetting, gel electrophoresis, serial dilutions, microscopy, and DNA analysis connected to sickle cell genetics.
In preparation for the workshops, facilitators and mentors prepared more than 60 agarose gels and aliquoted approximately 300 laboratory tubes to support the sessions. Tao Liang and Artur Jakubowski from the Division of Teaching Labs also provided technical support and assisted with laboratory setup throughout the program.
“This is the third year I have been a facilitator for nextGen,” said Ashley M. Campbell, a postdoctoral fellow in the department. “Each year, there are amazing mentors, students, and support to create an environment where learners can gain lab experience, and mentors can gain teaching experience.”
The program also featured breakout discussions where trainees introduced students to their research areas and shared their academic pathways into molecular genetics and biomedical science. Topics included rare disease research using zebrafish models, scoliosis research, cancer fusion proteins, interventional genetics, and graduate research pathways.
For many students, nextGen represents a first opportunity to work inside a university laboratory environment and interact directly with researchers and graduate trainees in molecular genetics.
“Programs like nextGen help students see that spaces like this can belong to them too,” said Marcia Iglesias, Communications and Outreach Officer for the Department of Molecular Genetics. “I came from priority schools in Toronto, and opportunities like this can really change how young people see themselves and what feels possible for their future.”
Teachers participating in the program have also described the long-term impact of early laboratory exposure. Steven Malvaso, a participating teacher, shared that two students who attended nextGen workshops last year later entered biology programs at the University of Toronto and felt more prepared in undergraduate lab settings because they had already gained experience with pipetting and gel electrophoresis through the program.
Offered at no cost to Toronto schools and community groups, nextGen workshops are designed for students ages 14 to 18 and can be adapted to support classroom curriculum and STEM learning goals.
nextGen by the Numbers
4 outreach workshop days
Approximately 200 students reached
8 graduate student and research mentors
60 agarose gels prepared
300 laboratory tubes aliquoted
Multiple graduate student research and career breakout sessions
The Department of Molecular Genetics continues to expand nextGen programming as part of its commitment to science outreach, education, and community engagement.
