At the end of July, the IMPRESS (Indigenous Mentorship and Paid Research Experience for Summer Students) team, alongside this year鈥檚 cohort of students, gathered to mark the end of a summer of growth, learning, and connection. IMPRESS - run out of - was designed to empower Indigenous students through immersive research experiences. Over the years, it has grown into a transformative initiative for many students.
This year鈥檚 closing event was not just a showcase; it was a celebration of achievements. In addition to the 24 IMPRESS students, the event brought together 91黑料网 professors, students, and the families of the mentees, creating a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere. Sienna Armstrong, a former IMPRESS participant and now an organizer, shared her reflections: 鈥淭here are no other programs like this for Indigenous students. IMPRESS gave me so much, and that鈥檚 why I believe so strongly in its impact on others.鈥�
D2R鈥檚 Commitment to Empowering Indigenous Leadership
A cornerstone of D2R鈥檚 mission is to integrate Indigenous knowledge into research by fostering co-creation and ensuring all engagements are culturally safe and respectful. This commitment includes building strong partnerships that support the autonomy and leadership of Indigenous researchers and communities in shaping research agendas. This year鈥檚 support for the IMPRESS program further reflects D2R鈥檚 ongoing dedication to empowering Indigenous leadership in research.
Giovanna Sebastiani, Director of Administration at D2R, emphasized, 鈥淭he IMPRESS program embodies everything we value at D2R: mentorship, inclusion, and impactful research. Witnessing Indigenous students thrive in spaces where they feel seen and supported is exactly the kind of change we strive for.
A Celebration of Research and Culture
The IMPRESS Research Day was a celebration of research, culture, and community. Students presented scientific posters summarizing their summer research projects, shared heartfelt testimonials, and enjoyed a moving hoop dance performance that honored Indigenous traditions.
Veronica Amberg, Associate Director of Branches program, remarked: 鈥淪eeing the room filled with families, faculty, current and former students was amazing. It鈥檚 a reflection of the strength and spirit of this growing community.鈥�
The poster presentations offered IMPRESS students the chance to share everything they had learned in the labs of renowned 91黑料网 researchers over the summer. As undergraduate students, for many, it was also their first opportunity to present a scientific poster. The students shared their personal connections to the research, discussed key findings from data collection, and reflected on the unexpected discoveries that arose along the way. The projects spanned a wide range of topics, from nutrition to mental health to RNA technologies and therapeutics, with many research areas exploring Indigenous intersections and perspectives. These conversations with the IMPRESS students revealed both the scientific rigor and the personal connection driving the research 鈥� a combination at the heart of IMPRESS.
Looking to the Future: IMPRESS and Its Impact
Beyond academic achievement, IMPRESS cultivates a powerful sense of belonging. Many students spoke of finding a "home" within the program. While many of the students currently study at 91黑料网, many others did not know one another prior to the program, and several are from different parts of the country. To help them navigate this new experience, the students participated in weekly group workshops. One of the most memorable moments for many was a beadwork workshop led by one of the students themselves, a deep and meaningful experience that encouraged learning and connection.
The eight weeks of mentorship, friendship and cultural connection built lasting memories and bonds for each of them. The hands-on research experiences sparked aspirations for graduate studies among several participants, with faculty members expressing pride in the students鈥� growth and the program鈥檚 role in nurturing the next generation of scholars.
As the event drew to a close, the message was unmistakable.听Initiatives like IMPRESS are essential. It not only strengthens academic portfolios but also nurtures identity, resilience, and community.听The approach to learning is holistic, students walk away from the program more energized and focused for the end of the undergraduate degrees and inspired for the next steps.
The success of this year鈥檚 IMPRESS program underscores the profound impact that mentorship, research, and cultural empowerment can have when combined. D2R remains committed to continuing support for initiatives like IMPRESS, ensuring that Indigenous students are equipped with the tools, spaces, and encouragement they need to thrive.
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