Last month, B-HUGs ran its inaugural sessions for its micro-internship program (MIP), following sing-ups from our launch event back in November. For the MIP, two teams of research interns, also referred to as ‘Junior’ Jegna, are collaborating with 23 students from two of our partner schools and five globally based supervisors to design and carry out research projects with an environment focus. 

We’re excited to partner with a diverse group of researchers who have been engaging with students in conducting scientific research in their fields of natural and environmental science. Students are working in groups and so far have based their activities in-school, including virtual meetings with supervisors currently working and studying in Canada, Scotland and Nigeria.

Every week on a Wednesday afternoon, students have been working in groups and with their supervisors to refine their research questions, hypotheses, and identify the necessary methods for their scientific inquiries. Their research projects include work on the role of biofilms in breaking down waste material, investigating the prevalence of microplastics in local waterways, soil chemistry and structure in local woodland and disturbed areas, air quality in and around schools and parks and water contamination in ponds in local green areas.

This means that students will explore natural areas within their local communities as well as consider their findings in a wider global context.

In the weeks ahead, students will finalise their methods, carry out their data collection and analyse and interpret their results alongside their supervisors. They will then prepare their final presentations at the conclusion of the micro-internship program.

Through this initiative, we aim to foster greater involvement of Black youth in natural and environmental science. By collaborating with experts of Black heritage from around the globe, we hope to empower these young leaders at B-HUGs to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

-Ria