Outreach Offerings
HPI is a team of researchers and graduate students dedicated to solving emerging problems associated with parasitic disease here in Canada and abroad.
Parasites: The most diverse organisms on Earth
Parasites are easy to forget in places like Canada where they may not directly influence our day-to-day lives.
But parasites are everywhere and are amongst the most important causes of:
- Human and animal/wildlife disease
- Economic loss in agricultural production
- Environmental instability
Science Outreach
One of the main goals of HPI is to engage in science outreach about parasites through collaborating with K-12 schools to educate students and participating in community events to engage the public.
Educating Our Communities
Parasites, whether they be in humans, animals, plants or other vectors, are an integral part of human society and the animal world. By educating our communities about parasites, HPI hopes to encourage the value of researching parasites!
School Visits
HPI students and researchers have presented at many classrooms between grades K-12 to teach about parasite research. Over the years, hundreds of students have had the opportunity to learn about parasites by experts in the field.
Exploring and Creating New Activities
Our program is adaptable to many different ages, curriculums, and themes as parasite-host interactions are diverse, and we are happy to tailor specific presentations and lectures for schools and community events!
Some presentations we have done in the past are:
Parasites and biodiversity
Wildlife parasitology
Host immunity and cellular processes of parasites
Public health initiatives to combat parasitic disease
Parasite drug resistance and evolution
We strive to conduct science education beyond just lectures and presentations. HPI has developed many games and activities for a variety of ages to connect with students, such as:
Parasite samples and models: A display of parasite samples and models for students to get hands on experience looking at parasites (K-12).
Sifting for sequences activity: Students will have to identify parasite infection using genetic sequences ‘sifted’ from feces (dirt). Using the information gained from the genetic sequences, students will determine treatment options (Gr. 6+).
Parasite drug resistance activity: Students will work with an HPI member to learn how parasites evolve drug resistance and how to prevent it (Gr. 3+).
Giardia beanbag toss: A fun activity where students throw beanbags into the different places Giardia infects, learning the life cycle while playing (K-12).
Parasite travel board game: Students attempt to make their way home travelling through countries while learning about their local parasites and ways to combat/treat them (Gr. 3+).
And more!
Inspire the future
Our intent is not only to provide education but to inspire a new generation of researchers, not only in the field of parasitology but science in general.
We aim to create an inclusive environment where students of any background can be motivated to pursue the sciences in post-secondary education and beyond.