York University Proceedings from the 2023 Indicium Conference: 2023 National Indicium Conference, organized by STEM Fellowship

Indicium is an annual research competition geared towards introducing inexperienced students to the process of independent research. Through this mentorship program, undergraduate students are grouped with PhDs, professors, graduate students, medical students, etc. who are experienced in STEM research fields. Mentors actively guide and support students through a research project in their field of expertise and prepare them for the final Indicium Research Conference. The program also includes workshops focusing on various aspects of project development as well as networking opportunities within the greater scientific community. In 2023, Indicium was hosted at four university branches across Canada including McMaster University, York University, University of Toronto St. George, and University of Toronto Mississauga. Every branch held a university-level conference where participating teams were granted abstract publications in the National peer-reviewed STEM Fellowship Journal. Ten teams selected from these branches moved forward to participate in the National Indicium Research Conference held on August 12, 2023. Winning teams from this competition have been granted a full manuscript publication. We are pleased to be showcasing the conference proceedings from the four participating Canadian Indicium branches – this publication features the proceedings from York University. Working alongside the incredible group of mentors, mentees, judging panel, and executive team on this initiative was an honour. Indicium would not be possible without the drive of those who chose to indulge in this platform in the pursuit of knowledge, mentorship, and future opportunities.