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BAKER LAKE - A Grade 12 student at Jonah Amitnaaq secondary school in Baker Lake is helping some of Canada's top scientists conduct experiments in food and nutrition research in a Toronto lab this week.

Shyanne Kinnowatner is one of 12 First Nations, Metis and Inuit students selected in a national competition to participate in the first-of-its-kind program called Be a Food Researcher for a Week.

The program was organized by the Advanced Foods and Materials Network and provides students in Grades 11 and 12 with oneweek, allexpenses-paid internships to gain handson experience in food science research.

Kinnowatner joins youth from Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the NWT in the program.

The students are conducting their research in labs at the universities of Toronto, Guelph, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Kinnowatner, 18, will be at the University of Toronto from Feb. 23-27 under the direction of leading scientist Ahmed ElSohemy.

The work she may take part in includes studying how one's genetic makeup affects food preferences, how simple nutrients can help fight diseases like diabetes and AIDS, how Canadians are helping to increase the food supply and how one can shape what new food products companies bring to grocery store shelves.

Kinnowatner said the trip is positive for her because of her interest in science.

She said she's never travelled as far east as Toronto and hopes to learn more about food research and what causes people to get sick, so she may be able to help them one day.

"My teacher (Chris Maynard) nominated me for this and I'm very excited about it, but I'm also pretty nervous," said Kinnowatner.

"My family is very proud of me and I hope to learn lots while in Toronto."

Maynard said Kinnowatner will benefit greatly from the program.

"This program will teach her about life in southern Canada, allow her to experience what larger cities have to offer and will open her eyes to many opportunities for her future," said Maynard.

Kinnowatner said there may be a science-related career somewhere in her future, but she hasn't made any plans past graduating from Grade 12 this year.

She said in addition to her lab work, she's really looking forward to seeing Toronto for the first time.

"I know it's going to be huge and impressive," she said.

"I don't know what to expect in the lab, but I hope I learn things I can bring back to help people in Baker Lake."