Best of the WWEST
141 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsWelcome to Best of the WWEST (Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology), where we believe providing role models for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) can change the world. Come along with us as we talk to incredible women in STEM about their lives, careers, and everything in between.
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Episodes
Episode 25 - Women Supporting Women from Labs to Non-Profits w/ Bonnie Douglas
April 08, 2024 16:00 - 22 minutes - 34.2 MBThis episode we speak with Bonnie Douglas, who is the project manager at the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology, or CCWESTT. She shares how her curiosity about sour cream led her to food engineering and how she now advocates for a diverse STEM workforce in her current role. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available ...
Episode 24 - Celebrating International Women's Month w/ Dr. Deborah Saucier
March 18, 2024 08:00 - 23 minutes - 34.2 MBTo celebrate International Women's Month, we speak with Dr. Deborah Saucier, the President of the Vancouver Island University and a renowned researcher. A proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Dr. Saucier shares her journey to academic leadership. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
Episode 23 - How youth can excel in STEM w/ Diya Kalia
February 19, 2024 22:36 - 17 minutes - 21.5 MBFor a special episode this month, we continue our conversation with the women at the Canadian Association of Girls in Science. We speak with Diya Kalia, a member and teen ambassador for the organization, about how she's empowering the next generation of girls in STEM. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
Episode 22 - Inspiring the next generation of STEM w/ Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko
February 12, 2024 19:21 - 15 minutes - 18.2 MBSTEM is full of opportunities for women passionate about making a difference. But recent studies have shown that women are sorely underrepresented in leadership positions, resulting in limited access to mentorship. This episode we speak with Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko about how her passion for breaking stereotypes has transformed a local initiative into a nationwide movement. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca...
Episode 21 - Diverse Women in STEM: Exploring the final frontier w/ Dr. Parshati Patel
January 22, 2024 05:55 - 18 minutes - 23.3 MBAccording to UN data from 2021, women in the international space industry represent just 20 percent of the workforce. That number has stayed around the same for the past 30 years. This episode we speak with Dr. Parshati Patel about her career as an astrophysicist turned STEM educator and the challenges she faces along the way. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to oth...
Episode 20 - Meet the scientists taking on the World's Toughest Row w/ The Salty Science Crew
December 18, 2023 07:43 - 18 minutes - 19.2 MBFour marine biologists are taking on the World's Toughest Row, a challenge that sets sail across the Atlantic Oceean from the Canary Islands to Antigua. The team is on a mission to raise $500,000 USD for marine science and conservation, including an organization based in B.C. This episode we speak with the Salty Science Crew's members, Chantale Bégin, Noelle Helder, Isabelle Côté and Lauren Shea, as they set off on their 3000 mile journey. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spoti...
Episode 19 - Bridging the gap with science journalism w/ Amorina Kingdon
November 21, 2023 02:28 - 20 minutes - 25.6 MBFrom a global pandemic to an ongoing climate crisis, science journalism has become a staple in our lives. But the threat and spread of misinformation has created a gap between the public and scientists. So how can science and journalism work in conjunction to mend this divide? This episode we speak with Amorina Kingdon about her work and the challenges she's faced as a science writer and journalist. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and C...
Episode 18 - Diverse women in STEM: Blending health & nanotechnology w/ Hadeel Mohammed
October 16, 2023 14:00 - 19 minutes - 24 MBAccording to Statistics Canada, women make up less than 25 per cent of people working in STEM careers. As women continue to break down barriers that once held them back from pursuing STEM, it is becoming more important than ever to address diverse backgrounds and identities in research and industry. So how are some of these women navigating their careers and what can we do to create more equitable workplaces? This episode we speak with Hadeel Mohammed about her work and the challenges sh...
Episode 17 - 'I am still me': Being Trans in STEM w/ Stacey Smith?
September 01, 2023 06:29 - 18 minutes - 20.4 MBOften the assumption is that STEM scientists are mostly white and male, and it's not hard to see why. The media keeps reinforcing this image, and the fact that women, people of color, and other minority groups are seriously underrepresented in STEM doesn't help either. This episode we speak with Dr. Stacey Smith? about her experiencing in STEM breaking stereotypes and making the industry more inclusive. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, an...
Episode 16: Managing wildfires through Indigenous-led research w/ Sarah Dickson-Hoyle
July 11, 2023 22:58 - 19 minutes - 22.9 MBWith wildfire season taking over several parts of the country, the need for proper management and restoration is becoming even more crucial. This episode Sarah Dickson-Hoyle, a post-doctoral researcher at UBC working iwth the Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society, joins us to talk about the importance of collaborating and working with Indigenous people for wildfire preparation, management, and restoration. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon,...
Episode 15: Bridging diversity through animation w/ Maritza Louis
June 13, 2023 04:31 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MBA 2022 Diversity in Tech survey found representation of women and Indigenous people marginally increased in the tech industry over a span of three years. This episode Maritza Louis, a character modeler at Walt Disney Animation Studios, joins us to talk about her experiences and the need for more diversity in the animation and tech field. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to l...
Episode 14: The challenges of climate anxiety w/ Lynne Quarmby
May 15, 2023 15:02 - 18 minutes - 19.8 MBAs the world repeatedly fails to meet climate goals, scientists are the ones on the front lines facing the brunt of the complex issue. This episode Lynne Quarmby opens up about her own personal struggles with eco-anxiety and the relentless fight scientists face against the global climate crisis. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
Episode 13: The ethics of AI technology w/ Katrina Ingram
April 10, 2023 18:50 - 18 minutes - 20.5 MBArtificial intelligence is penetrating almost every walk of life and changing how we approach everyday life. While it shares a glimpse of the near future, AI still reflects our current society and the large gaps that have yet to be filled. This episode we speak with Katrina Ingram, founder and CEO of Ethically Aligned AI, to learn more about the need for ethical discussions and diversity in AI and the tech industry. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, ...
Episode 12: Impacts to women by drug decriminalization w/ Jade Boyd
March 13, 2023 13:00 - 19 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode, Jade Boyd takes us through her life as a qualitative researcher scientist with British Columbia's Centre of Substance Use to understand the experiences and challenges of women who use drugs. This year the provincee of British Columbia legalised possession of 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs for people 18 years and older. This is part of a three-year pilot in which MDMA, Cocaine, Methamphetamines, and opioids have been decriminalised in hopes to tamp down on the escalati...
Episode 11 - Black Girls in STEM and ESTEEM w/ Shayle Graham
February 13, 2023 16:00 - 20 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode, Shayle Graham talks to us about Black ESTEEM, a non-profit organization supporting Black girls' interest and confidence in STEM, economics, and entrepreneurship. Through her experience as an educator and an equity, anti-racism, anti-Black and anti-oppression coach for one of the largest school boards in Canada, Graham works to celebrate the beauty and brilliance of Black girls and their communities. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart...
Episode 10 - Truth & Reconciliation in STEM w/ Jessica Vandenberghe
January 09, 2023 16:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBIn this episode, Jessica Vandenberghe talks to us about her experiences as an Indigenous engineer at the forefront of addressing reconciliation in the STEM field. From working in the oil and mining industries to becoming the Assistant Dean at the University of Alberta's faculty of engineering, Vandenberghe talks about the importance of truth & reconciliation to build stronger communities with well-informed engineers. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHear...
Episode 9: Woman. Life. Freedom. Advocating for Iran in STEM w/ Damineh Akhavan
December 06, 2022 18:29 - 19 minutes - 11.7 MBIn this episode, Damineh Akhavan takes us through her life as an aerospace engineer and a human rights activist protesting weekly for women's rights in Iran. From the streets of Iran to the heart of Downtown Vancouver, activists like Akhavan are standing up to bring awareness to the cause and change to their home country. Protests in Iran and around the world follow the death of 23 year old Mahsa Amini, who was killed by Iran's morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly. ...
Episode 8: Experiences of Individuals With Disabilities in STEM and Academia w/Dr. Naheda Sahtout & Dr. Nicole Brown
November 24, 2022 04:03 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode, Dr. Naheda Sahtout and Dr. Nicole Brown sit with us to discuss the experiences of individuals with disabilities in STEM and academia, and how we can make STEM more accessible for disabled individuals in the workplace, lab, and classroom! Dr. Naheda Sahtout (Ph.D) is an award-winning academic, researcher, scientist, and leader. Naheda completed her B.Sc. (Honours) in Biology from the University of Waterloo, M.Sc. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Guelp...
Episode 7: EDI and Workplace Inclusivity in STEM w/Anja Lanz
November 18, 2022 18:51 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this episode, Anja Lanz, FEC, P.Eng., and Global Women In STEM Inc. Founder/CEO will share her experience as an EDI champion, and discuss workplace inclusivity! Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
Episode 6: Science Literacy and Outreach w/Eli Haynes
September 12, 2022 18:37 - 16 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode, Eli Haynes talks to us about the importance of science literacy and outreach from a neuroscience perspective. Eli graduated with a degree in Human Kinetics from UBC Okanagan in 2018 and is currently a graduate student in Health and Exercise Sciences at the school. He is passionate about providing opportunities for people from underrepresented groups to engage with, and learn about the benefits of, STEM. The activities he instructs involve demonstrating the relevance of STEM ...
Episode 5: Indigenous Women in Computer Science w/Melanie Mitchell
August 09, 2022 03:37 - 27 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this episode, Melanie Mitchell shares her experience as an Indigenous woman in computer science, and discusses the role of technology in empowering indigenous communities. Melanie is a member of the Shuswap Nation and is currently a principal consultant for a global custom software development company. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
Episode 5: Indigenous women in computer science w/Melanie Mitchell
August 09, 2022 03:37 - 27 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this episode, Melanie Mitchell shares her experience as an Indigenous woman in computer science, and discusses the role of technology in empowering indigenous communities. Melanie is a member of the Shuswap Nation and is currently a principal consultant for a global custom software development company. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
Episode 4: Young Activists in STEM w/Olivia Ireland & Joshua Rojas
May 30, 2022 18:18 - 24 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, Olivia Ireland and Joshua Rojas discuss the importance of gender equality and equity, and how individuals can support and encourage opportunities for diversity and inclusion. Olivia Ireland is a UBCO biochemistry student, and co-organizer of the Sciversify UBCO student conference. Joshua Rojas is a Texas high school student who is actively supporting opportunities for women and raising awareness of the need for greater equity, diversity, and inclusion through his podcast. ...
Episode 4: Young activists in STEM w/Olivia Ireland & Joshua Rojas
May 30, 2022 18:18 - 24 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode, Olivia Ireland and Joshua Rojas discuss the importance of gender equality and equity, and how individuals can support and encourage opportunities for diversity and inclusion. Olivia Ireland is a UBCO biochemistry student, and co-organizer of the Sciversify UBCO student conference. Joshua Rojas is a Texas high school student who is actively supporting opportunities for women and raising awareness of the need for greater equity, diversity, and inclusion through his podcast. ...
Episode 3: Women in STEM and the Canadian Armed Forces w/Kayla Bouchard
April 25, 2022 22:00 - 26 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss Women in STEM and the Canadian Armed Forces and how to empower oneself in a male environment with Lieutenant-Commander Kayla Bouchard! Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
Episode 2: Women in STEM w/Dr. Michelle Kunimoto, Karine Polliquin & Nancy Darling
March 08, 2022 18:00 - 46 minutes - 34.7 MBThis episode explores the career progression of women in STEM from university, to industry, and leadership. Dr. Michelle Kunimoto is a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. During her undergraduate degree, Michelle discovered 4 new exoplanets and she has carried that interest forward to now improving techniques for finding exoplanets. Michelle is also dedicated to inspiring young women and exciting individuals about astronomy. Karine Poliquin i...
Episode 2: Women in STEM w/Dr. Michelle Kunimoto, Karine Poliquin & Nancy Darling
March 08, 2022 18:00 - 46 minutes - 34.7 MBThis episode explores the career progression of women in STEM from university, to industry, and leadership. Dr. Michelle Kunimoto is a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. During her undergraduate degree, Michelle discovered 4 new exoplanets and she has carried that interest forward to now improving techniques for finding exoplanets. Michelle is also dedicated to inspiring young women and exciting individuals about astronomy. Karine Poliquin i...
Episode 1: Intro to the New WWEST Chair w/Dr. Jennifer Jakobi
March 02, 2022 19:09 - 13 minutes - 11.3 MBWelcome to the first episode of WWEST UBCO's continuation of the Best of the WWEST Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jakobi will outline the goals of the WWEST program and highlight the exciting projects to come. Jennifer (Jenn) Jakobi, is a Professor in Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She was the Associate Chair Westcoast Women in Engineering Science and Technology (WWEST; 2018-2020), and founding director of the integrative STEM Team Advancing n...
Episode 111: Marg Lathan P.Eng, WinSETT Chair and President of Aqua Libra Consulting
December 28, 2021 00:27 - 45 minutes - 36.8 MBMarg Latham P.Eng has been around the scene for a long time. She’s a pioneer for women and intersectionality in STEM, she’s a leader, and she loves to build things! Listen to this episode for some real gems of wisdom and advice and an all-around fun conversation between Marg and WWEST podcast producer and host Vanessa. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Marg Latham was the only woman to graduate in civil engineering from Queen’s University in 1974. Since ...
Episode 110: Janet Phan, Founder & Executive Director, Thriving Elements
December 14, 2021 08:00 - 46 minutes - 37.2 MBJanet Phan is busy, but she's also working on changing the landscape for girls and women in STEM. In this episode, she tells us all about moving across an ocean to another country for a job, finding internal peace with past challenges, and how technology drives everything we do. Plus, she gives the inside scoop into her new book, "Boldly You!" (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Janet T. Phan is the Founder and Executive Director of Thriving Elements, a no...
Episode 109: Sadé Akinbami P.Eng, Civil Engineer & Artist
November 30, 2021 18:23 - 42 minutes - 34 MBWe're talking STEAM in this episode - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - with Sadé Akinbami. She joins host and producer Vanessa to talk about how music and STEM intertwine, how to survive university, and how we have come a long way when it comes to equity among all people in STEM, but we still have a long way to go. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Sadé Akinbami is a multifaceted Nigerian-Canadian artist and practicing civil engineer. S...
Episode 108: Jasmine Shaw P.Eng, Entrepreneur, and Changemaker
November 23, 2021 17:25 - 45 minutes - 36.2 MBJasmine Shaw, P.Eng is joining us to talk about mentoring, coaching, engineering, and...drones? Yes, drones! Hear about the cool work she's doing in the Aerospace realm with Amazon and their Prime Air program. Plus, Jasmine talks about the other cool project she's worked on: the Ontario Sick Day Relief Project, which raised over $60,000 in paid sick days for Ontario’s essential workers through the third wave of COVID-19. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)...
Episode 107: Pride in STEM with Dr. Ben Britton
November 09, 2021 08:00 - 46 minutes - 36.9 MBDr. Ben Britton joins host and producer Vanessa just in time for LGBT STEM Day. The conversation about 2SLGBTQ+ people's participation in STEM is ramping up more and more, and we're talking about what employers and those in academia can do to create a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We also cover what kinds of unique circumstances this community experiences, with some harrowing statistics that show how much work needs to be done to be inclusive to 2SLGBTQ+ people w...
Episode 106: Deyanira Mendoza Dominguez, P.Eng, Certified Project Manager, and Woman of Action
October 19, 2021 07:00 - 40 minutes - 62.1 MBDeyanira Mendoza Dominguez, a self-described non-boring engineer, has been to 16 countries, which she visited with her husband on their motorcycles to conduct research! You'll hear all about it in this episode. She also lets us in on what kind of challenges are presented to someone immigrating to Canada who is also a woman in STEM, and how those challenges helped her stand on her own two feet and build an empire around her. Deyanira was made in Mexico, but she is purely Canadian. Deyanira M...
Episode 105: Major Jessica Ross, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Officer
October 06, 2021 17:25 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBIn this episode, Major Jessica Ross gives us a glimpse into the Canadian Armed Forces and her life therein - how she joined, how it was to train to get to where she is today, and where she's going. She tells us all about her experience at the Royal Military College of Canada, how the work she did during her master's studies in applied science is bettering the world and Canada, and how Dungeons & Dragons can be applied to team dynamics. Plus, you'll hear just how important hockey is in the mil...
Episode 104: Dr. Britt Drögemöller, Canada Research Chair, Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, Univ. of Manitoba
September 21, 2021 19:00 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBDr. Britt Drögemöller moved halfway across the world to pursue a new life in Canada as the Canada Research Chair of Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine - during a pandemic. If that doesn't say "strong, independent woman in STEM," we don't know what does! In this interview with Best of the WWEST producer and host Vanessa, you'll hear about that journey, as well as many other things, including (but not limited to) learning to pivot when opening a lab during a pandemic and really cool resear...
Episode 103: Aadita Chaudhury, Doctoral Student, Science and Technology Studies, York University
September 07, 2021 04:00 - 44 minutes - 35.8 MBThis week, the conversation is a candid one about breaking out of the mould shaped by a professional program into an interdisciplinary community. Aadita Chaudhury, doctoral student, tells her story of her journey to realizing that technology can be a tool for liberation, and how she's using the tools and skills she learned in industry to break down prescriptive ways of knowing and critically examine STEM-exceptionalist narratives. Plus, she gives practical advice on how new STEM professionals...
Episode 102: Capt(N) Seana Routledge, Deputy Project Manager, Canadian Forces
August 24, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 31.1 MBIn this episode, Captain(N) Seana Routledge is telling us all about her work in the Canadian Armed Forces! How does diversity and inclusion play a role in the organization? What was it like going to the Royal Canadian Military College to study engineering, compared to other post-secondary education? And just what does the Forces do to support the citizens of Canada? You’ll learn all about that and more! Captain (Navy) Seana Routledge enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in Fredericton, NB ...
Episode 101: Dr. Kimberly Arcand, Visualization Scientist, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, NASA
August 10, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 37.8 MBHave you ever held an exploded star in your hand? How about a 3D printed one? Doing precisely that launched Dr. Kimberly Arcand down her windy “Candyland” path to where she is today as a data visualizer and science communicator at NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory. In this episode, you’ll also hear about her passion for creating materials that are accessible for all, how important coding is for students and professionals in STEM, and how failing a class can teach you a ton about yourself. Dr....
Episode 100: Maggie MacPhee, Grades 7-12 Math Teacher & Educator
July 27, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 36 MBMaggie MacPhee is passionate about math - not just learning and teaching it, but also examining it through a social justice lens and changing the narrative around its history. She joins Best of the WWEST producer Vanessa to get nerdy about math and board games, but also to talk about how she as a busy math teacher early in her career deals with stress, what books she’s reading, and what her favourite part of teaching math is, punctuated with lots of laughter. Maggie MacPhee is a grade 7-12 ...
Episode 99: Cassy Weber, CEO, MindFuel
July 09, 2021 17:12 - 45 minutes - 36.4 MBCassy Weber and MindFuel, the organization she runs as CEO, are very busy - from studying when girls are losing interest in STEM in their schooling journey, to figuring out how to deliver quality programming to communities with limited technology, to consulting on curriculum development initiatives and more. Cassy tells us all about these projects in this episode, and lets us in on some of her personal and professional life as a busy CEO of a nonprofit organization that is truly making a posi...
Episode 98: Indigenous Ways of Knowing in STEM with Desiree Marshall-Peer, Cree-Ojibway Educator
July 02, 2021 17:18 - 50 minutes - 40.1 MBIn this time of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, the discussion of Indigenous participation in STEM is extremely important. Desiree Marshall-Peer, a Cree-Ojibway educator at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, joins Best of the WWEST producer Vanessa to explore decolonizing STEM and education. We cover how Indigenous ways of knowing are being incorporated in and changing mainstream school, what the barriers to Indigenous students going into STEM fields are, and what can be done to...
Episode 97: Indigenous Voices on Best of the WWEST
June 08, 2021 21:39 - 41 minutes - 32.9 MBJune here in Canada is National Indigenous History Month, and the team here at Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology would like to honour the fabulous Indigenous guests we have had on the podcast over the years. In this episode, we highlight some of the main points from their individual episodes, to celebrate their words of wisdom, to thank them for telling us about their struggles, and for teaching us about their lives and cultures. Featured in this episode are: Deanna Bu...
Episode 96: Dr. Kaylee Byers, Deputy Director, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, BC node
May 25, 2021 04:00 - 39 minutes - 31.8 MBScience communication, podcasting, rats, and parasites - these are all things that Dr. Kaylee Byers is passionate about, and she tells us all about it in this episode. You’ll also hear about the van she equipped for research on rats during her graduate studies, building community even during a pandemic, and the concept of one health with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes while recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. Dr. Kay...
Episode 95: Creating Inclusive Networks to Launch Careers
May 11, 2021 04:00 - 33 minutes - 27.2 MBImagine having to think about your gender nonstop. Imagine it getting in the way of the work you set out to do. Imagine feeling ignored, devalued, and dismissed even by the subtlest of actions or comments. This is something women and non-binary folks constantly face in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Project SINC (Shaping Inclusive Network Cultures) is getting to the root of it as part of Engendering Success in STEM (ESS), a Consortium devoted to testing t...
Episode 94: Carlyn Loncaric, Founder & CEO, VodaSafe
April 27, 2021 04:00 - 37 minutes - 29.8 MBHow can we save lives and keep search and rescue teams safe? These are questions that led Carlyn Loncaric to found VodaSafe, a company that is creating a product that will be to waterfront rescue what the AED or portable defibrillator has been for CPR. Despite feeling that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields were not always a welcoming space for women, she pursued her passion for engineering and entrepreneurship, while burning a hole in a kitchen table, exploring the grea...
Episode 93: Memma Uponi, Mechanical Engineering Student
April 13, 2021 04:00 - 32 minutes - 26.3 MBMemma Uponi is only in her second year as a Mechanical Engineering student, but she's already making a huge impact. In this episode, she joins Mily Mumford, WWEST Research Coordinator, to chat all about how she's creating space and networking opportunities for Black women engineering students in North America, how she strives to build community that helps community, and her big goals and dreams. Plus, she tells us fun information about herself in the lightning round. Memma Uponi is a 2nd-ye...
Episode 92: Realizing Identity Safe-Environments
March 23, 2021 16:03 - 42 minutes - 34.2 MBIn this episode, Podcast Producer Vanessa talks with Dr. Toni Schmader and Dr. Hilary Bergsieker about exciting research conducted by Engendering Success in STEM, a Consortium devoted to testing the long-term efficacy of interventions that harness the power of positive social interactions to mitigate subtle gender bias. In particular. Drs. Schmader and Bergsieker give us information on project RISE, or "Realizing Identity-Safe Environments," of which they are the co-leaders. Project RISE harn...
Episode 91: Dr. Yane Valdez, Immunologist & Founder, ImmunoLatinXs
March 08, 2021 21:24 - 45 minutes - 36.4 MBJoin Vanessa, Best of the WWEST producer, for a chat with Dr. Yane Valdez, a woman of many hats. Hear about how this immunologist, mom, science communicator, and artist made her way to Canada from her home country of Peru and what spurred her on to become an immunologist. She also tells us about her work empowering Latin American communities with knowledge of immunology and her passion for mentorship. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Born in Perú, Dr. V...
Episode 90: Noushin Nabavi, Cell Biologist in Training & Economist
February 24, 2021 16:24 - 44 minutes - 35.3 MBGrowing up as a self-described "weird kid," Noushin was drawn to science at an early age. She came to Canada from Iran when she was 15 years old, and despite language barriers and adjusting to a new culture, she thrived and became the researcher and economist she is today. Noushin tells us in this episode with host Dr. Lesley Shannon about how fostering perseverence has kept her going even through difficult times and why she is passionate about her work. Noushin Nabavi is a cell biologist ...