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This episode kicks off the Westcoast Women in Engineering Science and Technology's 'Rethinking Racialized Language' campaign, launching on November 20, 2024. Throughout the month, we'll hear from panellists challenging colonial language, like the term 'whitepaper', as well as discuss ways to promote inclusive language within academia and beyond. Our first panellist to kick off the series is Serge Villemure. He is a former N-SERC Director for the Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering Program and is now an Equity Diversity and Inclusion consultant. He has spent years integrating EDI principles across policies and programs. From organizing Montreal's Gender Summit 11 to advising organizations globally, he brings a deep commitment to making research and language more inclusive at every level. In our conversation, we discussed how the kind of language we use shapes perceptions and can reinforce or break down systemic biases. 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.
Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks remain the top team to beat in women's college basketball, led by future WNBA No. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston. Will they run the table and win back-to-back national championships? Or will the Stanford Cardinal get revenge and secure a victory, which would be their second in three years?We also discuss the rise of west coast women's basketball, discussing UCLA, Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and Gonzaga and labeling each program PRETENDERS or CONTENDERS?Finally, we close the show discussing the national player of the year frontrunners, starting with Iowa's Caitlin Clark and her ridiculous, show-stopping performances so far this season.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!LinkedInLinkedIn jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at Linkedin.com/lockedoncollege Terms and conditions apply.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order.BetOnlineBetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!SimpliSafeWith Fast Protect™️ Technology, exclusively from SimpliSafe, 24/7 monitoring agents capture evidence to accurately verify a threat for faster police response. There's No Safe Like SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafe.com/LockedOnCollege to learn more.Omaha SteaksOmaha Steaks is a gift from the heart – a gift that will be remembered with every unforgettable bite. Order with complete confidence today knowing you're ordering the very best. Visit OmahaSteaks.com use promo code LOCKEDON at checkout to get that EXTRA $30 OFF your order.NHTSADrive sober or get pulled over. Click HERE to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks remain the top team to beat in women's college basketball, led by future WNBA No. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston. Will they run the table and win back-to-back national championships? Or will the Stanford Cardinal get revenge and secure a victory, which would be their second in three years? We also discuss the rise of west coast women's basketball, discussing UCLA, Utah, Arizona, Oregon, and Gonzaga and labeling each program PRETENDERS or CONTENDERS? Finally, we close the show discussing the national player of the year frontrunners, starting with Iowa's Caitlin Clark and her ridiculous, show-stopping performances so far this season. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! LinkedIn LinkedIn jobs helps you find the candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at Linkedin.com/lockedoncollege Terms and conditions apply. Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you'll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! SimpliSafe With Fast Protect™️ Technology, exclusively from SimpliSafe, 24/7 monitoring agents capture evidence to accurately verify a threat for faster police response. There's No Safe Like SimpliSafe. Visit SimpliSafe.com/LockedOnCollege to learn more. Omaha Steaks Omaha Steaks is a gift from the heart – a gift that will be remembered with every unforgettable bite. Order with complete confidence today knowing you're ordering the very best. Visit OmahaSteaks.com use promo code LOCKEDON at checkout to get that EXTRA $30 OFF your order. NHTSA Drive sober or get pulled over. Click HERE to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dr. Tina Koopersmith, MD & Coach at West Coast Women's Reproductive Center, was interviewed by Adam Torres of Mission Matters Innovation Podcast. Dr. Tina Koopersmith wants people to live lives full of vitality, pleasure, and wellness. “We're here to have fun and be healthy and that's my mission,” she says. As a renowned fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Koopersmith's practice also includes elements of integrative and functional medicine, viewing patients as whole beings with complex needs. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.Apply to be interviewed by Adam on our podcast:https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/Visit our website:https://missionmatters.com/
June 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 Burgart P.Eng, Indigeneer Denise Williams, CEO, First Nations Technology Council Desiree Marshall-Peer, Professor, University of British Columbia Okanagan Shaylene Dekock-Kruger, Engineer in Training, BC Hydro Leigh Joseph (Styawat), Ethnobotanist Jocelyn Joe-Strack, Indigenous Knowledge Research Chair, Yukon University For full shownotes and a transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links: Best of the WWEST, Episode 28 with Deanna Burgart Best of the WWEST, Episode 37 with Jocelyn Joe-Strack Best of the WWEST, Episode 46 with Leigh Joseph Best of the WWEST, Episode 79, with Desiree Marshall-Peer and Shaylene Dekock-Kruger Best of the WWEST, Episode 87 with Denise Williams National Indigenous History Month Truth and Reconciliation Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey
How 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 great outdoors, and drumming up a storm. You'll hear all about that in this episode! (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Carlyn Loncaric is the founder and CEO of VodaSafe. Carlyn is an engineer with over ten years of lifeguarding experience. Witnessing first-hand the trials and tribulations of water rescue led Carlyn to envision sonar equipment as a simple tool in hand that would help save lives, VodaSafe and its AquaEye® were born. Carlyn believes that VodaSafe’s AquaEye® will be to waterfront rescue what the AED or portable defibrillator has been for CPR. For full shownotes, guest bio, and a transcription of this episode, visit http://i.sfu.ca/aIzxxU Relevant Links: Carlyn on LinkedIn Samantha Power "Search and rescue test sonar technology to locate human bodies under water," MSN.com, August 17, 2020 VodaSafe VodaSafe on Facebook VodaSafe on Twitter VodaSafe on Instagram Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Memma 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-year mechanical engineering student with a double minor in business and robotics at the University of Toronto. She is a Yale Young African Scholar, Power Girl Africa, and a Girls in STEM advocate. She is dedicated to creating long-lasting, sustainable impact across Africa and solving major problems around the world using Engineering and Robotics. For full shownotes, guest bios, and a transcription of this episode, visit http://i.sfu.ca/rsriDm Hosted by: Mily Mumford Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In 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 harnesses our understanding of implicit bias, intergroup contact, and social identity threat to create a more “identity safe” workplace culture. You'll learn all about what that means, plus, how the research is having impact in real-life scenarios. Get in touch with Project RISE here! For full shownotes, guest bios, and a transcription of this episode, visit http://i.sfu.ca/FhcCZF Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Join 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. Born in Perú, Dr. Valdez began her research under the supervision of Dr Gilman of John’s Hopkins and UPCH. Dr. Valdez led a research team investigating the molecular epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, an inducer of gastric ulcers and cancer. She then completed her Master of Science with Dr. Townsend at the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, studying fundamental questions on how T and B cells communicate to produce an effective immune response. Dr. Valdez did her doctoral studies in Dr. Finlay’s lab at UBC and revealed novel concepts of innate responses to the pathogen Salmonella, with important implications for human diseases diarrheal diseases, infectious colitis and IBD. After 5 years of post-doctoral work in BC she joined StemCell Technologies Inc. leading a team in Innate Immunology. She returned to academia and managed the Research Office at the UBC Faculty of Medicine. She also volunteers for Immunology Without Borders and Women in STEM initiatives in Canada and Globally, as the scientific advisor of the Anti-NMDRA Encephalitis Foundation She is also a proud mother of two. For full shownotes and a transcription of this episode, visit http://i.sfu.ca/wqVLWn Hosted by: Dr. Lesley Shannon Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Top stories today: New news when it comes to firearms Live coverage of Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announcing some changes to how we handle firearms. Child care wait lists Finding child care is becoming a major headache. We chat with someone who has been dealing with said headache. COVID-19 and your sex life The BCCDC has a new report on the sexual health of British Columbians. What have people been up to? Much more in the full episode! _____________ NAVIGATE THE PODCAST: Chapter 1 An update on how we handle illegal guns Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth is set to announce some updates to the recent announcement on how we handle guns in the Province. Chapter 2 Working on the West Coast: Women in the workplace Women have been hit particularly hard during the pandemic. The Publisher of the BC Labour Market Report, Christian St. Cyr, tells us why. Chapter 3 Many suffering from daycare woes Finding daycare space is next to impossible for many parents. We talk to Darcy Matheson, Editor-in-Chief for the Daily Hive, who has herself faced this issue. Chapter 4 Reaction to the weapon announcement Earlier today we listened in on the announcement from Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth. We get reaction here from Chapter 5 Do I make you randy baby? (COVID-19 and sex) How have British Columbians fared sexually during the pandemic? That and more with Maureen McGrath, host of the Sunday Night Health Show. _____________ Remember to wash your hands, practice physical distancing, and stay home at all costs if you are sick. We're not out of the woods yet! The Lynda Steele Full Show podcast includes all the individual segments that can be found on the Lynda Steele Show page, digitally stitched together for your convenience. Listen live online at globalnews.ca/radio/cknw/ 3-6 PM!
Women have been hit particularly hard during the pandemic. The Publisher of the BC Labour Market Report, Christian St. Cyr, tells us why.
Growing 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 in training. She received her PhD in cell and systems biology from the University of Toronto in 2011 working on deciphering the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in stem cell differentiation to bone. She worked on several research projects before transitioning to a role in the BC Ministry of Health as a Science Policy Fellow where she is still, now working as an Economist. For full shownotes and a transcription of this episode, visit http://i.sfu.ca/ikcVCo Hosted by: Dr. Lesley Shannon Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In our fourth episode of the miniseries by the WWEST Associate Chair program hosted at iSTAND at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), host Maxine (iSTAND Communications and Resource Design Assistant) speaks to Dr. Marge Holman, professor of Kinesiology at the University of Windsor, and Reina Iizuka, Defensive Back of the University of Manitoba's Bisons football team and first woman to play on the team. Dr. Holman tells us about her extensive career in sports medicine and kinesiology and the parallels between how women are treated in sports and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Reina speaks to her experience being the first woman to join the football team at University of Manitoba and tells us how sports can be more welcoming to women and girls. Together, Dr. Holman and Reina give us a well-rounded conversation about the inequalities in both sports and STEM and how we can learn from them to do better. iSTAND is the Integrative STEM Team Advancing Networks of Diversity, which is creating a network to recruit, support, and increase underrepresented persons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). You can learn more about their program here and about the WWEST Associate Chair program here. Featured in this Episode: Dr. Marge Holman, University of Windsor Reina Iizuka, Defensive Back, University of Manitoba Bisons Relevant Links: Dr. Marge Holman at the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame iSTAND "Reina Iizuka: The First Woman to Play Men’s College Football in Canada," Tokyo Weekender, August, 2020 Hosted by: Maxine van Zyl and Dr. Jennifer Jakobi Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey and Maxine van Zyl Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In this episode, our host Dr. Lesley Shannon is joined by Nora Keegan, a grade 10 student whose research on the effects of hand dryer noise on children was published in the Journal of Paediatrics & Child Health. If this interview doesn't inspire you, then we don't know what will! Nora talks about her love for science, the experience of conducting research and being published in a major publication at such a young age, and much more. Nora Keegan is a grade 10 student in Calgary, Alberta. She loves science, and in grade 5 she did a study on hand dryer noise. She found that hand dryer noise can actually damage children’s hearing. She published her results in the Journal of Paediatrics & Child Health. Since then, she has met with manufacturers to discuss the issue of testing as she found that the noise manufacturers claimed their hand dryers operated at did not match her results. As well, she was a keynote speaker at a noise conference where she shared her findings. She hopes that people will listen to her findings and create regulations on hand dryer testing and noise so that children’s hearing is protected. Relevant Links: "Children who say hand dryers ‘hurt my ears’ are correct: A real-world study examining the loudness of automated hand dryers in public places," Paediatrics & Child Health, June 2020 "Hand dryers are 'clearly dangerous' to children, teen scientist concludes," CTV News, 2019 Marie Curie Sorbonne Université Hosted by: Dr. Lesley Shannon Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Welcome to the Sport in History Podcast brought to you by the British Society of Sports History in association with the Institute of Historical Research. This episode Geoff talks to Katie Taylor about the history of women's American football which has its roots right back in the late nineteenth century. Katie describes how pioneering female college students took up the game and adapted it to their own style of play in the 1880s and 1890s. She also looks at the phenomenon of West Coast Women's football in the 1890s with the attempt to set up a commercial league with mostly working class players. Katie also talks about the challenge of completing a PhD during lockdown as well as discussing her role as the BSSH's Postgrad and Early Career rep. Katie Taylor is currently a doctoral student at the International Centre for Sports History and Culture at De Montfort University, focusing on the history of female American football players. She is also a teacher at Peter Symonds Sixth Form College in Winchester where she specialises in the socio-cultural aspects of sport. Katie is a qualified American football coach and previously managed the Great Britain men's Flag Football Team. You can find Katie's paper on women's American football at https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rsih20/current Details of Katie's seminar at the IHR, as well as all the seminars in the BSSH's seminar series can be found here https://www.history.ac.uk/events/first-female-football-coach-a-history-female-american-football-coaches
Joining us in this episode is Denise Williams, CEO of the First Nations Technology Council. From her childhood dreams of being an astronaut while raised in a logging camp, to studying at Vancouver Island University, to her acceptance at Simon Fraser University to pursue an executive MBA, Denise - as she describes - “meandered” through her education to the position she is in today, leading a non profit that connects with different levels of government, provides education and scholarship opportunities to Indigenous youth, and attempts to mend the digital divide between Indigenous communities across Canada. You will hear all about that and so much more in this interview. At the intersection of Indigenous sovereignty, technological advancement and a rapidly expanding technology and innovation economy, Denise has the privilege of working with Indigenous peoples, governments, academics, technology futurists and social change makers to map an ecosystem that will result in fair and equitable access to the tools and education required to lead digital transformation in the 21st century. Denise leads a theory of change that aims to ensure Indigenous peoples are leading and competitive in Canada’s technology and innovation sector and in growing connected economies at home. For a full transcription of this episode and full guest bio, click here. Relevant Links: Executive MBA in Indigenous Business at Simon Fraser University First Nations Technology Council Impostor Syndrome Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Vancouver Island University Hosted by: Dr. Lesley Shannon Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In our third episode of the miniseries by the WWEST Associate Chair program hosted at iSTAND at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), host Maxine (iSTAND Communications and Resource Design Assistant) reverse engineers the diversity in STEM conversation. She speaks to two men in female-dominated fields to explore how these fields can support greater gender diversity, and the benefits thereof. In particular, this episode explores nursing and social work and the parallelisms between these fields and STEM. Within these fields, the historical context of gendered professions is slowly, but surely, changing. You'll also hear about mentorship, the vulnerability these fields expose, and how men can find their footing when navigating gender expectations. Dr. Jennifer Jakobi, WWEST Associate Chair, introduces us to our guests in the beginning of this episode as well. iSTAND is the Integrative STEM Team Advancing Networks of Diversity, which is creating a network to recruit, support, and increase underrepresented persons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). You can learn more about their program here and about the WWEST Associate Chair program here. Our guests for this episode are Dr. Peter Kellett RN, from the University of Lethbridge and Dr. John Graham RSW, of the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Please see relevant links for more information on our guests. Featured in this Episode: Dr. John Graham, RSW, University of British Columbia Okanagan Dr. Peter Kellet, RN, University of Lethbridge Relevant Links: iSTAND Neuromuscular – Healthy Exercise and Aging Lab at UBCO "The Gender Divide in Social Work," Wiley Education Services "Why Nursing is a Great Career Choice for Men," nurse.org WWEST Associate Chair Program WWEST White Paper: "Mentoring Works" Hosted by: Maxine van Zyl and Dr. Jennifer Jakobi Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey and Maxine van Zyl Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Folks, we have finally done it. We finally interviewed WWEST Chair Dr. Lesley Shannon on Best of the WWEST! Danniele and Lesley dive into many things, including coping during the pandemic and how it is affecting not only women in STEM, but women everywhere; Lesley’s experience in university studying Computer Engineering, and even some fun things in the Lightning Round. You don’t want to miss this episode and learn all about the person behind everything at WWEST. Dr. Lesley Shannon P.Eng is a Professor and Chair for the Computer Engineering Option in the School of Engineering Science at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Shannon studies computer systems design. She works in a rapidly growing field that combines custom computing hardware and software to design and implement application-specific computer systems for applications in a wide range of areas including robotics, machine learning, aerospace and biomedical systems, multimedia applications, and cloud computing. For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links: Geri's Game Knotology Lesley's bio at SFU Lesley's bio at WWEST Lesley's personal website Luddites Dr. Paul Chow University of New Brunswick University of Toronto Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Jennifer Flanagan is an inspirational leader for girls and women in STEM, and in this episode, you are sure to be just that - inspired! She joins WWEST manager and podcast host Danniele to give insights into how it benefits all of us to support women, girls, and Indigenous communities in STEM; how she founded Actua, an organization that inspires future innovators; and she asks and explores the important question "How does a context and environment need to change to be more welcoming and accepting of girls and women?" Jennifer Flanagan is the co-founder, President and CEO of Actua. Actua is a national charitable organization that engages Canadian youth in transformational experiences in STEM and contributes significantly to future innovation in Canada. Jennifer leads this national network of university-based organizations across Canada that deliver interactive STEM programs annually engaging 225,000 youth in 500 communities. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Relevant Links: Actua Concordia University InSTEM: Actua's Indigenous STEM programs Master of Management, McGill University Dr. Monique Frize, Carleton University (first NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering in the Atlantic Region from 1997 to 2004) University of New Brunswick Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Anne Simonen joins Best of the WWEST host and WWEST manager Danniele in this episode and is keeping it real by telling us about her journey from being a student who wasn't strong in math to a civil engineering technologist who is supporting really important projects in wastewater treatment. She explains why civil engineering and water treatment are super relevant right now, how making big mistakes don't have to cost your career and are great learning experiences, and gives us a glimpse into her life outside of work in the lightning round. Anne Simonen is a civil engineering technologist at KWL in Nelson, BC. She mostly works on projects that help get safe drinking water to people’s houses, and the wastewater that goes down drains be safely disposed of, but her favourite part of work is working with contracts and construction. WWEST and Best of the WWEST would like to thank the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) for connecting us with the individual profiled above. Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is leading the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology Project, a Sector Labour Market Partnership project, funded through the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement. The project’s goal is to increase the participation of women in the engineering, geoscience, technology and technician occupations through the implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies to recruit, retain and support career development of women to lead a system level cultural shift within these professions. For more information on ASTTBC, please visit www.asttbc.org (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Relevant Links: Anne on LinkedIn BCIT Diploma in Civil Engineering BCIT Women in Engineering Girl Guides of Canada GLOWS (Growing & Learning Opportunities With STEAM) Small Game Hunting at the Local Coward Gun Club (book by Megan Gail Coles) Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Working in technology, construction, and engineering often is portrayed in just one way, but Rebecca Sorbara is here to tell us that there are many rewarding non-conventional careers in these fields. She joins Danniele, WWEST manager and Best of the WWEST host, to get nerdy about building science. Everyone comes into contact with buildings every day, and Rebecca explains why her passion for keeping buildings dry and keeping walls doing what they do best is so important. Plus, she tells us all about sustainability and answers the question “what is a passive house?” Rebecca Sorbara is the Director of Building Science at McCuaig and Associates Engineering. She leads a team of engineering professionals and oversees the development and implementation of organizational quality control processes. Rebecca is an Applied Science Technologist with 18 years of experience in building science and project management. WWEST and Best of the WWEST would like to thank the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) for connecting us with the individual profiled above. Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is leading the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology Project, a Sector Labour Market Partnership project, funded through the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement. The project’s goal is to increase the participation of women in the engineering, geoscience, technology and technician occupations through the implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies to recruit, retain and support career development of women to lead a system level cultural shift within these professions. For more information on ASTTBC, please visit www.asttbc.org (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Relevant Links: Construction Management at British Columbia Institute of Technology Energy step codes McCuaig & Associates Passive houses Trickster Drift (book by Eden Robinson) WinSETT (Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology) Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
How does Sheryl Cumming, Professional Engineer with the Metro Vancouver Regional District’s Planning and Environment Department “pay it back” into the world with her work? For starters, she is a mentor to other women in STEM and leads by example. In this episode, she tells host Danniele how she transitioned from the Philippines into her schooling in Canada, leading to a career she pursues with passion. She also shares advice with future generations of STEM professionals and gives us a glimpse into the local and regional work she is a part of to make sure those in the Lower Mainland can adapt to climate change successfully. Sheryl Cumming works as a professional engineer at Metro Vancouver Regional District’s Planning and Environment Department in the Air Quality and Climate Change Division. Her experiences combined led her to her current work, trying to save the world (or at the very least, help prepare the region) through her role in the development of Metro Vancouver's regional climate action strategy called Climate 2050. WWEST and Best of the WWEST would like to thank the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) for connecting us with the individual profiled above. Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is leading the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology Project, a Sector Labour Market Partnership project, funded through the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement. The project’s goal is to increase the participation of women in the engineering, geoscience, technology and technician occupations through the implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies to recruit, retain and support career development of women to lead a system level cultural shift within these professions. For more information on ASTTBC, please visit www.asttbc.org (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Relevant Links: Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology (AWET) Air Quality & Climate Change, Metro Vancouver Climate 2050, Metro Vancouver Immigrant Employment Council of BC Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In our first Best of the WWEST episode in partnership with ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia) and the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology project, Best of the WWEST host Danniele welcomes Erin Karaim to the podcast. Erin tells us all about what it’s like to be a draftsperson - the ins and outs of her education and her career creating technical drawings for engineering projects. You’ll hear why being a technologist/technician is a very rewarding career option in STEM. But don’t worry, it's not all about work - you’ll also learn fun facts about Erin in the lightning round. Erin Karaim is a civil engineering technician at WSP in the sectors of Architecture and Construction, Engineering, and Technology. Erin completed a 1-year drafting certificationin Computer Aided Design and Drafting at Kwantlen College in Surrey, BC. Her work varies from pipe plans and profiles, to road design and ditching and she works with engineers all over the country. WWEST and Best of the WWEST would like to thank the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) for connecting us with the individual profiled above. Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is leading the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology Project, a Sector Labour Market Partnership project, funded through the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement. The project’s goal is to increase the participation of women in the engineering, geoscience, technology and technician occupations through the implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies to recruit, retain and support career development of women to lead a system level cultural shift within these professions. For more information on ASTTBC, please visit www.asttbc.org (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.) Relevant Links: Diploma in Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (Kwantlen Polytechnic University) Drafter (Wikipedia) Quadra Island, BC WSP Global, Inc. Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In our second episode of the miniseries by the WWEST Associate Chair program hosted at iSTAND at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), host Maxine (iSTAND Communications and Resource Design Assistant) speaks with a panel of experts on Indigenizing STEM education. This discussion is an eye-opening glimpse into the lives of Indigenous women in STEM and integrating the new Truth and Reconciliation mandates in education in Canada. You’ll also hear about developing curriculum in schools for Kenyan indigenous populations, decolonizing classrooms, teaching indigenous perspectives embedded in school courses, and so much more. Dr. Jennifer Jakobi, WWEST Associate Chair, introduces us to the panelists in the beginning of this episode as well. iSTAND is the Integrative STEM Team Advancing Networks of Diversity, which is creating a network to recruit, support, and increase underrepresented persons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). You can learn more about their program here and about the WWEST Associate Chair program here. The panel in this episode features Shaylene DeKock-Kruger, Isha DeCoito, and Desiree Marshall-Peer. Featured on this episode are Dr. Deborah Buszard, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal of UBCO; Dr. Bowen Hui, instructor in Computer Science of UBCO; and Dr. Mina Hoorfar, professor of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering at UBCO. Hosted by: Maxine van Zyl and Dr. Jennifer Jakobi Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey and Maxine van Zyl Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Yuka Takemon joins Best of the WWEST host Danniele in a socially-distanced interview to talk all about bioinformatics and why research in the field can give quick rewards. Yuka also dives into her identity as a member of the LGBTQIA and STEM communities and the importance of being visible in both. Plus, she reveals how she kicks stress to the curb and other fun facts during the lightning round! Yuka Takemon is a PhD Student in the Genome Science and Technology program at the University of British Columbia. Yuka is also a member of Marra Lab at Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, where she conducts her research. Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
This time on the podcast, Danniele introduces us to a very special guest - her wife, Claris. Danniele asks Claris about her work as a the Consultancy Director of Silverstring Media, a small video game studio in Vancouver, BC. You'll hear video game recommendations (perfect for social distancing), Claris' view on the importance of storytelling not just in video games but in society at large, and so much more. Plus, you'll get a taste of the music Claris has produced in quarantine! Stay safe everyone, and don't forget to wash your hands! Claris Cyarron is the co-founder of Silverstring Media, a small videogame studio in Vancouver, BC that also offers narrative consulting and expertise for hire. Claris is a storyteller, multi-disciplinary designer, and an ever-aspiring adventurer. Relevant Links: Cosmo D Cribbage with Grandpas Dark Souls The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nathalie Lawhead Off-Peak Silverstring Media Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin and British Columbia Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, has 3 main priorities: Tackling gender-based violence, getting rid of systemic barriers, and economic and political empowerment of girls and women. In this episode with WWEST manager and podcast host Danniele, PS Dean tells us why women in STEM are important to the BC government (because they very much are), how her favourite part of her job is meeting so many amazing women, and gives us a glimpse into her journey being elected an MLA and appointed Parliamentary Secretary. Mitzi Dean was elected as MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin in 2017, and was appointed the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity in February 2018. Parliamentary Secretary Dean grew up in southeast England and has spent the last 30 years helping the most vulnerable people in our community. Relevant Links: Girl, Woman, Other (book by Bernardine Evaristo) Mitzi Dean on Facebook Mitzi Dean at the Legislative Assembly Mitzi Dean on Twitter WWEST blog post on Gender-Based Analysis Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In this episode, WWEST manager and Best of the WWEST host Danniele speaks to Lieutenant Commander Calley Gray, Marine Systems Engineer Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. She gives us all a rare glimpse into what it's like to be a woman in the Navy and the amazing and big strides the Armed Forces have taken to create a more diverse and equal landscape. LCdr Gray also gets nerdy about naval architecture in the best way, tells us fascinating stories of the work the Navy does to make the world a better place, and how her time in the Royal Military College of Canada shaped her into the Lieutenant Commander she is today. Lieutenant Commander Calley Gray is a Marine Systems Engineering Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and she specializes in Naval Architecture. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and a double Master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture. Relevant Links: Canadian Forces Sports External Review into Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces (Deschamps Report) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Operation HONOUR Royal Military College of Canada Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Which career allows you to marry environmentalism and data science? Being a quality manager at an engineering firm! Louise Wilkinson is our guest on the podcast for this episode, and she shares how she ended up in her dream job after working full time while in university. You’ll also hear how her initial choice of career was drastically different from where she ended up, how her fur baby is her best support; and she gives us hope for a present and future where companies are focusing on the environmental impacts of their work. Louise Wilkinson has 20 years of industry experience predominantly in laboratory operations and quality assurance, and is now working in corporate sustainability as well as quality assurance - focusing on utilizing her research skills, and love of excel to calculate corporate greenhouse gas emissions for a multi-national firm. She has worked in a variety of industries throughout her career; from polymers to pharmaceutical, food and supplements, animal feed and cosmetics, to healthcare and technology and now in built environment systems engineering. Relevant links: Integral Group Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Tune in to this weeks episodes as this is our best episode yet!!
In this episode of Best of the WWEST, podcast host and WWEST manager Danniele will introduce you to the 7 women who are featured in WWEST's new photography project, "In Plain Sight." This project is a photojournalistic look at the lives and careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, where they are often overlooked. Women are underrepresented in these fields and are rarely seen in the media as STEM professionals. Deanna Flinn, of Free Admission Photography, has captured the aspects of these women's lives that are not often seen as congruent with a career in a STEM field. For this episode, these 7 featured women speak about family, community, advocacy, collaboration, and mentorship. Featured in the exhibition and in this episode are Lianna Mah, P.Eng.; Leigh Joseph (Stayawat), Dr. Sheryl Staub-French, P.Eng.; Edoye Porbeni, Dr. Tammara Soma, Humaira Ahmed, and Christin Wiedemann. Find their bios at WWEST's website. You can visit this exhibition at Science World in Vancouver, BC, from March 4th to April 17th, 2020. Find photographer Deanna Flinn's work at DeannaFlinn.com and FreeAdmission.ca Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
This episode marks the first in a miniseries by the WWEST Associate Chair program hosted at iSTAND at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO). iSTAND is the Integrative STEM Team Advancing Networks of Diversity, which is creating a network to recruit, support, and increase underrepresented persons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). You can learn more about their program here and about the WWEST Associate Chair program here. In this episode, iSTAND Communications and Resource Design Assistant Maxine van Zyl and WWEST Associate Chair Dr. Jennifer Jakobi introduce us to 3 women in STEM in the Okanagan. These women demonstrate diverse lived experiences of being underrepresented people in STEM. The guests interviewed cover themes of evolution from scientist to academic, how to explore career options and development, and how cultural experiences and personal awareness can lead to growth. Featured on this episode are Dr. Deborah Buszard, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal of UBCO; Dr. Bowen Hui, instructor in Computer Science of UBCO; and Dr. Mina Hoorfar, professor of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering at UBCO. Hosted by: Maxine van Zyl and Dr. Jennifer Jakobi Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey and Maxine van Zyl Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Leila Abutaleb joins WWEST manager and podcast host Danniele to get nerdy about digital communication. She shares her journey starting as a contractor to a full time employee managing a communications team and how technology has always been the underpinning in her career. You'll also hear her very relatable story of how stress forced her to refocus and realign with her goals and how this experience changed her career for the better. Leila Abutaleb is a digital communications manager at BC Hydro. Leila studied Communications at Simon Fraser University and is Nielsen Norman UX certified. She works with developers, designers, and engineers to improve user experience on the web, E-mail, and social channels. Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Girls to the Power of Math is a girl-to-girl math mentorship program, and it was all born out of research into whether gender influences confidence in math for elementary students. This program was started by Alexa Bailey, and she's our guest for this episode. She tells host Danniele about what it's like to be a girl with an interest in STEM in high school, what she hopes to accomplish with Girls to the Power of Math, and shares her frustration at the bias she has experienced as a girl even at school. If you want some extra inspiration, you're going to love this episode. Alexa Bailey is a grade 9 student with a love of math, who decided to do some research into whether gender influences confidence in math for elementary students from kindergarten to grade 7. Once she identified this confidence gap, she was determined to help find a solution. Alexa started the Girls to the Power of Math program, which provides girl to girl math mentorship that includes fun, creative, and interactive activities to boost girls’ confidence in math. Relevant Links All the Light We Cannot See (book), Anthony Doerr Engendering Success in STEM (ESS) "Girls to the Power of Math," by Alexa Bailey, Medium Girls to the Power of Math Instagram Girls to the Power of Math YouTube The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
WWEST manager and Best of the WWEST host Danniele talks to Mary-Jane Piggott, Senior Water Resources Engineer, about why she came to Canada from Australia, how the arts can intersect with STEM, and how her job lets her travel to really cool places. Plus, you’ll find out where you can see the evidence of a water resources engineer’s work in everyday life and Mary-Jane offers some really great advice for STEM students and professionals. Mary-Jane Piggott is the North America Regional Manager of the Mining and Environment Group at Klohn Crippen Berger or KCB. Mary-Jane is a Senior Water Resources Engineer who specialises in stormwater management with 20 years’ experience in Australia, Canada, the USA and South America in investigation, design and project management of mining, civil and water resource projects. She manages the North America region of KCB’s Mining Environmental Group and enjoys being part of a team of experienced scientists and engineers. Outside of work she enjoys camping, photography and spending time with family and friends. Relevant Links: Best of the WWEST interview with Lianna Mah Klohn Crippen Berger "Madame Secretary" (TV show) What is an engineer of record? Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
This time, WWEST manager and podcast host Danniele speaks with Dr. Sharona Gordon, a professor at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine who is making waves with her various projects, including Below the Water Line, whose mission is to combat sexual harassment in academia. Dr. Gordon also explains her fascinating research into chronic pain, and her passion for everything she does is palpable in this episode. You don’t want to miss it. Dr. Sharona Gordon is a professor of Physiology & Biophysics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Gordon has a deep understanding of the environment and challenges in academic science. She has chaired the Board of Scientific Councilors of the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute of the National Institute of Health; serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of General Physiology, chaired the program for the Biophysical Society Meeting, an international scientific conference with over 10,000 attendees; and founded Below the Waterline, a grassroots organization working to implement the recommendations of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicines report on Sexual Harassment. Relevant Links: Dr. Anita Zimmerman, Brown University Below the Waterline Gordon Lab, University of Washington "Hit the Ground Running: A professional development program for post-doctoral scholars," 2018, Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training How to be an Anti-Racist (book), Ibram X. Kendi Restorative Justice "Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine," The National Acadmies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018 Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
We've heard it time and time again: Don't read the comments. Except today, WWEST manager Danniele speaks with Dr. Maite Taboada, a professor in linguistics at Simon Fraser University, who actually takes time out of her day to read and study those very comments online. In this episode you'll hear all about her work with Informed Opinions on the Gender Gap Tracker, a tool that tracks in real time the number of women and men quoted in major news platforms, plus Maite's journey that took her to computational linguistics at SFU. Maite Taboada is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Simon Fraser University. Her research combines discourse analysis and computational linguistics, with an emphasis on discourse relations and sentiment analysis. Relevant Links: Discourse Processing Lab Gender Gap Tracker Informed Opinions Maite's Publications Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Life sciences is not a widely understood area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), but Wendy Hurlburt is here to set the record straight. She tells host Danniele about her hopes to establish life sciences as a vital part of the economy and talks all about how LifeSciences BC is a networking hub that advocates for many stakeholders. But Wendy and Danniele don't just talk shop - you'll also find out about Wendy's personal life, including how she manages work/life balance and her favourite activities. Wendy Hurlburt is the President and CEO of LifeSciences BC. She is a career executive with more than 20 years of Global Finance, Operations and Compliance experience in the healthcare and technology sectors. Relevant Links: Lexmark LifeSciences BC Wendy on LinkedIn Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In this episode, we hear from Vienna Lam, a graduate researcher and the Lab Manager at the SFU Centre for Forensic Research and School of Criminology. She tells host Danniele about her love for learning, which took her from a bachelor degree to a second bachelor degree to a master's degree. You'll hear about her passion for the whole research cycle as well as strategic planning, and you'll even learn what it was like for her to find her first human remains while on an excavation in Fiji, plus much more. Vienna Lam is the Lab Manager and a graduate researcher at Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Centre for Forensic Research and School of Criminology. Vienna’s forensic anthropology research is on the decompositional effects of lake submerged skeletal material and works with the Canadian Drowning Prevention Coalition to examine aquatic deaths in Canada using geospatial tools. Relevant Links: Best of the WWEST Interview with Dr. Gail Anderson (Criminology) British Columbia Coroner Dr. David V. Burley (Simon Fraser University) Forensic Taphonomy International Student Research Forum KonMari (Marie Kondo) Publications & Research by Vienna Lam World Health Organization Drowning Report 2015 Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Elyssa Manis has built her company NavaWeb from the ground up, and tells WWEST manager Danniele all about it in this episode. She gives advice for those who are interested in being their own bosses, talks about the positive impact she hopes her work has on the world, and gets nerdy about why she loves web design. Plus, you'll find out about all the great ways to learn digital marketing and web design online and Elyssa answers the question - just what is a "funnel?" Elyssa Manis is the founder of NavaWeb, a one stop shop creative design and digital marketing Agency. She has been a freelance web technologies expert for the past 22+ years and has a strong passion for design and tech in her professional life. Relevant Links: Bissli & Brutus (Instagram) Cathy Olson Create Your Laptop Life The Digital Gangsta Geocities Moist Ophelia: A Moist Page The Pomodoro Technique Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
WWEST manager Danniele had the opportunity to speak with two aircraft engineers from the Red Arrows, the aerobatics display team of the British Royal Air Force. Flight Lieutenant Alicia Mason and Corporal Lydia Ford share what it's like being the only two women currently in the Red Arrows circus, where their current tour is taking them, and how they were able to pursue their dream jobs. A junior Engineering Officer, Alicia Mason's Circus duties include being a resource manager, military commander and professional engineer. This is her third season with the Red Arrows. From Cannock, Staffordshire, Lydia Ford joined the Royal Air Force in 2008 and started her career working on the Tornado GR4, before joining the Red Arrows in 2017. Relevant Links: A-Levels British Royal Air Force "Queen's Birthday: Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace," Newsflare The Red Arrows Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
This week Andrea and Alicen talk to Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology manager, Danniele Livengood, about mental health in the workplace and how you can support both your employees and yourself. Theme song by Tyson Kerr. Resource List: Mental health in the workplace stats
What is it like to release a mobile game from start to finish? How does game design foster collaboration? Is there space for the silly and strange in the video game sphere? This week's guest, Leanne Roed, answers all of these questions with WWEST manager and podcast host Danniele, and also tells us about the windy road that led her to where she is as a game designer and artist today. Leanne Roed is a game designer and artist living in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She has worked for several years in the games industry primarily in the mobile space and as an independent game developer. Relevant Links: Alt Games Vancouver Anemone Hug Interactive Cribbage with Grandpas Game Curious Heart Projector Itch.io I Was a Teenage Exocolonist (game), Northway Games Justin Smith Lan's website Sword & Sorcery (board game) Vancouver Film School's game design program Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Lianna Mah has seen big change at Associated Engineering in her 29 years of being part of the organization. She tells us about the changes she has seen around diversity and inclusion not only at Associated, but in engineering in general. You'll learn about how mentors are an extremely important part of increasing diversity in an organization, along with tips about entering the workforce and thriving in university. Lianna also tells us about the achievements she's had in her career as an environmental engineer. Lianna Mah is the Vice President of Business Development at Associated Engineering, where she is responsible for business development, marketing, and communications. Lianna is an Environmental Engineer with more than 30 years of experience. As a design engineer and project manager, she specialized in the planning, assessment, design and construction of water and wastewater treatment and civil infrastructure projects. Her experience includes projects across Canada and in the Caribbean. Relevant Links: Associated Engineering Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACEC-BC) "Bright minds recall darkness of Polytechnique massacre," Montreal Gazette, 2018 Commercial Drive, Vancouver Engineers and Geoscientists BC Lianna on LinkedIn Marg Lathum, chair of WinSETT Centre (Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology) Women in Engineering and Geoscience Division (formerly DAWEG), Engineering & Geoscientists British Columbia WWEST University of British Columbia Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Deborah Harford calls herself a "science translator," and tells us all about what that means in this episode. She gives background on the organization she co-founded, the Climate Change Adaptation Team (ACT), explains how studying how animals and humans will have to adapt to climate change is extremely important, and also how her communication and English background factors into this organization that intersects with so many research areas. But it's not all serious - she reveals some non-work related details of her life in the Lightning Round as well. Deborah Harford leads research into adaptation to a range of climate change impact areas, spanning water, food, health, biodiversity, energy, infrastructure, and population displacement with the Adaptation to Climate Change Team or ACT. ACT’s focus includes integrated climate solutions that advance low carbon resilience and co-benefits. Relevant Links: An Inconvenient Truth (film) The Climate Change Adaptation Team The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable (book) Dr. Nancy Olewiler The Paris Agreement Pasture to Plate Reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Dr. Richard G. Lipsey Royal Academy of Dramatic Art The SFU Summer Semester in Dialogue Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Tara Robertson, Diversity & Inclusion Lead for Mozilla, is a diversity champion. In this episode, you'll learn about her passion for an open internet, and why jobs in tech are "awesome." Tara candidly admits she still has a lot to learn, but also talks about her proudest moments and accomplishments. You're going to hear about a lot of things an organization is doing right when it comes to diversifying their workplace and supporting their people. Plus, you'll find out how she lifts heavy things - both for fun and for work. Tara Robertson is an intersectional feminist who uses data and research to advocate for equality and inclusion. Currently working as the Diversity & Inclusion Lead for Mozilla, she has more than 10 years experience making open source and tech communities more diverse and welcoming. Relevant Links: Aubrey Blanche Berkeley Lab - Diversity & Inclusion Firefox Firefox Monitor Highland Games "How to Support Your Transgender Employees," Forbes, April 28, 2019 Lizzo Mozilla Pocket (by Mozilla) Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
This time, we look at the trades again and speak with Nemaiah Shaw, who tells us why she loves being an apprentice aircraft maintenance engineer, what it takes to become one, and her excitement for her eventual licensing. She also tells us what it's like navigating a career with low participation of women, her love for learning, and her hopes for the future of her career. Nemaiah Shaw is an apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with a passion for rotary wing aircraft working at the Langley Airport. As a student Nemaiah had a passion for the subject and it showed in both her academic and practical work. She continues to display this drive and is using her time as an apprentice to gain insight from her colleagues. As an active intersectional feminist and queer person Nemaiah brings a unique perspective to her workplace. She works to create a healthy and welcoming workspace for all. Relevant Links: Bessie Coleman Hozier Langley Regional Airport Northern Lights College Obtaining an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) licence Queer ASL Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
In this special episode, podcast producer Vanessa will walk you through the Creating Connections 6.0 conference which took place on May 3-4, 2019 in Vancouver, BC. Creating Connections is a diversity conference focused on attracting, engaging, and retaining women and underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). You'll hear the conference's knowledgeable and diverse guest speakers weigh in on panels including - but not limited to - "How to be an Ally in the Workplace," "Intersectionality in STEM," and "Being a Role Model." Vanessa also conducts mini-interviews with attendees who give insight into why a conference such as Creating Connections is important and what they learned from it. For more information about Creating Connections, please click here. You can also find one-on-one interviews with two of the conference's keynote speakers, Ella Chan and Michele Romanow. In addition, we provided a recap for Creating Connections 5.0 on the podcast as well, which you can find here. More details about the speakers and panels will be included in this episode's transcript. Relevant Links: Ella Chan on Best of the WWEST Michele Romanow on Best of the WWEST Creating Connections Main Page Creating Connections 5.0 recap podcast episode & blog post Creating Connections 6.0 wrap report Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
"Start now." - "Slow success breeds confidence." These are some key pieces of advice that Michele Romanow gives our listeners in this episode. Best of the WWEST producer Vanessa interviews Michele at Creating Connections 6.0 where Michele was a keynote speaker on May 4, 2019. She shares what her busy everyday life is like, who inspires her, and how iteration breeds innovation, as well as what she does to take breaks from her role as a public figure. Tech titan Michele Romanow is an engineer and a serial entrepreneur who started five companies before her 33rd birthday. A "Dragon" on CBC's hit show Dragons' Den, Michele is the co-founder of Clearbanc, which in 2018 gave entrepreneurs more than $100 million in funding; SnapSave, which was acquired by Groupon; and Buytopia.ca, ranked #3 on the Profit Hot 50 list of fastest growing companies. Named in WXN's "100 Most Powerful in Canada" and listed as the only Canadian on Forbes' "Millennial on a Mission" list, Michele brings her incredible entrepreneurial savvy to every stage. Relevant Links: CBC's Dragons' Den Clearbanc "Dragons' Den star Romanow's seven tips for maximum productivity," The Globe and Mail, October 5, 2018 "Enter the Dragon: Michele Romanow Tells Young Entrepreneurs to 'Start Now'," Forbes, February 28, 2018 Freshii The League of Innovators SHAD (summer enrichment program for high schoolers in STEM) Smith School of Business - Queen's University The Tea Room at Queen's University Vail Resorts Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.
Ella Chan joins host Danniele to talk about all sorts of topics, including starting university and the importance of balancing the A in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). She tells us about how she became interested in a career in STEAM and even what it's like behind the scenes of her YouTube channel, Sci-Files. Plus, she reveals the nerdy things she does in her spare time and gives great advice for those starting out in university. Fun fact: Ella was also a keynote speaker at Creating Connections 6.0 on May 4, 2019. Ella Chan is an 18-year-old student at the University of British Columbia. Since the age of twelve, Ella has been running her YouTube channel, Sci-Files, where she shares unique science experiments and demonstrations of topics from binary code using Lego blocks to genetics explained with jelly beans. Her videos have been featured on platforms such as "The Kid Should See This" and the Chicago Field Museum's "The Brain Scoop." Relevant Links: Alix Dainis: Life, Lab, and DNA (YouTube) "B.C. Grade 12 student wins prestigious scholarship, hopes to study brother's illness," CBC, May 27, 2018 The Brain Scoop (YouTube) Ella's Twitter NephCure Kidney International Nephrotic syndrome Sci-Files on Facebook Sci-Files on YouTube Science Venture STEAM Horizon Awards UBC Thunderbirds Quidditch Sports Club The University of British Columbia Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, you can follow us on Twitter at @WWEST_SFU, on Facebook at @WWEST.SFU, and subscribe to our biweekly newsletter at wwest.ca.