The day was thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity and build meaningful connections. Students were divided into small groups and paired with professors, staff members, graduate students and undergraduates, who shared their stories and answered questions. This format encouraged open, personal conversations and gave students a glimpse into what a future in science might look like. It was the first time many of the participants had met scientists face to face, and seen themselves reflected in those faces.
Graduate student Peace Emele remembers the students’ energy as soon as they arrived on campus. “They were so excited to be at uOttawa and had so much fun in the lab,” she said. “They asked lots of questions about equipment they’d never seen before. Some even shared that science wasn’t their path and told us about other careers they wanted to pursue. That honesty made the conversations more engaging. It showed that the day was about exploration.”
Laboratory supervisor Sharon Barden also took part, sharing her own journey in science. She began her session by introducing herself and inviting the students to do the same. “It was rewarding to hear their dreams and their worries,” she recalled. “Most of their questions were directed to the university students in my group about what life is like at uOttawa. It was a great way for the younger students to picture themselves here.”
For many participants, the highlight of the day was seeing a diverse group of role models gathered in one place. Professors Terri Lovell and Natalie Goto joined graduate students Sarah Tribe, Elly Walsh, Bhavana Uppalapati, Angela Radnoff, Peace Emele and Reshmi Karamel, along with undergraduates Alyssa Montgomery, Pegah Yousefirad and Rose Anderson-Duvall. Together, they represented a wide range of disciplines and stages in the academic journey, and they showed that there’s no single path to success in science.
Professor Mayer, who co-ordinated logistics behind the scenes, emphasized the importance of creating a space where students could ask candid questions. “If you have concerns about what it means to be a woman in science, the most meaningful answers will come from people who share your perspective,” he said. “Hearing from undergraduates, graduate students and faculty members allows students to see that there are many possible paths forward.”
The feedback from teachers and participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Students left with a clearer idea of what it means to pursue science, while faculty members and student volunteers got a reminder of how important mentorship and representation are. For many, the event was more than a visit to a university campus. It was an opportunity to demystify the world of science and show that it’s a field open to everyone.
As the Faculty of Science continues to advance equity, diversity and inclusion, initiatives like Women in Science Day play a vital role in inspiring the next generation. With strong support from faculty members, staff and students, the event highlighted the power of representation and the importance of creating welcoming spaces where every student can picture themselves as part of the scientific community.
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