Best of the WWEST
Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology
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Welcome 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.
Available episodes
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Mar 13, 2023
Episode 12: Impacts to women by drug decriminalization w/ Jade Boyd
In 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 escalating opioid crisis.
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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
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Feb 13, 2023
Episode 11 - Black Girls in STEM and ESTEEM w/ Shayle Graham
In 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.
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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
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Jan 9, 2023
Episode 10 - Truth & Reconciliation in STEM w/ Jessica Vandenberghe
In 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.
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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
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Dec 6, 2022
Episode 9: Woman. Life. Freedom. Advocating for Iran in STEM w/ Damineh Akhavan
In 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.
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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
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Nov 23, 2022
Episode 8: Experiences of Individuals With Disabilities in STEM and Academia w/Dr. Naheda Sahtout & Dr. Nicole Brown
In 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 Guelph, and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently a Science Analyst in the Office of the Chief Science Operating Officer with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Naheda developed a strong interest in STEM outreach and finding innovative and creative ways of bringing STEM to rural and Indigenous communities during her graduate programs. She also found her passion in enhancing graduate education, and as a student leader worked hard to strengthening the student-supervisory relationship, finding more resources for graduate students, increasing the networking opportunities for graduate students with non-academic partners, and working on initiatives that prepare graduate students for non-academic careers. Aside from all her efforts on campus, she also finds time to volunteer in the community and spent much of her time in Saskatoon helping refugees and newcomers with the Saskatoon Open Door Society. Currently, she is the Managing director of the Muslim Achieving Excellence Scholarships Fund program, a national program dedicated to supporting excellence in youth. Having herself tackled an academic journey with a visual impairment; she is passionate about advocating for inclusivity, diversity, equality and accessibility in science. She is committed to redefining the landscape and finding ways to support women and girls succeed. She continues to dedicate her time to these matters, whether it is in the workplace or at a global level. Her unique background and first-hand experience navigating academia, combined with her fierce and enthusiastic nature, have given her the tools to be an excellent advocate for the matters that are close to her heart.
Dr. Nicole Brown is a writer, social researcher, and associate professor working on the cusp of research/practice/teaching. She is Director of Social Research & Practice and Education Ltd and Associate Professor at University College London. Nicole’s creative and research work relate to physical and material representations of experiences, the generation of knowledge, the use of metaphors, and more generally, research methods and approaches to explore identity and body work. Her books include Lived Experiences of Ableism in Academia: Strategies for Inclusion in Higher Education, Ableism in Academia: Theorising Experiences of Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses in Higher Education, Embodied Inquiry: Research Methods, and Making the Most of Your Research Journal. Her next books are Creativity in Education: International Perspectives and Photovoice, Reimagined. Nicole's creative nonfiction has been published in the Journal of Participatory Research Methods, So Fi Zine and The AutoEthnographer. Nicole shares her work at https://www.nicole-brown.co.uk and she tweets as @ncjbrown and @AbleismAcademia
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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
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Nov 18, 2022
Episode 7: EDI and Workplace Inclusivity in STEM w/Anja Lanz
In 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.
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Sep 12, 2022
Episode 6: Science Literacy and Outreach w/Eli Haynes
In 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 knowledge in the everyday lives of outreach participants.
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.
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Aug 8, 2022
Episode 5: Indigenous Women in Computer Science w/Melanie Mitchell
In 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.
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May 30, 2022
Episode 4: Young Activists in STEM w/Olivia Ireland & Joshua Rojas
In 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. Link to Joshua's podcast: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/male-feminism-joshua-rojas-6RZvjKbk-xh/
Link to the Sciversify UBCO conference: https://events.ok.ubc.ca/event/welcome-week-sciversify-ubco-conference/
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.
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Apr 25, 2022
Episode 3: Women in STEM and the Canadian Armed Forces w/Kayla Bouchard
In 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.
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Mar 8, 2022
Episode 2: Women in STEM w/Dr. Michelle Kunimoto, Karine Poliquin & Nancy Darling
This 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 is a Civil Engineer with 7 years’ experience in the consulting engineering industry. She started her career as a structural engineer, but halfway through switched her focus to transportation design. Most of her projects involve low-volume road design and ice road engineering in northern Canada. During her spare time, Karine volunteers for the ACEC-BC EDI committee, and for Women in Consulting Engineering. Nancy Darling is the creator and project administrator for the Women in Trades Training (WITT)…
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Mar 2, 2022
Episode 1: Intro to the New WWEST Chair w/Dr. Jennifer Jakobi
Welcome 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 networks of Diversity (iSTAND) Program. Through these programs she worked towards increasing diversity across STEM fields through engaging, mentoring and supporting youth and women in STEM activities that facilitate self-awareness, and professional understanding to empower organizational change through independent contributions. Most recently, Dr. Jakobi was named the new NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) program for BC and the Yukon. We would like to thank WWEST SFU for the outst…
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Dec 27, 2021
Episode 111: Marg Lathan P.Eng, WinSETT Chair and President of Aqua Libra Consulting
Marg 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 then, she has continued to be a pioneer and trailblazer. Marg is a professional engineer and certified management consultant. She is President of Aqua Libra Consulting Ltd., a management consulting firm. Since starting her business in 2010, she has helped public and private engineering organizations improve professional practice and quality management.
For five decades, Marg has also been a champion for women in engineering and construction across Canada. She is currently the Chair of the Can…
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Dec 14, 2021
Episode 110: Janet Phan, Founder & Executive Director, Thriving Elements
Janet 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 nonprofit dedicated to creating access and opportunities for underserved, underrepresented girls with long-term, 1:1 mentorship in STEM fields.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/yNLlGg Relevant Links:
* 3 Key Elements to Thriving Mentorship - TEDxZurich
* Boldly You
* Janet on LinkedIn
* Master of Science in Information Systems, University of Washington
* Thriving Elements
* Weyerhaeuser
Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
Theme Music: “Posit…
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Nov 30, 2021
Episode 109: Sadé Akinbami P.Eng, Civil Engineer & Artist
We'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. Sadé’s heritage has played a major role in the carving of her path thus far; a path which intertwines both the sciences and the arts. Having graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering - Concentration in Management, Sadé has since then followed an unconventional path by being a Project Engineer, Project Manager and also a singer, song-writer, and producer.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/hnGxyv Relevant Links:
* Carleton University
* Emp…
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Nov 23, 2021
Episode 108: Jasmine Shaw P.Eng, Entrepreneur, and Changemaker
Jasmine 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.)
Jasmine Shaw is a professional engineer, entrepreneur, and changemaker. She has over 5 years experience of systems engineering and project management in the aerospace industry. Her journey to transform STEM began nearly 10 years ago during her undergraduate degree at Carleton University where she implemented a local youth outreach program, and has since grown to include a business that helps women in STEM achieve their full career potential. She also founded the Ontario Sick Day Relief Project,…
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Nov 9, 2021
Episode 107: Pride in STEM with Dr. Ben Britton
Dr. 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 working in and studying STEM.
(Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
Ben Britton is an Associate Professor in Materials Engineering at UBC, teaches on the Manufacturing Engineering programme and holds a visiting Readership at Imperial College London. Ben leads a research group looking at characterising the performance and manufacturing of materials used in high risk high value applications, as well as materials used to support us achieving a low carbon future. In ad…
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Oct 19, 2021
Episode 106: Deyanira Mendoza Dominguez, P.Eng, Certified Project Manager, and Woman of Action
Deyanira 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 Mendoza Dominguez is an experienced Professional Engineer, Certified Project Manager, and Woman of Action. Her motto is “making the impossible possible”. She is a non-boring Engineer and the first published Mexican woman to complete a continuous two-year return motorcycle journey through the Americas, doing research in 16 countries. She is motivated to support underprivileged girls and to be an equity advocate for women and immigrants.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement…
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Oct 6, 2021
Episode 105: Major Jessica Ross, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Officer
In 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 military.
Major Jessica Ross was born in Vancouver and graduated from Vancouver Technical Secondary School. She joined the Canadian Army and graduated from the Royal Military College with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 2007. After being posted to Maintenance Company of 2 Service Battalion in Petawawa, Ontario, employed as the Maintenance Officer of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, and deployed to Kuwait on Operation IMPACT, Major Ross earned a Masters in Applied Science (Chemical…
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Sep 21, 2021
Episode 104: Dr. Britt Drögemöller, Canada Research Chair, Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, Univ. of Manitoba
Dr. 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 research that can avoid horrific medication side effects.
Dr. Britt Drögemöller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics at the University of Manitoba and holds a Canada Research Chair in Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine. Dr. Drögemöller’s research uses genomic and computational analyses to guide the development of novel treatment strategies that offer maximum benefit and minimal harm.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit…
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Sep 7, 2021
Episode 103: Aadita Chaudhury, Doctoral Student, Science and Technology Studies, York University
This 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 can begin to change the world for the better.
Aadita Chaudhury is a doctoral student in the Science and Technology Studies at York University. Her doctoral dissertation project explores the multifaceted cultural, material and environmental meaning-making, building on her ethnographic research on fire ecology and wildfire management in California. Her research further investigates the practices surrounding both ecosystem and built environment fires around the world to situate how themes of colonia…
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Aug 24, 2021
Episode 102: Capt(N) Seana Routledge, Deputy Project Manager, Canadian Forces
In 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 in 1996 in the Regular Officer Training Program. She graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston with a baccalaureate in Computer Engineering in 2000. She is currently Deputy Project Manager – Transition in the Canadian Surface Combatant Project Management Office.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/wcuaAj Relevant Links:
* HMCS St. John's
* How to join the Forces
* "Navy commander found enriching career in military," The…
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Aug 10, 2021
Episode 101: Dr. Kimberly Arcand, Visualization Scientist, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, NASA
Have 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. Kimberly Arcand is a leading expert in astronomy visualization and has been a pioneer in 3D imaging, printing, and extended reality applications with astrophysics data. Kim began her career in molecular biology and public health before moving to NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1998. Her current projects include sonification of spatial data, screen-based holograms and other intersections of emerging technology and astrophysics. She has co-written seven non-fiction science books includin…
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Jul 27, 2021
Episode 100: Maggie MacPhee, Grades 7-12 Math Teacher & Educator
Maggie 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 mathematics teacher in Nova Scotia. Maggie studied Mathematics at Mount Allison University before completing her Education degree at St Francis Xavier. Maggie’s favourite math topics are graph theory, board games, and social justice through mathematics.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/OcXpdQ Relevant Links:
* Building Thinking Classrooms
* The Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics (book)
* High School Mathematics Lessons…
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Jul 9, 2021
Episode 99: Cassy Weber, CEO, MindFuel
Cassy 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 positive impact.
Cassy Weber is the CEO of MindFuel. Cassy lives and breathes innovation, progress and inclusion. After a successful tenure in the for-profit industry, working with an array of companies over a 20-year period from Fortune 500s to start ups in order to develop strategic and operational plans, Cassy transitioned to the nonprofit industry to lead MindFuel's sustainability initiative in 2012.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/dSnCKM Relevant…
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Jul 2, 2021
Episode 98: Indigenous Ways of Knowing in STEM with Desiree Marshall-Peer, Cree-Ojibway Educator
In 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 bring them more into the STEM fields. Plus, we discuss how oral traditions are valid and important within STEM and even are being incorporated into recent STEM research.
For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/CDJmQu Relevant Links:
* A History of the First Nations College Movement in Canada, 1969-2000
* Best of the WWEST Episode 79: Indigenizing STEM Education
* Desiree at University of British Columbia Okanagan
* First Nations Education Steerin…
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Jun 8, 2021
Episode 97: Indigenous Voices on Best of the WWEST
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…
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May 25, 2021
Episode 96: Dr. Kaylee Byers, Deputy Director, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, BC node
Science 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. Kaylee Byers is the Deputy Director of the British Columbia node of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative and a postdoctoral fellow in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. Kaylee is the co-founder of Nerd Nite Vancouver and co-hosts the Nerdin’ About podcast.
For full shownotes and a transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative
* Ed Yong
* Exploring By the Seat of Your Pants
* Nerdin' About…
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May 11, 2021
Episode 95: Creating Inclusive Networks to Launch Careers
Imagine 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 the long-term efficacy of interventions that harness the power of positive social interactions to mitigate subtle gender bias. Dr. Sonia Kang and Dr. Elizabeth Page-Gould, project leads, get into the nitty gritty of their exciting research, their findings, and how their studies are helping them to understand the importance of interpersonal aspects of professional success. Get in touch with Project RISE here! Find our other episode about Engendering Success in STEM here! (Please excuse any audio hicc…
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Apr 27, 2021
Episode 94: Carlyn Loncaric, Founder & CEO, VodaSafe
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…
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Apr 13, 2021
Episode 93: Memma Uponi, Mechanical Engineering Student
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…
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Mar 23, 2021
Episode 92: Realizing Identity Safe-Environments
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! (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
For full shownotes, guest bios, and a transcription of this episode, visit http://i.sfu.ca/FhcCZF
Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey
Theme Music: “…
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Mar 8, 2021
Episode 91: Dr. Yane Valdez, Immunologist & Founder, ImmunoLatinXs
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. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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…
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Feb 24, 2021
Episode 90: Dr. Noushin Nabavi, Cell Biologist in Training & Economist
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. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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 e…
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Feb 2, 2021
Episode 89: iSTAND Miniseries Part 4: How Can STEM Learn From Sport to Increase the Participation of Women?
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…
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Jan 19, 2021
Episode 88: Nora Keegan, Grade 10 Student & Published Researcher
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 peopl…
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Dec 8, 2020
Episode 87: Denise Williams, CEO, First Nations Technology Council
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 equita…
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Nov 3, 2020
Episode 86: iSTAND Miniseries Part 3: Men in the Minority
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. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
iSTAND is the Integrative STEM Team Advancing…
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Oct 20, 2020
Episode 85: Dr. Lesley Shannon PEng, WWEST Chairholder & Professor (Computer Engineering, SFU)
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 transcri…
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Aug 25, 2020
Episode 84: Jennifer Flanagan, Co-Founder, CEO, President of Actua
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?" (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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 com…
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Aug 11, 2020
Episode 83: Anne Simonen, Civil Engineering Technologist
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. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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 T…
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Jul 28, 2020
Episode 82: Rebecca Sorbara, Applied Science Technologist/Director of Building Science, McCuaig & Associates
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?” (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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 a…
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Jul 14, 2020
Episode 81: Sheryl Cumming, P.Eng.
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. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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…
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Jun 30, 2020
Episode 80: Erin Karaim, Civil Engineering Technician, WSP
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. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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…
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Jun 16, 2020
Episode 79: iSTAND Miniseries Part 2: Indigenizing STEM Education
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. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
iSTAND is the Integrative STEM Team Advancing Networks of Diversity, which is creating a network to recruit, support, and increase underrepresented persons in Science, T…
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Jun 2, 2020
Episode 78: Yuka Takemon, PhD Student, Genome Science and Technology
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! (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)
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 Holmes
Produced 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…
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May 19, 2020
Episode 77: Quarantimes with Claris Cyarron
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 (@live…
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Apr 28, 2020
Episode 76: Mitzi Dean, MLA
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 Legislativ…
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Apr 8, 2020
Episode 75: LCdr Calley Gray, Royal Canadian Navy
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. Releva…
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Mar 17, 2020
Episode 74: Louise Wilkinson, Quality Manager, Integral Group
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…
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Mar 4, 2020
Episode 73: The Women of "In Plain Sight"
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.
Due to COVID-19, this exhibition at S…
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Feb 25, 2020
Episode 72: iSTAND Mini Series: Women in STEM from the Okanagan
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 Ch…
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Feb 11, 2020
Episode 71: Leila Abutaleb, Digital Communications Manager, BC Hydro
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 Holmes
Produced 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…
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Jan 21, 2020
Episode 70: Alexa Bailey, Founder, Girls to the Power of Math
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 ac…
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Jan 8, 2020
Episode 69: Mary-Jane Piggott, Senior Water Resources Engineer
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…
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Dec 18, 2019
Episode 68: Sharona Gordon, PhD, Professor, Physiology & Biophysics
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 th…
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Dec 3, 2019
Episode 67: Maite Taboada, PhD, Professor, Linguistics, SFU
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Discourse Processing Lab
* Gender Gap Tracker
* Informed Opinions
* Maite's Publications
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive an…
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Nov 6, 2019
Episode 66: Wendy Hurlburt, President & CEO, LifeSciences BC
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Lexmark
* LifeSciences BC
* Wendy on LinkedIn
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced by: Vanessa Hennessey
Please consider…
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Nov 5, 2019
Episode 65: Vienna Lam, Lab Manager & Researcher, SFU Centre for Forensic Research & School of Criminology
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Best of the WWEST Interview with D…
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Oct 15, 2019
Episode 64: Elyssa Manis, Web Technologies Expert
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. 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 (@li…
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Oct 1, 2019
Episode 63: The Red Arrows
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. 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 Mus…
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Aug 21, 2019
Episode 62: Leanne (Lan) Roed, Game Designer & Artist
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
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 (@livengoo…
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Aug 6, 2019
Episode 61: Lianna Mah, VP Business Development, Associated Engineering
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 Cari…
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Jul 23, 2019
Episode 60: Deborah Harford, Executive Director, Adaptation to Climate Change Team
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* An Inconvenient Truth (f…
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Jul 10, 2019
Episode 59: Tara Robertson, Diversity & Inclusion Lead, Mozilla
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Aubrey Blanche
* Berkeley Lab - Diversity & Inclusion
* Firefox
* Firefox Monitor
* Highland Games
* "…
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Jun 18, 2019
Episode 58: Nemaiah Shaw, Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
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.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Bessie Coleman
* Hozier…
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Jun 3, 2019
Episode 57: Creating Connections 6.0
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, wh…
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May 21, 2019
Episode 56: Michele Romanow, Dragon on CBC's "Dragons' Den"
"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…
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May 7, 2019
Episode 55: Ella Chan, Sci-Files YouTube Host & Student
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."
For a full transc…
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Apr 16, 2019
Episode 54: Ellyne Kinney, Senior Systems Engineer, Earth Observation Systems
For Ellyne Kinney, her curiosity and drive to have a successful career started early, and you'll hear all about it in this interview with Best of the WWEST host Danniele. She relives her time working on big deal astronomy projects (Hubble Space Telescope and Goddard Space Flight Center to name-drop just a couple), tells us about her fascination with space, and gives advice on how to be successful both in post-secondary school and in STEM careers.
Ellyne Kinney is a senior solutions engineer of Earth Observations Systems at MDA. Ellyne joined MDA in May 2018 and develops the technical solutions for software systems and space missions for MDA’s customers in Earth Observation and Space Missions Line of Business.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Five College Consortium, Massachusetts, USA
* Goddard Space Flight Center
* Hubble Space Telescope
* Intelsat
* Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die (book)
* MDA
* Mount Ho…
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Apr 3, 2019
Episode 53: Rike Moon, PhD, Manager, STEAM Mentor Initiatives, Science World
In this episode, Rike Moon tells Danniele about her journey from a farm in Germany to her career at Science World in Vancouver. Rike gives great advice for STEM students and professionals, takes us down memory lane to explain how she overcame crippling exam anxiety, and gives us a glimpse into her non-professional life during the Lightning Round. Plus, you will never guess her most memorable moment at Science World - trust us, you just have to hear it.
Rike Moon is the Manager of STEAM Mentor Initiatives at Science World. She has worked in the science museum industry ever since and loves sharing her passion for science with all learners. As a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community she has become an advocate for diversity and inclusion at Science World.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* 50 First Dates (movie)
* BodyWorks Gallery at Science World
* Canadian Harambe Education Society
* Collette (movie)
* Habitat for Humanity
* LGBTSTEM Day…
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Mar 29, 2019
Episode 52: Ania Kwiatkowski, PhD, Nuclear Physicist
This time, Danniele hears from Ania Kwiatkowski, PhD, a nuclear physicist at TRIUMF who is passionate about her work. She talks about the friendly competitiveness of her field, and why she loves nuclear physics so much. You'll hear about how she is working in her dream job, and the advice she has for students to get them to their dream jobs, too.
Ania Kwiatkowski is a research scientist at TRIUMF and adjunct faculty at the University of Victoria in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. She focuses on understanding the ground-state properties of radioactive ions using ion-trapping techniques.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* "A. Kwiatkowski Awarded the Freedman Award," Michigan State University
* Ania's research while affiliated with TRIUMF
* High-resolution mass spectrometry
* Ion trapping
* Quantum Computing
* Rapid neutron-capture process (Wikipedia)
* TITAN at TRIUMF
* TRIUMF
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Th…
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Mar 5, 2019
Episode 51: Mily Mumford, Writer/Director/Scientist
Host Danniele is joined by Mily Mumford to talk about scifi, bridging theatre and science, and the study of psychological effects of being in space. Mily tells us why she wants to be the "Black Mirror" of theatre and her passion for mental health awareness and support. She also gives advice for students and women in STEM that you don't want to miss.
Mily Mumford is a writer, filmmaker, theatre creator and scientist based in Vancouver BC.
After completing her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Victoria, Mily is now pursuing a Master of Science in Interactive Technology at Simon Fraser University where she does work on virtualized health systems for long term space travel.
Her production company, Nebula Company, focuses on immersive theatre, film and new media with a political, science fiction lens.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Banff Centre
* "Black Mirror"
* Global Brigades
* Mily on the Internet Movie Databas…
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Feb 20, 2019
Episode 50: Dana Mills, Youth STEM Outreach Coordinator, Yukon College
Alison Anderson and the Yukon Edition of Best of the WWEST are back! This time, you'll hear from Dana Mills, who spends a lot of time with children and youth - and loves it! You'll hear why it's so important to support youth in their passions and the fascinating research Dana undertook about youth transitioning out of foster care. Plus, find out what she would bring to a deserted island and who inspires her.
Dana Mills recently moved to Whitehorse from Ontario and has assumed the role of Youth STEM Outreach Coordinator at Yukon College. She is excited to expand on the STEM programming that has been done in previous years by introducing more year round programming and having more STEM outreach to Yukon’s communities.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Camp Trillium
* Child Welfare Political Action Team
* Global Health program at McMaster University
* Heart Lake First Nation
* Mount Allison University
* Ultimate Frisbee
* Yukon Coll…
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Feb 20, 2019
Episode 49: Pamela Tannouri, Technology Development Manager, HealthTech Connex
From being the first employee at her current workplace, to growing a startup, to managing a team that is creating a revolutionary "blood pressure cuff for your brain," Pamela Tannouri tells host Danniele all about her journey through her career. She shares her wins, challenges she's had to overcome, and the progress her team has made in the development of their medical device. Pamela also shares some tips about maintaining work/life balance and Danniele and Pamela close the episode off with a lively lightning round.
Pamela Tannouri is the Technology Development Manager and cultural champion for HealthTech Connex. She works with her team of biomedical engineers, software developers and researchers in order to commercialize medical devices that impact the way we approach neurology.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Brain Power Score
* Future Science Leaders at Science World
* HealthTech Connex
* How to Change Your Mind (book) by Michael Po…
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Feb 6, 2019
Episode 48: Monika Stachura, PhD, Research Scientist, TRIUMF
In this episode, you'll hear from Monika Stachura, PhD, about her career as a research scientist and her important work coordinating the UBC program IsoSiM (Isotopes for Medicine and Science) at the University of British Columbia. She also fills us in on how to have a successful interdisciplinary career and how STEM research is heading in a more interdisciplinary direction. Plus, she tells us about her active life outside of work, what she would do if she weren't in her current field, and how to use your network to make connections and thrive.
Please note a small correction: Monika has obtained a double-PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry and Biophysics.
Dr. Monika Stachura is a research scientist in the life sciences division at TRIUMF. Dr. Stachura has 2 Master of Science degrees, one in biophysics from the University of Copenhagen Denmark and the second in physics from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland. She also obtained 2 PhD degrees from the University of…
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Jan 22, 2019
Episode 47: Jennifer Jakobi, PhD, Associate Dean & WWEST Associate Chair (UBCO)
Danniele sits down with Jennifer Jakobi, PhD, newly appointed WWEST Associate Chair at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. They cover subjects such as how to give students the opportunity to empower themselves, what Jennifer does as the WWEST Associate Chair, why she's so fascinated by her neuromuscular research, and what can help STEM professionals move forward in their careers successfully.
Dr. Jennifer Jakobi is an associate professor at the School of Health and Exercise Sciences and Associate Dean of Academic Programs for the Faculty of Health and Social Development at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus. She is also our recently announced WWEST Associate Chair at UBC Okanagan.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Healthy Exercise and Aging Lab (Dr. Jakobi, Dr. Jones, UBC Okanagan)
* iSTAND on Facebook
* iSTAND on Instagram
* iSTAND on Twitter
* Motor units (Wikipedia)
* Neuromuscular junction (Wikipedia)…
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Jan 8, 2019
Episode 46: Leigh Joseph, Ethnobotanist & Community Activist
In this episode, we hear from Leigh Joseph about collaborative work at a community level, observing people out on the land and learning their stories that connect them to their place. Leigh talks about how having a more Indigenous presence in ethnobotany is key to community collaboration, and how researching traditional Indigenous plant medicine can help Indigenous communities return to their cultural practices and build a foundation for healing and self-care at a community and cultural level.
Leigh Joseph (Styawat) is an ethnobotanist, researcher and community activist. She is from the Squamish First Nation and she works to contribute to cultural knowledge renewal in connection to traditional plant foods and medicines.
Her research takes a community-based approach and is influenced by her experience as an Indigenous woman reconnecting to her cultural roots. Wherever possible she draws on ancestral teachings that are connected to traditional plants and the land in her research.
For…
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Dec 18, 2018
Episode 45: Marcia MacDonald, PhD, Deputy Director, World Anti-Doping Agency
Marcia MacDonald, PhD, chats with host Danniele this week about working at the World Anti-Doping Agency. You'll hear about how her work helps to implement more efficient processes in the Athlete Biological Passport Program or ABP. But you'll also hear about Marcia's life as a woman in STEM - how relocating from Vancouver to Montreal for her career has been, and what she is most passionate about outside of work (hint: it involves activism in a big, worldwide issue that we are all familiar with - but you'll have to listen to find out more!).
Marcia MacDonald is a Deputy Director in the Science and Medicine department at the World Anti-Doping Agency. Marcia oversees a team responsible for the global development of the Athlete Biological Passport program, which monitors biological variables over time to indirectly reveal the effects of doping in sport, rather than attempting to detect the doping substance or method itself.
Please note some of the abbreviations and jargon used in this epi…
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Dec 1, 2018
Episode 44: Leslie Leong, Civil Engineer & Visual Artist
It's time for another Yukon-focused Best of the WWEST episode! Host Alison Anderson talks with Leslie Leong about whether or not new technology really simplifies our lives, whether or not we should separate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) from the arts, and what needs to be done to advance women in STEM. Plus, you'll hear about some really cool art projects that Leslie has completed and is currently working on.
Leslie Leong is a Civil Engineer and visual artist living and working in Whitehorse, Yukon. She makes art in many forms, often with a technical focus and an emphasis on 3-dimensional work. Leslie’s engineering degree and experience has enabled her to do all of the wonderful and unusual things she has done, and continues to do.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* The Arctic Circle Residency
* Arts Underground
* Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
* "How climate change can cause depression, anxiety: ‘We will all…
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Nov 20, 2018
Episode 43: Bella Kazwell, Web Engineering Lead, Asana
In this episode, Bella Kazwell, Web Engineering Lead at Asana, a leading web-based work management system, tells host Danniele about her work at Asana. She describes how she got her dream job and gives advice for all STEM professionals. You'll also learn about the struggles she has faced - and overcome - as a woman in tech.
Bella Kazwell is the Web Engineering Lead at Asana, with more than 15 years of experience in engineering roles. She has spent the past seven years on the engineering team of Asana, building products to empower teams to thrive.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Asana
* Asana Blog: "Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Q&A with Dustin Moskovitz"
* Carnegie Mellon School of Computing Science
* The Eisenhower Matrix
* ImpostorSyndrome.com (Website of Dr. Valerie Young, expert on Impostor Syndrome)
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced by: Vanessa…
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Oct 31, 2018
Episode 42: Kai Scott, Principal Partner, TransFocus Consulting
Here at Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, we don’t just focus on increasing the presence of women in STEM. We focus on increasing diversity in STEM overall, and this week’s episode looks at one piece of the diversity puzzle: how to support trans and non-binary people in the workplace. Danniele is joined by Kai Scott, Principal Partner at TransFocus Consulting, to discuss how organizations can be the best employers they can for trans and non-binary folks. Kai tells us how expanding the binary within a workplace is beneficial for everyone, and how taking steps towards examining one’s deep beliefs and assumptions can shift the paradigm of the workplace.
Kai Scott is a principal partner at TransFocus Consulting. Kai is a senior social scientist educated in the field of International Development. He has over 10 years’ experience undertaking complex multi-stakeholder processes across various major sectors. He uses a blend of systems thinking and reflective appr…
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Oct 21, 2018
Episode 41: Aerin Jacob, PhD, Ecologist, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
In this episode, WWEST manager Danniele speaks with Aerin Jacob all about the importance of diversity in STEM, but especially in ecology and conservation. Aerin tells us about her hopes to include new ideas and other ways of knowing in conservation, how and why she wakes up feeling inspired every day, and how her work is positively affecting the world at large.
Aerin joined us remotely from Canmore, Alberta; please forgive the occasional audio hiccup from our remote recording.
Aerin's E-mail address (remove spaces): aerin @ y2y . net
Aerin Jacob is a Conservation Scientist at the _Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y)_. At Y2Y, Aerin’s research informs practical, collaborative conservation across the 3200-km long Yellowstone to Yukon region.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Aerin's website
* Canmore, Alberta
* Highway Wildlife Crossings in Banff National Park
* Liber Ero Postdoctoral Fellowship
* The Wilburforce Fell…
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Oct 10, 2018
Episode 40: Carmen Wong, PhD, Ecologist Team Leader, Kluane National Park
In yet another Yukon-focused episode, Alison Anderson speaks with Carmen Wong all about ecology. You'll find out that it's about more than just trees and bears! Plus, you'll hear Carmen's views on what role scientists should play in communities, her experiences working closely with First Nations elders, and her advice for anyone hoping to enter STEM and ecology.
Carmen Wong is the Ecologist Team Leader at Kluane National Park and Reserve. She has a PhD in Forest Ecology from the University of British Columbia. At Kluane, she oversees the park’s monitoring, which includes Dall’s sheep, mountain goats, moose, Kokanee salmon, bats and frogs, among other things. For fun, she loves to ski and mountain bike with Bert, the family dog.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* Bioblitz Canada
* Kluane National Park and Reserve
* Mountain Legacy Project
Hosted by: Alison Anderson (@AlisonVAnderson)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes…
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Oct 2, 2018
Episode 39: Jessica Lu, Corporate Analyst
In this episode, Jessica takes us along on her past journeys to Ireland, China, and Rome through her memories and the life lessons she learned. We learn about what it's like to study science in university, why she loves working at Genome BC, and her passion for science communication. Jessica also gives some simple, yet poignant advice to students new to university: “Try new things.”
Jessica Lu is a Corporate Analyst at Genome BC. In her role, Jessica supports relationships with key stakeholders by providing measuring outcomes and impacts of funded programs.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Best of the WWEST Episode with Holly Burton
* GenomeBC
* Genomic differentiation among Northern Goshawks of coastal BC
* Illuminating Hereditary Cancers
* Imposter Syndrome and Dr. Valerie Young
* Ologies Podcast by Alie Ward
* Trinity College, Dublin
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott…
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Sep 18, 2018
Episode 38: Rachel Nelson, Marine Mammal Trainer
What's Rachel Nelson's favourite part of her job? The otters, of course! Join host Danniele as she chats with Rachel about landing her dream job at the Vancouver Aquarium, how you can help combat pollution in the ocean, and building relationships with animals. Plus, you’ll find out how pole dance fitness classes actually pair nicely with her work as a marine mammal trainer.
Rachel Nelson is a Marine Mammal Trainer at the Vancouver Aquarium. She is currently a sea otter trainer but loves working with animals of all kinds.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Marine Biology at the University of British Columbia
* Marine Mammal Rescue Centre
* The Seafood Watch App
* Vancouver Aquarium
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford
Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or Stitcher! For more from Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Techn…
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Aug 30, 2018
Episode 37: Jocelyn Joe-Strack, PhD Student, Land Use Planning and First Nations Studies
In this episode of Best of the WWEST: Yukon Edition, Alison Anderson chats with Jocelyn Joe-Strack about going back to the land. Jocelyn tells us how she thinks about the First Nations way in her work strengthening the land planning process in the Yukon. She talks about finding the best solutions for all parties involved as First Nations rebuild and heal from the experiences of colonialism and residential schools. You'll also find out little tidbits about Jocelyn, such as her nickname for her husband and what she would bring with her if she were stranded on a deserted island!
Jocelyn Joe-Strack is a PhD student in the field of Land Use Planning and First Nations Studies at the University of Saskatchewan School of Environment and Sustainability. She is also a winner of the 2017 Vanier Scholarship, which recognizes top tier PhD students who demonstrate excellence in academia, research impact, and leadership at Canadian universities.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.…
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Aug 20, 2018
Episode 36: Danniele Livengood, Program Manager, WWEST
Best of the WWEST producer Vanessa interviews WWEST Program Manager Danniele about what got her into STEM, why she loves the work she does at WWEST, and what it takes to run such a program. She also gives insight into working with various non-profit entities and how their activities can work in tandem with WWEST's goals. Plus, you'll learn fun facts such as what her favourite activity was at summer camp and how she defines success.
Danniele Livengood is the Program Manager of Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WWEST) at Simon Fraser University, operating under the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (BC/Yukon Region). At WWEST Danniele works to further the participation of women and other under-represented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here. Relevant Links:
* WWEST Episode #19 with Angie Byron
* WWEST Episode #1 with Cole Brown
* Connecting Environmental Professiona…
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Aug 7, 2018
Episode 35: Colleen Legzdins, PhD, Entrepreneur & Metals and Materials Engineer
How does someone who hates math and science with no role models of women in STEM end up as a Metals and Materials Engineer? Colleen Legzdins will tell you all about it in this interview with WWEST Manager Danniele. Rest assured - if you are interested in STEM but not much interest in science and math, you can still have a successful and rewarding STEM career, as Colleen demonstrates with her story. You'll learn how she pursued her education while starting a family, the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and making a real difference for the environment with her work.
Dr. Colleen Legzdins has a background in metals and materials engineering and is a senior professional engineer with over 15 years of experience in industrial wastewater treatment and fuel cells.
Be sure to check out this blog post about Colleen by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, Petroleum!
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* BC Tech Association
* Engineers & Geosci…
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Jul 24, 2018
Episode 34: Kirsten Hogan, Environmental Engineer
Alison Anderson, the WWEST Associate Chair at Yukon College, interviews Kirsten Hogan and asks the real questions: What challenges does the Yukon face when it comes to environmental engineering, especially mining and environmental reclamation? Why is it important to get more women engineers registered across Canada? And just why does she love the Yukon anyway?
Kirsten has over 15 years of experience in Environmental Engineering with a focus on contaminated sites management and remediation, and greenhouse gas emissions quantification and management.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Aperture Consulting
* Canada Business Network
* Engineers Canada 30 by 30 Initiative
* Environmental remediation
* Environment Yukon
* F.H. Collins Secondary School
Hosted by: Alison Anderson (@AlisonVAnderson)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford
Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or St…
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Jul 24, 2018
Episode 33: WWEST Celebrates LGBT STEM Day
On July 5th, WWEST Manager Danniele and Best of the WWEST Producer Vanessa visited the Telus World of Science for the First International Day of LGBTQ+ People in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! (Short name: LGBT STEM Day.) Vanessa chats with other organizations who took part in this event to help raise awareness and increase support for LGBTQ+ people in STEM and finds out what brought them there and why they find it important. You'll hear from a variety of great organizations directly and indirectly related to STEM fields, and you can visit their websites by clicking the links below.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* ASTTBC
* International LGBT STEM Day
* PFLAG Canada & PFLAG Vancouver
* Telus World of Science
* Trans, Gender Diverse, and Two-Spirit support at The Vancouver Park Board
* TRIUMF
* Vancouver Pride Society
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) and Vanessa Reich-Shackelford
Theme Music: “Positive an…
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Jul 10, 2018
Episode 32: Stacey Mulcahy, Principal Program Manager, the Garage, Microsoft
If you're looking for some insight into Microsoft's employee engagement, look no further. In this episode, Stacey Mulcahy tells us all about working at The Garage at Microsoft - why she loves it, what she does, and how maker spaces like The Garage can bring community together. She also describes what it's like being "a prototype" and how she defines success for herself.
Stacey Mulcahy is the Principal Program Manager of the Garage at Microsoft Vancouver. She’s an international speaker and teacher and spent many years working in the digital agency space as a developer. She enjoys making things that some consider useless but that bring them joy all the same.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Microsoft Garage
* Shawn Hunt, BC-based Heiltsuk artist
* Transformation Mask
* Trello
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford
Please consider leaving…
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Jun 19, 2018
Episode 31: Dawn MacDonald, Institutional Research and Planning Officer, Yukon College
Chickens in the kitchen, positron beams, and asking big questions about the universe - you will hear about all of these things in this episode with Dawn MacDonald. Alison Anderson, WWEST Associate Chair at Yukon College, interviews Dawn in this next installment of Best of the West: Yukon Edition.
Dawn MacDonald earned her Bachelors in Applied Mathematics with a Theoretical Physics concentration at the University of Western Ontario in 1997, and was the only woman in many of her classes at that time. She benefited from mentorship by faculty in the Space Physics department and Positron Beam laboratory, who gave her summer undergraduate research positions in their offices and labs. She now works at Yukon College as Institutional Research and Planning Officer, using mainly social science research methods to provide data for institutional decision making.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Chariots of the Gods
* The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Z…
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Jun 19, 2018
Episode 30: Dr. Lori Brotto, Psychologist & Professor
In this episode, Danniele speaks with Dr. Lori Brotto about her career in psychology and gynaecology and how they can intersect. She gives a glimpse into her research and her newly published book, Better Sex Through Mindfulness. In addition, you'll hear about how she survived her early years in university, why it is so important for women to be informed about their sexual health, and how collaboration and networking can be extremely helpful in a career.
Dr. Lori Brotto is a professor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of British Columbia. She conducts research on women’s sexual health and difficulties, develops and tests psychoeducational interventions for women with sexual desire and arousal complaints, and studies many aspects of sexual health including: culture and sexuality, hormones and sexual desire, cancer and sexuality, concerns about HPV and sexuality, asexuality, and more.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:…
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Jun 5, 2018
Episode 29: Angelica Lim, PhD, A.I. Roboticist
Come along with Dr. Angelica Lim and Best of the WWEST host Danniele on a windy journey through Angelica's discovery of computing science and her passion for robots! Angelica talks about her studies taking her all over the globe and how she settled in at Simon Fraser University. You'll also find out how robots can connect people in a "human-like and grounded way."
Angelica is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Computing Science at Simon Fraser University, who has studied and worked in robotics for over 10 years in Canada, France and Japan. She has been featured on the BBC, given talks at SXSW and TEDx, hosted a TV documentary on robotics, and was recently featured in Forbes 20 Leading Women in AI.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Angelica's Twitter (@petitegeek)
* Grace Hopper Celebration
* Invent the Future AI Scholars Program
* Jane the Virgin (TV show)
* Tessa Lau
* Women in Computing Science at SFU
Publications…
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May 23, 2018
Episode 28: Deanna Burgart, Indigeneer
In the second installment of Best of the WWEST's Yukon Edition, WWEST Associate Chair Alison Anderson sits down with Deanna Burgart to discuss her work integrating Indigenous traditional knowledge in engineering. Listen for her tips for getting young people engaged in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and a little sample of a song that will help you remember the quadratic formula!
Deanna Burgart is the President and COO of Indigenous Engeering Inclusion, Inc. She is a self-proclaimed "Indigeneer" and President of Indigenous Engineering Inclusion Inc. In addition to being co-founder of Empowered Innovation Enterprise, she has redirected her work towards professional speaking, post-secondary curriculum development, and resourcing organizations who want to improve their business strategies with Indigenous communities.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Cyber Mentor, University of Calgary
* Erin Brockovich (film)…
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May 8, 2018
Episode 27: Gail Anderson, PhD, Forensic Entomologist
In this episode, WWEST manager Danniele chats with Dr. Gail Anderson about bugs and other animals, a career in forensics that makes a real difference in the world, and the benefits of university if one chooses to attend. Gail also reveals how she achieves work/life balance, her journey from a young forensic entomologist to professorship, and the importance of being a mentor to young people in STEM.
Gail holds a Burnaby Mountain Endowed Professorship at Simon Fraser University. She is a forensic entomology consultant to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Municipal Police across Canada as well as the SPCA and Wildlife Enforcement. She has been analyzing forensic entomology cases since 1988, and has testified as an expert witness in court many times.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Canadian Police College
* Criminology at Simon Fraser University
* Funding and Award Opportunities - large list of grants and awards, sponsored by Res…
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Apr 24, 2018
Episode 26: Halimat Alabi, Interactive Visualization Designer
Our guest of this episode, Halimat Alabi, has been many places and done many things. Listen as she brings us along on her journey through video game design, film and television, and research and teaching, with lots of laughs and poignant moments. She also gives advice for achieving work-life balance, including balancing family and career, and gives us insight into cutting edge visual analytics research.
Formally trained as an engineer, Halimat describes herself as an interactive visualization designer. She is currently an instructor for the Art Institute and doing visual learning analytics research at Simon Fraser University. She received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant for her research, and has published a book chapter called “A Language and a Space: Visualizing Learning Online” in the learning analytics textbook, “Developing Effective Educational Experiences through Learning Analytics.” She has worked in console game development for Sony and THQ and h…
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Apr 10, 2018
Episode 25: Katie Aitken, PhD, Ornithologist, Yukon College
WWEST Associate Chair Alison Anderson hosts this episode with Dr. Katie Aitken and speaks to her about bird watching, practicing science in the Yukon, and even what birds can teach us about climate change.
This episode is the first in a series by WWEST's Associate Chair at Yukon College in Whitehorse, YT. This series gives listeners a glimpse of the lively STEM community in the Great White North.
Dr. Katie Aitken is an instructor in the School of Science at Yukon College in Whitehorse, Yukon, and is an adjunct professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta. She coordinates the Bachelor of Science in Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences program that Yukon College offers in partnership with University of Alberta.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Relevant Links:
* Cavity-Nesting birds
* Dr. Kathy Martin at University of British Columbia
* Jane Goodall
* Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences at Yukon…
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Mar 27, 2018
Episode 24: Judy Myers, PhD, Professor Emerita, Zoology
What was it like to rub elbows with the first Canadian women pioneering for other women's place in STEM? From the early days of the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) to witnessing the early days of the NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering, Dr. Judy Myers has seen a lot in her long career in Zoology. She covers topics such as raising a family while working full time in STEM, how to elevate women's status in STEM, and time saving tips for achieving work-life balance.
Dr. Judy Myers is currently Professor Emerita in the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia. She joined the faculty in 1972 and her research takes an interdisciplinary, collaborative, inclusive approach to the management of environmental pest problems.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution
* Charles Kreb, Professor Emeritus, Department of Zoology, UBC
* Department of Zoology at the Univ…
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Mar 13, 2018
Episode 23: Zhila Pirmoradi, PhD, Industrial Engineer
Hear all about improving processes at the City of Vancouver, industrial engineering, and mentoring immigrant women in STEM in this interview with Zhila Pirmoradi, PhD. She'll also share why she gladly lets her professional life be present in her spare time and how she dealt with being a new immigrant to Canada, as well as how she happened to find herself studying Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University.
Zhila Pirmoradi is an Industrial Engineer who has her PhD in Mechatronic Systems Engineering from Simon Fraser University. Passionate to utilize her research in industry, as a Business Process Analyst, Zhila helps the City of Vancouver’s business units identify potential areas for improving effectiveness and efficiency of their processes and value streams.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* American Society for Quality
* City of Vancouver
* Dr. Gary Wang (Zhila's PhD supervisor)
* Immigrating Women in Science (IWIS)
* ms inf…
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Feb 26, 2018
Episode 22: Holly Burton, Leadership Coach
Holly Burton joins WWEST manager Danniele with her "awkward turns of phrase" (her words!) and fills us in on leadership coaching, her passion for elevating women in male-dominated fields, and everything from how she copes with stress to her thoughts on the mining industry. She also lets us in on a not-so-secret tidbit: Very few people know what they want to be when they grow up.
Holly Burton is a leadership coach for women in male-dominated industries. She works one-on-one with ambitious women to help them get promoted and create the careers they actually want in industries they love.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* "Female Leaders Say Unconscious Workplace Bias is Still a Problem," 2017, The Voice (Langara College)
* Holly's website
* Holly's talk at DevOpsDays Vancouver 2017: "Gaslighting and Gender at the Workplace"
* Upcoming Events with Holly
* Vancouver Women in Male-Dominated Industries (Meetup Group)
Holly Burton is a leadership coa…
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Feb 13, 2018
Episode 21: Best of the WWEST Highlight Reel
Best of the WWEST producer Vanessa showcases highlights from the podcast! You'll hear from many of our guests about their successes, as well as their struggles and how they overcame them. They'll also give advice for STEM professionals and students in STEM, plus some extra tidbits including some exciting work being done to engage women and girls in STEM and how our guests experience work-life balance.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Hosted by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced 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.
Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more interviews with role models in STEM!
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Jan 23, 2018
Episode 20: Rahael Jalan, PhD, Founder, Eagles of Tomorrow
Rahael Jalan, PhD, joins Danniele to discuss her journey from India to Canada, where she settled to help Aboriginal youth excel in mathematics. She speaks about traveling the world to do her work, how she entered mathematics as a student in India, and her passion for sharing the gift of education with those less fortunate.
Rahael Koshy Jalan is the founder/director of "Eagles of Tomorrow Education Society." Eagles of Tomorrow’s mission is to provide a comprehensive program in mathematics fundamentals for success in STEM and other areas of learning which require a solid foundation in mathematics. In 2004, Rahael was asked to help with issues that hindered math proficiency among Aboriginal students in Vancouver. The society's program, "Math Yes We Can" and its "Language of Mathematics" workbooks have created an environment where Aboriginal learners can graduate from high school with a solid foundation in mathematics.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
*…
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Jan 9, 2018
Episode 19: Angie Byron, Drupal Core Committer
Join WWEST manager Danniele for a lively interview with Angie Byron. Topics include the vast world of open source programming, how Drupal and open source can change the world for the better, and Angie's mission to push some of that change forward. You'll also find out little tidbits about Angie in her life outside of Drupal.
Angie Byron is the Senior Director of Product and Community Development at Acquia. She is also a Drupal core committer, recipient of the Google-O'Reilly Open Source Award for Best Contributor, co-author of the O'Reilly book Using Drupal, and an open source evangelist who lives and breathes Drupal.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Acquia
* Adventure Time
* Drupal
* Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth for Nintendo 3DS
* ScratchJr - coding for young children
* VIC-20 - one of the first inexpensive home computers
Guest: Angie Byron (@webchick)
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” b…
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Dec 19, 2017
Episode 18: Negar Roghanian, PhD Student, Civil Engineering
In this interview, Negar Roghanian tells us all about her life as a PhD student in Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia. You'll hear about Negar's work producing a coating material that extends the life span of concrete pipes, her journey from her home country of Iran to Canada, and her passion for creating sustainable, eco-friendly materials that will support infrastructure for decades to come.
Negar Roghanian is a research assistant and PhD candidate at the SIERA (sustainable infrastructure research) group at UBC as part of the department of Civil engineering. Her research focuses on developing sustainable coating for rehabilitation of corroded pipes.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Hoor-Ava Persian Choir
* Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
* "New coating material protects concrete pipes from corrosion," Journal of Commerce
* Shiraz University, Iran
* "SIERA's PhD Candidate Negar Roghanian selected for UBC Kill…
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Nov 16, 2017
Episode 17: Jo Miller, Founder, Be Leaderly
Jo Miller chats with WWEST manager Danniele about sponsorship versus mentorship. What does it mean to have a sponsor? How is a mentor different? And how can this propel women in technology so they can lead and thrive as women of influence? This President's Dream Colloquium minisode is chock full of advice and inspiration for any woman who is striving to be more of a leader in their field.
Jo founded Be Leaderly after meeting too many women with leadership potential that outshone their current positions. In her day job, Jo is CEO of Women’s Leadership Coaching, Inc., and creator of the Women’s Leadership Coaching® system, a roadmap for women who want to break into leadership.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Be Leaderly
* Grace Hopper Celebration
* Harvard Business Review, "Why Men Still Get More Promotions Than Women"
* Jo Miller at the President's Dream Colloquium
* Playing Big by Tara Sophia Mohr
* Society of Women Engineers
* The…
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Nov 15, 2017
Episode 16: Dr. Danielle Gaucher, Social Psychology Professor, University of Winnipeg
As part of the President's Dream Colloquium, Danniele speaks with Dr. Danielle Gaucher all about gendered language in job advertisements - how does gendered language influence women's participation in STEM? How does social science research help to implement best practices in creating job advertisements? And how is visual attention a part of gendered language? Listen to find out!
Danielle Gaucher (PhD, University of Waterloo) is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Intergroup Relations and Social Justice Laboratory at the University of Winnipeg, MB, Canada. She studies how social inequality is maintained at individual and institutional levels with the goal of providing insight into social change, redress, and the re-engagement of member of vulnerable groups into the system.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* 1984 by George Orwell
* Dr. Gaucher - publications
* Dr. Gaucher's talk at the President's Dream Colloquium
* Sandra Bem…
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Nov 6, 2017
Episode 15: Leigh Wall, Apprentice Truck and Transport Mechanic
This week, we are joined by Leigh Wall, Apprentice Truck and Transport Mechanic, Student Recruiter, and Public Speaker. Hear all about Leigh's passion for engaging women and girls in Trades, her advice for women and girls who are considering those Trades, and fun facts like her favourite word (which goes a little skin deep!). Plus, Leigh relays her experiences in her apprenticeship program as the only woman out of 15 participants.
Leigh Wall is a Student Recruitment Specialist at Vancouver Community College, as well as an Apprentice Truck and Transport Mechanic. As a natural progression and out of a love for where she trained, Leigh became a student recruitment specialist with Vancouver Community College, where she shares her enthusiasm with others every day. A female ambassador for the trades, Leigh also speaks regularly on the importance of diversity in the workplace.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Media appearances by Leigh
* Minerva BC's Wome…
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Oct 13, 2017
Episode 14: Dr. Steven Spencer, Psychology Professor, Ohio State University
It's time for another mini episode as part of the President's Dream Colloquium, this time with Dr. Steven Spencer, Psychology Professor and Robert K. and Dale J. Weary Chair in Social Psychology at The Ohio State University. Danniele chats with Dr. Spencer about the exciting work he and others at the Engendering Success in STEM Consortium are undertaking to create environments in which women and girls can reach their true, actual potential in STEM.
Dr. Spencer is the Robert K. and Dale J. Weary Chair in Social Psychology at The Ohio State University. Dr. Spencer does research on motivation and the self, particularly on how these factors affect stereotyping and prejudice. In examining motivation and the self, he also examines how implicit processes that are outside of people’s awareness affect people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Engendering Success in STEM
* Claude Steele
* Dr. Steven Spencer at the Pre…
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Sep 29, 2017
Episode 13: Jane Gachuche, Fire Safety Engineer in Training
Fire Safety Engineering, big families, and coming to Canada from Kenya to study and work - these are all topics covered in this interview between WWEST manager Danniele and Jane Gachuche, consultant and Fire Safety Engineer in Training. Plus, get Jane's advice for students and young STEM professionals (sneak peek: she loves co-op programs!) and hear how she has navigated being a woman in STEM - both in university and beyond.
Jane is a project consultant in building and fire safety engineering at Jensen Hughes Consulting in Richmond, BC. Jane earned her degree in Civil Engineering from Carleton Uniersity in Ottawa. After graduating, she moved to Burnaby, BC for her first job and has been in BC for four years.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Carleton University Fire Safety Engineering
* Fire Underwriters Survey
* Jensen Hughes Consulting
* Post-Secondary Co-Op/Internship Program
Guest: Jane Gachuche
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)…
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Sep 25, 2017
Episode 12: Shari Graydon, Founder, Informed Opinions
As part of the President's Dream Colloquium, WWEST manager Danniele chats with Shari Graydon of Informed Opinions for this minisode. Shari, an award-winning author, advocate, and speaker on the topic of women in media and advertising, shines light on the statistics of expert women participation in the media and lets us in on the exciting future initiatives of Informed Opinions. You can see Shari's talk at the Colloquium here.
An award-winning author, advocate and speaker with 25 years of experience on both sides of the microphone, Shari Graydon founded and currently leads Informed Opinions, a non-profit project of Media Action working to amplify women’s voices.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Elizabeth Sheehy at Informed Opinions
* Informed Opinions
* Shari Graydon at the President's Dream Colloquium
Guest: Shari Graydon (@sharigraydon)
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced…
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Sep 18, 2017
Episode 11: Dr. Maria Klawe, President, Harvey Mudd College
Best of the WWEST welcomes Dr. Maria Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. Danniele chats with Maria in this minisode about how she ended up in a STEM field, her most memorable moments as a former chairholder of WWEST at UBC from 1997-2003, and how one can successfully balance a demanding career and family obligations.
Dr. Maria Klawe joined Harvey Mudd from Princeton University after serving 14 years at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Klawe is a renowned lecturer and has given talks at international conferences, national symposia, and colleges across the U.S. and Canada about diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines and industries, gender and gaming, and lessons from her own career in STEM industry and education.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Grace Hopper Celebration
* President's Dream Colloquium on Women in Technology
* Dr. Maria Klawe at the President's Dream Colloquium…
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Sep 1, 2017
Episode 10: Cybele Negris, CEO, Webnames.ca
Best of the WWEST chats with Cybele Negris, CEO of Webnames.ca. What have been her most memorable moments in her career? What does she do to achieve work-life balance? And what is her dirty little secret? Find out in this episode! You'll also learn about board governance, what her university experience was like, and her advice for students and young people who are heading into university and the workforce.
Cybele Negris is CEO & Co-Founder of Webnames.ca, Canada’s original .CA Registrar and accredited registrar for hundreds of domain extensions as well as provider of webhosting, email and web development and many other services. Cybele is a four-time winner and Hall of Fame Inductee of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women, was named BC Business Top 50 Most Influential Women, honoured with Business In Vancouver’s Influential Women in Business Award as well as Top 40 Under 40 winner and nine-time winner of PROFIT W100.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:…
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Aug 18, 2017
Episode 9: Anne Simon, PhD, Virologist and "X-Files" Science Advisor
WWEST Assistant Coordinator and new host, Vanessa, sits down with Anne Simon, PhD, a virologist, professor at the University of Maryland, and the Science Advisor for the "X-Files" television series. Dr. Simon gives an overview of her work and laboratory, gives advice for both students and professors in STEM, and speaks about her greatest accomplishments. We also get a small glimpse into the new and exciting "X-Files" season, and fun facts such as who - dead or alive - she would like to have dinner with.
This episode is a cross-over with Not Another X-Files Podcast Podcast.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Anne Simon at the University of Maryland
* CRISPR (family of DNA sequences in bacteria)
* Dressage (horse riding)
* Frances Kelsey
* Dr. Margaret Fearon, Canadian Blood Services
* The Real Science Behind the X-Files: Microbes, Meteorites, and Mutants by Anne Simon
* Simon Lab's recent publications list
* The X-Files
Guest: Anne Simon,…
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Aug 8, 2017
Episode 8: Janet Fraser, PhD, BC Green Party MLA Candidate
Danniele interviews Janet Fraser, PhD, BC Green Party MLA candidate. Janet lets us into her world of serving as a Trustee with the Vancouver School Board, studying chemistry and working as a project leader and manager of clinical trials; and juggling career and family. Janet dispenses advice to young STEM professionals and students, and gives us a rare glimpse into STEM in Vancouver schools.
Janet Fraser, PhD, was born in the UK and earned Chemistry B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Bristol. Since then she has been an academic researcher, a drug development project manager, an at home parent, a non-profit administrator, and a politician.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* BC Green Party
* Field Hockey at the University of Bristol
* Indigenous Writes by Chelsea Vowel
* Janet's bio at the BC Green Party
* Julie Payette
* Kate Atkinson (author)
* Vancouver School Board budget vote
Guest: Janet Fraser, PhD (@janetrfraser)
Hosted…
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Jul 17, 2017
Episode 7: Victoria Camp, Geological Engineer
This episode we're talking to Victoria Camp, an Engineer in Training working in geological engineering at BGC Engineering Inc. She talks to us about getting to explore many different facets of geological engineering, what her time at university was like, and the places she loves to travel (for work and fun!). Listen for her advice to young STEM professionals and students, and a fun fact about herself that up to this point, not many people have known!
Victoria is a geological engineer with BGC Engineering Inc, a geotechnical consulting firm based in Vancouver. In the past two years at BGC, after graduating from UBC, Victoria has been involved with a number of projects including performing seismic assessments for large infrastructure projects in BC and Alberta, as well as supporting the design and construction of a dam in the Northwest Territories.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Air Cadets
* BGC Engineering Inc.
* Dream Big: Engineering Our World…
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Jul 4, 2017
Episode 6: Gordana Pejic, Software Engineer
Danniele speaks with Gordana Pejic, a software engineer originally from Serbia, who immigrated to Canada to receive a masters degree in Software Systems. She fills us in on her volunteer work with the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Engineering (SCWIST), her future plans, and her exciting work developing software for autonomous vehicles. Make sure to listen for the lightning round, where she reveals what she wishes her superpower could be, and the one food she would eat for the rest of her life!
Gordana Pejic received her B.Sc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia and her Master of Software Systems from the University of British Columbia. She works as a Software Engineer for Wenco International Mining Systems designing fleet management software for Hitachi's autonomous trucks.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Argentine Tango in Vancouver
* Ballard Power Systems
* fSONA Communications
* Make Possible
* Oc…
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Jun 26, 2017
Episode 5: WWEST Goes to the Yukon
Recently, WWEST Chairholder Dr. Lesley Shannon took a trip to the Yukon to visit women engineers who are part of an initiative called 30 by 30, a commitment made by Engineers Canada, in collaboration with the 12 provincial and territorial engineering regulators, to raise the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30% by the year 2030. Women make up more than half of the Canadian population, but are significantly under-represented in the engineering profession; less than 12% of practicing licensed engineers are women.
Join Dr. Shannon as she speaks with two successful women engineers, Sandra MacDougall and Alison Anderson, in a special on-location Best of the WWEST interview in Whitehorse, YT. You'll learn some Yukon history, hear about how climate change is affecting their region, and discover the Yukon's role in the 30 by 30 initiative.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* 30 by 30
* Engineers Canada
* Engineers Yukon
* Highways…
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Jun 13, 2017
Episode 4: Christiana Cheng, PhD, Research Associate
Best of the WWEST host Danniele interviews Christiana Cheng, PhD, Research Associate at the Rick Hansen Institute. Christiana talks about her undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology at Simon Fraser University and fellowship in Japan, lets us in on the favourite parts of her field (hint: it involves a strong network between provinces and hospitals), offers advice for students of science (take your time!), parents of scientists (give your kids equal opportunities), and future scientists alike; and reveals her tips for dealing with stress.
Christiana is a Research Associate at the Rick Hansen Institute where she works to improve the health of people with spinal cord injury by understanding the current status of care services for spinal cord injury, and using evidence to optimize timing and access to care.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Chinese New Year
* Coursera
* Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
* Journal of Neurotrauma
* The…
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May 25, 2017
Episode 3: Creating Connections 5.0
Join WWEST Manager Danniele Livengood and Creating Connections 5.0 Coordinator Jenna Anderson for a re-cap of the biennial Creating Connections 5.0 conference. The conference aims to engage industry, the community, and students in BC and the Yukon to increase the regional awareness and participation of women and other under-represented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The Creating Connections conference series hopes to facilitate meaningful dialogue, creating a space where everyone can explore and participate in STEM to better our world.
In this re-cap, hear about the special guests and panel topics, and experience a mini interview with panelist Edoye Porbeni, CEO of Future Health Ventures, Inc.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
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.
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Apr 24, 2017
Episode 2: Justine Munich, PhD Student
This week, we speak with Justine Munich, a PhD student in physics at Simon Fraser University who also works with the ALPHA Collaboration at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research). Justine fills us in on the truth about life in academia from the perspective of a woman in STEM. She candidly tells us about her struggles, but also about her successes and proudest moments. Find out what furry friend she hangs out with in her spare time, what her favourite book is, and how her career is relating to the world at large.
Justine is a PhD student in the physics department at SFU. She works with the Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) Collaboration, a group of about 40 scientists that is based at CERN.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
* The Antihydrogen Laser Physics Apparatus (ALPHA) Collaboration
* David Griffiths
* Firebringer by David Clement-Davies (please note: this is a c…
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Apr 7, 2017
Episode 1: Cole Brown, Web Developer
On the very first episode of Best of the WWEST, host Danniele talks to Cole Brown, lead front-end web developer at iamota, about how she got into web development, some of the challenges she faced breaking into the tech industry, and her secret superpowers (which include sewing, cat training, and swimming)!
Cole is the lead front-end web developer at iamota, a full service digital agency recognized as one of BC’s fastest growing companies. She has worked in the industry for over 15 years, and is passionate about empowering technology users while they browse the web.
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Links:
* Raised Eyebrow
* edX
* Udemy
* A List Apart and A Book Apart
* Smashing Magazine
* The Asexual Visibility & Education Network
* Chris Coyier
Guest: Cole Brown (@nmebrown)
Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced by: Natalie Lim, Vanessa Reich-Shackelford
For more from Westcoas…
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