As we recognize the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we open the door to a world brimming with innovation, creativity, and determination. Across the globe, women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are driving groundbreaking research, solving complex problems, and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Their perseverance and passion are shaping a brighter future for us all.
Join us as we share their stories and reflect on empowering women and girls in science. Together, we can create an inclusive and diverse scientific community.
Persevering through hardship
One Pathobiology PhD student, Dr. Yeganeh Mehrani, wants to share her story with other young women scientists and encourage those who dream of a career in science, despite obstacles they may face.
“I was born and raised in Iran, where being a girl often means you must put in serious effort to advance your career. I moved to Canada in February 2020 just eight months after marrying my husband, Majid – but little did I know the world was about to change drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we ended up being separated 21 months.
Despite the challenges of maintaining emotional strength and focus, I held on to my passion for veterinary science that I developed through earning a Doctor of Verterinary Medicine and a Doctor of Veterinary Science in surgery and managed to publish several papers as both first author and co-author in prestigious journals. When Majid finally joined me in Canada, my journey took a significant turn as I began my PhD in Pathobiology.
My story isn’t unique – there are many women in science who, despite personal hardships, continue to advance their fields and break new ground. Here’s to all the incredible women in science who keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation!”
Connecting women and girls in Science at U of G
There are many women like Mehrani making a difference at U of G. Take a minute to learn about a few of the ways women connect and innovate at U of G.
Creative Encounters with Science
Creative Encoungers promotes interest in STEM among youth living in Guelph and Beyond, with initiatives that focus on Indigenous Outreach (InSTEM) and Promoting Awareness of Girls in Engineering and Science (PAGES)
Geeky Minds, co-directed by Dr. Alicia Viloria-Petit, faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, is an educational online program from the Engagement Foundation to empower minority youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). The program runs thematic seminars and interactive activities by professionals in STEAM areas as well as workshops to educate on and develop global citizenship skills. Geeky minds is aligned with the sustainable developments goal of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and is currently offered in 3 languages (Spanish, English and French) to 18 countries in the Americas.
Guelph Women in Computer Science (GWiCS)
GWiCS is a student-run organization with an emphasis on empowering women, trans and non-binary students in computer science through events and outreach.
Let’s Talk Science connects educators and youth with outstanding volunteers to deliver a wide variety of meaningful STEM learning experiences in both school and community settings.
Each year, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences hosts RISE, a conference that brings together female and female-identifying engineers and scientists to openly discuss, share and learn about various professional development topics.
This club supports women in STEM at the undergraduate and graduate levels by hosting guest speakers and opportunities as well as mentorship.
Tremaine Visiting Speaker Fund for Women in Science
Through this speaker fund, students and faculty at U of G have been able to access some of the world’s brightest scientific women scholars and policy makers as they’re invited to campus to speak and participate in research or outreach activities once per year. View the speaker series rotation.
Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
Motivated to address the gender gap in the field of cybersecurity, WiCyS works on projects like networking initiatives, mentorships, workshops and other events that allow members to connect with others, offer support and promote women in cybersecurity.
Launched under the umbrella of the Doody Family Chair for Women in Engineering to help close the engineering gender gap, Women in Engineering supports events and initiatives to advance retention and inclusion of women in engineering at U of G.
Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)
WiSE caters outreach opportunities to elementary and high school-aged children to show students that science has room for creativity and passion.