Canadian Women in STEM

Read on to meet women working in science, technology, engineering and math. Hear their stories, find out about their career paths, struggles and successes and check out their advice.

In the Loop: International science spotlight shines on Dr. Ellen Kenchington

December 4, 2023

In the Loop: International science spotlight shines on Dr. Ellen Kenchington

An international authority in benthic ecology and genomics, Dr. Kenchington has devoted her career to studying and listening to organisms that live on or in the seafloor to help understand how they interact within the ocean ecosystem. Dr. Kenchington works primarily in the deep waters, down to depths of 3,000 metres or more, where we rarely have opportunities to directly sample the organisms that live there. She also devotes great time and focus to studying conservation areas because, as biodiversity hotspots, working there helps the science advice generated to be immediately relevant and important to protecting our oceans.

 

Meet the Outbreak Management Division at the Public Health Agency of Canada

October 29, 2021

Meet the Outbreak Management Division at the Public Health Agency of Canada

The Outbreak Management Division (OMD) at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) consists of a team of highly qualified individuals from different backgrounds that assess, detect and coordinate investigations of enteric illness outbreaks (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria) occurring in multiple provinces and territories in Canada, or at least one province or territory and another country.

 

P.L.A.N.T. your career: Advice from a leader with her heart in research, finding a way to give back

October 28, 2021

P.L.A.N.T. your career: Advice from a leader with her heart in research, finding a way to give back

Dr. Joyce Boye is the Director General of the Prairie Region, Science and Technology Branch at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), and the Executive Champion of the Women in STEM network.

"It’s about the quest for knowledge, to know how things came to be and using this knowledge to create new things. It’s mind-blowing what’s possible with science, engineering and technology."

Just go for it! Advice from an Engineer bringing clean water to your cup and to the environment

October 28, 2021

Just go for it! Advice from an Engineer bringing clean water to your cup and to the environment

Erin Zoski is a Water Quality Engineer, Engineering and Environmental Services, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC). She specializes as the Potable Water and Wastewater Aspect Lead.

"Anything in STEM is a wonderful career choice! STEM offers countless job opportunities from diverse fields of work; there is something for everyone. A career in STEM is very satisfying, interesting, and allows you to work with and meet great people. If something interests you, just go for it!"

Keep Your Options Open: Advice from an Engineer Bringing Water to Farmers

October 28, 2021

Keep Your Options Open: Advice from an Engineer Bringing Water to Farmers

Sonja Fransen, Water Management Engineer, Guelph Development and Technology Transfer Office, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

"What some might find surprising about engineering is that there is a mix of office work and field work; which I really enjoy. My first job as a student involved going outdoors to collect data. Even now, I’m out setting up a new edge of field study. When I have students working for me, I make sure to take them into the field so they can understand where all the data comes from for our projects."

Stick with it and get involved: Advice from a coach with strong foundations in Engineering

October 28, 2021

Stick with it and get involved: Advice from a coach with strong foundations in Engineering

Serena Ward, Regional Engineer, Engineering and Environmental Services of Corporate Management Branch for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

"Early in my career we were re-building a spillway on one of our dams. The older engineers said it was a great opportunity to give newer engineers a feel for the profession. We spent 4-6 weeks living at that construction site. It was really eye-opening! This experience showed me the complexity of what I could be project managing when I got to that more senior position."

Stay Curious: Advice from a Leader Who Continues to Support People

June 17, 2021

Stay Curious: Advice from a Leader Who Continues to Support People

Crista-Lynn Ferguson, Director General, Integrated Services at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

"In my view, I have always worked in leadership and support to operations, and it is just the nature of the operation that has changed. Where before the operation was military operations or ship building and repair, and now the operation I need to support is critical scientific research. The other constant is leading and supporting people. That part of the job is a constant."

Learn Something Every Day: Advice from a Lifelong Engineer Working Behind the Scenes

June 17, 2021

Learn Something Every Day: Advice from a Lifelong Engineer Working Behind the Scenes

Karen Durnford-McIntosh, Director General, Real Property and Asset Management at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

"Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself and evolve through your experiences. If you learn something everyday, you’re making a difference in your own abilities, in your life, and your career."