Women in Science

National Defence

Meet Magaly Obas Compton, the quantum and emerging science and technology policy lead at Defence Research and Development Canada, as she talks about her fascinating work supporting this important area of research.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

International travel is also part of the job. Ashley and Renée use Canada's strong framework to bolster plant breeders' rights and plant science globally.

Defence Research and Development Canada

"Science and technology is key to helping DND/CAF to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency of operations and integrate clean energy solutions into existing platforms while ensuring operational capability is maintained."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Geneviève Lebrun. In addition to being a mother to three beautiful boys, I am enthusiastic about working out and running and I work as a food inspector with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"It's no secret that veterinarians love animals. I came into the profession drawn by a passion for horses and reading (and re-reading) books written by James Herriot."

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.

National Research Council Canada

One of Josette El Haddad's goals at the NRC is to find solutions to defeat climate change. She and her team at the Energy, Mining and Environment Research Centre are working tirelessly to exceed expectations and develop specialized sensors for effective data collection on storing carbon dioxide in geologic matrices, identified as an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

National Research Council Canada

It's no secret that the strength of the NRC lies in its diversity. From sensor fabrication research as a master's student at the Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry at the University of Tehran in Iran, Narges Shaabani is now a Research Associate at the NRC's Nanotechnology Research Centre in Edmonton.

National Research Council Canada

Lucy Li likes to say that "Each one of us can make an impact. Together we make a change." When it comes to Lucy, Senior Research Officer at the Aerospace Research Centre's Structures and Materials Performance Lab, that impact can be substantial. From her passion for green technologies to spearheading an NRC-wide mentorship program for women in STEM, Lucy has made every day of her last 20 years at the NRC worthwhile.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I've always wanted to work with animals. A childhood filled with fishing, hunting and helping on a family friend's farm in the gorgeous foothills of Southern Alberta had a lot to do with that."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"As a Palestinian born in Kuwait and raised in Malaysia, my parents sacrificed a lot to remove my brother and me from war-torn Kuwait in 1990. More than anything, they wanted to secure a safe childhood and good education for us."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Noelle Smith. Computers and programming have always come easily to me. In grade 7, I helped set up the school's computer lab. From that point, I was the go-to "tech person" for teachers and students alike."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"The year was 1999. On a warm August night, I stepped foot on Canadian soil for the first time at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. I didn't know what to expect, but wanted to try my best to see where and how far I could go from here."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"My name is Jasmine Mander. Born and raised in Ottawa, I was privileged from a very young age with easy access to the natural world. Location is everything. In a valley surrounded by rivers, the Gatineau Hills and bountiful urban parks and trails, and with access to the Rideau Canal, of course, I was able to discover the beauty around me while fostering my passion for science."

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Hayet Laggoune is a scientist who works as an Analyst in Ottawa. Hayet’s curiosity to understand the world around her and explore its wonders led her to a career in the sciences. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in applied sciences in renewable energies from the Université de Constantine in Algeria and a doctorate in engineering in image processing from the Université de Bourgogne in France.

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Geneviève Bélanger is a scientist who works as an Acting Associate Director in Quebec. As a young adult, she contemplated being an astrophysicist. Although she continues to look up at the stars, her fascination with biological sciences took precedence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with specialization in wildlife management, and a master’s degree in wildlife and habitat management, both from the Université du Québec à Rimouski.

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Lucy Harrison is a Project Manager in Vancouver. Find out how scuba diving with her father at 12 years old sparked her interest in marine biology and led her on a very unique career path. Her studies include a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Plymouth in Marine Biology and a Master’s Degree from Simon Fraser University in Tropical Marine Ecology.

Natural Resources Canada

A biologist by training, Marie-Claude Gros-Louis has worked at the LFC for over 20 years. In 2020, she successfully began a career shift that few public servants make. She stepped from the world of science into the world of partnerships by becoming a liaison for national Indigenous forestry programs.

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Johannie Martin knew from a young age that biological sciences were an “obvious choice” for her. Find out how her love of saving snails led her on a path to working as a Project Manager in Quebec. She attended Université Laval in Québec City, where she acquired a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, a master’s degree in biology and a Ph.D. in oceanography.

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Lynette Esak is a Project Manager in Edmonton. Lynette’s drive to solve puzzles made her a natural fit for a career in the sciences. Her studies include a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with focus on plants, soils and economics, and a Master of Science in Soil Science, both from the University of Alberta.

Impact Assessment Agency of Canada

Marion Doull is a Senior Policy Analyst in Ottawa. She provides subject matter expertise on health and gender-based analysis plus. Her studies include a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Ottawa, a Master’s of Health Sciences in Health Promotion from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in Population Health from the University of Ottawa.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"Despite my family's financial challenges, my parents prioritized my education over many other commodities and their efforts meant that I was able to attend university. My dad used to say that, unlike them (mom and dad), who only got elementary education, supporting us in obtaining a university degree was the best and only inheritance they could give us."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"When the time for university came, I was torn between medical school and a biology degree. My parents were excited about the idea of their daughter becoming a doctor, but I hesitated. I knew that medicine would be very hard for me emotionally, and that's when I decided I wanted to become a biologist."

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

"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."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"What drew me to my current role are the opportunities to do a bit of travel, visiting construction sites during planning and execution phases. I like the hands on practical aspect, it gets me out of the office. It is so satisfying to see the outcome of all the long hours of planning - I love seeing the projects on paper get built."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"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."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"In my classes there weren’t a lot of women, and at the time it would have been nice to have someone to look up to and guide me. Now that there are more women in this field, I see more potential role models. In addition to mentorship, we should provide opportunities for training, professional development and outreach; the Diversity Network at AAFC is perfect for this!"

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I have a Chemical and Biosciences Diploma from college and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba. While I studied to be a lab technician, I found that I needed to be more connected to the outdoors. When I started as a soil and water conservation technician with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA), my attention to detail, note keeping, and lab protocols came in handy. Not being afraid of getting dirty was also an asset."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I think my strong suits are organization, planning, and problem-solving. Those things are important in this kind of job because it’s like a moving puzzle. You have to be flexible because equipment can break down, someone can call in sick, or it starts to rain. I probably have three plans in my head at any one time."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"It inspires me to see that more and more women are involved in science in the past decade and so many of them have joined the public service workforce. I feel fortunate to have studied and worked in environments that support women and I know firsthand the value of being understood and supported; currently I work in a group where 70 percent is made up by women."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"Role models and mentorship are very important. It takes just one person to make a difference—one person in your life who you look up to and who inspires you. I currently mentor two young women who I meet with once a month to talk about their careers and other things in their life."

Related video: The Two Million Foot View: Satellites in Agriculture with Dr. Heather McNairn

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"Now that I am the Associate Director of an Agricultural Research and Development Centre, I think people would be surprised that I don’t make decisions all day long. It’s really more about finding ways to enable people to use their own creativity, expertise, and character to make great decisions about how they will move their science forward, and how they will in turn enable their own people to make great decisions."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"Don’t be scared to try something and to ask questions. If some aspect of science tweaks your interest, search out who to talk to, ask to visit them, or better yet spend a day job-shadowing. Find some aspect of science that interests you and that you enjoy. "

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

During regional communicable disease outbreaks such as Syphilis, Tuberculosis and H1N1 Karen has worked on local multi-disciplinary teams to develop and initiate interventions and contribute to outbreak response efforts. She also collaborated closely with Indigenous youth, elders, and educators throughout the Northwest Territories to develop sexual health programs and initiatives. “Seeing first-hand the positive impact of my work has been a real highlight of my career,” she told us.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Rolande is currently a senior nurse consultant for the Public Health Agency of Canada's Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Surveillance System, in Ottawa, Ontario. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the most common form of human prion disease. Prion diseases are rare, fatal, degenerative brain disorders that are thought to occur worldwide in both humans and animals. The term CJD is often used to refer to all forms of human prion disease. In 1998, Health Canada launched a national CJD surveillance system to monitor for the disease in Canada. Rolande and her nurse colleagues manage about 100 CJD cases a year.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Kathy is engaged and inspired by her leadership role in the area of professional guidelines and public health practice at the federal level. However, she fondly remembers the personal interactions and intimate moments spent caring for patients and families in her early years as a nurse. It is these experiences that continue to guide her, providing the foundation for a rewarding career and her current work with PHAC.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Lynn Menard works with the maternal and child health team at the Public Health Agency of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. She is currently working alongside numerous external maternal and newborn health experts to revise the Family-Centred Maternity and Newborn Care (FCMNC) National Guidelines.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Samantha Wilson-Clark sees her nursing education and training as invaluable to her public health career. “Being a nurse makes me a better public health professional,” she said. “Nursing taught me how to think critically, how to work under pressure and how to be flexible and adaptable. It provided me with the theoretical foundation to think big while not forgetting the person sitting in front of me.” Samantha especially enjoys connecting with people on the job and knowing that her work has a positive impact on Canadians.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

"I work in the area of internal dosimetry research. I am looking at the solubility of biokinetics of different contamination hazards that our workers could be exposed to. Second, is preclinical studies towards some of the targeted alpha therapy research that is being performed at CNL, where I am basically evaluating those entities in the body and determining the dosimetry and the efficiency at targeting tumor sites and treatment of the disease."

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

" I am currently trying to understand how plants and animals respond to different things like radiation, chemicals or environmental changes. Part of my work is also to look at biomarkers, and try to find new ways to evaluate health. A biomarker is, basically, a test or a measurable change that can give us information about health. "

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

"One of the coolest things I've been working on is actually the conversion of trains to hydrogen fuel cells. This is incredible, because you don't have overhead electrification and you can use hydrogen as a way to store energy and then create fuel for the trains."

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

"I'm working on our small modular reactor technologies program. Our goal of that is to demonstrate the commercial viability of a small modular reactor within the next 10 years. That will include hosting a new demonstration nuclear reactor at a CNL site."

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

What would you say to aspiring young women considering a career in STEM fields? I would say absolutely go for it. The beauty of science and math is that you can be very directly involved in tangibly solving challenges that the world has today and that we're going to need addressed so that we can have a great future.

Natural Resources Canada

"I think the best part of my job for me is the opportunity to go to sea. To work with my technicians, geologists, scientists, to collect data in the arctic ocean. My background is as a sea going oceanographer and to be able to go and work with a team after months and months of planning these cruises is a thrill."

Natural Resources Canada

"You know that the arctic is a vast vast area. And you know it’s cold and you know it’s isolated. Logically you know all these things before you go up. But once you get there and you’re standing on a ship, and you’re breaking ice and you’re looking out over the horizon you don't really grasp the magnitude of where you are and how big an area this is, until you’re sort of standing there."

Natural Resources Canada

"In the beginning of the UNCLOS project, I was the chief scientist in the Arctic on the ice camp work and on the ship going programs. For UNCLOS, what we were trying to do to get the maximum claim possible you have to look at bathymetric highs that are attached to your margin and they are both attached, the ones that are significant for us, the Lomonosov Ridge and the Alpha Ridge are both attached north of Ellesmere Island. This is the area we had to begin our work."

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

A research scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada speaks about the importance of community based monitoring and involvement, as well as her work with beluga whales to determine ecosystem health in Northern communities.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"To date, scientists have catalogued about 1.5 million species of organisms on the planet, with insects making up about two-thirds of this bounty. This whole world of often very small creatures is simply fascinating to me."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I'd have to say that I love the entire scientific method, starting from asking a big or small question to reviewing everything that's out there on the subject, formulating my own hypothesis and then coming up with an experimental design to test that hypothesis. And obviously follow up and do the experiments and analyze the data to finally give an explanation."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"When I was younger I wanted to be a detective, which is amusing in light of eventually studying science, as both require investigating the unknown and piecing together a puzzle."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"We work on the development of veterinary vaccines because these are what would stop the transmission of a virus from livestock to humans. It may not be visible, but we definitely maintain a state of readiness."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"I did my PhD in plant ecology. I feel that plant ecology studies really broadened my knowledge and gave me a better understanding of plants, how they interact with each other and also interact with their surroundings. My studies have always centred on plants."

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"Don't be intimidated by science. I think everyone needs to avoid stereotypes and each one of us should be allowed to follow his or her dream and to do what we want to do."

Public Health Agency of Canada

Have you ever wondered about how infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19 and monkeypox are investigated? It’s no easy task, but the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) field epidemiologists play a leading role in many outbreak investigations.

• Elaine Chan
• Kate Fagan-Garcia

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.

• Tanis Kershaw, Senior Epidemiologist
• Ashley Kerr, Senior Epidemiologist
• Anna Manore, Epidemiologist
• Natalie Lewoc, Epidemiologist

Health Canada

The Exposure Assessment Section of Health Canada is a multi-disciplinary research team in the field of air pollution science. Their work supports government decision-making, academic advancement, and scientific resolution of questions related to air pollution exposure in Canada. The team includes dedicated scientists with expertise in epidemiology, geography, (bio)statistics, environmental health and modeling, engineering, and toxicology.

• Vanessa Beaulac - Section Head for Exposure Assessment
• Morgan MacNeill - Epidemiologist
• Liu Sun - Scientific Evaluator
• Markey Johnson - Research Scientist
• Jue Yi (Joyce) Zhang - Researcher

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Bree Ann Lightfoot and Dr. Lisa Hodges work together at the Dartmouth Laboratory where they perform species identification testing of fish and fish products to confirm that companies are accurately labelling their products.

Northern Contaminants Program

The Inuit Research Advisors speak to their experiences with getting Northerners involved in the NCP and its research.

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Two Environment Canada scientists reflect on their experience working on contaminants-related issues in the Arctic through the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP).

Natural Resources Canada

Dr. Vicki Tschirhart is a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada at Natural Resources Canada. Dr. Tschirhart has been working in the field of geophysics for over 3 years and received her PhD in Applied Geophysics from McMaster University in 2014.

National Research Council Canada

Catherine Clark is a research officer working in the Aerodynamics Laboratory at National Research Council Canada. Ms. Clark conducts wind tunnel testing research, working on aircraft development programs and specializing in the testing of aircraft ice protection systems. She has a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering and a Masters of Applied Science degree from Carleton University. Ms. Clark is a registered engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario and has her private pilot's license.

Natural Resources Canada

Dr. Joanne Gamage McEvoy is a research scientist with CanmetMINING at Natural Resources Canada. Dr. Gamage McEvoy has been working in materials characterization since her obtaining her PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2014 from the University of Ottawa, where she worked on the development of solar photocatalysts.

National Research Council Canada

Dr. Jennifer Pereira is a research officer in the field of experimental aerodynamics at National Research Council Canada. Dr. Pereira has been working in this field for over five years and has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering as well as a PhD in Experimental Aerodynamics from McGill University. Her research work is focused on subsonic and transonic wind tunnel testing of aircraft and aeronautical products.

Canadian Space Agency

"My role exposes me to the earliest phases of upcoming space projects. I have this amazing opportunity to be part of managing the development of space technology and interfacing with Canada's brightest minds, which is very humbling and exciting."

Canadian Space Agency

"Having a good sense of humour has helped me a lot in my career."

Canadian Space Agency

Before being appointed as President of the Canadian Space Agency in September 2020, Lisa Campbell was Associate Deputy Minister, Veterans Affairs Canada, supporting the well-being of veterans and their families and promoting recognition of those who served Canada.

Canadian Space Agency

"I worked on programming the robotic simulator we use to plan for missions and train astronauts. I'm always so proud to see a successful robotics mission."

Canadian Space Agency

"Moving to Montreal and joining the Canadian Space Agency was one of my proudest moments, and a transition that has opened up several new doors for me. I am currently training at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) to operate as part of the Mission Control Team! Working at NASA and being able to represent Canada at JSC was an opportunity I never thought I would have. It still seems like a dream."

Canadian Space Agency

"It was my dream to work at the Agency, and I was there for an important, historic launch. And I ended up working there a short time after. That is one my best memories."

Canadian Space Agency

"I have the opportunity to work on many aspects of complex space systems, which allows me to appreciate the big picture: from the screw to the control software, from the initial idea to the final check, without forgetting design, manufacturing and the resolution of any technical issues that come up along the way."

Canadian Space Agency

"My first piece of advice would be to find a school or university program you find fascinating. It's important to be passionate about what you do. Use the early years of your career to learn as much as you can and take pride in doing things well. In Space Exploration where I work, there is so much opportunity for learning, working in great national and international teams, and participating in thrilling scientific discoveries. It is said that "the sky is the limit," but in space science, the sky is only the beginning."

Canadian Space Agency

"Don’t be afraid to take risks, accept guidance and ask for help when you need it. There are so many wonderful mentors in the world just waiting for you!"

Canadian Space Agency

Be perseverant and flexible. There are many paths to a satisfying career, so be proactive and have a plan A, B, C… but be ready to seize whatever unforeseen opportunities life may bring, which may become your plan D or E. To quote Louis Pasteur: "Chance favours the prepared mind."

Canadian Space Agency

"I have the opportunity to work on innovative and collaborative projects that aim to define operational concepts and medical technology for human exploration missions to the Moon and Mars."

Canadian Space Agency

"Take chances and open yourself up to different opportunities. STEM is more than just math and science that you learn in school. We use these skills in all aspects of our lives, and this translates into various career opportunities. The options are endless!"

Canadian Space Agency

"I find it extraordinary to be able to work with professionals with a very high level of knowledge and performance, and to be able to collaborate on international projects. I admire the level of commitment and collaboration between the different countries on the International Space Station. Each country contributes in its own way to the advancement of science, technology and robotics for the well-being of humans."

Canadian Space Agency

"First off, work hard to build your credibility; don't shy away from the highly technical end of things. Then claim your seat at the table. Be bold and make your mark. "

Canadian Space Agency

"When teaching astronauts to operate Canadarm2, I had to know my stuff inside and out. Being a younger woman in that environment sometimes made it hard to tell an astronaut, who's proven himself technically and all, to go back and try again or that I was going to show him how to improve on something. I knew that I had to know my stuff because if I was going to challenge one of those people, I'd better have a darn good reason and solid arguments."

Canadian Space Agency

"I wanted to become an astronaut because it provides an incredible challenge. It aligns with my interests in the advancement and application of science for the benefit of society. It will also provide me with a platform from which I may inspire a diverse group of young people to pursue their interests in science and engineering subjects."

Canadian Space Agency

"Don't be afraid to see where your curiosity will take you. Sometimes you don't know what you're looking for until you've found it."

Canadian Space Agency

Taryn Tomlinson is a mechanical engineer with a master's in radio and space science. She has worked in the RADARSAT program as a summer student, was the lead for Dextre's hardware testing, developed rovers, and now manages a team working on a project for the International Space Station.

Canadian Space Agency

"I led the team that made a successful business case for the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat). I'm very proud to have brought together Canadian industry, academia and other government departments to collaborate on this mission."

Canadian Space Agency

"I am very proud of my work with the International Space Station group at the CSA. I was tasked with helping maintain Canadarm2 and Dextre. Taking part in real-time responses to on-orbit anomalies has helped keep the arm working and performing essential tasks."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"At university, I discovered microbiology and was absolutely fascinated by the interactions between plants and plant disease. These have both evolved over time; it is a real warfare with the plant developing new strategies to defend itself and the disease evolving to find new ways to infect the plant."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I am a naturally inquisitive person who challenges just about everything. Being a scientist satisfies my curiosity and allows me to have a broad scope of decision making: from ideas and execution, to results and impact. This is highly rewarding."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"My biggest breakthrough was developing a research program in the early 2000s to measure methane emissions from cattle with the goal of finding ways to curb those emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas and an energy loss for the animal. Because of our foresight back then, we have been able to contribute science-based information to the dialogue surrounding sustainable meat and milk production in Canada."

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"The creative aspect of the researcher's work, since we have to observe things that we don't always understand, and researchers have to find a way to explain them by adapting or creating methods and experiments. There's a lot of creativity in a researcher's work, and imagination is really an important asset!"

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

"I've always had a fascination with living things and how they worked. I also come from a family of scientists—my father was a potato breeder at the Fredericton Research and Development Centre. So even though I didn't start out studying plants (my PhD was in mammalian genetics) I feel very lucky to be back where I grew up, studying potatoes. I guess it's true what they say about the apple not falling far from the tree!"

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

"As an inspector, no two days are exactly alike. CFIA inspectors complete on-site and lab inspections to check the freshness and quality of produce. I'm assigned to different areas across Ontario where inspections are required. When I arrive at a company's facility, I collect and examine samples."