Grade: Third year PhD

Province or Territory: Nova Scotia

Organization/program: Canadian Black Scientist Network

As one of the few Black women in my department, the Canadian Black Scientist Network and SCWIST mean a great deal to me because they provide not only community, but also visibility, mentorship, and a sense of belonging in spaces where that can often feel hard to find. They remind me that I am not alone, that my presence in science matters, and that there is a strong network of people committed to supporting Black women and other underrepresented groups in STEMM.

One of my highlights was participating in the robotics workshop with Triple Automation. It was amazing to get such hands-on experience and try something I had never done before. I was also able to connect ideas from my own seemingly unrelated scientific background, which made the experience even more meaningful. Brendan, who led my robotics section, was fantastic. He made the session fun, engaging, and easy to follow, which helped make the experience even more enjoyable. My second highlight was my interactions with the SCWIST staff, particularly Dr. Melanie Ratnam. She was very approachable, and we had many great conversations about how to keep opportunities like this going and how to continue creating spaces that support and encourage women and underrepresented groups in STEMM.

What excites me about STEMM is that there always seems to be something new to learn, discover, or question, so it keeps you curious for a long time. I really enjoy that STEMM is constantly evolving, with new ideas, technologies, and ways of thinking always emerging. That sense of curiosity is what makes it so exciting to me. Even within my own field, there is always more to explore, and I love being in spaces where learning never really stops.