International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11, 2022 February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and Baycrest is handing the microphone to the fearless and passionate researchers, staff and trainees at the Rotman Research Institute.
 
Below, colleagues reflect on the current status of women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), share advice on finding your place in the field and look to the future.
 
 “Curiosity is an important attribute many women possess. In STEM, curiosity is what makes science phenomenal. Go on and be curious, challenge yourself to be creative. Don’t be disappointed there are few of us women in science, but believe you can become a black woman in science.”
 
Mary Akuamoah-Boateng,
Specialist, Senior Research Agreements Contract
Rotman Research Institute
 
 
“As a second generation Canadian woman of colour, I have been incredibly privileged to find professional and personal fulfilment and pride in a career in STEM. Throughout my journey, whether as an undergraduate student, graduate student, or now as a researcher, I have found camaraderie, community, and mentorship from fellow women in STEM. These strong and confident women, who were (and still are) open to knowledge and discovery, helped me grow into the thinker I am today. So, I offer my gratitude to all of my sisters in STEM on the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.”
 
Dr. Rosanne Aleong,
Executive Director, Research, Innovation, and Translation
Rotman Research Institute
 
 
“I've known since I was five years old that I wanted to study how people think. We still have a way to go to make science careers equitable for women, but I am encouraged by the progress I have seen in my over 20 year career. I hope five-year-old girls who are curious about how the mind and brain work doggedly to pursue their passion like I did!”
 
Dr. Nicole Anderson
Director of the Ben and Hilda Katz Inter-Professional Research Program in Geriatric and Dementia Care
Associate Scientific Director, Kimel Family Center for Brain Health and Wellness
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute 
 
 
“The pandemic has really highlighted the quiet strength of women and girls as daughters, sisters, friends, mothers, mentees, mentors and scientists. Especially when times got hard, I felt the steadfast support around me, and it gives me hope for a brighter tomorrow for women and girls in science.”
 
Dr. Jean Chen
Canada Research Chair in Neuroimaging of Aging
Senior Scientist
Rotman Research Institute 
 
 
“Science is for everyone, but we still have a lot of work to do in making sure ALL historically excluded groups are welcome, supported, and empowered in science. Better representation equals better science, and helping the field grow and develop is something we can all strive for.”
 
Sarah Faber,
PhD Student
Rotman Research Institute 
 
 
“I hope that one day we won't need a gendered day for scientists.  Since hope is not a strategy, I encourage everyone to embrace risk and collaborate to solve the challenges we all face.  Together. The best is yet to come!”
 
Dr. Nasreen Khatri
Scientific Officer, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI)
Clinical Psychologist and Researcher, Rotman Research Institute 
 
 
"I grew up in the Middle East and India, in an environment that had many women in STEM. We were taught that life is not easy, for anyone, but with hard work and sacrifice, you can achieve things that are worth it."
 
Dr. Annalise LaPlume
Postdoctoral Fellow
Rotman Research Institute 
 
 



“Are you detailed oriented, have organizational skills and good customer service skills? Well, in research, without these traits, researchers cannot achieve most of their work. As a black woman in science, my qualities and experience help scientists retain research funding and help them focus on their research. You can also make a difference in science.”
 
Jacinta Lesmond,
Administrative Assistant
Rotman Research Institute
 
 

“Thank you to all the women in science who have inspired me to pursue my science dreams! I hope one day I will be that inspiration to future women and girls in science!”
 
Alex Samson,
PhD Student
Rotman Research Institute


"I am deeply grateful to work beside a cohort of supportive, brilliant women."
 
Dr. Jennifer Ryan
Reva James Leeds Chair in Neuroscience and Research Leadership
Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute