"It has been an exciting nine years, over which I have witnessed many changes in the science and engineering culture and environment. Students and young professionals from diverse backgrounds bring us fresh ideas and the funding has allowed us to put those into action—to create new initiatives that are really changing the face of these disciplines. I'm looking forward to developing new activities and to working with the network of Chairs and many stakeholders to create a more inclusive and innovative workforce for Canada."
- Dr. Catherine Mavriplis, NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering Ontario Region
Chair for Women in Science and Engineering of Ontario
Empowering Women in Science and Engineering from the Classroom to the Boardroom
The NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering for the Ontario region has been promoting the participation and advancement of women in science and engineering educational programs and professional employment for six years. The bilingual Chair program has developed a strong following through a comprehensive communications campaign, meaningful professional development programming, engaging interdisciplinary research projects, and strategic partnerships in the science and engineering community.
- Promotion workshops for women professors adopted nationally.
- GoCode Girl outreach event adopted by 13 universities.
- Negotiation workshops for Professional Women in Industry and Academia.
- Interdisciplinary research:
- The Gendered Development of Computer Science Programs (History)
- Mothers' Influences on Daughters in STEM (Education)
- Career Entry for Engineering Graduates (Sociology)
- Career Progression of High Performing Women Engineers (Sociology)
- Increasing Entrepreneurial Intent and Self-Efficacy for Women STEM Students (Management)
- Leadership Development for Science and Engineering Students (Management)
New in 2018
- Focus on Indigenous youth engagement through Verna J. Kirkness Program.
- Expansion to Northern Ontario communities through regional partnerships.
- New courses on leadership development and entrepreneurship development for university students.
- Interdisciplinary STEM graduate research in the service of women.
Many thanks to our partners: The Leacross Foundation, CAE, Lockheed Martin Canada, the University of Ottawa, and the Verna J. Kirkness Science & Engineering Education Program.
