By Jocelyn Adams | Nick Pearce photos

The Faculties of Computer Science, Engineering and Science teamed up to host the Dalhousie Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Networking and Panel Event at the Cambridge Suites Hotel in Halifax on Nov. 6, 2019.

This was the second time in three years the faculties have hosted the cross-institutional women in STEM event. The event aims to celebrate women working in STEM related fields, build networks and generate support for women in the workforce. It’s also designed to support students and young women interested in learning about career opportunities in STEM.

Hanna Kaufman, Eleanor Chidholm, Aleysha Mullen, Dr. Sara Iverson and Dr. Nancy Kilcup

The four-person panel was hosted by fourth-year mechanical engineering student, Hanna Kaufman, the VP of Social for the Dalhousie Women in Engineering Society. Panelists were:

• Sara Iverson, Scientific Director of the Ocean Tracking Network. Recently, Dr. Iverson was chosen by Mattel and National Geographic as the role model for the polar marine biologist Barbie.
• Nancy Kilcup (MASc’09, PhD’11), Director of R&D at Coloursmith Labs, is working towards developing the next generation of contact lenses for people who are colour blind.
• Aleysha Mullen (BINF’17, Software Systems) is a developer with MOBIA Technology Innovations. She developed an app to improve surgery wait times for healthcare in Newfoundland & Labrador.
• Eleanor Chisholm (BSc’19, Earth Sciences), a graduate geologist with Atlantic Gold Corporation, started a full-time job in her field of study earlier this summer.

Together, these four amazing women shared their own professional experiences, struggles, and accomplishments. The evening was filled with laughter, inspiration, story-sharing and even some geek-out moments – where panelists dove deep into their scientific research.

Audience members were provided with an opportunity to engage with the panel. The discussion focused on gender-wage gap, child-care and how to maintain a healthy work life balance.

The panel agreed that having a healthy work-life balance is necessary for a successful career in STEM.

“You care so much about results, but you have to take care of your health and your personal well-being,” says Dr. Iverson.

As a mom and researcher, Dr. Kilcup provided advice on how to make the most of your time at work, “I try to work smarter not harder for maximum gains,” says Dr. Kilcup.

The Dalhousie Women in STEM Networking and Panel Event will now be hosted annually each fall to celebrate the women in our community who are paving paths for future generations.