Episode 18 - Diverse women in STEM: Blending health & nanotechnology w/ Hadeel Mohammed
Release Date: 10/16/2023
Episode 35 - Workwear that works for women w/ Alexis Armstrong
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we speak with Alexis Armstrong, founder of Peggy Work Wear. Alexis is a sedimentologist with a diverse background spanning gold mining, academia, and marine research. Before transitioning to academia, she worked as a field geologist, 3D modeler, and exploration geologist. As part of the International Ocean Discovery Program, she sailed on the Joides Resolution, completing over ten marine expeditions, including two to Antarctica. She’s also the host of The Smoko Podcast, where she shares stories of women in non-traditional careers. In this episode, Alexis discusses what...
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Episode 34 - Rethinking Racialized Language, Part 3 w/ Sophie Pierre
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we’re joined by Sophie Pierre. Sophie has dedicated 30 years to serving on the council of the St. Mary's Indian Band—now known as ʔaq'am—of the Ktunaxa Nation, including 26 years as elected chief. From 2009 to 2015, she served as the chief commissioner of the B.C. Treaty Commission, a role to which she was appointed by agreement between the Governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the First Nations Summit. In recognition of her contributions, Sophie received the Order of British Columbia in 2002 and the Order of Canada in 2016 for "her role in the British...
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Episode 33 - Rethinking Racialized Language, Part 2 w/ Debbie Chaves
Best of the WWEST
The momentum continues! Even though Rethinking Racialized Language Awareness Day on November 20th has passed, the conversation is far from over. In this episode, we’re joined by Debbie Chaves, head of copyright and course reserves at Wilfrid Laurier University, who brings her deep expertise on the impact of words that have certain historical contexts, and how libraries are adapting database searches to incorporate more respectful language. This is part of our ongoing effort at WWEST UBC Okanagan to foster inclusivity and decolonization within STEM and beyond. Let’s keep reflecting,...
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Episode 32 - Rethinking Racialized Language, Part 1 w/ Serge Villemure
Best of the WWEST
This episode kicks off the Westcoast Women in Engineering Science and Technology's 'Rethinking Racialized Language' campaign, launching on November 20, 2024. Throughout the month, we’ll hear from panellists challenging colonial language, like the term 'whitepaper', as well as discuss ways to promote inclusive language within academia and beyond. Our first panellist to kick off the series is Serge Villemure. He is a former N-SERC Director for the Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering Program and is now an Equity Diversity and Inclusion consultant. He has spent...
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Episode 31 - Science and Sips: Behind the Grapevines w/ Severine Pinte
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we speak with Severine Pinte. She is a distinguished winemaker with a Master’s degree in viticulture and oenology from the National School of Agronomy in Montpellier, in southern France. With over 26 harvests of experience, she has worked in various wine regions. However, the Okanagan region and climate there have captivated her since 2010. Severine is now the Executive Winemaker at Le Vieux Pin and LaStella wineries. In this interview, we’ll discuss the science behind winemaking, the craft and passion involved, her connection to the...
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Episode 30 - Science and Sips: A Cider-Maker's Story w/ Hallee Fried
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we speak with Hallee Fried, who, along with her husband Jeff, co-owns Farmstrong Cider Company, based in Armstrong, British Columbia. But, her passion for working the land began long before she started cider-making. Agriculture and farming have been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. In this interview, she shares her story of how and why she got into cider-making, and the labour of love that goes into the craft. She also talks about the challenges faced in the industry, including the impacts of climate change and labour shortages. Listen to the...
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Episode 29 - Climate Change Series: Exploring Ecology w/ Dr. Diane Srivastava
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we speak with professor of Zoology at the University of British Columbia and the director of the Canadian Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Dr. Diane Srivastava. She also runs the Srivastava Community Ecology Lab where her team studies how ecological communities and food webs are structured, how they process energy, as well as how they respond to climate change and habitat loss. In this interview, we'll hear about what inspired her curiosity to learn more about the way various species interact with each other, as well as the impact climate change has when...
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Episode 28 - Climate Change Series: Combatting environmental racism and injustices w/ Dr. Ingrid Waldron
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we speak with Canadian social scientist and professor at McMaster University. Dr. Ingrid Waldron. She is the founder of the ENRICH Project, which focuses on environmental racism and injustices in marginalized communities, particularly Indigenous and Black communities. Dr. Waldron is the author of the book 'There’s Something in the Water', which was adapted into a Netflix documentary in 2020. In this interview, We'll hear from her about how her sociology background has helped her become a highly influential figure in Canada’s environmental sector. Listen...
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Episode 27 - Climate Change Series: From flames to forecasts w/ Jen Beverly
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we speak with former wildland firefighter Jen Beverly. She is currently an associate professor at the University of Alberta and leads the Wildfire Analytics research team, where she teaches and conducts research on wildfire science and management. Jen talks about what drew her to firefighting and wildfire research in our conversation. She also discusses how climate change impacts researchers' ability to track trends and make forecasts. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on , , , , , , and Visit to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
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Episode 26 - Navigating through the competitive job market w/ Natalia Bussard
Best of the WWEST
In this episode, we speak with Natalia Bussard, who is the program manager for Simon Fraser University's Science Co-op program. Her team is responsible for helping students find paid work experience in various scientific fields. In our conversation, she talks about what students can expect as they prepare to enter the workforce. She also offers us some insight into navigating today’s challenging job market. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on , , , , , , and Visit to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.
info_outlineAccording to Statistics Canada, women make up less than 25 per cent of people working in STEM careers. As women continue to break down barriers that once held them back from pursuing STEM, it is becoming more important than ever to address diverse backgrounds and identities in research and industry.
So how are some of these women navigating their careers and what can we do to create more equitable workplaces?
This episode we speak with Hadeel Mohammed about her work and the challenges she overcame as a muslim woman in STEM.
Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox
Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.