In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Feb. 11, we asked some of the amazing women within the Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering to reflect on what it means to be a woman in Engineering/STEM.
Meet Donna Vakalis, a Civil Engineering PhD whose research examines how energy retrofits impact building occupants - in terms of their comfort, health or performance. Donna believes we need to make buildings more energy-efficient while also improving buildings overall - thinking in terms of how buildings impact the quality of our daily activities (working, learning, sleeping etc.).
"Honestly, it makes me happy to look around and see change happening in real time."
What does it mean to you to be a woman in Engineering/STEM?
Honestly, it makes me happy to look around and see change happening in real time. For instance, I see more women professors in engineering and more women on professional panels in the engineering industry.
Do you have a message for girls considering pursuing an education/career in Engineering/STEM?
I moved away from engineering/STEM mid-way through my undergraduate degree, even though math and physics were my favourite courses. I felt like there was this broader unsympathetic attitude toward social justice in the STEM field and I (mistakenly) decided that I needed to choose between social justice issues OR engineering! I have learned a lot since then. I want everyone, girls/guys/everyone, to know that Engineering is not incompatible with broader social justice work. In fact, we need people who are trained to think rigorously in both of these dimensions.
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Meet Sarah Kumar, a fourth year Mineral Engineering student who focuses on the environmental side of mining. Sarah hopes to help advance environmental monitoring and mitigation practices to help create a more sustainable industry.
"I hope to see women continue to advance engineering and STEM fields by adding their unique perspective on problems."
What does it mean to you to be a woman in Engineering/STEM?
Being a woman in engineering is about being myself and pursing my passions. It means working together with different people with diverse skillsets to overcome problems and make things better.
What would you like to see in the future for women in Engineering/STEM?
I hope to see women continue to advance engineering and STEM fields by adding their unique perspective on problems. Our continued contribution will allow for faster advancements on research and technology to create a safer and more sustainable planet.
Do you have a message for girls considering pursuing an education/career in Engineering/STEM?
Engineering and STEM fields open a wide variety of opportunities that can allow you to explore many different paths. These fields offer the opportunity to have a very unique career while still being fulfilling and stable.
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Meet Mahia Anhara, a Civil Engineering student currently doing her PEY in the Vision Zero Projects Unit at the City of Toronto. Mahia is particularly interested in the field of transportation so she can help provide improved transit access and safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians.
"I am grateful to the women who were brave enough to go against societal norms and expectations to follow their passion for engineering."
What does it mean to you to be a woman in Engineering/STEM?
I am grateful to the women who were brave enough to go against societal norms and expectations to follow their passion for engineering. Many of them walked the difficult path of being the only women in their engineering classes and workplaces and facing outright discrimination. Because of the women in engineering before me, I can pursue my passion without my gender becoming a limiting factor. As a woman in engineering, I want to continue the legacy of the courageous women and help promote engineering to girls.
What would you like to see in the future for women in Engineering/STEM?
I would like to see more women in leadership positions in the engineering field. Engineers play a huge role in the functioning of society and to meet the needs of a diverse population. Women are half the population but are very underrepresented in the engineering field. More women in engineering leadership can help bring alternative perspectives and experiences of navigating the world. This would lead to better informed decisions that reflect the needs of our diverse population.
Do you have a message for girls considering pursuing an education/career in Engineering/STEM?
Engineering is more than solving math and science problems. The work that engineers do can make a positive difference in people’s lives and has the power to tackle global problems such as climate change and poverty. If you have a desire to improve our society, engineering is one of the most impactful ways of doing so!
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Meet Chibulu (Lulu) Luo, a Civil Engineering PhD Candidate. Lulu uses her engineering skills to address global sustainability challenges and contribute to projects that help drive investments for sustainable infrastructure in developing countries. She has worked extensively in international contexts with institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations. She has conducted research in Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, and Ghana, as part of her PhD work.
"Being a woman of colour and of African descent, I am proud and honoured for the opportunity to inspire young girls who may look like me to say, 'Yes, I can do that too!'"
What does it mean to you to be a woman in Engineering/STEM?
Being a woman of colour and of African descent, I am proud and honoured for the opportunity to inspire young girls who may look like me to say, "Yes, I can do that too!". The sad reality of our world is that young girls of colour may not see themselves represented in engineering and STEM fields - therefore am always happy to share my experience and the exciting opportunities that the engineering profession can bring!
What would you like to see in the future for women in Engineering/STEM?
I would love to see more diversity in Engineering and STEM. Not just the inclusion of women, but women of all backgrounds, races, and creeds.
Do you have a message for girls considering pursuing an education/career in Engineering/STEM?
We need more girls like you in engineering. You are talented and smart and can bring a different and unique perspective to the challenging and interesting work that we do as engineers!
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Meet Stephanie Marton, a fourth year Civil Engineering student who is pursuing a minor in Environmental Engineering, a certificate in Global Engineering and a certificate in Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Stephanie has a keen interest in Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Sustainable Infrastructure and Communities. She hopes to play a key role in shaping local and global community infrastructure in a sustainable and forward-thinking way throughout her future career.
"Being a woman in STEM helps eliminate the idea that STEM is a male dominated field and empowers me to make a positive impact in our world!"
What does it mean to you to be a woman in Engineering/STEM?
Being a woman in STEM helps eliminate the idea that STEM is a male dominated field and empowers me to make a positive impact in our world!
Every engineer has a duty to society; being in this program constantly reminds me of the significant impact and influence I can have in making our world a better place for ALL. I have had motivating and satisfying experiences in my studies and work in engineering, especially knowing that what I am doing can shape our societies in a beneficial way - a truly empowering feeling!
What would you like to see in the future for women in Engineering/STEM?
No limitations.
I aspire to see a future where everyone is committed and working together to unlock each other's potential. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations provide a great framework to achieve a sustainable and equitable world for all. We need a diverse set of hands on deck for developing innovative ways to accomplish these goals! I would love for women to play a large role in making that happen. As an engineer who has worked in the field and is very passionate about construction, I am looking forward to seeing women continue to flourish in this industry.
Do you have a message for girls considering pursuing an education/career in Engineering/STEM?
Go for it! Be the change you want to see in the world.
Especially in engineering, what you choose to do in your studies and career can make a meaningful impact on the world. If you are open to learning and taking on challenges in an innovative way, your motivation and determination will lead you to be boundless in your contributions! I thrive on pushing myself out of my comfort zone to grow and learn as a professional; I highly encourage other women to do the same! I, along with many others in STEM, am happy to support you in your journey.
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Meet Kelsey Smyth, a PhD candidate studying stormwater management and low impact development, otherwise known as green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is used to manage flooding and improve water quality in urban areas. More specifically, Kelsey studies the use of bioretention cells or rain gardens for their capacity to capture microplastics and prevent their spread in the wider environment.
"I would like to see a continued increase in gender diversity in educational programs as well as in industry roles."
What does it mean to you to be a woman in Engineering/STEM?
I love that I get to explore never ending interesting issues and gain the satisfaction that comes from solving a problem. As a woman in Engineering, I am so fortunate to have pursued my studies in Canada at this time when a lot of progress has been made in equity and diversity in my discipline. I am extremely thankful to all the women in Engineering and STEM who paved the way for me and to all the amazing role models I've had including my mom as a woman in STEM who encouraged me and supported me in pursuing Engineering.
What would you like to see in the future for women in Engineering/STEM?
I would like to see a continued increase in gender diversity in educational programs as well as in industry roles. I would also like to see less bias regarding gender roles and perceived characteristics and for there to be more women in high level management but also technical positions.
Do you have a message for girls considering pursuing an education/career in Engineering/STEM?
I did not know what Engineering was before starting university. I chose it because I wanted a field that I found exciting, that would challenge me and that could allow me to make a meaningful impact to society. If you are similarly interested a field where you get to explore and solve new problems, then Engineering is a great field to pursue.