Best of the WWEST

Welcome to Best of the WWEST (Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology), where we believe providing role models for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) can change the world. Come along with us as we talk to incredible women in STEM about their lives, careers, and everything in between.

Episode 29 - Climate Change Series: Exploring Ecology w/ Dr. Diane Srivastava

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 researching and gathering data.  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.

08-19
17:43

Episode 28 - Climate Change Series: Combatting environmental racism and injustices w/ Dr. Ingrid Waldron

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 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.  

07-15
19:57

Episode 27 - Climate Change Series: From flames to forecasts w/ Jen Beverly

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 Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.  

06-17
24:08

Episode 26 - Navigating through the competitive job market w/ Natalia Bussard

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 Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

05-13
20:04

Episode 25 - Women Supporting Women from Labs to Non-Profits w/ Bonnie Douglas

This episode we speak with Bonnie Douglas, who is the project manager at the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology, or CCWESTT.  She shares how her curiosity about sour cream led her to food engineering and how she now advocates for a diverse STEM workforce in her current role.  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.

04-08
22:55

Episode 24 - Celebrating International Women's Month w/ Dr. Deborah Saucier

To celebrate International Women's Month, we speak with Dr. Deborah Saucier, the President of the Vancouver Island University and a renowned researcher. A proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Dr. Saucier shares her journey to academic leadership. 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.

03-18
23:19

Episode 23 - How youth can excel in STEM w/ Diya Kalia

For a special episode this month, we continue our conversation with the women at the Canadian Association of Girls in Science.  We speak with Diya Kalia, a member and teen ambassador for the organization, about how she's empowering the next generation of girls 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.

02-19
17:21

Episode 22 - Inspiring the next generation of STEM w/ Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko

STEM is full of opportunities for women passionate about making a difference. But recent studies have shown that women are sorely underrepresented in leadership positions, resulting in limited access to mentorship. This episode we speak with Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko about how her passion for breaking stereotypes has transformed a local initiative into a nationwide movement. 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.

02-12
15:00

Episode 21 - Diverse Women in STEM: Exploring the final frontier w/ Dr. Parshati Patel

According to UN data from 2021, women in the international space industry represent just 20 percent of the workforce. That number has stayed around the same for the past 30 years. This episode we speak with Dr. Parshati Patel about her career as an astrophysicist turned STEM educator and the challenges she faces along the way.  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.

01-22
18:14

Episode 20 - Meet the scientists taking on the World's Toughest Row w/ The Salty Science Crew

Four marine biologists are taking on the World's Toughest Row, a challenge that sets sail across the Atlantic Oceean from the Canary Islands to Antigua.  The team is on a mission to raise $500,000 USD for marine science and conservation, including an organization based in B.C.  This episode we speak with the Salty Science Crew's members, Chantale Bégin, Noelle Helder, Isabelle Côté and Lauren Shea, as they set off on their 3000 mile journey.  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.

12-18
18:06

Episode 19 - Bridging the gap with science journalism w/ Amorina Kingdon

From a global pandemic to an ongoing climate crisis, science journalism has become a staple in our lives. But the threat and spread of misinformation has created a gap between the public and scientists. So how can science and journalism work in conjunction to mend this divide? This episode we speak with Amorina Kingdon about her work and the challenges she's faced as a science writer and journalist. 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.

11-21
20:58

Episode 18 - Diverse women in STEM: Blending health & nanotechnology w/ Hadeel Mohammed

According 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.

10-16
19:11

Episode 17 - 'I am still me': Being Trans in STEM w/ Stacey Smith?

Often the assumption is that STEM scientists are mostly white and male, and it's not hard to see why. The media keeps reinforcing this image, and the fact that women, people of color, and other minority groups are seriously underrepresented in STEM doesn't help either. This episode we speak with Dr. Stacey Smith? about her experiencing in STEM breaking stereotypes and making the industry more inclusive.  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.

09-01
18:18

Episode 16: Managing wildfires through Indigenous-led research w/ Sarah Dickson-Hoyle

With wildfire season taking over several parts of the country, the need for proper management and restoration is becoming even more crucial. This episode Sarah Dickson-Hoyle, a post-doctoral researcher at UBC working iwth the Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society, joins us to talk about the importance of collaborating and working with Indigenous people for wildfire preparation, management, and restoration.   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.

07-11
19:27

Episode 15: Bridging diversity through animation w/ Maritza Louis

A 2022 Diversity in Tech survey found representation of women and Indigenous people marginally increased in the tech industry over a span of three years.  This episode Maritza Louis, a character modeler at Walt Disney Animation Studios, joins us to talk about her experiences and the need for more diversity in the animation and tech field.  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.

06-13
18:50

Episode 14: The challenges of climate anxiety w/ Lynne Quarmby

As the world repeatedly fails to meet climate goals, scientists are the ones on the front lines facing the brunt of the complex issue.  This episode Lynne Quarmby opens up about her own personal struggles with eco-anxiety and the relentless fight scientists face against the global climate crisis. 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.

05-15
18:30

Episode 13: The ethics of AI technology w/ Katrina Ingram

Artificial intelligence is penetrating almost every walk of life and changing how we approach everyday life. While it shares a glimpse of the near future, AI still reflects our current society and the large gaps that have yet to be filled. This episode we speak with Katrina Ingram, founder and CEO of Ethically Aligned AI, to learn more about the need for ethical discussions and diversity in AI and the tech industry.    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.

04-10
18:40

Episode 12: Impacts to women by drug decriminalization w/ Jade Boyd

In this episode, Jade Boyd takes us through her life as a qualitative researcher scientist with British Columbia's Centre of Substance Use to understand the experiences and challenges of women who use drugs. This year the provincee of British Columbia legalised possession of 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs for people 18 years and older. This is part of a three-year pilot in which  MDMA, Cocaine, Methamphetamines, and opioids have been decriminalised in hopes to tamp down on the escalating opioid crisis.    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.

03-13
19:53

Episode 11 - Black Girls in STEM and ESTEEM w/ Shayle Graham

In this episode, Shayle Graham talks to us about Black ESTEEM, a non-profit organization supporting Black girls' interest and confidence in STEM, economics, and entrepreneurship. Through her experience as an educator and an equity, anti-racism, anti-Black and anti-oppression coach for one of the largest school boards in Canada, Graham works to celebrate the beauty and brilliance of Black girls and their communities.  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.

02-13
20:45

Episode 10 - Truth & Reconciliation in STEM w/ Jessica Vandenberghe

In this episode, Jessica Vandenberghe talks to us about her experiences as an Indigenous engineer at the forefront of addressing reconciliation in the STEM field. From working in the oil and mining industries to becoming the Assistant Dean at the University of Alberta's faculty of engineering, Vandenberghe talks about the importance of truth & reconciliation to build stronger communities with well-informed engineers.  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.

01-09
17:35

kambrielle

Wow so much great content. Thought-provoking.

06-05 Reply

kambrielle

Rike’s most memorable moment cracked me up!

04-23 Reply

Recommend Channels