By Celine Nugroho
​Edited by Kendra Loedige

By Johina Maria

​On a clear starry night, when you are gazing up at the multitude of stars that adorn the velveteen sky, do you realize that you are staring at a snapshot of the Universe from a distant past?

By Trinity Vey

“The current science system often expects LGBT+ scientists to exist in cis-heteronormative spaces and thrive. I want to propose that we reject that hypothesis and get a new one.”  

-Kaela S. Singleton, neuroscientist, 2020 ​

In previous blogs of this mini-series, we’ve defined some of the barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people in STEM and highlighted the importance of social visibility. With this information in mind, are there any actionable steps we can take to make the culture of STEM more inclusive, not just for LGBTQ+ people, but for all people in historically underrepresented groups?  ​

By Trinity Vey

The idea that a “scientist” is a white heterosexual cis-gendered man in a lab coat is a misconception that continues to persist. Being able to see yourself in role models is important; students who have gender and race-matched role models have higher academic achievement than students who don't identify with role models (Zirkel, 2002). Since LGBTQ+ identity is often not visible and many do not feel comfortable sharing their identity in the workplace, it can be hard for LGBTQ+ people to feel that they belong in STEM. Particularly for students belonging to multiple minority groups, the importance of both representation and community in STEM cannot be overstated. 

This blog is part two of a miniseries that will be highlighting LGBTQ+ role models in STEM and providing resources and organizations to help you find representation and community. The first blog in this series summarized research regarding current numbers and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in STEM, highlighting the need for societal change. The third and final blog in this series focuses on ways we might broaden the participation of LGBTQ+ people in STEM and make work environments more supportive for all. 

By Heather Gadalla 

By Trinity Vey

​It’s widely recognized that STEM professions are traditionally white cis male-dominated. Women and racial minorities in these professions continue to be underrepresented and face discrimination at micro and macro levels. As such, it probably doesn’t come as a big surprise that sexual and gender minority groups are also statistically underrepresented in STEM fields and face systemic inequities. This blog is part one of a mini-series and will be highlighting some of the current data regarding the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in STEM. Subsequent blogs in this series highlight some examples of LGBTQ+ role models in STEM as well as some ways we might improve the numbers and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in STEM fields.

By Lauren Koenig & Susanne Lettner

Around the world, there has been a growing focus on building science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) opportunities in education. Yet each country approaches these programs from a slightly different angle. To get a look at how STEM education is being developed in other parts of the globe, I spoke with Susanne Lettner, a major contributor to science education outreach in Germany. 

By Nektaria Riso

​It is no secret that Indigenous women face considerable barriers in accessing health services.  The care they receive is often not adapted to their needs and embedded with some form of discrimination: they are frequently overlooked, ignored and neglected in medical settings. A  recent investigation into British Columbia’s healthcare system revealed that 84% of Indigenous people experience discrimination when accessing health care services. This discrimination can go as far as to cost them their lives. Less than a year ago, the death of 37-year-old Atikamekw woman Joyce Echaquan sparked outrage within the community. During her stay at a Quebec hospital, Echaquan recorded on Facebook live the verbal abuse she experienced at the hands of her nurses, as she laid in a hospital bed in pain and calling for help. 

​Occupational Therapy (OT) is a field within the health and rehabilitation sciences that helps people overcome physical and cognitive challenges. Occupational therapists (OTS) specialize in developing tools and teaching techniques that allow patients to participate fully in their everyday activities – the “occupations” that give life meaning and purpose. OTs work with people of all ages in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and community centres. For instance, OTs can work with pre-term infants in acute care, in a school setting with children who have disabilities, stroke survivors attending inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and adults with mental health conditions. In Canada, the average salary of an occupational therapist is approximately $39.00/hour, but this varies significantly depending on whether the therapist is working within the public or private sector. 

By Lauren Koenig & E. Ozie

​Up-and-coming author E. Ozie seamlessly blends science and art in her new book and in her life. By day, Ozie is a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. But her lifelong interest in the arts led her to write a book entitled “The Beautiful Math of Coral.” According to Ozie, the book is part coming-of-age story and part love story. Featuring two very different people in college trying to find their place in the world, the book also discusses topics related to identify, love, and freedom while showing how art is entwined with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). I spoke with E. Ozie to learn more about her own journey towards becoming an author and how she finds the “unconventional beauty” in STEM.