Harriet Brooks, Maude Abbott, Carrie M. Derick, Leone Norwood Farrell, Frances Wagner. Do you recognize any of those names? Chances are the answer is no – but these women made highly important contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) early in the 20th century, demonstrating that women in STEM is not a new concept.
Despite this, STEM remains a male-dominated field, a reality College of the Rockies is actively working to transform. Mathematics and Statistics instructor Andrea Hyde, BSc, MSc; Biology, Ecology, Microbiology, and Environmental Science instructor Andrena Heigh, BSc, MSc; University Math and Sciences Coordinator and Geography and Earth Science instructor Katie Burles, MSc; Biology instructor Lynnette Kuervers, BSc, PhD; and Biology and Chemistry instructor Sophie Larsen, MSc, are more than instructors for their female students – they are mentors and sources of inspiration.
“During my time at the College of the Rockies, I have been surrounded by incredible women,” said student Amy Cameron. “Whether they are instructors, fellow students, or friends, all of them are working towards or already contributing to the STEM field. These experiences have deepened my passion for science and fuelled my excitement about collaborating with women in the field. This journey has led me to feel a strong sense of belonging as a woman in STEM. It’s fun, exciting, and supportive, with inspiring role models. It’s fantastic to witness other women pursuing their dreams.”
Students like Amy can thrive in an institution like College of the Rockies. The smaller class sizes mean they get more hands-on experience, and they have instructors who know them by name and who want to see them succeed.
Alumna Ali Giesbrecht knows this first-hand. “The small class environment encouraged close relationships with the faculty and my peers while also providing invaluable hands-on field experience,” she said. “My time at the College set me up for success in academics by giving me the opportunity to develop my teamwork, leadership, and academic skills before transferring to university.”
Now a District Range Agrologist in the Range program at BC Ministry of Forests, Ali Giesbrecht is an Articling Agrologist working toward her Professional Agrologist designation with the BC Institute of Agrologists. She is simultaneously working toward earning her Registered Professional Biologist designation as a Biologist in Training with the College of Applied Biologists and hopes many more women and girls will consider STEM.
“Increasing female presence in traditionally male-dominated STEM workplaces helps to bring diverse perspectives and innovation while breaking down systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s advancement in these fields,” Giesbrecht added. “I am determined to become that same inspiring role model for future generations of young women in STEM as the strong female leadership in my own academic journey. Through movements like Women in STEM and International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I hope to contribute to creating an environment where young women can see themselves represented and feel empowered to pursue their scientific passions without hesitation.”
It was the supportive environment at the College that led Kendall Plant to find a love for microbial life. She completed first year science courses before transferring to the University of Victoria where she earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Her talents have led to her working with BC Children’s Hospital both in the hospital’s Biobank as a technician and in the hospital’s research institute where she interacts with multiple projects.
Without women and underrepresented genders in STEM, valuable perspectives needed to shape these fields and their approaches to innovation and problem solving, are lost. It is women in STEM acting as mentors for the next generation who will help to continue the important growth in these fields.
Shamaya Blanchette, who completed her Associate of Science degree from College of the Rockies, wasn’t sure where her educational path would take her until she was inspired by her instructor (now retired) to consider mathematics.
“She continuously challenged me in the courses I took from her while simultaneously encouraging my achievements,” she said. “She was very supportive and shared her own experiences which helped me explore how math can be used in many areas. She also empowered me by demonstrating that even though I am a woman in a field that is predominantly male, I can still achieve my education and career goals.”
Thanks to that experience, Shamaya now aspires to be an inspiration for other women and girls considering pursuing an education in STEM fields.
As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, creating a supportive environment and being mentored by other women in STEM is a benefit for women looking to pursue a career in a STEM field. By providing access to opportunities, mentorship, and foundational knowledge, College of the Rockies plays a crucial role in levelling the playing field and preparing women for success in university and beyond.
Instructors and mentors like Andrea, Andrena, Katie, Lynette, and Sophie – and the students they inspired – will continue breaking down barriers and building a future where women and girls thrive in STEM, making their mark on the world that is sure to make an impact.
College of the Rockies’ STEM programming includes:
Associate of Science – Environmental Science
Biology and Medicine Pre-Major