Yukon scientists and engineers featured in Best of the WWEST podcast series
WHITEHORSE—Three, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals in Yukon will feature in upcoming episodes of a new Yukon-focused sub-series of a podcast series produced by Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WWEST) celebrating female role models.
Ornithologist and Yukon College science instructor Dr. Katie Aitken, Environmental Engineer and Chair of Engineers Yukon 30 by 30 Kirsten Hogan, and Institutional Researcher Dawn Macdonald of Yukon College were interviewed recently by WWEST Associate Chair Alison Anderson, P.Eng.
The first Yukon-focused episode will be released this week. It will feature Dr. Aitken, who reflects on her personal and professional journey, shares about what inspires her, what challenges she has faced in her career and the importance of finding a strong female STEM mentor to turn to for guidance and inspiration.
“When I graduated high school, there was not a lot of support or encouragement for me to pursue science. A presentation by Jane Goodall, the chimp biologist and pioneer, was the catalyst for my stepping into biology,” said Aitken. “Discovering my passion for birds and connecting with female mentors, like UBC Professor Dr. Kathy Martin, have been integral to sustaining and developing my career.”
Anderson said it is rewarding to learn how fulfilled Yukon women in STEM are feeling about their careers.
“It is exciting to meet a wide range of STEM professionals and learning how these women are mentoring and reaching out to younger generations,” said Anderson.
The Yukon series will also feature Deanna Burgart, P.Eng., a self-proclaimed Indigeneer™ and president of Indigenous Engineering Inclusion Inc., who is not from Yukon, but passed through earlier this year when she spoke as the keynote speaker at Government of Yukon’s Annual Industry Conference.
Anderson herself is featured alongside engineer Sandra MacDougall in episode five of the podcast series, of which there have been 25 episodes so far.
Best of the WWEST: Inspiring Women with Real Stories can be found on iTunes, Stitcher or your favourite podcast provider.
If you are, or know, a STEM professional who identifies as female in Yukon who should be featured on the podcast, please email Anderson at wwestchair@yukoncollege.yk.ca.
WWEST’s mission is to engage students, industry, and the wider community to increase the awareness and participation of women and other under-represented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields of study and careers.
Keep up with WWEST Associate Chair at Yukon College’s events and projects at wwest.ca/yukoncollege. Activities can also be followed on social media at www.twitter.com/wwest_yukon and www.facebook.com/WWEST.YukonCollege.
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