Inclusivity
Introduction
When deciding what special prize our team should pursue this year, we decided to go with something that has been shadowed in the past, and something we believe is essential for driving innovation and solving complex problems – Inclusivity . Through our research of past winners of the Inclusivity Prize, we discovered that most worked on the accessibility portion of inclusivity. While accessibility is a crucial aspect of inclusivity, we wanted to take a deeper dive into learning about the importance of inclusivity in STEM. To do this we invited a panel of scientists from different disciplines to share their experiences and insights on the topic at our Inclusivity Cafe. The Inclusivity Cafe in STEM event aimed to foster a deeper understanding and dialogue around the importance of inclusivity within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By bringing together a diverse group of students, faculty, industry professionals, and community members, the event sought to highlight the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in STEM fields and to explore solutions that can promote equity, access, and belonging for all.Through this event, we aimed to inspire attendees to become advocates for diversity and inclusion in their academic and professional lives, recognizing that inclusivity drives innovation, enhances problem-solving, and leads to more equitable outcomes in STEM and beyond.
Pre-Panel Interviews
Dr. Prashant Pandey
Dr. Prashant Pandey’s journey in STEM started in India, where he grew up in a relatively homogenous environment with limited exposure to diverse cultures. As he advanced through his education, he had the opportunity to work in a lab in Germany during his doctoral and post-doctoral studies, which brought him into contact with colleagues from all over the world. This diverse environment required him to develop strong cross-cultural communication skills, helping to reduce misunderstandings and improve collaboration. After moving to Canada to work with the National Research Council in Saskatchewan, Dr. Pandey further honed his understanding of multiculturalism, particularly given Canada’s well-known diverse society. He shared how important it was for him to adapt and learn from these experiences, which ultimately made him more conscious of the role inclusivity plays in successful teamwork. Reflecting on his career, Dr. Pandey noted that many of his mentors were instrumental in fostering inclusive environments, which allowed him and others to thrive. When discussing the challenges to inclusivity in STEM today, Dr. Pandey highlighted the ongoing need to not only increase representation but also create environments that truly value different perspectives. He emphasized the key role mentors play in shaping the paths of younger generations, as they provide both guidance and a living example of inclusive practices. Representation, he believes, is crucial for inspiring future STEM professionals, as it allows younger individuals to envision themselves in those roles. Looking ahead, Dr. Pandey expressed his hope for a future where inclusivity is so ingrained in STEM that it no longer needs to be a subject of discussion. He envisions a time when workplaces naturally embrace diversity, recognizing that it leads to more innovative and impactful research outcomes.
Dr. Dena McMartin
Dr. Dena McMartin’s career in STEM has been anything but linear. Starting with an early interest in environmental activism in highschool, she wanted to pursue engineering to have a more proactive approach to environmental problems. However, through her academic years, she found that she was often in a very misogynistic environment, having to act like “one of the boys” in order to fit in. Despite having only male professors, they were forward-thinking and proactive and acted as great mentors. One even offered her a master’s position. This propelled her to work for Environment Canada while completing her master’s and PhD. Her academic journey eventually led her to teaching and research at the University of Regina and then the University of Saskatchewan, before becoming Vice President of Research at the University of Lethbridge. One problem Dr. McMartin says is a pressing barrier to inclusivity is the belief that we used to work in a meritocracy even though there was never a meritocracy. Some individuals believe that when people from underrepresented groups get hired in a prominent position that it's only for the company or the institution to meet a diversity quota. Their understanding is that the bar is being lowered to allow these people in, however, this is not the case. Minorities in prominent positions are more likely to have to work harder, and are under far harsher scrutiny than others in the same position. She also mentioned how Women don’t have a lot of grace from others and have to be more aware of their facial expressions, body language and tone of voice. Dr. McMartin highlighted how we are currently experiencing a societal “backslide” on equality, diversity and inclusion, driven by those who feel they are losing something in the gains from others. Fortunately, there has been some progress towards inclusivity in research. Dr.McMartin gave the example of the invention of the female and pregnant crash test dummy for use in the car industry. Even with these progressions, Dr.McMartin shared that there is still a long way to go. In her professional work, Dr. McMartin has integrated inclusivity into her research teams, fostering a culture where diversity is celebrated. She has seen success in the form of motivated students, many of whom come from underrepresented groups. To her, success is not measured by grades alone but by the ideas and initiative that team members bring forward. She said that when people feel like you’ve invested in them, they feel free to bring forward ideas or challenge old ideas. A key takeaway from our conversation was Dr. McMartin's belief in the importance of representation. She stressed that true allies are those who advocate for others even when they’re not in the room. It’s up to those in privileged positions to speak up when something isn’t right, using kindness and generosity to create change rather than alienating others. She highlighted how this is usually hard because if you are in a position of privilege, you might not have never thought of these before. This is why spreading awareness through inclusivity initiatives is so important. Sometimes the problems we are facing need to be brought to the limelight inorder for real differences to be made. Looking to the future, Dr. McMartin expressed hope for a time when inclusivity is simply the norm, where quotas and special programs are no longer necessary because inclusivity is second nature. However, she believes we still have a long way to go. She says that the biggest challenge right now is empowering those with a voice to support and advocate for those who may not be in the room. Difference is a strength and difference should be celebrated – difference makes research harder, but it makes the outcomes so much better.
Dr. Habiba Kadiri
Dr. Kadiri’s journey in STEM began in France, where she was born into a family with a strong interest in the sciences. Her father was a math teacher, and she was encouraged to excel academically, particularly in science and mathematics. However, Dr. Kadiri admitted that math was a source of anxiety for her. She felt as though she constantly had to prove herself, facing the pressure to perform at a high level. Eventually, her career led her to Montreal for work and later to Lethbridge, where she currently teaches mathematics. Reflecting on her experiences, Dr. Kadiri described the mathematical system as one that often felt exclusive. She explained that math was frequently used as a tool to exclude people, a reality that shaped her views on inclusivity. In her academic journey, she observed that science often lacked cultural representation and that there was little effort to foster a culture around science itself. For Dr. Kadiri, it is important to challenge the stereotypical image of what a mathematician or scientist looks like. She believes inclusivity in STEM requires thinking outside the box and making a concerted effort to open up opportunities to a much broader and more diverse group of people. Dr. Kadiri shared practical steps for fostering inclusivity, noting that at different stages of academia, individuals have varying needs. She has been involved in initiatives such as a Collaborative Grant with NSERC, where selecting people from diverse backgrounds and advertising opportunities to underrepresented groups, like the LGBTQ+ community, was key. For her, it’s crucial to create environments where people feel safe and welcome, emphasizing the need to actively care about students’ opinions and provide equal opportunities to everyone. Looking forward, Dr. Kadiri stressed that inclusivity in STEM is not just an option but a necessity. As society evolves, she believes that those in privileged positions must take responsibility to speak up and help those who are marginalized. For her, transparency and communication are essential; she advises people not to make assumptions but instead to ask how they can help. Dr. Kadiri envisions a future where everyone has the same opportunities and plays by the same rules, fostering a more educated and inclusive public.
Inclusivity Cafe Event
Inclusivity Event Plan
To promote an open discussion, the inclusivity cafe was held in the University Hall Atrium where students often frequent on their way to class, this gives students a chance to participate freely. Questions were posed to the professors concerning the issue of inclusivity in STEM and its implementation. Following this question session, the floor was opened to allow the participants to pose their questions, concerns, and comments. This allowed professors and students to better understand the available facilities and what more can be done to facilitate conversations and open doors for others.
Conclusion
The Inclusivity Cafe successfully addressed several barriers to participation in STEM by amplifying the real experiences of underrepresented voices in the field. With insights from Dr. Pandey, Dr. McMartin, and Dr. Kadiri, we explored issues like cultural and gender biases, exclusionary practices, and the flawed concept of meritocracy, all of which restrict access to STEM. The panelists highlighted the importance of representation and the need to embed inclusivity in both academic and professional settings to drive innovation. Held in the public UHall Atrium, the event welcomed spontaneous participation from students outside STEM, bridging disciplinary divides and fostering a more inclusive dialogue. The diverse perspectives shared ensured that the voices and values of underrepresented groups were not only heard but centered in the conversation. The panelists, through their various initiatives, have actively worked to expand access to science. Dr. Pandey highlighted the value of diverse cultural perspectives in STEM, Dr. McMartin emphasized creating safe, inclusive research spaces, and Dr. Kadiri promoted equal opportunities for marginalized groups, including through her work with NSERC. The event sparked meaningful dialogue, where participants openly discussed the challenges faced by marginalized groups, ensuring their perspectives shaped the conversation on inclusivity in STEM. Key insights and actionable strategies were well-documented, allowing other teams and institutions to replicate or build upon the initiative. The simplicity of the cafe format makes it easily adaptable to various public spaces, and we hope to inspire similar events at other institutions. These conversations are vital to reducing marginalization across academia, industry, and beyond.
