Spotlighting McGill’s women in STEM

This Sunday, February 11, marks the United Nation’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which promotes full and equal access to science for women and girls.

According to the UN, a significant gender gap persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, most countries, no matter their level of development, have not achieved gender equality in STEM.

In advance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the McGill Reporter featured some of our university's talented female researchers, including Julie Baak, a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' Department of Natural Resource Sciences.

Julia Baak, PhD Candidate in Wildlife Biology

“What I love most about my work as an Arctic seabird biologist is how dynamic it is. I am always learning, which makes my job exciting but also gives me countless opportunities to grow and improve as a scientist,” says Baak, a Conservation Biologist at Environment and Climate Change Canada.

“The advice I would give to women in STEM is to get involved! If you do not see representation in your field, be the representation for others to be inspired by. Network,” says Baak. “Whether it is through work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities, connect with others in your field and continue to foster those connections throughout your career. Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues that lift you up. Stay inspired and inspire others, and always fight for what you believe in.”