Past Speakers
The event would not be possible without our amazing volunteer speakers and presenters who have shared their STEM experience through inspiring speeches and interactive workshops.Their contributions and dedications are sincerely appreciated!
Introduction Speakers:
Joanne ButlerONTARIO POWER AUTHORITY (OPA)JoAnne Butler is Vice President, Electricity Resources. Prior to joining the OPA in 2008, Ms. Butler was president of TransAlta Mexico, where she was responsible for the day-to-day management of the business, including supporting business development and contracting activities as well as the ongoing operation of the company’s two Mexican electricity generating plants. Prior to moving to Mexico in 2001, she was TransAlta’s general manager for western operations in Calgary and was responsible for the operation of four new generating stations. Ms. Butler also worked in the oil and gas exploration sector with Amoco Corporation for 21 years, and in her last assignment as general manager for engineering and construction, she led support teams for construction and operations in Canada and internationally. Expatriate roles included temporary assignments in Egypt and Tunisia, and a five-year assignment in the United Arab Emirates.
She was an executive of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for her six years in Mexico, including a two-year term as its president. Joanne holds a B.Sc (honours) degree in civil engineering from Queen’s University.
Lana PatonPartner – National Tax Leader – PwC CanadaLana is the Canadian National Tax Leader for PwC. She is a Partner in downtown Toronto, where she specializes in taxation issues related to companies in the utilities sector (including renewable energy) and the mining sector. Lana has a broad range of experience providing tax advice to clients in the utilities industry, including power generation and distribution, and mining industry, including companies in various phases of exploration, development and producers. She has worked with Canadian companies that are foreign owned as well as Canadian owned companies.
Bianca SchroederAssociate Professor & Associate Chair, Computer Science, University of Toronto ScarboroughBianca holds a PhD degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University and spend two years as a post-doctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University before joining UofT in 2008. Dr Schroeder likes to solve hard problems in the design of computer systems through the combined use of analytical and experimental methods, and in collaboration with industry partners. Her research has led to highly cited peer-reviewed publications, a number of prestigious awards, including 4 best paper awards at elite conferences, a Sloan Research Fellowship and the Outstanding Young Computer Science Research Prize, and has also been featured in dozens of articles in popular media outlets such as Computerworld, PCWorld, and Wired. She has been selected to serve as a program chair for three premier conferences in her area: ACM Sigmetrics 2014, Usenix FAST 2014, and IEEE NAS 2011.
Keynote Speakers
Captain Miyuki Hamakawa is an Airbus 320 pilot with Air Canada. Currently basedin Vancouver, Miyuki began flying when she was 15 years old, and immediately fellin love with aviation. She spent three years in flight training, including one yearcompleting her private license in Vancouver, and two years at a college in the B.C.mountains flying light aircraft. After earning her Diploma in Aviation, Miyukiaccepted her first job flying seven-seater, twin-engine Navajo aircraft in B.C. Fromthere, and for the next eight years, she piloted a variety of other aircraft beforebeing hired by Air Canada in 2013 as a Relief Pilot on the Airbus 330. Last year, shecompleted her upgrade to Captain on the Airbus 320. She currently flies todestinations throughout North America, including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa,Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, though Hawaii andJapan remain her favourites.
When not in the air, Miyuki volunteers with the Air Canada Pilots Association, thelargest single pilot association in Canada, as a member of the External AffairsCommittee. She loves to travel and ski, and enjoys a wide variety of internationalcuisine. Miyuki is honoured to return as keynote speaker to share her story andexperiences at this year’s Math in Motion…Girls in Gear event.
- Bianca SchroederUniversity of Toronto Scarborough (Nov 2013, Apr 2014, Nov 2014)
Bianca holds a PhD degree in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University and spend two years as a post-doctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University before joining UofT in 2008. Dr Schroeder likes to solve hard problems in the design of computer systems through the combined use of analytical and experimental methods, and in collaboration with industry partners. Her research has led to highly cited peer-reviewed publications, a number of prestigious awards, including 4 best paper awards at elite conferences, a Sloan Research Fellowship and the Outstanding Young Computer Science Research Prize, and has also been featured in dozens of articles in popular media outlets such as Computerworld, PCWorld, and Wired. She has been selected to serve as a program chair for three premier conferences in her area: ACM Sigmetrics 2014, Usenix FAST 2014, and IEEE NAS 2011.
With Over 10 Years Of Experience In Designing, Executing And Analyzing Both Employee And Customer Measurement Programs, Sandra And Her Team Of Statistical Modelers And Data Mining Experts Focus On Business Insights For Multi-unit Retail, Banking And Restaurant Clients. They Apply Both Descriptive And Advanced Statistical Techniques To Determine How Disparate Business Facts About Product & Service Quality, Leadership, Competitiveness, Employee Readiness And Brand Affinity Are Interrelated And Link To Business Performance. Sandra Graduated High School From Loretto Abbey In Toronto, Then Attended York University And Earned An Honours Degree (B.A.) In Statistics With A Minor In Computer Science. Living In Mid Town Toronto (Close To Yorkdale And Lawrence/Dufferin Area), Sandra Spends Her Free Time Decorating Her Home, Cycling, And Eating Out.
Meghan Patterson (Young) Grew Up In Pickering. She Attended Glengrove P. S. And Pine Ridge S.S. While At Pine Ridge, Meghan Was Editor-in-chief Of The School’s Newspaper, A Band Participant, And A Member Of The Swim And Wrestling Teams. Because She Was Attracted To The Idea Of Combining Pure Mathematics With The Practical Skills Gained From Mechanical Engineering, Meghan Attended Queen’s University For Mathematics And Engineering. During That Time, Meghan Was A Math Tutor For First Year Engineering Students And A Residence Don. She Graduated In April 2004, With First-class Distinction. Meghan Now Works As An Intermediate Designer For Cobalt Engineering, A Mechanical Engineering Firm Dedicated To Designing Environmentally Responsible Buildings And Communities. She Enjoys Being Able To Use Her Skills To Help The Environment. In August 2008, Meghan Received Her Professional Engineer’s Certification (P.Eng). She Is Married And Has A Baby Boy.
Sharlah Graduated From The University Of Toronto With A Mechanical Engineering – Mechatronics Option Basc In 2003. She Worked A Number Of Short-term Manufacturing Engineering Positions From October 2003 Until May 2004, Then Started At Bombardier Aerospace In The Engineering Intern Program In June 2004. Sharlah Moved To The Global Express Hydromechanical Group In Sept 2004. She Has Always Had A Keen Interest In Vocal Music And Has Been A Member Of Various Choirs Since She Was Eight Years Old.
Rekha Was Born In New Delhi, India. She Moved To Edmonton, Alberta With Her Family When She Was Six Years Old. Her Family Later Moved To Winnipeg, Manitoba. After Grade Eight, Her Parents Decided To Send Her “Home” To A School In The Himalayas. Rekha Returned To Edmonton For Grade Twelve And Then Attended The University Of Alberta, Where She Earned Degrees In Physics And Engineering Physics. Rekha’s Job At Ibm Began With Programming On Ibm Applications. Over Time, She Was Given The Opportunities To Be A Team Leader, Project Manager And Technical Leader. Currently, She Works With The Consulting Area Of Ibm And Helps Companies Learn How To Find Better Ways Of Managing Their Businesses. Rekha Actively Participates In Various Community Programmes Such As Women In Technology And K-12.
Nancy Attended Carleton University (Ottawa) For A Mechanical Engineering Deg – Beng In 2001. She Started At Bombardier Aerospace Under The Engineering Intern Program In May 2001 And Has Been In Air Systems Engineering Since 2002.
Ching Yi Studied Mechanical Engineering (Materials Option) At The University Of Toronto. She Spent Her Pey (Professional Experience Year) 15-month Work Term At Bombardier Aerospace Between Her 3rd And 4th Years Of University. After Graduating From The Program In 1999, Ching Yi Spent Six Months Learning About Aircraft In The Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Program At Centennial College, And Then Returned To Bombardier In 2000. Since Then She Has Worked In Two Very Different Engineering Roles On The Turboprop Program, First In The Project Planning & Control Department Followed By Her Current Position In Electrical Wiring Integration & Installation.
Amanda Moved To Ajax In Grade Four Where She Attended Lincoln Alexander P.S. And Then Pickering High School. There She Participated In Student Council, Organized And Ran A Clean Up The School Campaign, Played Volleyball And Most Recently In Her Last Year Of High School Was The Student Trustee For The Durham District School Board And Ran Her Own Volleyball Business. Amanda Loves Mathematics And Her Goal In Life Is To Be Able To Share That With Others. She Has Chosen To Become A High School Teacher And At York University In Her First Year Is Majoring In Mathematics And Economics. In Her Second Year She Hopes To Start Concurrent Education. Her Dream Is To Prove That Women Can Strive, Be Educated And Have Their Own Personal Measure Of Success.
Corinna Is A Manager In The Contract Management Group At The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). She Is Primarily Responsible For Managing A Portfolio Of Natural Gas Supply Contracts, Equating To About 6,000 Mw. Prior To This Role, She Held Various Positions Within The Organization And Several Years Within The Automotive Industry Working At A Tier One Supplier. Corinna Completed Her Bachelor Of Engineering Science In Mechanical Engineering At The University Of Western Ontario. She Is Also A Professional Engineer And A Certified Supply Chain Management Professional In The Province Of Ontario. In Her Spare Time She Enjoys Travelling, Figure Skating And Cooking.
Sheila McIlraithUNIVERSITY OF TORONTOSheila is Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto. Prior to joining U of T, Professor McIlraith spent six years as a Research Scientist at Stanford University, and one year at Xerox PARC. McIlraith’s research is in the area of knowledge representation and reasoning. She has 10 years of industrial R&D experience developing artificial intelligence applications. McIlraith is the author of over 70 scholarly publications. She is an associate editor of the journal Artificial Intelligence, co-chair of the 13th International Conference on Principles of Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KR2012), and past program co-chair of the International Semantic Web Conference (ISWC2004). In 2011 McIlraith was appointed a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). McIlraith’s early work on Semantic Web Services has had notable impact. In 2011 she and her co-authors were honoured with the SWSA 10-year Award, recognizing the highest impact paper from the International Semantic Web Conference, 10 years prior. Her research has also made practical contributions to the development of next-generation NASA space systems and to emerging Web standards.
Premier Kathleen Wynne25th Premier of Ontario (May 2016)Since taking office in February 2013, some of Premier Wynne’s accomplishments include the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history and completing the single-largest climate change initiative in North America by eliminating coal-fired electricity generation in the province. She also introduced a ground-breaking plan to stop sexual violence and harassment. Premier Wynne’s economic plan for Ontario builds on her number-one priority: growing the economy and creating jobs. Her four-part plan invests in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. In addition to infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, transit, schools and hospitals, her plan is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement. Premier Wynne serves as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. During her first year as Premier, she also served as Minister of Agriculture and Food. Prior to becoming Premier, she served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Education. First elected to the Ontario Legislature in 2003 as the MPP for Don Valley West, Premier Wynne was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014. She became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January 2013. On June 12, 2014 Premier Wynne’s government was re-elected with a majority mandate. Before becoming an MPP, Premier Wynne served as a trustee on the Toronto District School Board. Prior to that, she led citizens’ groups in a number of grassroots community projects and played a major role as an organizer and facilitator. Premier Wynne has lived with her partner, Jane, in North Toronto for more than 25 years. She has three children and three grandchildren.
The Honourable Kirsty DuncanMinister of Science (Nov 2017)Kirsty Duncan has been the driving force for putting science front and centre in the federal government’s agenda. The Minister intends to Strengthen science, Strengthen evidence-based decision making, Strengthen the culture of curiosity in Canada. To achieve her goals, Minister Duncan is taking action on mandate and several of the recommendations made in the Fundamental Science Review. Minister Duncan is also working closely with Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, to strengthen research in Canada. Minister Duncan will look to Dr. Nemer to provide her and the Prime Minister with impartial, independent scientific advice. The Minster will then bring this scientific advice to the Cabinet table as she and her fellow Cabinet colleagues make decisions that affect the lives of Canadians. In addition to delivering on her commitments, Minister Duncan is taking action to improve equity and diversity in the sciences – from the natural and health sciences to engineering and technology to the social sciences and humanities. Minister Duncan holds a doctorate in geography from the University of Edinburgh. She was an Associate Professor of Health Studies at UTSC and the former Research Director for the AIC Institute of Corporate Citizenship at the Rotman School of Management. A renowned international speaker, Dr. Duncan has lectured for such organizations as the National Geographic Society and the Young Presidents’ Organization, and she has helped organizations throughout Canada and the United States prepare for a possible flu pandemic. She also contributed to the Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Stephanie AldersleyIESO; Powering the Future (Nov 2016, Nov 2017)Stephanie Aldersley is a planner at Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO). As a planner, she works with communities to develop long-term electricity infrastructure plans for a number of regions across Ontario, including Connection of Remote First Nation Communities, Parry Sound-Muskoka, and parts of Northwestern Ontario. Stephanie received her engineering degree from the University of Toronto and also completed her graduate studies in Public Policy and Administration. On the side, Stephanie likes to stay active by training in powerlifting and she also loves to learn about other cultures though travel.
Corinna Bellomo is a Manager in the Contract Management group at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). She is primarily responsible for managing a portfolio of natural gas supply contracts, equating to about 6,000 MW. Prior to this role, she held various positions within the organization and several years within the automotive industry working at a tier one supplier. Corinna completed her Bachelor of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Western Ontario. She is also a Professional Engineer and a Certified Supply Chain Management Professional in the province of Ontario. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, figure skating and cooking.
Mariya Boyko is a PhD student, studying the history of mathematics and mathematical education at the University of Toronto. In her undergraduate years she completed a major in mathematics and in general history, along with obtaining a teaching degree. Mariya has been working with the Mathematics Outreach program offered by the Department of Mathematics at the University of Toronto for over two years. She is inspired by working with enthusiastic students who are always eager to learn. Mariya enjoys fencing, drawing and dancing.
Anna BretscherUniversity of Toronto Scarborough – Programming by Picture (Nov 2012, Nov 2013, Nov 2014, Nov 2016)Anna Bretscher is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream at UTSC. She earned a B.Sc. in Mathematics and a M.Sc. in Computer Science from Queen’s University. After a short stint working for a start up company Anna completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science at U of T. Anna’s research interest is Graph Theory. Anna is married with three young kids. When she’s not playing with her kids she loves running, cycling and playing hockey.
Bernice Chan is a planner at Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO). As a planner, she works with communities to develop long-term electricity infrastructure plans for a number of regions across Ontario, including Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph, Parry Sound-Muskoka, and parts of Northwestern Ontario. Bernice received her engineering degree from the University of Waterloo and also completed her graduate studies in Public Health. Her passion for international development and social change has inspired her to take part in an initiative with the World Bank to reduce air pollution in Mongolia and to lead an outreach program on sustainable development with Engineers Without Borders. On the side, Bernice likes to stay active by coaching dragon boat teams and providing pro-bono consulting services to non-profit organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. Bernice loves to learn about different cultures and has travelled to over 25 countries — her most recent adventures include hiking in the Grand Canyon, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Iceland.
Edith Chin Joined Enbridge Gas Distribution In 2000. At Enbridge, Edith Has Worked In Finance, Gas Services Development For Power Generation And Regulatory Affairs. Prior To Joining Enbridge, Edith Has Worked In Engineering & Operations, Marketing, Supply Management And Energy Management With Various Industries Manufacturing Products Such As Scotch Tape, Detergents, Construction Chemicals And Glass Containers. Edith Studied Chemistry At The University Of Western Ontario, Quantum Mechanics At The University Of Waterloo And Operations Research At The London School Of Economics. Edith Is Married With Two Children, And Enjoys Reading And Swimming.
Lisa Chong is a Professional Engineer registered with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). She has an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University. Since Lisa joined Enbridge Gas Distribution in 2007, she has held various roles in Engineering, Planning & Design, Construction, and Integrity Departments. Lisa is currently working on her Project Management Professional designation with the Project Management Institute. In her free time, Lisa enjoys playing badminton, learning martial arts, and travelling the world.
Christine Is An Engineer In Training, And Is Working On Getting Her Professional Engineer Designation. She Has An Undergraduate Degree In Engineering Chemistry From Queen’s University. Christine Joined Enbridge Gas Distribution In 2012, And Since Then Has Held Various Roles In Engineering, Leak And Corrosion, And Integrity Risk Management. In Her Spare Time, Christine Enjoys Training For Triathlons, With Her Biggest Accomplishments Of Completing An Ironman In 2014.
Sophie Earned A B.Sc. With A Specialist In Mathematics From The University Of Toronto At Scarborough In 1983 And A M.Sc. In Mathematics In 1985. She Started Teaching At Utsc And In 1997 Joined The Faculty As A Lecturer. During The Next Two Years She Was Involved With Many Courses Taught In The Math Department And Then Became A Senior Lecturer. She Has Developed A Keen Interest In The Art Of Teaching And Finds It Challenging And Very Rewarding To Teach And Also To Inspire Interest In Math. Sophie Has Reported To The Subcommittee Of The Fields Institute Mathematics Education Forum That Was Studying The Effects Of The Curriculum Change On The Ability Of Students To Cope With University Mathematics. She Was A Member Of The Ministry Of Education Team That Reviewed And Made Recommendations On The Current Grade 11/12 Curriculum And Business And Is Also The Supervisor Of Studies For The Co-op Programs In Mathematics And Statistics.
Fiona Dunbar Has Been A Lecturer In The Faculty Of Mathematics At Uw Since 2005. As A Member Of The Centre For Education In Mathematics And Computing, She Is Involved In High School Liaison Activities To Encourage Students To Participate In The Canadian Mathematics Competitions. She Is Also The Chair Of The Euclid Contest Committee And A Member Of The Women In Math Committee At Uw. She Has Long Been Interested In Creating A Link Between Girls In High School And Women Working In Mathematics-related Careers. This Led To The Creation Of Think About Math! – A Conference For Grade 9 Girls Held At Uw Each Year To Teach Them About The Many Options Available With A Strong Background In Mathematics. Ms. Dunbar Has An Arct In Piano Performance From The Royal Conservatory Of Music. She Holds A Bachelor Of Science Degree From Wilfrid Laurier University, Graduating In 2001 With The Gold Medal In Mathematics, And Completed Her Masters Degree In Mathematics Specializing In Cryptography At The University Of Waterloo In 2003. She Has A 4 Year Old Daughter Named Maya And A One Year Old Son Named Benjamin.
Sandy Graham Is A Faculty Member At The University Of Waterloo. She Teaches Computer Science And Is A Member Of The Centre For Education In Mathematics And Computer Science (Cemc). As Part Of The Cemc She Is Involved In Many Outreach Activities For High School And Elementary School Students And Teachers. These Include A One-day Introduction To Computer Science For Female Students In Grade 10, A Week-long Workshop For Grade 9 And 10 Students From Across Canada To Introduce Them To The Diverse Nature Of Computer Science, And A Conference For High School Computer Studies Teachers To Help Them With Materials That Support The Curriculum.
Nancy Went To Elementary And High School In Newfoundland, And Then Attended Carleton University (Ottawa) Where She Graduated With A Degree In Mechanical Engineering (Beng) In 2001. Nancy Started Working At Bombardier Aerospace Under The Engineering Intern Program In May 2001 And Was In Air Systems Engineering Since 2002 And In January Moved To Mechanical Systems. Nancy Enjoys Playing Tennis And Canoeing/Back Country Camping. She, Along With Her Golden Retriever, Hayley, Volunteer With The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.
Emma HungEnvironment Canada – A Day in the Life of a “Math in Motion” Woman (Nov 2004, Nov 2005, Nov 2006)Emma was born in Winchester, Ontario (near Ottawa) and then moved to Pickering. She attended Lincoln Avenue P.S., Maple Ridge P.S., Dunbarton H.S., and finally Pine Ridge S.S. Her extra curricular activities in high school included math tutoring, concert band and the cross-country and swim teams. Emma attended the University of Toronto and graduated with “high distinction” in 2000 with a Computer Science and Physics Specialist degree (with Co-op option). She continued her studies and earned a Masters degree in Computer Science at the University of Toronto in 2002. Her thesis “Fast Contouring of the Solutions to Partial Differential Equations” was published in ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software in 2003. She was a Teaching Assistant at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and now works as a programmer and technical liaison with the Meteorological Research Branch of Environment Canada.
Ivy is an as Assistant Analyst – Market Monitoring and Data Analytics in the MarketAssessment and Compliance Division of the Independent Electricity SystemOperator (IESO). She is primarily responsible for monitoring and identifyinganomalies in the Ontario electricity market. She started her career in the electricityindustry though a 16 month co-op term in Hydro One Settlements, where shequickly became interested in this essential and complicated industry. After workingas a Settlement Analyst for two years in Hydro One, she joined the IESO Meter DataManagement team in 2015. She has an undergraduate degree from SichuanUniversity in Material Engineering and an MBA from Brock University. In her sparetime she enjoys travelling and drawing.
JoAnne is the Supervisor of Market Monitoring and Data Analytics in the MarketAssessment and Compliance Division of the IESO. She started her career with HydroOne, working in the control room on the distribution side and also worked inTransmission Planning and Operational Assessments while there. Since joining theIESO she has worked in System Performance, Market Forecasts and Integration andmost recently Resource Planning. She also worked on the IESO’s RenewableIntegration Initiative. JoAnne has an undergraduate degree from the University ofToronto in Physics, a Master’s from Western in Astrophysics and ScientificComputing and a graduate diploma in Power System Engineering fromWaterloo. Any time outside of work that JoAnne does not spend with her four yearold daughter she makes use of playing the cello in a local orchestra.
Jill Grew Up In Newfoundland And Nova Scotia. As A Student She Enjoyed Science And Math But Was Also Interested In Business – Engineering Seemed The Best Way To Combine These Interests. Jill Graduated With High Distinction From Carleton University In Ottawa, With A Bachelor’s Degree In Aerospace Engineering, Concentration In Aerodynamics And Propulsion. She Went To Work For Pratt And Whitney In Hartford, Connecticut And Has Been With The Company For Eight Years. Jill Works In The Advanced Programs Group At P & W, Defining New Jet Engines To Power Future Aircraft. She Has Worked With The Boeing Company And Airbus Industrie And Is Currently Part Of An International Team Working With Bombardier Aerospace In Montreal. Jill Has Also Earned A Master’s Degree In International Business And An Mba, Both From The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute In Troy, New York.
Judith Koeller Is A Faculty Member At The University Of Waterloo. Besides Teaching In The Masters Of Mathematics Teaching Program, She Conducts Workshops In Mathematics For Students And Teachers, Across Canada And Internationally. She Is The Director Of The Canadian Team Mathematics Contest And An Associate Director Of The Centre For Education In Mathematics And Computing. judith Has Worked As A Consultant For A Cryptography Company, A Software Developer And Architect For A Mathematics Software Company And Automotive Manufacturing Projects.
Claire Is A Professional Engineer Registered With Professional Engineers Ontario (Peo). She Has An Undergraduate Degree In Chemical Engineering With A Biomechanics Option From The University Of Waterloo. Claire Worked In The Auto, Dairy, Oil And Gas And Pulp And Paper Industries On Co-op Terms During Her Degree. After Working For Four Years In Alberta For Atco Gas, Another Gas Distribution Company, Claire Joined Enbridge Gas Distribution In 2012. She Has Held Various Roles At Both Companies In Planning & Design, Construction, Network Analysis And Asset Management. In Her Free Time, Claire Enjoys Biking, Skiing, Taking On New Cooking Challenges, And Hanging Out With Her Husband, Dog And Cat.
Andrea Rincon And Ravi Mahabir Are Chemical And Environmental Engineers From The University Of Toronto. They Met During University And Are Now Married With Two Daughters And A Son. andrea And Ravi Have Presented At The Think About Math Conference For Girls, Which Is Hosted By The University Of Waterloo. Andrea Is A Quality Assurance Manager With Glaxo In Mississauga. In This Role She Manages The Group Responsible For Quality Aspects Of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Ravi Is An Associate With Dillon Consulting Limited. He Is Responsible For Managing Environmental Projects That Deal With Assessing The Impact Of Air Emissions On Humans And The Environment. In Addition, He Helps Facilities In Many Industries (E.G. Mining, Power Generation, Manufacturing) In Complying With Air Quality Limits. Andrea And Ravi Are Both Registered Professional Engineers.
Catherine Mccowan (P. Eng, Mba) Has More Than 25 Years Of Experience In The Natural Gas Industry In Canada And The Uk. During Her Career, Catherine Took A Career Break To Run A Toy And Comic Book Store. Now Back At Enbridge, Catherine Is The Manager Of Asset Analytics. Catherine Loves To Be Involved In Her Community And With Her Family. She Lives In Stouffville With Her Husband, Three Children, Four Cats, And A Dog.
Jen Nelson Is A Mathematics Lecturer At The University Of Waterloo. She Is Also A Member Of The Centre For Education In Mathematics And Computing (Cemc). Jen Visits With High Schools In Ontario And Beyond, Leading Math Workshops And Getting Students Excited About Math And Problem Solving. Jen Is Married And Has Three Young Children. she Enjoys Playing Volleyball, Camping And Travelling.
Caitlin Partridge Grew Up In Pickering And Studied Mechatronics Engineering At Uoit. She Has Been Working At Honda Since 2013, Initially In The Paint Department, Then Quickly Transitioned To The Welding Department. She Was Presented With An Opportunity To Join A Group Of People To Devise An Idea To Make Plant Improvements. Her Job Has Enabled Her To Travel To Japan And Orlando To Share The Safety And Cost Improvement Idea. Caitlin Recently Participated In The Set Up And Programming Of Robots That Will Be Welding Together The Newly Designed 2017 Honda Crv. Being An Engineer In The Automotive Manufacturing Industry Requires A Lot Of Hard Work And Time, But Caitlin Still Enjoys A Life Outside Of Work. She Is Happily Married As Of November 2015 And Takes Care Of A Weimaraner Dog And A Siamese Cat. She Likes To Paint, Make Jewelry And Diy Crafts As Well As Play Video Games With Her Husband And Socialize With Friends.
Meghan Patterson (Young) Grew Up In Pickering. She Attended Glengrove P. S. And Pine Ridge S.S. While At Pine Ridge, Meghan Was Editor-in-chief Of The School’s Newspaper, Band Participant, And A Member Of The Swim And Wrestling Teams. Because She Was Attracted To The Idea Of Combining Pure Mathematics With The Practical Skills Gained From Mechanical Engineering, Meghan Attended Queen’s University For Mathematics And Engineering. During That Time, Meghan Was A Math Tutor For First Year Engineering Students And A Don In Residence. She Graduated In April 2004, With First-class Distinction. Meghan Now Works As An Intermediate Designer For Cobalt Engineering, A Mechanical Engineering Firm Dedicated To Designing Environmentally Responsible Buildings And Communities. She Enjoys Being Able To Use Her Skills To Help The Environment.
Marion Has A Chemical Engineering Degree From Mcmaster University And An Mba In Strategy And Organization Behaviour From York University. She Spent 15 Years With The Xerox Research Centre Of Canada Working On And Leading Various Research Initiatives Focused On Parts And Consumables For Xerox Copiers And Printers. Marion Was Also Involved In The Research And Marketing Of A Spin-off Technology Dealing With A Novel Polymer Material. She Now Works For The Not-for-profit Organization, Scientists In School, Where She Is Involved In Developing And Delivering Science Based Workshops For Elementary School Students. Marion Is Married With Two Children Who Are Attending University. She Enjoys Skiing In The Winter And Going To Her Cottage In The Summer.
Zohreh Shahbazi Received Her M.Sc. And Ph.D. From The Department Of Mathematics At The University Of Toronto. She Is Currently A Lecturer At The University Of Toronto At Scarborough. Her Field Of Research Is Symplectic Geometry, With Particular Applications To String Theory. She Is The Recipient Of Several Awards, Including Gm Women In Science And Mathematics Award And City Of Toronto Scholarship.
Elize Earned Two Computer And Electrical Engineering Degrees From Queens University And Her Phd Degree In Medical Biophysics At The University Of Toronto. Trained As A Data Scientist And Having Spent A Lot Of Time In Both Computational And Wet Lab Environments, Elize Enjoys Delving Into Technical Problems, As Well As Building And Refining Innovative Tech Solutions. She’s A Mom To Two Boys, And A Wife To One Husband And The Founder, Ceo And Cto Of Datenight Babysitting. As Someone Who Always Wanted To Build Her Own Empire, In October 2014, Elize Decided It Was Time To Do Just That. Her Goal? To Build A Technical Solution To A Problem That She Faced. At The Time — She Really, Really Wanted A Babysitter — So That’s What She Built – An App That Connects Parents To Experienced, Local Babysitters. Today Datenight Babysitting Has Booked Over 20,000 Hours Of Childcare And There Are Over 600 Babysitters On The Datenight Roster.
Kitty Shum Is A Leader With Experience Building Innovative World-class Products. her Diverse Experience Includes Evangelizing Platforms To Jump-starting Mobile Products.
In Her Current Role As A Sr. Product Manager At Pivotal Labs (Formerly Known As Xtreme Labs), Kitty Specializes In Mobile Products Strategy And Time-to-market Product Execution That Meets Client’s Key Goals. prior To Joining Xtreme Labs, kitty Delivered Many Large-scale Products At Various High-profile Technology Companies Including Expedia, Amazon And Rim. kitty Has A Computer Science Degree From The University Of Waterloo. she Is Married With A Baby Girl. during Her Spare Time, She Enjoys Playing All Sorts Of Sports, Especially Football.
Jennifer Received An Honours Bachelor Of Mathematics Degree From The University Of Waterloo In 1988. Prior To Joining Rbc, Ms Stott Spent Time As A Programmer At Scotiabank, Canada Post And Northern Telecom (Nortel). Her 20 Year Career At Rbc Began As A Cobol Programmer And Has Included Application Development Positions As A Technical Systems Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Team Leader And Project Manager Before Shifting Gears Into The World Of Enterprise Architecture Where She Was The Head Of The Enterprise Architecture Office, A Group Responsible For Architecture Governance. Ms. Stott Is Currently The Senior Manager Responsible For The Deposit Systems Group At Rbc. She Is Married With 3 Children And Lives In Ajax.
Anya TafliovichUniversity Of Toronto – Programming By Picture (May 2016, Nov 2016)Dr. Tafliovich Is An Associate Professor, Teaching Stream In The Department Of Computer And Mathematical Sciences At The University Of Toronto Scarborough. In 2002, She Received An Hon. B.Sc. From The University Of Toronto, Where She Completed A Specialist Program In Computer Science And A Major In Mathematics. In Her Graduate Studies, Anya Had The Privilege Of Working With Eric C.R. Hehner. She Received A M.Sc. In 2004 And A Phd In 2010, Both In Computer Science From The University Of Toronto. In 2010, Anya Joined The Department Of Computer And Mathematical Sciences At The University Of Toronto Scarborough As A Faculty Member. She Teaches A Variety Of Courses At All Levels Of Our Undergraduate Program, From Introduction To Computer Science (1st Year) To Advanced Software Engineering (4th Year). She Is Involved In A Number Of Research Projects, Both In Computer Science And In Computer Science Education.
Hilary Thompson Is A Professional Engineer Registered With Professional Engineers Ontario (Peo). She Has An Undergraduate Degree In Chemical Engineering From Queen’s University And A Master Of Laws In International Business Law From The University Of Toronto. since Hilary Joined Enbridge Gas Distribution In 2006, She Has Held Various Roles In The Engineering, Major Projects, And Operations Departments. Hilary Is Also The Vice Chair Of The Company’s Networking Initiative For Women Called Women@Enbridge. In Her Free Time, Hilary Enjoys Continuously Learning On Various Subjects And Keeping Active By Running And Doing Yoga.
Vanessa Vakharia, Is The Founder Of The Math Guru, The Coolest Math & Science Tutoring Studio Ever. A Teacher With A Bachelor Of Commerce, A Degree In Graphic Design, A Degree In Teaching, And A Masters Degree In Math Education, She Is A Leading Expert And Published Author In The Field Of Youth Engagement And Education. And Specializes In Teen Engagement In Stem, With A Specific Focus On Engaging Young Women To Embrace Stem As A Part Of Their Fluid Identities. While In High School, Vanessa Failed Math (Twice!) And Was Brushed Off By Her Teachers As An “Artsy Student” And “Not A Math Person.” Abandoned By A System That Promoted Traditional Stereotypes Of Intelligence And At Risk Of Dropping Out, Her Parents Found A School With An Alternative Approach To Education That Celebrated Individual Differences, Where She Quickly Realized She Could Be Both Artsy And Good At Math. This Discovery Is What Inspired Her To Start The Math Guru, A Place Where She Believes That Anyone Can Discover Their Inner Mathematician. Vanessa’s Research Thesis, Peace, Love & Pi: Imagining A World Where Paris Hilton Loves Math, Is Widely Recognized In Academic Circles For Examining The Influence Of Marketing On Perceptions Of Math Education, And She Has Presented Her Findings Internationally In An Interactive And Accessible Workshop For Teenagers, Academics, And Educators. she Appears On Global Television Throughout The School Year With Advice For Parents And Students, And Her Research Continues To Be Published In Magazines, Newspapers, And Academic Journals.
Pauline Willett Is A Professional Engineer Registered With Professional Engineers Ontario (Peo). She Has A Metallurgical Engineering Degree From Mcmaster University And An Occupational And Public Health Degree From Ryerson University. She Has Spent 6 Of Her 10 Years With Enbridge Gas Distribution Working On The In-line Inspection Of Pipelines. She Is Currently Working On The Verification Of Pipeline Maximum Operating Pressure. Pauline Has Three Children And Indulges Her Passion For Interior Design And Home Renovation In Her Spare Time.
Martha Is Currently Pursuing Graduate Studies In Combinatorics At The University Of Waterloo. She Is Particularly Interested In Algebraic Combinatorics, Which Is The Study Of Combinatorial Problems Through The Techniques From Algebra.
Anastasia Zaytseva Graduated From Moscow State University In 2009. In 2009-2012 She Studied Number Theory At The University Of Auckland, New Zealand And Queen’s University, Ontario. During That Time Anastasia Also Developed A Deep Interest In Yoga And Completed The Yoga Teacher Training In 2012. Currently Anastasia Is Doing Her Phd In Mathematics At The University Of Toronto. She Is Interested In Promoting Equity And Diversity In The University Environment And Supporting Women In Sciences.
Justin Trudeau23rd and current Prime Minister of CanadaJustin Trudeau is a Canadian politician serving as the 23rd and current Prime Minister of Canada since 2015 and Leader of the Liberal Party since 2013.
View his welcome message from Math in Motion … Girls in Gear! 2017: