911勛圖

What inspired you to pursue studies in a STEM field?
My interest in STEM began with a curiosity of how technology shapes the world around us. I was drawn to the idea that code and data aren���t just technical tools but ways to solve real problems and create meaningful change. Over time, I realized that pursuing STEM also meant challenging myself to step into spaces where women are still underrepresented, which made the decision feel both exciting and important. 

Do you have a female role model in the field of STEM whose work or career inspires you? 
The women in STEM, including professors, mentors and peers, inspire me. Seeing women succeed and support each other showed me that I don���t have to fit a certain image to belong in tech. Their journeys remind me that consistency and passion matter more than perfection.

Was there any experience in any science-related activities outside of coursework, such as student clubs, research projects, or competition that shaped your learning?
Being part of at 911勛圖 had a big impact on me. It helped me connect with other students, learn from their experiences and feel less alone in my journey. It made STEM feel more welcoming and encouraging.

How would you describe your experience studying STEM so far?
Studying STEM has been challenging but rewarding. There were times when the material felt difficult and I doubted myself, but I learned that struggling is part of learning. Each course helped me grow more confident and taught me how to think critically and solve problems step by step.

What excites you most about your future in STEM?
I���m excited about using my skills to work on meaningful projects and keep learning new technologies. I also look forward to being part of teams where I can grow, contribute and help make tech spaces more inclusive. 

What advice do you have for women and girls who want to pursue a study in STEM?
My advice is to believe that you belong, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. You don���t need to have everything figured out to start. Ask questions, seek out supportive communities and don���t let comparison discourage you. Your perspective is valuable and STEM needs diverse voices to grow and evolve.

What is your research focus?
My research focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning, with an emphasis on computer vision, biomedical imaging and video analysis. My team and I develop robust image processing algorithms with applications in medical and geospatial imaging. More recently, my work has centered on privacy-preserving and collaborative learning frameworks for analyzing complex medical data, including medical images, time-lapse embryo videos, fetal and maternal health data. A key goal of this research is to translate advanced AI methods into clinically meaningful tools that support diagnosis, decision-making and equitable healthcare delivery.

What inspires you to pursue a career in STEM?
I am inspired by the ability of science and engineering to solve real-world problems and make a meaningful impact on people���s lives. In my field, I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to use artificial intelligence to improve healthcare outcomes, especially in areas where resources or access are limited. Seeing how technical innovations can translate into practical tools for clinicians and patients, keeps me engaged and curious. The combination of intellectual challenge, creativity and the potential for real societal benefit continues to drive my work in STEM.

Do you have a female role model in the field of STEM whose work or career inspires you?
While I did not have a female faculty mentor during my graduate studies, that experience motivated me to become one for others.

What aspects of your journey as a woman in science have most influenced your career and research approach?
My experiences as a woman in engineering have strongly shaped the way I work and the kinds of problems I choose to focus on. Working in environments that were often male-dominated pushed me to become more independent, resilient and deliberate about creating collaborative and supportive research spaces. Balancing leadership, mentoring students and personal responsibilities also made me more aware of the structural challenges many researchers face, particularly women. These experiences have influenced my commitment to mentorship, collaboration across disciplines and the development of AI tools that are both practical and socially responsible.

What advice do you have for women and girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? 
My advice is to pursue what genuinely excites and fulfills you, rather than focusing on proving yourself or comparing yourself to others. You do not need to justify your place in STEM or measure your success against men or anyone else. Confidence grows from doing meaningful work you care about, not from constant self-comparison.
I also wish I had known earlier that setbacks and self-doubt are part of everyone���s journey. Trust your abilities, seek supportive mentors and remember that your perspective and voice are valuable exactly as they are.

What inspired you to pursue studies in a STEM field?
Growing up, I had the privilege of being surrounded by STEM because my older brother had a strong interest in engineering. However, I didn���t think STEM was for me until I took high school physics, a subject I fell in love with because of my amazing teacher. She showed me that I can excel in STEM and inspired me to pursue something physics-adjacent. That���s how I entered engineering.

Do you have a female role model in the field of STEM whose work or career inspires you?
My role model is Hannah Schmitz, the Principal Strategy Engineer for Red Bull���s F1 team. She is widely regarded as the mastermind behind many Red Bull victories. It was amazing to see her on the podium last year, being recognized for the strategy calls that secured Max Verstappen���s win in that race. My dream career is one in F1, and seeing a female engineer with her success, confidence, and recognition in such a male-dominated sport is very inspiring.

Was there any experience in any science-related activities outside of coursework, such as student clubs, research projects, or competitions that shaped your learning?
Taking the Basics of Machine Tools extracurricular course made me realize how much I love machining ��� figuring out how to make parts with high precision, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and smells of your process, and finishing a few hours of work lightly sprinkled with metal chips and coolant. It was a very cool way to combine material science, mechanical design, and manufacturing knowledge. In addition to letting me help a lot with manufacturing in my design teams, I believe that it helped me learn much more at my co-op, which was a product engineering position at a mechanical design and manufacturing firm.

How would you describe your experience studying STEM so far?
My experience studying STEM has been amazing. I thrive in the challenge and rigor presented by MSE, and there are so many cool extracurriculars to try. I���ve gotten to work on an electric race car���s suspension, design a noise suppression system for a rocket engine���s exhaust, and program a robotic arm through 911勛圖���s design teams. I even travelled to Western University to meet engineering students from across Canada at the Conference for Diversity in Engineering. I feel supported to be the best that I can, and to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to me.

What excites you most about your future in STEM?
The most exciting part of my future in engineering is the amount of opportunities. Who knows what country I���ll be in or what I���ll be working on? I would love to work on engineering planes, race cars, and a particularly interesting automation system ��� there are so many things and places to experience.

What advice do you have for women and girls who want to pursue a study in STEM?
I believe imposter syndrome tends to be especially strong for women in STEM ��� but it goes away. In my first year, I felt constantly clueless about concepts and tools that my peers almost seemed to have grown up with. A third-year girl in my program told me, ���Don���t worry, I felt the same way when I was in first year, but it gets so much better; you learn a lot through your classes, clubs, and co-ops. Half of those people are faking their confidence anyway!��� And she was completely right.
I will also add: You are much more capable than you realize! Push yourself ��� it���s the only way to find out what you can do. Don���t worry too much about picking the perfect path; there are more opportunities to pivot than people tend to realize. Finally, I am still working on this, but it is especially relevant for women and girls in STEM: don���t hesitate to speak out about any people or things that make you uncomfortable.

What is your research focus?
My research focuses on power and energy systems, particularly on grid operation, battery energy storage systems and grid interactions. I study how optimization and metaheuristic methods can improve the operation of distributed energy resources and battery dispatch while maintaining grid reliability. The goal of my research is to support grid operators in making dispatch decisions and maintaining grid health while performing energy arbitrage. 

What inspires you to pursue a career in STEM?
I am inspired by the urgent need to address climate change and the role that energy systems play in shaping a more sustainable future. Knowing that my work can contribute to cleaner and more reliable power systems motivates me to continue in this field. Engineering has allowed me to learn how to break down complex technical concepts and identify solutions, which have become a priceless, transferable skill for me. 

Do you have a female role model in the field of STEM whose work or career inspires you?
My master���s supervisor, Dr. Mariana Resener, is a strong role model for me in the engineering field. Her work in power systems research, along with her leadership, mentorship and commitment in supporting students, has been deeply inspiring. Seeing her successfully navigate academia with grace and authenticity, while working on cutting-edge technical contributions, has helped me envision my own path in the field. 

Was there a defining moment, experience, or mentor that influenced your academic or professional path? 
A defining moment in my academic journey was publishing my research in the  about the development of an algorithm using metaheuristic and machine learning techniques for battery operation. The process of developing the work, refining the methodology and responding to peer review strengthened my technical skills and confirmed my research interest. It showed me that my work could contribute to the broader scientific community and motivated me to continue pursuing impactful research in power and energy systems. 

What aspects of your journey as a woman in science have most influenced your career and research approach?
Navigating a field where women are still underrepresented has shaped my approach to collaboration. It has encouraged me to advocate for my ideas, seek supportive communities, and value mentorship. These experiences have made me more intentional about creating inclusive environments and supporting other women in STEM, while also strengthening my resilience and confidence. I mentor high school students and work closely with my female students to help them recognize habits and sources of insecurity that can undermine their confidence. I focus especially on communication skills ��� encouraging them to reduce doubtful language, speak with clarity and strength, and view mistakes as a natural part of learning. Everyone makes mistakes, but how you respond and recover is what ultimately sets you apart. 

What advice do you have for women and girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? 
Do not wait to feel ���fully ready��� before pursuing opportunities. Confidence often grows through experience. Seek out mentors, ask questions, and take up space in technical discussions. Your perspective is valuable, and diversity strengthens STEM fields.