Global networking event, “empowering women in Chemistry”, comes to U of M

Women in Chemistry breakfast on February 12 brings together local women from diverse STEM career backgrounds

A mega year for chemistry, 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the periodic table of chemical elements and the 100th anniversary of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) — the international authority on chemical terminology, naming, and standardized measurements. One of the key events set to take place amidst year-long celebrations is “Empowering Women in Chemistry: A Global Networking Event”, to be held in over 40 countries on February 12, 2019.

The breakfast event will trend live on twitter throughout the day on February 12,  and on the IUPAC 100 website, (follow along on Twitter via the hashtag ). The first breakfasts will begin in New Zealand, initiating a global hand wave around the world ending in Hawaii.

What: Empowering Women in Chemistry: A Global Networking Event
When: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m
Where: Science and Technology Library, Machray Hall, 186 Dysart Rd.,University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus

The purpose of  the event is to bring together women scientists at various career stages — from undergraduate to professional levels — to explore professional, teaching, and research opportunities in their localities.

One of nine breakfasts to be held in Canada will be hosted at the University of Manitoba Science and Technology Library.  Organized by the Women in Chemistry (WIC) UManitoba group, it will include women mentors from diverse educational backgrounds and expertise. Leaders in private and government labs in life sciences, teaching, and medical professions, and U of M faculty and staff from Chemistry, Microbiology and Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Soil Sciences, and Geological Sciences departments.

Faculty organizer Dr. Jennifer van Wijngaarden, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry expects a crowd of 100 to attend the breakfast.

“Our hope is that our undergraduate and graduate students will build networks with these phenomenal women and learn more about their options after they graduate from U of M,” said van Wijngaarden. “We will have breakfast available for students who want to drop by and we will also have a few brainstorming activities to get attendees to think about the role of women in science and how we can use mentoring and networking to better support Women in STEM at all career stages and to promote the values of equity, diversity and inclusion [EDI] in our community.”

Micaela Lisogorsky, fourth year Chemistry honours student, is one of the student organizers of the breakfast.

“This event is important to me because as a woman who is studying chemistry I think it’s really important to get the opportunity to network, get the word out and get to meet people who are doing what I hope to be doing some day,” said Lisogorsky.

Cami Aprossof, fourth year Biochemistry honours student, is also one of the student organizers and hopes to see WIC expand.

“As a fourth year student, the lack of women in my field is incredibly apparent as I take higher chemistry and biochemistry courses,” said Aprosoff.

“I feel that the Women in Chemistry group gives female students the opportunity to make friends with other women in chemistry, and also, importantly, allows students to meet with women professors and instructors who are involved in the chemistry field.”


For inquiries:

Dr. Jennifer van Wijngaarden, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry

Follow and Like Women in Chemistry, U of M on:

Instagram: @wicumanitoba

Twitter: @WIC_Umanitoba

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