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NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (British Columbia and Yukon)
Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering program
Chairholder since 2021
Dr. Jennifer Jakobi is the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering in the British Colombia (BC) and Yukon region, and a Professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Her NSERC-funded research program focuses on understanding how aging alters the neuromuscular system and how these changes may differ between males and females. Dr. Jakobi applies this knowledge to design interventions that improve functional movement for women and men. The NSERC Chair is operationalized through the Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WWEST) Program, which has emerged as a regional leader in inclusive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programming and a recognized model for transforming STEM culture across BC and the Yukon. Through its three pillars, WWEST exemplifies how community-informed research and innovation can contribute to structural change within post-secondary institutions and professional environments. With the goal of empowering individuals to lead organizational change, she collaborates with profit and not-for-profit partners to offer workshops and presentations that identify positive factors and forces that increase diversity and inclusion in STEM. The SSHRC-funded research collaboration exploring positive experiences in STEM classrooms contributes evidence-based knowledge to many of the directions she will continue advancing through this program.
The overall goal of the Chair program is to support intersectionality and diversity, and to provide equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for underrepresented persons in science and engineering.
The program is grounded within the themes of inclusion, collaboration and innovation.
Inclusion: Excellence in innovation and discovery depends upon diverse perspectives and equitable opportunities and approaches. In this theme, a core commitment of the Chair is fostering paths to access STEM experiences, education and careers.
Collaboration: This theme recognizes the need for cultivating, co-ordinating and engaging academic, industry and professional associations partners. Collaboratively, the Chair will build support networks to strengthen connectedness that contributes to retention of underrepresented persons within and between STEM academic degrees and industry.
Innovation: Within this theme, evidence-informed knowledge will be applied to science translation activities and professional workshops. The program will increase knowledge of the positive social, cultural and personal experiences that contribute to the choices of girls, women and underrepresented persons to pursue and remain in STEM fields.
The program aims to generate:
- a new generation of girls and underrepresented students who are aware of, engaged in and excited about opportunities in STEM education and careers
- connections and mentoring networks across secondary and post-secondary education, communities and workplaces to help underrepresented persons successfully navigate their STEM journeys
- stronger, more inclusive STEM communities that use evidence-informed practices to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, succeed and thrive
With the in-kind and cash contributions of her academic and industry partners, Dr. Jakobi’s program will extend into new regions of BC and will excite and empower young Canadians to engage in academic programs and careers in science and engineering.
- Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia Okanagan
- Okanagan Indian Band
- Upland Parks Elementary
- Fortis BC
- School District 22 and School District 23
- Canucks Autism
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