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Dalhousie Faculty of Science hosted its first-ever dedicated engagement event aimed at establishing connections between prospective Black and African Nova Scotia students and members of the Dal community.
More than 100 attendees attended the daylong event on Tuesday (March 26) in the McInnes Room of the Student Union, where they had the opportunity to meet with current students, alumni, and faculty.
“Today is meant to give you a taste of what Dalhousie University has to offer,” said Dr. Chuck McDonald, Dean of the Faculty of Science, in his opening remarks. “And I hope you have a good time in the process.”
Arriving in Darvas, attendees explored booths staffed with representatives from Faculty of Science programs and groups, including Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, PLANS Global Health Office, and the Inclusive Pathways to Health Professions Initiative. After lunch, students heard from an alumni career panel, engaged in science trivia, and toured the Aquatron, SURGE, chemistry and biology labs in groups. The day ended with a short visit to the Black Student Counseling Center.
Participants will chat with students from the Dalhousie Science Scholars and Leaders Program.
Auburn Drive High School students Ikenna Chinye, Sydney Stonehouse and Adina Mokoena were among more than 50 prospective students from five local high schools.
Ikenna has decided to come to Dal to study pharmacy (“I’m planning on getting a scholarship, but even if I don’t, I’ll definitely come here,” he said), while Sydney is undecided. He is not sure which university to attend, but he plans to study mechanical engineering.
“As a young black woman, I am interested in learning about diseases that affect the black community,” Adina said. “It was great to be part of this fascinating event and see Black representation in science at a major university.”
All three students were encouraged to attend by Karen Hudson (BA’88, BED’91, MES’02), principal of Auburn Drive High School and founder of the school’s Africa Centered Mathematics Cohort. Ta.
“As a Dal alumnus, it was exciting to see so many Black students participate in Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science engagement event,” Hudson said afterward. “These opportunities are effective in giving students of African descent an awareness of possible careers, to network and discuss programs. It provides a great and important opportunity for our students. Did.”
Building a community
Dr. Sophia Stone, professor in the Department of Biology and associate dean for graduate studies and international relations in the College of Science, encouraged students to make connections with faculty and alumni.
Dr. Sophia Stone.
“I didn’t always know what I wanted to do or how to do it, so it’s important to meet people and ask questions,” said Dr. Stone, who earned an undergraduate degree in science. He revealed that this led him to pursue a doctoral program. And it’s also an opportunity to see the world. “If you’re interested in science, we’ll help you figure out where you want to go, so take advantage of it.”
First-year medical student Eve Wedderburn echoed a similar theme, pointing out the importance of making connections. “It takes courage to go out and talk to professors and deans,” Wedderburn said. “Trust me, they won’t hesitate to give you advice or guide you through your school work.”
She also emphasized building bonds with other students.
“The Dal community is so large that there are so many ways to get in touch. You can meet other Black students, build connections with people you trust, study together, and have difficult conversations. can.”
Eve Wedderburn.
share experiences and perspectives
The idea for this event was created by Dr. Kevin Hewitt, associate dean for equity and inclusion in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Physical and Atmospheric Sciences, and Jocelyn Adams Moss, manager of alumni engagement in the College of Science. I did.
Dr. Hewitt, an outreach advocate who co-founded the Dar-based Imhotep Legacy Academy, spoke in his opening remarks about Ebony McGee’s book, Black, Brown, and Bruised: Racialized STEM Education “How underrepresented students are often motivated to utilize their academic potential,” he said. Protecting their future careers for social justice purposes.
“I’m here to tell you that science is providing that opportunity,” said Dr. Hewitt, whose research in her bio-nanophotonics lab has recently revealed the importance of medical conditions that disproportionately affect Black women. He pointed out that the focus is on the detection of
Dr. Kevin Hewitt.
Over lunch, Dr. Hewitt spoke with Gracious Kasheke (BSc’20), Leanne Lucas (MSc’13), Tiara Mulder (BSc’21), and Dr. Tecia Rohr (DDS’12). I moderated a panel discussion with four Dal alumni from 2015.
The quartet discussed what inspired them to study science, the importance of mentorship, overcoming adversity, and sometimes circuitous career paths.
“There is a lot of support out there to help you overcome challenges,” Mulder said. “Don’t give up just because it’s difficult. Sometimes it’s difficult, but it’s worth it in the end.”
From left to right: Panel moderator Dr. Kevin Hewitt and alumni Dr. Gracious Kasheke, Dr. Tesia Roll, Dr. Tiara Mulder, and LeAnn Lucas.
“This is just the beginning.”
“Next year is going to be even bigger and better,” Dr. Hewitt said afterward, reflecting on the first event, which was a success thanks to the efforts of many faculty, staff and volunteers. “We need to continue to show Black and African Nova Scotian youth what’s possible when they see themselves in STEM fields. This is just the beginning.”
From left to right: Hosts and speakers: Dr. Sophia Stone, Dr. Kevin Hewitt, Eve Wedderburn, Karen Hudson, Dr. Chuck McDonald, and Jocelyn Adams Moss.
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