UNB celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Feb 9, 2023
Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John
At the University of New Brunswick (UNB) we have lots to celebrate, but today we shift our focus to the achievements and great successes of the many scientists, technologists and notable educators who happen to be women.
The General Assembly of the United Nations recognizes that “women and girls play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened.” This is why, since 2015, we have celebrated Feb. 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Many of our UNB alumni take on some of our world’s greatest challenges and dedicate their work and expertise to finding valuable and sustainable solutions. In recognition of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we would like to share some of their stories with you:
Tracy Rickards (BN’86, MN’05), is an associate professor of nursing at UNB and the UNB manager of the Fredericton Downtown Community Health Clinic. She conducts research to identify transformative solutions to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations in the region.
Jennifer Flanagan (BSc’96) is the CEO of Actua, a national organization with a vision to transform Canada into a global leader in STEM education, the teaching of science, technology, engineering and math — and to make sure no child is left behind.
Maria Sharpe (BScF’07) is the fire science manager with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) in Alberta. She helps improve the culture of wildland fire in Canada.
Shyla O’Donnell (BScF’07) is the operations lead for SOAR Professional Services, an Indigenous-owned and operated company. She helps build capacity and takes on innovative projects across the country focused on reconciliation.
Dr. Carly Baxter (BSc’14) is a Bachelor of Science graduate and was featured in a UNB is Here story highlighting how she made her dreams of working in the medical field a reality as a student on the Saint John campus.
Natalie Weigum (BSc’10) works as a climate change specialist at the World Bank, where she helps integrate climate change into the World Bank's development lending.
Congratulations to each of these women, and the many others in the UNB community, on their accomplishments and to all women and girls in science. We celebrate you as you lead the charge toward an innovative and stronger tomorrow.