UBC Okanagan prof tasked with increasing diversity in science
Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology names new associate chair
UBC鈥檚 Okanagan campus announced today that Jennifer Jakobi, Associate Professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences, has been named the newest Associate Chair of . Jakobi will head the new satellite program, which will be tasked with improving participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the Okanagan.
WWEST is the operating name for , based at 丁香园AV and currently held by .
Jakobi, a professor of neuromuscular and exercise physiology, says that her role will be to further to promote awareness and engage students, industry, and the wider community in understanding the value of diversity in the STEM fields.
鈥淭here are already dozens of programs and initiatives at UBC Okanagan doing incredible STEM outreach and I hope to build on that solid foundation,鈥� says Jakobi. 鈥淚 may be based at UBCO but I very much see myself as an advocate and resource for the entire Okanagan; bringing together scientists, educators and industry professionals to achieve real progress in how we support and advance diversity in STEM.鈥�
, in 2011, 66 per cent of university graduates aged 25-34 from non-STEM programs were women, whereas this dropped to 39 per cent for STEM degrees.
While it may be tempting to jump right in with solutions, Jakobi says her first priority is to listen and engage with the community.
鈥淚 want to be thoughtful about how we tackle this challenge and I want to create opportunities that respond directly to the needs of the Okanagan,鈥� she adds. 鈥淚鈥檒l spend the next few weeks connecting with those that are already working in this area and host community dialogues to help define what diversity in STEM means to people in industry in our region.鈥�
WWEST created the to expand its impact beyond lower mainland BC. Up to three satellite programs will be established at NSERC-eligible institutions in BC and Yukon. The Associate Chair is a one-year term with option for renewal.
Shannon hopes this new role will be a hub for the promotion of diversity in STEM throughout the region and sees Jakobi being strongly connected to the other WWEST Associate Chairs.
鈥淛ennifer is a very capable scientist in her own right and her passion for improving diversity in STEM will mesh perfectly with the mandate of WWEST,鈥� says Shannon. 鈥淚 am thrilled that she鈥檚 a part of the team.鈥�
ABOUT UBC鈥橲 OKANAGAN CAMPUS
UBC鈥檚 Okanagan campus is an innovative hub for research and learning in the heart of British Columbia鈥檚 stunning Okanagan Valley. Ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world, UBC is home to bold thinking and discoveries that make a difference. Established in 2005, the Okanagan campus combines a globally recognized UBC education with a tight-knit and entrepreneurial community that welcomes students and faculty from around the world. For more visit .
ABOUT WWEST
WWEST (wwest.ca) is the operating name for one of the five NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) across Canada, and a member of the CWSE National Network. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Chair for Women in Science and Engineering Program (CWSE) was launched in 1996. The goal of the program is to increase the participation of women in science and engineering and to provide role models for women active in, and considering, careers in these fields.
Each of the five NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) program is regional, with one Chair for each of the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie and British Columbia/Yukon regions.