SLIDE 1
STEMinism 101
A guide to surviving thriving in STEM
STEMinism 101 A guide to surviving thriving in STEM Land - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
STEMinism 101 A guide to surviving thriving in STEM Land - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
STEMinism 101 A guide to surviving thriving in STEM Land acknowledgment Welcome to uOttawa ! Hi, Im Cassidy! Executive Director at Pulsar Collective HBSc in biology & communication Communications Director at the
SLIDE 2
SLIDE 3
Welcome to
uOttawa!
SLIDE 4
Hi, I’m Cassidy!
- Executive Director at Pulsar Collective
- HBSc in biology & communication
- Communications Director at the Pelling Lab
- Helped create the science & tech museum
- Did a TEDx talk
- Allan Rock Scholar
- Studied abroad in Australia
- Starting my M.A. in science communication
SLIDE 5
It hasn’t always
been that easy....
SLIDE 6
It’s also been...
Failure
Failed exams, awards and grants I thought I had secured.
Anxiety
Constant panic and worry about, well, everything
Shame
Somehow feeling embarrassed through the good and the bad
SLIDE 7
Why am I telling you this?
Because this week is
- verwhelming! University is
exciting, but it can be scary to meet so many people and possibilities. It’s easy to feel like you’re alone in your fear.
SLIDE 8
The solution? Building community.
Finding people that support your growth is the key to a successful university career, through the good times and the bad.
SLIDE 9
The connections you make with others shape your university experience.
SLIDE 10
01 04
Friends Groups in Ottawa 03 University staff
02
Student groups
Community looks like...
SLIDE 11
Show a genuine interest! Most people love helping students and the worst thing that can happen is you get a ‘no’. Focus on how you can add value - volunteer, make a connection, or offer your skills - instead of what you can get
- ut of it.
Have fun! Do things you’re genuinely interested in, even if (especially if!) they aren’t related to your major. Take risks and be brave!
But how do I meet people?
SLIDE 12
To get you started
SLIDE 13
- hello@pulsarcollective.org
- @thepulsarco
- pulsarcollective.org
- cassidy@pulsarcollective.org
- @SciCommCassidy
- pellinglab.net
3 connections challenge:
Pulsar Collective Connect with me!
SLIDE 14
Ask me how to grow an ear out of an apple!
SLIDE 15
You never know where it’ll take you!
SLIDE 16
Hi, I’m Nina!
- MD Candidate at University of
Toronto (2024)
- M.Sc. in Biochemistry (focus in
metabolism) from uOttawa
- H.B.Sc. in Biochemistry and
Mathematics from uOttawa
- ARCT in Piano Performance
- Director of Operations at IGG
- Director of HR at Pulsar Collective
- … and 5 years ago I was in your
(non-virtual) seat never expecting that I’d be where I am today!
SLIDE 17
5 years ago....
SLIDE 18
What did my life look like?
My life revolved around school
I thought the most important thing was getting my assignments and labs in (important, but not the most!!)
Scared of student involvement
Short story time!
Terrified of failing and no career path
I had no clue what I wanted to do! I just knew I was scared to do something wrong and close a door.
SLIDE 19
MY ADVICE!
SLIDE 20
01 04
Do what you love!
Don’t do things just because people tell you you need it on your CV
No career path is okay
It all falls into place, not knowing the journey and figuring it out is the fun part (how boring if you knew!)
03
Networking, Networking, Networking!
Your greatest network is the friends you make, some day they will be your colleagues (like Cass and I!)
02
Don’t be scared to try something new
My absolute best experiences were when I stepped outside my comfort zone
SLIDE 21
- ttawa@pulsarcollective.org
- @indigogirlsgroup.ottawa
- indigogirlsgroup.com
- nina@indigogirlsgroup.com
- @n_hadzimustafic
Another connection opportunity:
Indigo Girls Group - Ottawa Connect with me!
SLIDE 22
Most importantly? Reach out.
So many people are willing to offer support and mentor you, so make sure you talk to them when difficulties arise!
SLIDE 23