February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an opportunity to promote equal access and participation in science for women and girls. Our female-identifying researchers, nurses, physicians, allied health professionals and more are vital to Sunnybrook and the future of health care.
This year we asked women in science at Sunnybrook what advice they would give to their younger self or girls aspiring to pursue a career in STEM.
Dr. Sophie-Marie Aicher
Dr. Aicher is a postdoctoral fellow in the Mubareka Lab at Sunnybrook Research Institute.
“Never stop being curious and celebrate even the tiniest wins along the way!”
Claudia Wong, RN
Claudia is a professional leader of nursing and manger at Sunnybrook.
“A career in science requires plenty of creativity. As a young person I was worried pursuing a career as a nurse would mean that I lose touch with the side of me that loves humanities, the arts and being creative. My career has proved me wrong – so much of nursing and other STEM careers require us to think creatively!”
Dr. Amy Yu
Dr. Amy Yu is a neurologist and senior scientist in the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program at Sunnybrook.
“Go for it!! Be curious. Ask questions. Challenge yourself and others. Forge your own path.”
Dr. Yu is proud of her daughters (pictured above on the left), who are discovering their own paths.
Kristen Cimolai
Kristen is a research technician at Sunnybrook Research Institute.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because making mistakes is how you learn! Especially when you surround yourself with people who are willing to support you and assist you in your journey. I have learned the most after asking for help and being vulnerable around people who are eager to teach.”
Vicky Boateng, RN
Vicky is a project manager, critical care and nursing certificate programs at Sunnybrook.
“Be curious and try new things. You will never know what you like and don’t like until you have given it a try.”
Dr. Shannon Dunn
Dr. Dunn is a scientist in the Biological Sciences and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program at Sunnybrook Research Institute.
“Sometimes it just takes one mentor to push you in the right direction. My ski coach knew I was interested in science, encouraged me to apply for a summer studentship and introduced me to a professor doing research in exercise science. This led to more summer placements, a Master’s, PhD and the rest is history!”
“To bridge the gaps you might face throughout your academic or professional career, you need to have a supervisor or academic mentor who can inspire you to reach the next level and to help facilitate a project that ‘has legs’ and can result in great outcomes.”
Dr. Marina Wasilewski
Dr. Wasilewski is a scientist in the Evaluative Clinical Sciences and St. John’s Rehab Research Program at Sunnybrook Research Institute.
“Being curious and tenacious will get you far. People may try to convince you that you ‘talk too much’ or ‘ask too many questions,” but keep talking and questioning! Relentlessly seek out educational opportunities and activities that celebrate and expand these qualities—they are your superpower in STEM!”
Kirishanthy Kathirkamathamby
Kris is a research safety & compliance manager and biological safety officer at Sunnybrook Research Institute.
“Follow your curiosity and let it guide you in a way that feels natural to you. Your journey is uniquely yours, and success has no single definition– define it for yourself. Embrace your strengths, use them to fuel your passion, and know that your contributions matter. Keep pushing boundaries your own way, and you will shape the future of the scientific world.”
Dr. Diane Nam
Dr. Nam is an orthopaedic surgeon and associate scientist in the Holland Bone and Joint Program at Sunnybrook.
“When I was young, people told me to choose a career in something I was good at. I wasn’t sure I’d be good in science and I chose something else. I finally caved and did a science degree and I haven’t looked back. Science is a wonderous thing. The knowledge you gain from studying science opens your mind to what is possible beyond what you can imagine. If I could go back to my younger self, I’d say just go for it!”
