About Us
We are committed to building inclusive ecosystems within
STEM education, research and employment in Atlantic Canada and beyond.
What Is CISE?
The Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CISE) program is a national initiative, funded by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). CISE supports a team of researchers to expand inclusion in STEM fields, primarily by catalyzing networks of supporters, promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, undertaking activities to enhance awareness and understanding of barriers and inequities faced by members of equity-deserving groups in these fields.
The CISE-Atlantic team is composed of Dr. Svetlana Barkanova (Memorial University of Newfoundland), Dr. Kevin Hewitt (Dalhousie University) and Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie (Cape Breton University) This program is an expansion of the Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) program, which has active chairholders in various regions of the country. Learn more about the CWSE-CISE Network.
Organization’s Pillars
Education
- Enhance accessibility for rural and remote communities
- Cultivate a STEM identity through CISE-Atlantic cohorts and scholar designations
- Create inclusive programming across the entire life of a scholar from K-16+
- Develop a diversity of programming that accounts for a diversity of needs
Research
- Seek evidence- and solutions-based approaches to inclusion STEM
- Develop and implement effective research and measurement tools for STEM programs
Community
- Utilize and encourage an equity ethic in CISE-Atlantic programs and scholars
- Cultivate a social justice lens, working towards systemic change
- Maintain meaningful collaborations and partnerships
What is an “Equity Ethic”?
Coined by Ebony McGee, an equity ethic describes a principled concern for social justice and for the well-being of people who are suffering from various inequities.
NSERC 2030 Strategic Plan
CISE-Atlantic’s mission aligns with the NSERC 2030 Strategic Plan, with each initiative specifically designed to create a diverse, innovative and inclusive research ecosystem in Canada. We focus on
Develop and Effect Policy
Developing and effecting policy and systemic change through relationship-building;
Quality measurements
Quality measurements, literature and resources through learning, collaboration and research.
Recruitment and Retention
The recruitment into, retention within and talent development for equity-deserving groups in STEM
Our Impact
Transforming Education for 10,000+ Youth. Our collaborative network has launched 10+ initiatives, engaging 40+ researchers and 50+ teachers to reach over 250 schools. Together, we’re empowering the next generation with innovative educational tools and experiences.
Our Team
Dr. Svetlana Barkanova (she/elle), Chair
Svetlana is a professor at Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, home to one of the largest campus-based telescopes in Canada. An internationally known researcher in theoretical subatomic physics, she is on a quest to discover the nature of Dark Matter in our Universe. A proud new Canadian with wide multicultural experience, she brings a lens of equity, diversity and inclusion to her leadership roles at the regional, national and international level, striving to improve the climate for underrepresented groups in both research and education. She is also an award-winning teacher and a dynamic presenter passionate about science promotion and exploring the stunning beauty of the night sky.
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Dr. Kevin Hewitt (he/il), Chair
Kevin is a full Professor in the Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Associate Dean, Equity and Inclusion, Faculty of Science, and former Chair of Senate at Dalhousie University. In his Molecular imaging lab, he has developed novel nanoparticle probes for cancer imaging and treatment, new optical imaging approaches and a prototype medical diagnostic tool. He completed his B. Sc., Physics and Biology at the University of Toronto (1992). At Dalhousie he unified his deep and abiding interests in science and community engagement by co-founding (in 2003) the award-winning Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, a STEM outreach program for Black students from junior high to university. He continues to promote and champion success in STEM for equity-deserving groups through a variety of regional and national initiatives.
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Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie (she/elle), Chair
Stephanie earned her PhD at Virginia Tech University and completed her Post doctoral research at Queen’s University before starting her independent academic career at Cape Breton University in 2009. She is celebrated for her pioneering work in biomass conversion and innovative biochar applications. Her dedication to mentorship bridges research, teaching, and outreach. She’s a leading advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Chemistry in Canada and champions policies benefiting marginalized and under-represented groups. She is a Science Champion; her outreach programs are impressive and far-reaching.
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Kathryn White (she/elle), Project Coordinator
Kathryn is a young Indigenous woman passionate about community engagement. Growing up and living in rural Newfoundland, she understands the diverse needs of rural and remote communities throughout Atlantic Canada. Kathryn is the Project Coordinator for CISE Atlantic at Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. She completed her BSc (Hons) in geography and biology at Memorial University (2020). Keen to understand the diverse and varied needs of organizations, teams, and individuals, Kathryn is completing her MMgt at Grenfell Campus. Deeply involved in her community, she serves on the Board of directors for the Elmastukwek Mawio’mi and is the Commanding Officer of the 511 Humber Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
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Japna Sidhu-Brar (she/elle), Program Manager
“We come from the stars, and we return to the stars…” – Dr. Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, on
Innu life philosophy, cycles, and astronomy.
Astronomer, activist, and science communicator whose previous work in a not-for-profit science centre and union activism have ignited commitments to eradicating barriers in STEM education and employment through collaborative, transformative approaches to systemic issues. Japna’s work with CISE-Atlantic is supported by lived experience as an immigrant, queer, Punjabi woman, navigating the inherent relationships to the lands and peoples of Turtle Island and responsibilities to justice.
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Advisory Board
The CISE-Atlantic Advisory Board guides the work of the Chairs, bringing along a diverse range of experiences, expertise and perspectives.
Sheldon Baikie
Civil Engineer
Newfoundland Power
Nola Etkin
Dean, Faculty of Science
University of PEI
Natasha Snow
Director of Operations
Techsploration
Karen Hudson
Principal, AMC Founder
Auburn Drive High School, Africentric Math Cohort
Lindsay Janes
Physics Teacher
Centre for Distance Learning & Innovation
Eva Martinez
Senior Director, ISS Business Development
Bluedrop Training & Simulation
Jennifer Adams
Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor, Chemistry
University of Calgary
Aimee Sheppard
Senior Industrial Benefits & Diversity Advisor
Cenovus, National Partner
Hélène Savoie-Louis
Executive Director
MAP Strategic Workforce Services, Saint John
J. Pemberton Cyrus
Head, Department of Industrial Engineering ILA President
Dalhousie University, Imhotep’s Legacy Academy
Teacher Advisory Board
The Teacher Advisory Council is a group of eight K-12 teachers who supports the development of curriculum-aligned programs as well as the curation of resources for educators in the Atlantic school systems.
As of November 2024, our Council comprises of the following members:
Mark Chiasson
Halifax West High School, NS
Jahsara Gardner
Business is Jammin, Black Business Initiative
Lindsay Janes
Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation, NL
Rachael Sears
Saint John High School, NB
Paige Wright
Colonel Gray High School, PEI