Initiatives
We are committed to building inclusive ecosystems within
STEM education, research and employment in Atlantic Canada and beyond.
Youth
Engagement
In collaboration with our partners, we offer a variety of engaging STEM programming for youth (K-12). These programs are designed to inspire curiosity and provide hands-on learning experiences.
Events &
Conference
Our events and conferences are spaces that bring together diverse communities with an aim of dismantling systemic barriers within the fields of science, tech, engineering, math and skilled trades.
Research
Areas
Our current research focuses on assessing the tools currently in use for evaluating the impact of youth outreach programs as well as examining motivating factors for learners when choosing careers.
International Year of Quantum Science and Technology Talks
Upcoming Educator resource, Grades 10-12
The 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) recognizes 100 years since the initial development of Quantum Mechanics. Careers in Quantum Science and Technology span across research, engineering, software development, and business applications.
Starting on the World Quantum Day on April 14, NSERC Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (Atlantic) and International Year of Quantum Science and Technology Canada (IYQCan) hosted by the Canadian Association of Physicists are thrilled to present outstanding Canadian experts offering weekly online talks on quantum science and careers to Grade 10-12 students in rural and remote schools in Atlantic Canada.
High School Talk with Melissa Valdez
Your Quantum Future: Opportunities in Canada
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 1:30 pm AST/2:00 pm NST
Quantum technologies continue to advance and drive major changes across industries. It is a source of pride and excitement for many Canadians that our country is poised to be a global leader through this transformation. So how can students like you get involved? In this talk, Melissa will explore how Canadian companies, universities, and government initiatives are shaping the future of quantum science. You’ll learn about career pathways, hands-on learning opportunities, and the skills needed to thrive in this cutting-edge field. Whether you’re curious about quantum computing, cryptography, or next-generation technologies, this talk will help you take the first steps toward your quantum future.
Melissa Valdez is a physicist-turned-technology consultant helping businesses apply artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. She holds a MSc from her time studying antimatter at CERN, and has been building AI tools and courses since 2018 at companies like IBM and Toronto’s Vector Institute. She is currently the AI Product Owner at financial technology company Zafin.
High School Talk with Allison MacDonald
Quantum annealing with superconducting qubits
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | 10:30 am AST/11:00 am NST
Our understanding of what a “computer” is has evolved considerably over the past few centuries, from humans doing computations by hand to current transistor-based technologies in our laptops, phones and watches. Quantum computing is a promising step in this progression, where the sometimes counterintuitive behaviour of small physical systems can be harnessed for difficult calculations. In this talk, I’ll touch briefly on those effects and talk about some requirements for quantum hardware. I’ll focus primarily on one model of quantum computing, called quantum annealing, and how we implement it in hardware at D-Wave, namely with chips made from superconducting metal. Time permitting, I’ll share a bit about the problems we’ve been able to solve with D-Wave’s quantum annealer, particularly in the area of materials simulation where we’ve demonstrated performance beyond what’s possible classically.
Allison earned her BSc in physics at McMaster University and her MSc in Physics from the University of Alberta. There she studied the interaction between light and tiny mechanical objects at ultralow temperatures (colder than outer space). She joined D-Wave in 2015 as an experimental physicist where she developed novel superconducting device technology to improve performance of D-Wave’s quantum processors and built infrastructure to cryogenically test the integrated circuit fabrication process. Allison is currently leading processor development and design as D-Wave’s Director of Science.
Flight Atlantic
Summer 2025 Student Opportunity, ages 13-18
Bringing STEM to Life
Work-Integrated Learning in Physics
“Bringing STEM to Life” is an upcoming program that bridges summer employment, project-based learning and high school Physics course credit achievement. The program is designed to support Black and African Nova Scotian High School learners in Grades 10 and 11 as they decide whether to pursue careers in STEM.
This program will be developed in partnership with Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science and Physics and Atmospheric Sciences Department, Imhotep’s Legacy Academy, Principal Karen Hudson at Auburn Drive High School, the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute and York University’s k2i Academy.
Physics in the Rural Classroom
Upcoming Educator resource, Grades 7-12
Physics in the Rural Classroom will support teachers, by matching STEM role models with classes for virtual workshops on Physics careers and concepts aligned with curriculum outcomes. Outside of the workshops, educators will be able to connect with experts to aid in their delivery of curriculum units.
If you are a STEM professional interested in becoming a role model or guest speaker for Physics in the Rural Classroom, please reach out to the Program Manager at [email protected].
Pathways to Health Sciences
The L’nu Health Science Advantage Program aims to attract more Indigenous youth (grades 10-12) to the field of health science and help prepare Indigenous high school students for successful entry into science programs at Cape Breton University.
CISE-Atlantic is partnering with Unama’ki College, assisting with finding mentors as well as funding the initial 3-day conference.
This program is currently in its planning phase.
Partner Programs
Explore programs that have been developed in partnership with local, regional and national organizations, focused on reducing barriers to access and empowering youth to pursue science, technology, engineering, math and skilled trades!
Techsploration
For girls and gender diverse youth to explore the world of possibilities in Science, Engineering, Technology and Trades
IslandWISE at CBU
For girls and young women across Cape Breton Island to engage with hands-on STEM activities and mentorship
ILA After-School
For Black and African Nova Scotian learners to develop their STEM skills outside of class and connect with representative mentors
Catalyze & Facilitate
The Catalyze and Facilitate Sponsorship Program provides seed-funding to help with establishing new projects or expanding pre-existing ones that work to advance success and inclusion in STEM in Atlantic Canada. Organizations may apply for a single year, with funding capped at $5,000 for projects.
Eligibility Criteria
An organization must fall into one of the following categories: a non-profit organization with a recognized registration number in the Atlantic region, an educational institution, or
an entity affiliated with either a non-profit group or educational institution Next Call for Submissions:
August 1st – September 30th 2025
