WESTCOAST WOMEN IN ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, & TECHNOLOGY

ABOUT WWEST

Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WWEST) is the operating name of the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) for the BC and Yukon Region. WWEST is a program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), led by BC/Yukon Chair Dr. Jennifer Jakobi. 

In 2021, Dr. Jakobi formally adopted the operational name Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WWEST), ensuring continuity and preserving the foundational work of previous Chairs (Shannon, Simon Fraser University; Croft, UBC Vancouver). Jakobi’s first term expanded on more than a decade of her work through the Integrative STEM Team Advancing Networks of Diversity (iSTAND) program and enabled her to organize WWEST operations around three interconnected pillars: Inclusion, Collaboration and Innovation. These pillars guide research, partnerships, and community engagement.

WWEST’s overarching goal is to IMPACT LOCALLY AND INFLUENCE NATIONALLY by advancing equity, inclusion, and excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across British Columbia, the Yukon, and as invited guests in the Northwest Territories, other regions of Canada, and beyond.

Jennifer (Jenn) is a Professor in Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. She is committed to generating a collaborative network to support the growth and retention of girls/women and underrepresented persons in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Jenn will undertake this by knowledge discovery of the positive factors that contribute to pursuing, remaining, and thriving in STEM arenas and apply this to strategies that are grounded in three themes of inclusion, Collaboration, and innovation to create a meaningful impact for girls/women and underrepresented persons across British Columbia and Yukon.

Rebecca holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, as well as two undergraduate degrees in Education and Kinesiology. As the Project Manager for WWEST and iSTAND (integrative STEM Team Advancing Networks of Diversity) , she is committed to making meaningful connections between STEM and underrepresented populations throughout BC, the Yukon, and wherever travel takes her.

Rebecca works on bridging BC education curriculum and STEM outreach/mentorship activities, and advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion through WWEST and iSTAND events and opportunities.

Rebecca participates in learning, travel, and fitness related challenges, to stay grounded.

Bob has a BSc and BEd and many years of experience in the science classroom. He is eager to engage and facilitate learning with underrepresented populations through hands-on activities, to increase awareness, engagement, and understanding of STEM. Bob is excited to explore and develop additional mentorship opportunities for educators to increase engagement for girls, women, and underrepresented populations in STEM fields.

Kiera holds a BSc and a BA and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health. Her past roles have cultivated opportunities for building hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that inspired youth to explore STEM.

Kiera is committed to creating inclusive and accessible pathways into STEM. She has served as a French Lead for Regional Science Fairs, championing bilingual engagement and community connection in science education.

Kiera believes STEM is for everyone and is dedicated to ensuring that individuals, particularly those from underrepresented communities, feel empowered to participate, engage, and thrive in STEM fields.

“My high school biology teacher and involvement in sports sparked my passion for understanding the human body, leading me to pursue Health and Exercise Science. At UBCO, the supportive community and hands-on lab experiences have made STEM fun, challenging, and exciting!”

If you are looking to partner on an Intergenerational event or Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Fun Fair, please contact Kaleigh via email!