What inspired you to get into a science career?

“I've always had an interest in science, even as a kid, but I had an incredible biology/chemistry teacher in high school that was always so excited about the experiments and really challenged his students to think critically about the world around us.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

“Over the course of my career, there have been a number of barriers I've had to overcome including being passed over for promotions or authorship of my own work and even being told it was because I chose to have children and become a mom. Quite simply, to overcome these barriers, I've believed in myself and my worth and moved on from environments that were toxic or non-productive. My goals and priorities have changed over time, but I have continued to focus on things that I'm passionate about and what brings me happiness.”

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls?

“Representation. It is important for young girls and young women to see women in their field of interest. It is also important for those in the field, male or female, to stand up to observed inequality and to ensure that we're fostering an environment that promotes the growth of women in our specific fields.”

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“There are many projects that I have been involved in that I am very proud of that have expanded sample collection for STIs and respiratory infections. I would have to say, project-wise, I am most proud of the work that we've done with the Shelter Health Network over this pandemic and the implementation of a COVID-19 screening program and the work we're continuing to do to change the way diagnostics are offered to vulnerable populations. I'm also extremely proud of our research team, not only for their dedication and commitment to our projects, but also for their support of one another.”

What inspired you to get into a science career?

"I have always had a curiosity about how things worked and something that piqued my interest when I was younger was a visual dictionary my parents purchased for me and my brothers, which included several detailed illustrations on the human anatomy. This led to my parents purchasing a microscope with glass slides for us to play around with. My interest in science only solidified as I got older from my science classes and science teachers."

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

"As a woman in science, to navigate barriers I have encountered throughout the course of my career, confidence in myself, and my capabilities is important. In addition to being resilient. I think it is important for us to advocate for ourselves in these scenarios."

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls?

"We need to ensure there are equal opportunities for us to apply for, resources to seek and utilize, and the emphasis on strong women role models for mentorship and guidance."

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

"Some of my proudest moments as a researcher range from learning new techniques, getting my first primary-authorship research publication, to training and mentoring undergraduate students – and seeing where they have gone on to succeed."

What inspired you to get into a science career?

“My Father and several of my uncles were practicing engineers in Montreal and so I gravitated to engineering and the sciences. Developments around atomic energy were being discussed in the news and various scientific publications and I was intrigued. I graduated from McGill University with a degree in electrical engineering. Summer jobs were in the Cardio-Respiratory Department at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, learning about lung function and lung diseases. There were links to engineering and mathematical modelling of lung structure and lung function, which I enjoyed. I continued to work in respiratory medicine on moving to Hamilton, concentrating on drug delivery to the lung of medical aerosols.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

“There were a number of barriers, and it was difficult and not always possible to successfully navigate the roadblocks. For example, I was the only woman to graduate in my engineering class of 1963 but was unable to obtain a job in industry as an engineer. I chose to continue working in medical research, in a lab where I was employed for several of my summer jobs. This work was what I enjoyed and continued to be involved with after I left Montreal. Another example, encountered at McMaster, was the requirement for a graduate (PhD) degree to be able to apply for a full-time faculty position. I was working part-time as I had 3 young children and a husband with some medical issues. Thinking I could manage to start the PhD coursework requirements part-time, I inquired but was turned down. One had to be a full-time graduate student and with little financial support. And so, I did not pursue a PhD. I believe applying to graduate school today may allow more flexible terms for women employed in academia and in industry. One should probably pursue these credentials as soon as possible after one completes their undergraduate years as it is not easy to take on another full-time ‘job’ when there are important other commitments for your time.

Another barrier was opposition to my being Principal Investigator on projects for proposed animal studies where I had experience, had designed the protocols and methods and successfully negotiated the required funding. I was not able to overcome this barrier.”

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls?

“Above are some of the issues I encountered in my working career in science, particularly during the early years. These obstacles were endemic at the time. I feel strongly that the ideas mentioned should be considered and believe that there is progress in these directions.

Recognizing that women with families carry additional responsibilities and may require flex time in their jobs; recognition for their achievements in discovery; appointing women to positions of responsibility and decision-making within academic departments; equitable salaries: these are some of the additional issues, in my view, that would make science more attractive as a working environment for women and girls.”

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“Development of the AeroChamber [see below], with colleagues in the Aerosol Lab. The AeroChamber is a valved spacer accessory device used with pressurized metered dose inhalers containing various drugs for the treatment of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory diseases. This Canadian device, sold worldwide by Trudell Medical Group, has and continues to benefit patients worldwide, helping them to successfully take their aerosol medication.

Establishing Aerosol School, a 3-day educational and laboratory program focused on aerosol basics, aerosol measurements, and applications to lung research. This program is now in its eleventh year; Designing and validating the aerosol delivery system for the inhaled TB vaccine developed in the Department of Immunology at McMaster University; Recognition from my peers; Publishing 167 papers and book chapters, giving approximately 170 oral presentations at international and national conferences.”

The AeroChamber was developed at St. Joe's by a group of six researchers working in the Aerosol Lab – Dr. Michael Newhouse; Denis Corr, PhD; Don McCormack; Myrna Dolovich, B. Eng., P.Eng.; Dr. Richard Ruffin; and George Obminski. In 1984, Trudell Medical in London, Ontario agreed to manufacture and market the AeroChamber. It is sold worldwide and is the most widely used pressurized inhaler accessory device used by patients with respiratory disease. 

What inspired you to get into a science career? 

“I love being an ICU doctor. ICU doctors use our understanding of pathophysiology to treat a patient and help them get better! It is a true honour to help patients and their families during their time of need. I decided to go into research because while I loved helping the patient that was directly in front of me in my ICU, I wanted to do more. Being a researcher allows me to help patients around the world. It allows me to improve the lives of people that I would never have a chance of helping otherwise through advancing our knowledge of critical care.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career? 

“I have certainly faced barriers and naysayers. I knew deep down what I was capable of and had the confidence to believe in myself to pursue my career goals. So, I worked hard. I studied to be the best doctor I could be as well as earning two MSc degrees. Apart from hard work, I also realized early on that mentors are a vital piece of the puzzle. I found mentors that shared my vision, believed in me, and helped me navigate the path to success. My mentors opened up doors and opportunities that helped get me to where I am today!”

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“I am overjoyed to share that I was recently awarded a CIHR grant to advance my research program called inDEX. Some patients that are admitted to the ICU with respiratory failure are often treated with “non-invasive ventilation” (NIV). This is like the breathing machine used for sleep apnea, but much stronger. Because the mask is so tight fitting and the air pressure is so strong, many people are unable to tolerate NIV. At that point, physicians often have no option but to place a patient on invasive life support (intubation and mechanical ventilation). A newer medicine called dexmedetomidine may be the solution. It provides sedation without stopping the respiratory drive, treats pain, and reduces delirium. The CIHR grant was awarded to fund a large, international, randomized clinical trial that compares dexmedetomidine to placebo in patients who are intolerant of NIV, and ultimately reduces the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. This grant is the pinnacle of teamwork, collaboration, training, hard work, and a goal that was a decade in the making.”

What inspired you to get into a science career?

“In studying medicine, I knew I wanted to also do something in addition to caring for patients that would provide extra challenges and variety. I studied science before medicine and enjoyed some of the basic science courses and labs. During my medicine training, I worked on a project about kidney disease in the lab. I really enjoyed the variety, challenges, and opportunities to develop new understanding and possibly new treatments for the problems that I try to help people with as a physician.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

“My primary challenge was and is time. I delayed having kids until my research training was done and my lab was fairly well established, which had both advantages and disadvantages. I adapted my daily schedule to allow time with my family – this meant leaving work at 5pm, but then working later in the evening and on weekends for a bit to catch up. More challenging is travel related to research and outside of hours meetings – this entailed choices on what to miss and what to attend.”

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls?

“Scheduling meetings during regular working hours would be helpful. Grant deadlines that are not in the middle of summer or early September, when family time is important, would also help.”

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“I have worked with many students at all levels since becoming a researcher with my own lab. I enjoy working with them all, but my most memorable moments so far were watching the transformations that happened in a few students who started out with few skills and lacked confidence, really grow over their time in the lab to be able to show their results and talk about their research with knowledge and confidence. I also enjoy the excitement of new findings that we think might be important and making plans on how to discover their importance to kidney disease.”

What inspired you to get into a science career?

“From a very young age, I asked a lot of questions. I expressed intense curiosity learning simple scientific explanations behind everyday occurrences which sparked great interest in understanding how things work. Science offers the possibility to ask questions, design tests to produce results, bringing us closer to answering these questions. What is especially exciting about science to me is that the more I learn about something, the more questions I can ask. This curiosity is intertwined with my passion to improve human health through research and discovery, making this a very fulfilling career choice for me.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

“I remember moments of feeling inferior to all the males in every position of academia. That is, until I met my current supervisor, Joan. She is intelligent, motivating, extremely hardworking and a wonderful example of a successful, humble woman in science. Truly grateful to be under her mentorship.”

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls? 

“From my personal experience, there weren't many initiatives and events catered to women in science. After participating in women-centered initiatives, I always left feeling more empowered and proud to do what I do. More of these will certainly highlight the value and impact women have on science and research. Alongside networking opportunities, increasing funding opportunities for women in science may also increase equitability.”

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“As a researcher at St. Joe's, participating and winning competitions where I have had to present my project have been some of my proudest moments. These wins often remind me that I am exactly where I should be, my research in hypertension is important, and I am contributing to science in a very meaningful way.”

What inspired you to get into a science career?

“Even from my childhood, I had a natural interest in learning new things and solving problems. And, since my mother was diagnosed with a lung disease when I was a kid – and I had no idea what it was – I was curious, and I wanted to find out more. So I've always been interested in science.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

“Struggling with obstacles and barriers is an expected and common event in our field of study. So, I must work more to find the problem and choose the best way to solve it. As a woman, by taking full responsibility and acting intentionally in our professional journey, we can be better placed to achieve our career goals.”

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls?

“Encourage girls and women to take math and science classes in schools and giving women more equal opportunities to pursue scientific careers.” 

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“It dates back to when I was a Master’s student – I was inducing diabetes and treating rats. First, we were finding the dosage of the most suitable material, but after five months all the rats died! I tried my best by doing trial and error, and I finally found the solution. And I started again. That was my proudest moment as a researcher.”

What inspired you to get into a science career?

“Ever since I was young, I have always had an innate interest in science! My favourite courses were always Biology and Chemistry, so it was never a question that I belonged in this field.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

“I think there will always be challenges and barriers, especially in the STEM field. Having a supervisor who holds such prestige, not only in our lab but also in the medical field, has shown me that success in these male-dominated fields is possible.”

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls?

“I think one of the biggest challenges women face is time outside work for taking care of their family. Many women have to plan around their careers as the primary caregivers of the household. I do not have an answer as to how to make this barrier for women more equitable, but it is certainly something to be aware of.”

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“As I am in the last year of my PhD, some of my proudest moments include publishing my first manuscript, filing a patent for a potential novel drug to target fibrosis in DKD [diabetic kidney disease], and finding a role within science where I have been able to thrive. Research will certainly continue to be a part of my journey after my graduation this year.”

What inspired you to get into a science career?

“Ever since I was little, I always had endless questions about the human body, how it works and how disease comes about. As I grew older, so did my curiosity and eagerness to find answers to the questions I had about human biology. I sought out academic and research experiences that fulfilled my passion for discovery and found that a career in science aligns perfectly with my future goals and allows many opportunities for self- development.”

As a woman in science, how did you navigate any barriers over the course of your career?

“There were definitely times where I felt inferior to my male colleagues due to the male-dominated culture of the STEM field and I realized I was feeling this way mainly due to the lack of female role models and mentors early on in my science career. I am now beyond lucky to work under and receive guidance from Joan, as her work ethic, kindness, and success in the field of research and medicine inspires me as a woman in science. I feel more empowered knowing that I, too, belong in this field and am capable of succeeding as a scientist.”

In your experience, how can we make science more equitable for women and girls?

“I believe science can be made more equitable for women and girls by increasing the accessibility to STEM positive role models, through initiatives set-up both at school and in the workplace. Mentorship matters, and it can have a lasting impact on the encouragement of women and girls to pursue a career in science. Recognizing that a problem exists is also crucial to solving the issue of inequity and, therefore, opportunities should be created to teach individuals about the gender-based inequities that are currently within the field of science.”

What are some of your proudest moments as a researcher?

“Some of my proudest moments were in the midst of troubleshooting and optimizing experiments. Nothing beats the feeling of finally pinpointing the issue causing errors in your study after countless runs of trial and error.”