Meet the Team
From our Board of Directors to our team of passionate and motivated leaders in STEM, we work together to propel our mission and vision forward.
Board of Directors
Tam Pham
PhD
Tam Pham (they/she/chanh) is an AuDHD Viet protein researcher and PhD candidate at Rainey Lab from Dalhousie University. Their research interest is in characterizing and understanding small protein interactions. Tam is passionate about science communication, especially in making science accessible to the general public and members of historically excluded communities. Outside of research, they are an advocate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in STEM.
Vicki (she/her) is a passionate advocate for women and underrepresented groups in the life sciences and biotech industry. She has held leadership positions in prominent international life sciences and biotech companies and has played a pivotal role in bringing innovative products to market and supporting the growth of diverse teams.
Her goal is to inspire and guide women in their careers, offering her wealth of experience to help them achieve success in science and business with confidence and enthusiasm.
Nirali Rathwa, PhD, (she/her) is a biochemist specializing in small-molecule therapies for diabetes management and regenerative medicine.
With a strong academic background from The M.S. University of Baroda, India, she has immersed herself in the dynamic world of biotech and digital health startups. As a key member of the Startup Team at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Nirali actively contributes to the development and implementation of strategic programs that equip entrepreneurs with essential resources and invaluable insights to navigate the intricate business landscape.
Nirali is fueled by a passion for advocating innovative platforms and technologies that enrich human lives, with a special emphasis on empowering women founders. She is dedicated to reducing the barriers women face in accessing professional job opportunities and achieving career growth.
Gigi (she/her) is currently in higher education program administration as a Program Manager in the undergraduate Biology program at The University of British Columbia. She previously aimed to get an academic faculty position, and held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Oslo, Norway and at UBC studying environmental adaptations of fish.
SCWIST played an important role in her career transition and provided her with a place to network and connect with others. She was able to contribute to the SCWIST team as the Donor Engagement and Partnerships Lead on the Strategic Partnerships Developments and Fundraising team from 2021 to 2022. She is keen to apply her skills and experience to support SCWIST’s mission and purpose in breaking barriers for women and girls in STEM.
Tharsini Sivathasan (she/her) is a CPA and has her BBA from the University of Toronto, with extensive work experience in both the healthcare and education sectors. Her focus is on developing financial strategies and priorities to enhance the overall governance of the institution and long-term financial and capital planning.
Tharsini is deeply invested in fostering an inclusive environment where all young girls and women have equal opportunities to thrive in STEM fields.
Staff
Melanie Ratnam (she/her) is a neuroscientist with a PhD from the University of Toronto with a focus on cellular processes that regulate inflammation after stroke.
She is an entrepreneur, advocate, and passionate supporter of youth pursuing STEM.
Melanie has a passion for improving EDI and representation of women in STEM.
Program Manager, Youth Engagement
Province: Ontario
At work, Mary leads the SCWIST Youth Engagement team to deliver programs that champion and advance the next generation of STEM leaders in Canada.
After work, Mary enjoys sharing a good meal with loved ones and getting outside with her kids.
Favourite Scientist: Dr. Mae Jemison – the first woman of color in space, an astronaut, physician, engineer, educator, and iconic leader in STEM.
Pooja (she/her) has recently graduated from the University of Ottawa with a BSc in Computer Science and a minor in Psychology. She has a great passion for STEM in particular improving education and accessibility to STEM for younger women. She is also especially interested in the intersection of Arts with STEM (STEAM), and how it can be utilized to encourage more interest in STEM as it shows how large the capabilities within STEM are. She is excited to continue to advocate for women from all backgrounds and cultures to pursue and ignite their interests in STEM. Outside of work, she loves work with her hands whether it is cooking or creating creative projects.
Akanksha Chudgar
She/Her
MA
achudgar@scwist.ca
Youth Engagement Coordinator, Quantum Leaps
Province: British Columbia
At work, Akanksha organizes mentoring and career guidance programs for women and girls interested in STEM careers. The programs echo SCWIST’s mission to inspire innovation and encourage excellence through positive role models and outreach programs. Her focus is on supporting students from across Canada to get education and career related guidance, as well as bring their STEM projects to life.
After work Akanksha enjoys spending time with her family, and going on walks.
Fun Fact: Akanksha enjoys learning new languages.
Favourite Scientist: Maria Skłodowska-Curie, the first person to win the Nobel Prize twice.
If you could have dinner with any scientist, who would it be and why? Albert Einstein—so she could discuss quantum physics and quantum entanglement with him, and ask his thoughts on string theory and its connection to quantum entanglement.
Youth Engagement Lead, STEM Explore Program
Province: British Columbia
Ezgi is a scientist with a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, specializing in nanomaterials and hydrogen storage. Passionate about STEM education, she leads STEM Explore workshops at SCWIST aiming to inspire future scientists.
After work, Ezgi enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Favourite Scientific Discovery: The discovery of graphene – a groundbreaking material in electronics – was made through a simple experiment during one of the Friday night experiments of Professor Andre Geim and Professor Kostya Novoselov, using sticky tape and graphite, which created flakes just one atom thick.
Keely (she/her) has a BA in Political Science and a double minor in History and Religious Studies from McGill University. She is excited to be in her position as Strategic Partnership Coordinator to advocate for women in the STEM community across Canada.
Marketing Manager
Province: British Columbia
At work, Ashley creates and implements marketing and communications strategies to promote SCWIST’s programs, events, and initiatives.
After work, Ashley enjoys running and spending time with her family.
Fun Fact: Ashley is a medieval history enthusiast.
Favorite Scientist: Rachel Carson, for her groundbreaking work in environmental science, which raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides and inspired the modern environmental movement.
Julianne Kim
She/Her
BA
jkim@scwist.ca
Marketing, Event, and Communications Coordinator
Province: British Columbia
At work, Julianne helps coordinate SCWIST’s events and is dedicated to creating safe spaces for women in STEM to create meaningful connections.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with family and friends.
Fun Fact: Julianne enjoys collecting vinyl records and is always on the lookout for rare and unique finds.
Favourite Scientist: Yi Soyeon, South Korean scientist and astronaut, the first South Korean citizen to fly in space.
Cathy Lane
She/Her
adminslayer@scwist.ca
Bookkeeper
Province: Alberta
At work, Cathy ensures that all SCWIST’s financial transactions are accurately documented and processed.
After work, Cathy enjoys golfing, curling, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Fun Fact: Cathy is a history enthusiast.
Favorite Scientist: Roberta Bondar – Canada’s first woman astronaut who encouraged youth to study science and follow their dreams.
Executive Assistant
Province: Toronto, Ontario
At work, Ankita supports SCWIST’s mission by leveraging her Executive Assistant skills and Regulatory Affairs knowledge to advocate for women in STEM. She is passionate about creating opportunities and fostering inclusivity in science and technology fields.
After work, she enjoys exploring new cuisines, cooking, and immersing myself in a good book.
Fun Fact: Ankita loves traveling and has a goal to try a new dish from every country she visits.
Favorite Scientist: Marie Curie, for her pioneering research on radioactivity and being the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, inspiring generations of women in science.