IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM
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One of IODE Ontario’s main mandates is the promotion of further education. At the 99th Provincial Annual Meeting, April 27th, 2019 in Kingston, we recognized Honorary Vice President Lois Laughren. Lois G. Laughren was President of IODE Ontario from 2001 to 2003. She had been a member of IODE since 1959 until her death in November 2010. In 1985, she moved to Burlington and transferred her membership to the IODE Wellington Square Chapter. As Lois and Ken Laughren had no children of their own, IODE was the beneficiary of Lois' generosity.
Her donation has allowed IODE Ontario to establish the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM at Toronto Metropolitan University. This award will be given to women who have completed at least one year of university and are pursuing an education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. The IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM has donated $25,000 that was matched through Toronto Metropolitan University’s PACE (President’s Awards to Champion Excellence) fund, giving a total of $50,000. The Award is offered to five women at $2,000 each ($10,000 annually) for a period of 5 years. Toronto Metropolitan University chose the first STEM awards in September 2019. |
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The IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM has donated $25,000 that was matched through Toronto Metropolitan University’s PACE (President’s Awards to Champion Excellence) fund, giving a total of $50,000. The Award is offered to five women at $2,000 each ($10,000 annually) for a period of 5 years.
The STEM recipients chosen by the University for 2022 are:
The STEM recipients chosen by the University for 2021 are:
"My journey thus far at Ryerson has been truly remarkable and this award will help ease the financial burden!”
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Amanah Albaba, Biomedical Engineering
Thank you for choosing me as an award recipient of the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM. I'm very grateful as this will help me pay for my education. Being a first-generation student, the award will help me financially since the contribution from my parents is minimal. I was inspired to attend Ryerson University for Biomedical Engineering because of the close-knit community and I expect to graduate in 2024. I am highly involved throughout the school community. To represent the biomedical engineering community at Ryerson, I decided to join the Biomedical Engineering Course Union (BECU). My role at BECU is as a Logistics Associate. I oversee room bookings, meeting scheduling, day-of-event preparations, and collaboration with other campus groups to see our visions come to light. When I joined the team, I proposed we create an Excel calendar to keep track of important dates regarding midterm dates and other deadlines to improve the team's efficiency. I'm also the Campus and District Coordinator for the Ryerson Campus Lions Club - the largest international non-profit organization. I help overcome the challenges we see in our communities worldwide, such as diabetes, vision, hunger, the environment, and childhood cancer. I engaged with York University to help charter a new club to further increase the impact of Lions Club. Other service activities I have done in the past was the Truth and Reconciliation Workshop, and a Krispy Kreme Fundraiser. I am currently working in a team to create care packages for women in need, overseeing multiple sub-teams such as finance, logistics, and packaging. Armina is a third year student, pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Biology within the Faculty of Science. |
"Receiving an award that allows women in STEM to thrive is a significant step forward in my career as a female in engineering.”
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Iman Cheema, Computer Engineering
"Thank you IODE Ontario, for the Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM, to financially support my education. I chose Ryerson after realizing the boundless opportunities there are for me to pursue my passion for STEM because of their accredited engineering program and extracurricular activities. As a female pursuing engineering, it has always been a goal of mine to uplift and support women in a program that is predominantly male dominated. I am currently the Mentorship Director for Ryerson Women in Engineering, and have assisted in leading a Go ENG event in partnership with the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering -both to foster a supportive community that inspires women in STEM. I am also the Vice President Operations of IEEE Computer Society Ryerson Chapter, and a member of the Ryerson Engineering Student Society. Being part of these clubs has provided me with the opportunity to showcase my leadership skills and address the needs of the Ryerson community. In my future, I hope to work in Software Engineering while simultaneously using my passion for technology to make a difference in other people’s lives. Thank you, once again, for your encouragement and for providing me with the opportunity to be a role model for my female peers in STEM." |
"The IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM has my deepest thanks for this generous support and for motivating me to strive for greater success both, academically and professionally."
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Larissa Lobo, Chemical Engineering
"I am so grateful to be a recipient of the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM. I moved to Canada at 17 to begin my professional journey at Ryerson University. The abundance of opportunities for professional and personal development I found Ryerson to have inspired me to apply from miles away. I am currently in my final year pursuing a Bachelor in Chemical Engineering (Co-op) and I will be graduating in 2022. In the past four years, I have been a part of various student groups such as the Ryerson Co-op Students’ Association, and Ryerson Chemical Engineering Course Union. I am grateful to have had to opportunity to make an impact in various capacities. Through my previous co-op experiences, I learned that I could directly improve lives with the help of technology. After graduation, I hope to obtain a PMP certification in the same field and manage projects at the intersection of technology and humanity. Apart from my professional aspirations, I hope to be able to be a mentor for girls and women." |
"Winning this scholarship has allowed me to continue my studies, while also relieving me of financial stress. I am extremely grateful and express my sincere gratitude.”
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Quiana Hastick, Management
"When I was younger, my mother used to wake me up early in the morning with her to commute downtown so she could drop me off at daycare, while she went to work at the YMCA. I had spent most of my life in Toronto, even though we lived in the suburbs. I loved the culture and excitement of the city; something that the suburbs lacked. I recall passing the Student Learning Center (SLC) with my mother one day, and she told me about Ryerson and how wonderful it is. I specifically told her that I would go there someday. Toronto is one of my favourite places, and I knew I would have a great time studying at a diverse school in the heart of the city. The diversity of the Business Technology Management (BTM) program is another factor that brought me to Ryerson. As BTM teaches a variety of different skills, I knew I would succeed in any career. After graduating in 2022, I will be able to demonstrate my adaptability and resilience, two important skills for the future of work. I am also going to use the knowledge I have received from attending student-run events. I am currently a general member of Ryerson Women in Leadership (RWIL). RWIL reminds me of how crucial it is to have women in positions of leadership, especially in STEM. Their events have and will continue to help me develop and grow as a person." |
The STEM recipients chosen by the University for 2020 are:
Sarah Stojanovich, Bachelor of Science, Biology
"As a student who lives independently, this award greatly relieves financial pressure which allows me to continue focusing on my academic and extracurricular endeavors"
I am so grateful to be the recipient of the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award forWomen in STEM. I came to Ryerson because I was excited about the amazing, unique opportunities that it had to offer. I am a Biology major and I will be graduating in2022 - the opportunities that I came for are the reasons I don’t want to leave! My experiences as VP of Academics for theBiology Course Union and Student Representative for the Biology Curriculum Committee have been insightful and highly rewarding. These positions allow me to host the annual BCU Townhall which connects the Biology student body to professors, as well as create an annual BCU Industry Night in which students attend a panelist discussion regarding potential Biology related career pathways.
It is my primary goal to maximize my platforms so that each student feels heard, inspired, and empowered - breaking down discriminatory barriers one conversation at a time. I am currently open to various careers in healthcare, and am contemplating between medicine and psychology.
Thank you, IODE Ontario, for granting me this award.”
"As a student who lives independently, this award greatly relieves financial pressure which allows me to continue focusing on my academic and extracurricular endeavors"
I am so grateful to be the recipient of the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award forWomen in STEM. I came to Ryerson because I was excited about the amazing, unique opportunities that it had to offer. I am a Biology major and I will be graduating in2022 - the opportunities that I came for are the reasons I don’t want to leave! My experiences as VP of Academics for theBiology Course Union and Student Representative for the Biology Curriculum Committee have been insightful and highly rewarding. These positions allow me to host the annual BCU Townhall which connects the Biology student body to professors, as well as create an annual BCU Industry Night in which students attend a panelist discussion regarding potential Biology related career pathways.
It is my primary goal to maximize my platforms so that each student feels heard, inspired, and empowered - breaking down discriminatory barriers one conversation at a time. I am currently open to various careers in healthcare, and am contemplating between medicine and psychology.
Thank you, IODE Ontario, for granting me this award.”
- Rida Atif, Bachelor of Commerce, Business Technology Management
Technology has been so important to me; I chose BTM for my passion in technology and got accepted in the Co-op program to gain professional experience in various fields of technology. Even though it pushed my graduation and extended my years at University, I didn’t mind at all because I enjoy what I learn and love finding ways to improve lives using technology. Once I complete my Bachelor of CommerceDegree, I hope to pursue a Master’s in technology
As a woman in STEM, I'm extremely proud to be a recipient of this award and even more proud of pursuing technology. Many people told me to major in something better 'suited' for women, but I am happy with my decision and hard work. Thank you so much for seeing value in me.
Amy Ariganello, Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering
"Your generosity will alleviate the stress of affording higher education and help in breaking down financial barriers to my STEM education”
I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM. The financial support will greatly impact my experience at Ryerson and will allow me to focus on my success as a student.
I was inspired to come to Ryerson and follow in the footsteps of my uncle, whom I greatly admire. He attended Ryerson and pursued a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering when Ryerson had only recently become a University. Now, almost 30 years later, I am attending the same university and pursuing the same degree. I am expecting to graduate in 2022 and look forward to building up the Ryerson Engineering Community in the years to come.
I am President of the Chemical Engineering Course Union and Vice President of Operations of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter and actively work to improve the student experience at Ryerson. After graduation, I will attend law school and plan to combine my passion for engineering and law in my career. I hope to break barriers and act as a mentor for young women in STEM throughout my career. Thanks to this award, I am one step closer to my goals.
"Your generosity will alleviate the stress of affording higher education and help in breaking down financial barriers to my STEM education”
I am extremely grateful to be the recipient of the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM. The financial support will greatly impact my experience at Ryerson and will allow me to focus on my success as a student.
I was inspired to come to Ryerson and follow in the footsteps of my uncle, whom I greatly admire. He attended Ryerson and pursued a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering when Ryerson had only recently become a University. Now, almost 30 years later, I am attending the same university and pursuing the same degree. I am expecting to graduate in 2022 and look forward to building up the Ryerson Engineering Community in the years to come.
I am President of the Chemical Engineering Course Union and Vice President of Operations of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Student Chapter and actively work to improve the student experience at Ryerson. After graduation, I will attend law school and plan to combine my passion for engineering and law in my career. I hope to break barriers and act as a mentor for young women in STEM throughout my career. Thanks to this award, I am one step closer to my goals.
Samantha Cesario, Bachelor of Engineering, Civil-Structural
"I give great thanks to the IODE Ontario and Lois Laughren Award for providing me with the financial stability to continue on with my degree.”
I chose to come to Ryerson because of the overall University experience the school provides its students with. Ryerson is the type of school where I am not only able to manage my classes, but still have time to partake in extracurriculars and exciting events. Currently, I am the President of the Ryerson Society for Civil Engineering, Spirit Captain on the Ryerson Engineering Concrete Toboggan Team, and a Mentor for Women in Engineering.
One of my proudest achievements is being elected as the first female President in over five years of the Ryerson Society for Civil Engineering. Being able to partake in these extracurriculars has truly made my Ryerson experience worthwhile.
In my future career, I hope to obtain both my P.Eng. and PMP certifications and assist in the construction of new condominiums throughout major cities across the world. I believe that I am a strong woman and able to overcome many obstacles. I knew that if I could make a career out of one of the most heavily male-dominated programs globally, I would be able to encourage others that they could do it too. Thank you IODE Ontario for this Award. Receiving an award that celebrates Women in STEM is a very important milestone in my career as a female Engineer. I will continue to encourage women to pursue a career in STEM.
"I give great thanks to the IODE Ontario and Lois Laughren Award for providing me with the financial stability to continue on with my degree.”
I chose to come to Ryerson because of the overall University experience the school provides its students with. Ryerson is the type of school where I am not only able to manage my classes, but still have time to partake in extracurriculars and exciting events. Currently, I am the President of the Ryerson Society for Civil Engineering, Spirit Captain on the Ryerson Engineering Concrete Toboggan Team, and a Mentor for Women in Engineering.
One of my proudest achievements is being elected as the first female President in over five years of the Ryerson Society for Civil Engineering. Being able to partake in these extracurriculars has truly made my Ryerson experience worthwhile.
In my future career, I hope to obtain both my P.Eng. and PMP certifications and assist in the construction of new condominiums throughout major cities across the world. I believe that I am a strong woman and able to overcome many obstacles. I knew that if I could make a career out of one of the most heavily male-dominated programs globally, I would be able to encourage others that they could do it too. Thank you IODE Ontario for this Award. Receiving an award that celebrates Women in STEM is a very important milestone in my career as a female Engineer. I will continue to encourage women to pursue a career in STEM.
Samatha Hernandez, Bachelor of Science, Biology
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for supporting me with the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM in 2020.
I cannot begin to explain how much this award has truly meant to me both academically and financially during these unprecedented times. At the time I was notified, I was undergoing final exams for the Fall term, which as you know is a very stressful period in one’s academic career. However, upon receiving notification, I became more motivated than ever to continue my hard work, as your recognition provided me with much reassurance towards my passion for being a woman in STEM. I plan to further my education by applying to Graduate school next year, where I am highly interested in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology.
Thank you for encouraging me and giving me this opportunity to continue my education and further my success in STEM.
Wishing you all the best in 2021.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for supporting me with the IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM in 2020.
I cannot begin to explain how much this award has truly meant to me both academically and financially during these unprecedented times. At the time I was notified, I was undergoing final exams for the Fall term, which as you know is a very stressful period in one’s academic career. However, upon receiving notification, I became more motivated than ever to continue my hard work, as your recognition provided me with much reassurance towards my passion for being a woman in STEM. I plan to further my education by applying to Graduate school next year, where I am highly interested in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology.
Thank you for encouraging me and giving me this opportunity to continue my education and further my success in STEM.
Wishing you all the best in 2021.
The Ryerson University chose the following recipients for the first STEM awards in September 2019:
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Tehreem Mahmood, Chemistry, Faculty of Science
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Chemistry Program at Ryerson. My home is in Etobicoke North and my main goal is to empower young girls and women who have domestic problems or restrictions for attending a post-secondary institute. I have been a mentor, a tutor and a friend to a number of people who needed my help. Furthermore, I have worked tirelessly to keep my grades up and have managed to stay on the Dean’s List for three years consecutively. I chose Ryerson because it portrays success and development right in the middle of downtown Toronto. Within these four years, I have found that Ryerson has provided a positive, safe, inclusive and creative space for everyone who attends this school. Chemistry has been my passion since a very young age. I simply love chemistry and also mathematics. I plan to be a forensics scientist in chemistry in the near future. I would like to solve some of the mysteries of our environmental crisis. This award has given me so much confidence and has boosted my courage to keep doing what I am doing and to continue being a positive person for myself and for others around me. I would like to thank IODE Ontario for this generous support. This gift will help alleviate some of my financial pressure so that I can better perform at school and within my community. |
Sheila Mehvar, Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science
Throughout my time at Ryerson I have been involved in various groups to ensure that many other females choose to pursue careers in STEM. I have worked closely with the Women in Engineering group ever since first year where we put on various events to promote STEM to young girls including GoEngGirl, GoCodeGirl, Girl Guides Badge Day and many more. Being a woman in a male dominated field, I understand the importance of having a diverse group of individuals working together and would like to encourage more females to enter the field.
I chose to attend Ryerson because when I was in Grade 12, I attended a Women in Engineering brunch where current Ryerson female engineering students spoke about their many positive experiences in the field and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Some of my personal career goals and ambitions are to begin a Masters program in September 2020 and work in a fulfilling job in the Industrial Engineering field, preferably in manufacturing, with room for growth and a positive work culture that embraces diversity. Thank you for this recognition and support.
Throughout my time at Ryerson I have been involved in various groups to ensure that many other females choose to pursue careers in STEM. I have worked closely with the Women in Engineering group ever since first year where we put on various events to promote STEM to young girls including GoEngGirl, GoCodeGirl, Girl Guides Badge Day and many more. Being a woman in a male dominated field, I understand the importance of having a diverse group of individuals working together and would like to encourage more females to enter the field.
I chose to attend Ryerson because when I was in Grade 12, I attended a Women in Engineering brunch where current Ryerson female engineering students spoke about their many positive experiences in the field and I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Some of my personal career goals and ambitions are to begin a Masters program in September 2020 and work in a fulfilling job in the Industrial Engineering field, preferably in manufacturing, with room for growth and a positive work culture that embraces diversity. Thank you for this recognition and support.
Fernanda Ortega, Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science
I was born in Nicaragua but moved to Canada with my parents at a very young age. My parents, who came to Canada with few resources, always encouraged me to get a good education and pursue my passions.
Science was my favourite subject in elementary school and high school. I was especially drawn to biology and the human body because of the intricacies of the organ systems which are still mind-blowing to me. I immersed myself in science by taking biology, chemistry, and physics throughout high school.
The biomedical science program at Ryerson seemed like the perfect fit for me. I was interested in the courses I would take as part of my program and would be close to home. I was also to drawn to Ryerson because of the support that the Ryerson community offered their students.
As I near the end of my undergraduate degree, I have decided to continue with my initial plan of pursuing medical school. I am currently completing my undergraduate thesis and have enjoyed research so far. While becoming a physician is my end goal, I am also considering completing a master's degree.
Ryerson has helped me discover my passion for science outreach and communication as well. As a result, going to graduate school and/or medical school in the future will allow me to continue doing research and to communicate that with the public.
I would like to thank IODE their generous support. I am incredibly thankful for the financial help that will allow me to continue pursing higher education and move one step closer to where I want to be professionally. Your contributions mean the world to me and have encouraged me to continue excelling and working hard. Thank you for believing in women in STEM.
I was born in Nicaragua but moved to Canada with my parents at a very young age. My parents, who came to Canada with few resources, always encouraged me to get a good education and pursue my passions.
Science was my favourite subject in elementary school and high school. I was especially drawn to biology and the human body because of the intricacies of the organ systems which are still mind-blowing to me. I immersed myself in science by taking biology, chemistry, and physics throughout high school.
The biomedical science program at Ryerson seemed like the perfect fit for me. I was interested in the courses I would take as part of my program and would be close to home. I was also to drawn to Ryerson because of the support that the Ryerson community offered their students.
As I near the end of my undergraduate degree, I have decided to continue with my initial plan of pursuing medical school. I am currently completing my undergraduate thesis and have enjoyed research so far. While becoming a physician is my end goal, I am also considering completing a master's degree.
Ryerson has helped me discover my passion for science outreach and communication as well. As a result, going to graduate school and/or medical school in the future will allow me to continue doing research and to communicate that with the public.
I would like to thank IODE their generous support. I am incredibly thankful for the financial help that will allow me to continue pursing higher education and move one step closer to where I want to be professionally. Your contributions mean the world to me and have encouraged me to continue excelling and working hard. Thank you for believing in women in STEM.
Cassidy Rose, Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science
I was born and raised in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and transferred to Ryerson after studying chemistry for a year at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I was an active volunteer in my community in Mount Pearl and especially enjoy volunteering for organizations fighting for social justice and animal rights. I am currently the Academic Link for the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science on Ryerson’s Residence Life Team.
I have always had a strong interest in STEM and fell in love with the field of biomedical engineering during the 2016 SHAD Summer Enrichment Program. Two biomedical engineering students at SHAD shared their experiences developing a device to treat certain heart diseases in a less invasive manner. This technology could enable hospitals lacking the resources necessary for major surgeries to treat patients more cost-efficiently and with less risk of complications. Their creativity and compassion sparked the realization that biomedical engineering was the perfect field for me, in which I could combine my interests in STEM with my passions for human rights and helping those in need.
In my future career, I want to especially help those in underserved populations receive the healthcare they need and deserve. Ryerson's Biomedical Engineering Program provides an exciting opportunity for me to accomplish this goal, while also allowing me to be close to my family in Ontario.
I attended my local university in my first year because I was financially unable to study biomedical engineering. However, after my first semester, I felt dissatisfied in my program and still dreamed of becoming a biomedical engineer. After saving for a year and applying for loans, I transferred to Ryerson to pursue this passion. I am honored to receive this scholarship, which supports me in pursuing my dreams, recognizes my commitment to learning, and helps women in STEM succeed. I would like to sincerely thank IODE Ontario for their generosity and for motivating me to strive for even greater success in my studies.
I was born and raised in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and transferred to Ryerson after studying chemistry for a year at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I was an active volunteer in my community in Mount Pearl and especially enjoy volunteering for organizations fighting for social justice and animal rights. I am currently the Academic Link for the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science on Ryerson’s Residence Life Team.
I have always had a strong interest in STEM and fell in love with the field of biomedical engineering during the 2016 SHAD Summer Enrichment Program. Two biomedical engineering students at SHAD shared their experiences developing a device to treat certain heart diseases in a less invasive manner. This technology could enable hospitals lacking the resources necessary for major surgeries to treat patients more cost-efficiently and with less risk of complications. Their creativity and compassion sparked the realization that biomedical engineering was the perfect field for me, in which I could combine my interests in STEM with my passions for human rights and helping those in need.
In my future career, I want to especially help those in underserved populations receive the healthcare they need and deserve. Ryerson's Biomedical Engineering Program provides an exciting opportunity for me to accomplish this goal, while also allowing me to be close to my family in Ontario.
I attended my local university in my first year because I was financially unable to study biomedical engineering. However, after my first semester, I felt dissatisfied in my program and still dreamed of becoming a biomedical engineer. After saving for a year and applying for loans, I transferred to Ryerson to pursue this passion. I am honored to receive this scholarship, which supports me in pursuing my dreams, recognizes my commitment to learning, and helps women in STEM succeed. I would like to sincerely thank IODE Ontario for their generosity and for motivating me to strive for even greater success in my studies.
Mihal Shalamov, Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Science
I am in my fourth year of the Biomedical Science program. I decided to undertake this degree because of my passion for the sciences which I have had since a young age.
I am very involved in the university and faculty communities, holding various executive and volunteer positions with the objective of advocating for the needs and concerns of students. As well, my involvement in off-campus volunteering and engagement activities and programs have helped me to develop strong interpersonal skills.
I strive to attain a medical education in order to combine my predisposition for helpfulness with my passion for the field of medicine and healing.
I hope to further my academic, research and professional experiences by pursuing graduate and professional programs of study.
This award allows me to focus more of my time and attention working to create a diverse, safe and well-represented Ryerson science community. Thank you for this incredible support.
I am in my fourth year of the Biomedical Science program. I decided to undertake this degree because of my passion for the sciences which I have had since a young age.
I am very involved in the university and faculty communities, holding various executive and volunteer positions with the objective of advocating for the needs and concerns of students. As well, my involvement in off-campus volunteering and engagement activities and programs have helped me to develop strong interpersonal skills.
I strive to attain a medical education in order to combine my predisposition for helpfulness with my passion for the field of medicine and healing.
I hope to further my academic, research and professional experiences by pursuing graduate and professional programs of study.
This award allows me to focus more of my time and attention working to create a diverse, safe and well-represented Ryerson science community. Thank you for this incredible support.