IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM
The IODE Ontario Lois Laughren Award for Women in STEM has donated $25,000 that was matched through Ryerson 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 2020 are:
- Sarah Stojanovich, Bachelor of Science, Biology
- Rida Atif, Bachelor of Commerce, Business Technology Management
- Amy Ariganello, Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering
- Samantha Cesario, Bachelor of Engineering, Civil-Structural
- Samatha Hernandez, Bachelor of Science, Biology
Sarah Stojanovich
"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
“I would like to thank you for giving me this award. This means so much to me and provides recognition for all my hard work"
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.
“I would like to thank you for giving me this award. This means so much to me and provides recognition for all my hard work"
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
"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
"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.
Samantha Hernandez
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:
- Tehreem Mahmood, Chemistry, Faculty of Science
- Sheila Mehvar, Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science
- Fernanda Ortega, Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science
- Cassidy Rose, Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science
- Mihal Shalamov, Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Science
Tehreem Mahmood, Chemistry, Faculty of Science
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My name is Tehreem and 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.
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
My name is Maria Fernanda Ortega and 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.
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
My name is Cassidy Rose and 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 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 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.