The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) President and CEO Laurie Swami is a self-described STEMinist.
She recently visited Sacred Heart Catholic School in Mildmay, Ont., to share her love of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by taking part in the Scientists in School workshop “What in the World Is Matter?” with Ms. Kadlecik’s Grade 5/6 students.
“It is so rewarding to see the passion and enthusiasm in these kids as they explore and learn more about the world around them. These hands-on workshops are an incredible way to spark their curiosity and show just how much fun STEM can be,” said Ms. Swami.
The NWMO has partnered with Scientists in School for the past six years to bring more hands-on STEM workshops to young scientists across Bruce and Huron counties.
“These workshops would not have been possible without the support from the NWMO,” said Cindy Adams, Executive Director for Scientists in School. “Partnering with the NWMO has been a natural fit for Scientists in School as both our organizations share a passion for igniting scientific curiosity in children and youth. Since 2013, we have been able to deliver over 400 hands-on STEM workshops to thousands of students within Bruce, Huron, Grey, and Perth Counties, strengthening their interest in STEM, confidence, and understanding of the relevance of STEM to their world.”
As one of only three women heading a nuclear organization in Canada, Ms. Swami has challenged herself and her colleagues in the industry to be a mentor and leader, and to encourage young women to pursue education and careers in the STEM fields.
“Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel will take many decades to implement – I won’t be the one leading this project by the end. We need to invest in young people today to help get future generations excited about careers in the STEM fields and encourage those future leaders to step forward,” added Ms. Swami.
Scientists in School is one of several youth science programs the NWMO supports. Scientists in School, Canada’s leading STEM education charity, has been dedicated to sparking children’s interest in science, technology, engineering, environmental stewardship, and mathematics through hands-on discovery since 1989. Scientists in School’s award-winning, inquiry-based classroom and community workshops for kindergarten through Grade 8 students bring together creative, curriculum-aligned content, workshop presenters who are subject-matter experts in their field, and specialized materials and equipment. Each year, Scientists in School reaches 700,000 young scientists across Ontario and southern Alberta, 58,000 of which are students in rural communities. Visit www.scientistsinschool.ca for more information.