Every Day Is EDI Day! First Annual CRBS EDI Symposium
Friday, May 9, 2025 - McIntyre Bldg. 521 (Meakins Theater)
9:00 AM - Introductory Comments. Prof. Christopher Thibodeaux, Chair CRBS EDI Committee
9:10 AM - Learning from the Past: My Past in a Man's World. Prof. Karine Auclair, McGill Dept. of Chemistry
Prof. Auclair will present a timeline detailing the gender barriers she has encountered throughout her life in Québec and abroad and in her career as a principle investigator. The presentation will cover aspects of the history of gender issues in Québec and some of the research in the field of gender.
9:45 AM - Introduction to Research Equity. Dr. Uzma Jamil, Senior Research Equity Advisor
This is a brief introduction to research equity, what it is, how it relates to research projects, research teams and research funding and the work that we do across McGill. It is intended to provide information and to serve as an opening invitation for professors and researchers to get in touch if they have any questions or for more information.
10:00 AM - Coffee Break
10:20 AM - It’s Personal! Power Dynamics in Research and the Role of EDI in STEM. Shay Heans-Moreyra and Renee Pellissier, McGill Dept. of Engineering
When we talk about equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in STEM, it goes beyond demographics and statements –it’s everything from the social impact of the work to the everyday interactions between team members. Whether you’re a Principal Investigator (PI) or graduate student, integrating EDI into your practice can make an incredible difference; not just in research, but in the entire academic (and post-academic) journey. In this talk, we’ll dive into the framework of the E-IDEA Teamwork Program, including an interactive session to explore how EDI plays out in the PI-graduate student dynamic. We will discuss strategies for navigating challenging interpersonal dynamics and building inclusive teams.
11:40 AM - Round table discussion and presentation of the CRBS Trainee EDI Service Award
