Speaking to Our Science Teachers on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Friday, February 11, 2022, is formally recognized as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The United Nations originally declared February 11 for this day of recognition in 2015 “in order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls” (United Nations, 2022). 

To honour and recognize this day at LCS, we sat down with some of our Science teachers to learn more about their passion for STEM-related work and hear their messages of encouragement for young women considering a career in Science.

Ms. Sparkman has taught Science (in addition to Math) at LCS since 2019 and when discussing what led her to teach science, she said, “I have always had an innate desire to understand things. I completed my undergraduate degree in Forensic Science because I was fascinated by the way that science could unravel complicated stories and bring justice to cases that couldn't be solved without it. Genetics and molecular biology were always my favourite courses because they explain so much about why we are what we are, how living things grow and change, and how truly powerful nature is. I was also captivated by my chemistry courses because I have always loved rules and predictability. When I realized that my favourite part of studying these topics was being able to share what I had learned with other people to explain phenomena and other observations about the world around us, I was led to teaching. I get to share my knowledge on topics that I am very passionate about and interested in every day - I can't imagine having a better job than that!”

Ms. Rosborough has been teaching science at LCS since 2016 and attributes her mother as a source of inspiration for her career path. “My mother was a mineral processing engineer and I always thought that was incredibly cool. I considered becoming an engineer as well but I always loved the idea of teaching and I always loved science so that’s why I ended up becoming a chemistry teacher.”

Ms. Sparkman and Ms. Rosborough remind us that our passions can, and often do, emerge at a young age and there is great value in helping young people foster those interests as they make choices that shape their future.

When we asked Ms. Sparkman about her advice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in science, she offered this piece of encouragement: “Be bold in your pursuit of knowledge and share your voice, even when you are the only woman in the room. Science is a practice built on failure, so take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. Support other women in science. Encourage your peers and advocate for your presence. As Ruth Bader-Ginsburg put it, ‘women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’” 

As we concluded our discussion with our Science teachers, Ms. Sparkman addressed the fulfillment she has found through her career. “I am proud to be in science on behalf of all the women who came before me that couldn't be. There was a time that women didn't have a seat at this table, and when they did, they weren't recognized for their work (Rosalind Franklin). I feel honoured and privileged to have never felt that being a woman was a barrier to belonging to the scientific community. I am proud to live in the same era as incredible women who have made astounding contributions to science, like Jennifer Doudna. Finally, I am proud that, as a woman in science, I have the opportunity to share my passion and (hopefully) cultivate that same curiosity in young women of the next generation.”