# Empowering the Future: SBME Scholars Mentoring Girls in STEM

**Source**: https://bme.ubc.ca/empowering-the-future-sbme-scholars-mentoring-girls-in-stem/
**Parent**: https://bme.ubc.ca/

Every year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and impact of women around the world.

At SBME, we’re proud to honor this day by spotlighting members of our community—graduate students, undergraduate students, and PhD candidates—who are mentoring **girls in STEM**. Their dedication to biomedical engineering and their genuine excitement for discovery fuel not only their own academic journeys, but also the inspiration they pass on to the next generation.

Through mentorship, outreach, and a commitment to giving back, they are building confidence, sparking curiosity, and helping young girls see themselves as future engineers, researchers, and innovators. We’re proud to celebrate their leadership and the meaningful impact they’re making both within our field and beyond.

**Jordan Thompson\
5th Year Undergraduate Student**

**********What motivated you to get involved in outreach?**********\
I have focused on outreach because STEM outreach sparked my interest in science from a young age. I hope I can inspire young students just how I was.

**********What does mentoring girls in STEM mean to you?**********\
Mentoring young girls in STEM is so important to me. Young girls are the future of STEM and encouraging them to think creatively and find their passions is rewarding. I want to help students out, just like I was.

**********How has mentoring influenced your own journey? Has this experience shaped how you will lead projects in the future.**********\
Mentoring has allowed me to reflect upon my own engineering journey. It helps me focus on what sparks my interest, especially when work becomes challenging.

**********What advice or encouragement would you give to girls who are curious about STEM**?********\
If you’re interested in the field, keep on learning more about it! Try to do extra experiments in class or get science kits because it’s so fun to work on!

**********What youth mentoring programs have you participated in**?********\
I’m currently an SBME ambassador, and I lead a science club for elementary school students when I was in high school.

**Taia Yuen-Joaquin\
MASc Student, Dr. Peter Zandstra’s Lab**

**********What motivated you to get involved in outreach?**********\
Growing up, biomedical engineering felt very intimidating and I didn’t hear much about what it was, let alone see people who looked like me in the field. Now that I am privileged enough to be in a position to educate and share knowledge with others, I take a lot of joy in communicating and sharing science in ways that are understandable, interactive, and fun. STEM is for everyone, and my hope is to inspire others to try science and demystify an otherwise complex field of research!

**********What does mentoring girls in STEM mean to you?**********\
Giving an opportunity for girls to learn about STEM is my way of creating an experience I wish I had access to when I was younger. Being able to help guide others and spark curiosity is extremely rewarding, and being able to bring my knowledge to different communities is extremely important as a researcher, especially when first introducing youth to this field. To be able to inspire and answer questions to youth understanding the depth of research out there is very special.

**********How has mentoring influenced your own journey? Has this experience shaped how you will lead projects in the future.**********\
In undergrad and transitioning to a graduate degree, I have received mentorship and guidance from several knowledgeable people that I am grateful for. Having been surrounded by inspiring, supportive, and intelligent individuals is a privilege that has allowed me to pursue my graduate degree, and I strive to be that person for others. With the different mentorship styles I have experienced, I aim to create a blended and informed approach to leadership that caters to different learners.

**********What advice or encouragement would you give to girls who are curious about STEM**?********\
Try everything, go to that talk, do that activity, and email that presenter! There is so much cool science out there, and I can promise you that several experts would love to share their knowledge with you. Don’t be afraid of asking silly questions, it is all part of the learning process.

**********What youth mentoring programs have you participated in**?********\
In terms of outreach, I have been a co-chair for Stem Cell Talks Vancouver, created activities for Girls in STEAM, taught for MSL’s Science Creative Literary Symposia, and also presented at events such as MSL Family Day, Seed to Stem, UBC Summer Science Program, Squamish Youth Conference, SUS Coffee Chats, Science Rendezvous, SBME Open Houses, and Geering Up. For mentorship I have run an Undergraduate Summer Training Program, mentored high school students, and am currently a mentor for Research Experience Opportunities for Stem Fellowship. Come find me at other events!

**Yas Oloumi** \
**PhD Candidate, Dr. Karen Cheung and Dr. John Madden**

**********What motivated you to get involved in outreach?**********\
When I first started my PhD, I wanted to give back to the scientific community and inspire the future generation of female scientists and engineers. As a PhD student, I find it to be an incredible privilege being able to share my passion in biomedical engineering with the next generation of scientists and engineers.

**********What does mentoring girls in STEM mean to you?**********\
As a female engineer, it has been a very empowering experience being able to encourage a younger generation of girls to associate themselves with STEM. Growing up, it was often the boys who were encouraged to pursue engineering. Even during my undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics here at UBC, I only had two to three female Professors out of the tens of courses that I took. As such, I find it particularly important to not only promote young girls to pursue a STEM education, but also to encourage girls who are studying STEM fields to stay in and pursue careers in STEM.

**********How has mentoring influenced your own journey? Has this experience shaped how you will lead projects in the future.**********\
These mentoring opportunities remind me of how important representation and encouragement can be in changing the entire trajectory of someone’s path. Watching girls grow in confidence and curiosity is really inspiring and makes you see the importance of such outreach and mentoring events. It has also shown me that it’s important to create a space where every voice is heard, one where under-represented individuals aren’t afraid to speak up.

**********What advice or encouragement would you give to girls who are curious about STEM**?********\
Embrace failure as an integral part of the learning process. Pursue your curiosity and don’t be concerned about what others may think. Don’t be afraid to go places you may not initially be welcome; space will be made for you. Lastly, be bold and feel comfortable expressing yourself and making your voice heard; your ideas and suggestions are just as valid as someone who is more vocal.

**********What youth mentoring programs have you participated in**?********\
In the past two years, I have mostly been involved in Girls and STEAM Summits at Science World.  These are tailored towards girls 12-14 years of age; however, through these events we get a chance to reach an entire range of age groups as the event is open to Science World’s general visitors as well. I’ve also participated in events put together by the *Women in FIZZ* (Fizz is the student society of Engineering Physics) council here at UBC.

**Afsoon G. Mombeini**\
**PhD Candidate, NC4, Dr. Manu Madhav’s Lab**

**********What motivated you to get involved in outreach?**********\
I strongly believe in empowering young people, especially young Indigenous girls, and I hope to see greater representation of them in STEM fields. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, toward that goal.

**********What does mentoring girls in STEM mean to you?**********\
For me, it means helping them see that they truly belong in STEM and that there is a strong community of smart, dedicated women ready to guide and support them.

**********How has mentoring influenced your own journey? Has this experience shaped how you will lead projects in the future.**********\
Through mentoring, I discovered how much I enjoy working with young girls and seeing the spark in their eyes when they write their first code or grasp a new concept. These experiences showed me how powerful encouragement and representation can be in building confidence. They have motivated me to continue engaging in outreach and to actively support and empower more young girls in STEM.

**********What advice or encouragement would you give to girls who are curious about STEM**?********\
I would tell them that curiosity is more important than confidence. You don’t need to have all the answers to belong in STEM, you just need the willingness to ask questions and keep learning. Don’t let stereotypes or self-doubt convince you that you are not capable. STEM needs diverse perspectives, creativity, and different ways of thinking. Seek out mentors, support one another, and remember that there is a strong community of women who have walked this path and are ready to help you succeed.

**********What youth mentoring programs have you participated in**?********\
In collaboration with UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach, I taught and mentored two groups of high school students, including one all-girls group. I also contributed to the Youth Conference organized by the Squamish Nation Stitsma Career Centre as a member of the SBME Indigenous Engagement Committee.

**Kathleen Lac**\
**3rd Year Undergraduate Student**

**********What motivated you to get involved in outreach?**********\
I vividly remember how interactive and engaging outreach programs were when I participated in them as a younger student. It was such a great opportunity to explore other topics outside of school and meet friends who are interested in STEM the same way I was. Wanting to relive those memories as well as provide an opportunity for other young girls to engage in STEM workshops, I was motivated to be a part of the outreach program!

**********What does mentoring girls in STEM mean to you?**********\
Mentoring young girls in STEM is the most fulfilling role I have ever experienced! It gives me so much drive to continue my own studies, research more about breakthrough medical technology, and continue to share my own experiences with others!

**********How has mentoring influenced your own journey? Has this experience shaped how you will lead projects in the future.**********\
My experience in mentorship has exposed me to diverse audiences and different socioeconomic groups. It is a strong reminder that the purpose behind my studies and the projects I hope to lead is not just innovation, but to ultimately improve the health and safety of individuals and increase accessible care for all communities around the globe.

**********What advice or encouragement would you give to girls who are curious about STEM**?********\
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind, share your thoughts, and pitch unique ideas! Whether that is in classroom discussions, project groups, research meetings, or at a Ted Talk, your voice is never quiet!

**********What youth mentoring programs have you participated in**?********\
I have partnered with leading organizations to deliver free coding workshops to elementary schools across Vancouver, helping increase early access to technology education. I also helped organize and facilitate the first three All-Girls Coding Bootcamps with TELUS, and I volunteered with the School of Biomedical Engineering booth at Science World’s Girls in STEAM event!

**Ruth Yu**\
****1st Year MASc, Dr. Govind Kaigala’s Lab****

**********What motivated you to get involved in outreach?**********\
Many of us get into a field because someone ahead of us was willing to share their story, their passion with us, and encourage us to explore different interests. I engage in outreach to help spark someone’s journey, and to pass forward the confidence to act on the many brilliant ideas they may pursue.

**********What does mentoring girls in STEM mean to you?**********\
It allows young girls to build that conviction that they belong to and are needed in STEM. When they inevitably face moments of feeling discouraged or out of place in the future, this foundation gives them something to return to and ground themselves.

**********How has mentoring influenced your own journey? Has this experience shaped how you will lead projects in the future.**********\
Mentorship has given me the privilege of understanding without enduring the passage of time. My mentors have shared their wisdom shaped by decades of experience, and their perspectives formed through meeting hundreds of people. These insights have informed my own journey, from navigating project setbacks to deciding the next steps in my career.

**********What advice or encouragement would you give to girls who are curious about STEM**?********\
Keep that curiosity! It guides you as you navigate the fascinating fields of science and engineering, and to try things that may sound crazy at first, but only because you are the first one doing it!

**********What youth mentoring programs have you participated in**?********\
I’ve been part of EWB UBC’s mentorship program for high school students, as well as UBC SBME’s undergraduate mentorship program. I also supported outreach efforts with the Canadian Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Council.

**Sogand Golshahian**\
****1st Year MASc, Dr. Kelly McNagny’s Lab****

**********What motivated you to get involved in outreach?**********\
Growing up, I did not know what biomedical engineering was until shortly before applying to university, and discovering it changed the direction of my life. Because of that, I have always wished I had been exposed to the field earlier. Outreach felt like a natural way to share this field with others and help students realize that there are many paths into STEM if they are curious enough to explore them.

**********What does mentoring girls in STEM mean to you?**********\
Mentoring young girls in STEM means helping create a space where curiosity feels welcomed and where students can see that they truly belong in these fields. I think representation and encouragement at an early stage can make a huge difference in how someone sees their future. Being able to support that sense of possibility is incredibly meaningful to me.

**********How has mentoring influenced your own journey? Has this experience shaped how you will lead projects in the future.**********\
Mentors have played an incredibly important role throughout my journey, especially during moments where I faced difficult decisions or uncertainty. I genuinely would not be where I am today without the people who took the time to guide me, offer honest and constructive feedback, and encourage me to keep improving. That experience shaped how I mentor others as well; I try to create a supportive environment while also giving thoughtful, realistic feedback that helps people grow. It has also influenced how I approach leadership in research and outreach by prioritizing accessibility, collaboration, and clear communication when working with diverse teams and audiences.

**********What advice or encouragement would you give to girls who are curious about STEM**?********\
Stay curious and do not be afraid to try things that feel unfamiliar at first. Many people in STEM did not start out knowing exactly what path they would take, and exploration is a big part of the journey. If something sparks your interest, follow that curiosity, because you might discover a field that feels exactly right for you.

**********What youth mentoring programs have you participated in**?********\
I have been involved in outreach initiatives through UBC and the biomedical engineering community. These include working as an instructor with Geering Up Engineering Outreach, volunteering with Let’s Talk Science, and serving as a Student Ambassador for UBC’s School of Biomedical Engineering. I also lead outreach initiatives in British Columbia for the Canadian Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Council (CUBEC), where we organize events and activities that introduce younger students to biomedical engineering.