Forging their own paths: International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Cassidy Waldrep

Ever since she was a child, Cassidy Waldrep has had a deep love and respect for wildlife. She recalls running about her backyard in Mahomet, Illinois, collecting and observing worms and toads.

“I was always very much interested in animals, and the big question in the back of my head was, ‘Why do they act the way they do?’” she recalls.

In middle school, she thought zookeeper or veterinarian were the only career options available to her (even job shadowing a veterinarian when she was in fifth grade) – that is, until legendary ethologist Jane Goodall sparked her interest in research.

“In ninth grade, we had to do a book project…I read her memoir and for the first time, I was like, oh my gosh, you can make a career out of answering the question, ‘Why do animals do what they do?’ Because that’s what Jane did,” shares Waldrep.

After earning a B.Sc.in zoology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Waldrep spread her wings and headed to Canada, where she’s currently a master’s student in the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan, starting her PhD in the spring. She’s working under the supervision of Dr. Mitch Weegman, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) Endowed Chair in Wetland and Waterfowl Conservation, to investigate the reproductive success, habitat use and behaviour of mallards in the Atlantic Flyway and their competition with black ducks.

So far, Waldrep’s research journey has provided her some amazing opportunities, including spending two and a half months diving into data on Audouin’s gulls at the Center for Advanced Studies in Blanes, Spain (an opportunity she acquired by emailing a researcher on a whim).

“It was the coolest experience in the world. I got to travel to the Ebro Delta region of Spain and see these salt marshes and flamingos flying everywhere and baby seagulls running around. It was just really rewarding to combine not only my passion for animals, but my passion for Spanish and international collaboration… and I still can’t believe I did that to this day,” says Waldrep.

Mentorship is also one of Waldrep’s passions and by sharing her knowledge and experiences, she hopes to inspire other young women the way that Jane Goodall inspired her.

“Pursue opportunities and don’t wait for them to come to you…I have found so many rewarding experiences from being the one to take the step,” she advises those young women considering a career in STEM.

“Don’t sit back and let the world determine your path. You have the ability to determine your path for yourself.”

Keira Grady

Growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, there was no shortage of beautiful natural spaces for Keira Grady to explore. Her love of nature, coupled with her natural curiosity, is what helped lead her to Acadia University in Wolfville, where she’s pursuing a B.Sc. in environmental geoscience.

“I’ve always wanted to contribute to protecting nature and better understanding the world around us. Environmental geoscience became the perfect way to combine that passion with science and problem solving,” says Grady.

Taking lessons learned from the classroom to the great outdoors, and applying them to real-world environmental issues, Grady adds, has been most rewarding. She’s also been putting her newfound skills and knowledge to use through her work with various youth-led initiatives focused on conservation and sustainability, including the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s CCC Flex program, the Nova Scotia Youth Climate Council, and DUC’s Youth Advisory Council. This past summer, she was also part of the Halifax Regional Municipality’s HalifACT team, which is working on an ambitious climate action plan to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050.

“Seeing my knowledge translate into meaningful action is incredibly motivating. Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career where I can influence environmental policy, promote sustainable practices, and contribute to climate solutions while uplifting underrepresented communities,” says Grady.

To other young women who are seeking to follow a similar path in STEM, Keira says “embrace your curiosity and don’t be intimidated by the challenges. Seek out mentors and communities that support and inspire you.”

“Don’t be afraid to take up space, ask questions, and explore your interests. You belong in STEM, and your unique perspectives are needed to drive innovation and positive change.”

Arianna Johnstone

Born and raised in Penticton, B.C., between the Okanagan and Skaha lakes, Arianna Johnstone grew up with a deep reverence for the water. These past few years, she’s been getting her feet wet gaining a better understanding of marine environments and our connection to them.

“My deep connection to water and the land, along with my Indigenous roots, really drew me to STEM. Growing up, I developed a strong love for the water—its movement, its life, and the way everything in it is interconnected,” she says.

“As an Indigenous person, I have a deep respect for the natural world and a sense of responsibility to protect it and be within the STEM field using a two-eyed seeing approach.”

Johnstone followed her passion to the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus, where she earned a B.Sc. in biology and environmental science. Since then, Arianna has also worked as an ecology intern researcher and a marine planning intern with the Government of B.C. through its Indigenous Youth Internship Program.

Getting hands-on with land-based research and working alongside those who share her passion for the environment, she notes, has been a highlight of her studies.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to not only contribute to the planning and logistics but also to physically be in the field, immersed in the areas we’re studying,” adds Johnstone.

“Looking ahead, my ultimate career goal is to focus on research in Indigenous stewardship and advocate for the integration of Indigenous knowledge into conservation efforts.”

As a member of DUC’s Youth Advisory Council, Johnstone also hopes to empower young Indigenous voices to join the conversation around conservation. And as a young Indigenous woman in STEM, to others who are interested in joining the flock, she shares two simple words: “be bold.”

“Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and go after opportunities—even if they feel a little intimidating. Taking risks, like applying for that competitive internship or pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, is where real growth happens,” she says.

“Believe in your abilities and go after what you want with confidence.”