STEM Q & A

This STEM Q&A event provides high school students within the Niagara region who are interested in STEM with the opportunity to connect with local young professions in related STEM fields.  The event will include guest speakers focusing on future career opportunities followed by four breakout rooms covering a major STEM theme (science, engineering, mathematics and computing, and technology). Each room will have a panel made up of a diverse range of young professionals (YPs) within the respective STEM category. Students will have the opportunity to engage with these YPs and ask questions ranging from course selection, post-secondary opportunities, careers, etc. The purpose of this event is to provide students with a wide perspective of their fields of interest while showcasing the opportunities and talent that exist in Niagara.

Agenda

5:00 Opening and Hatch presentation
5:10 MYAC presentation
5:15 ihub presentation
5:20 Niagara Workforce Planning Board
5:40 Breakout rooms
6:40 Closing

About Hatch

Hatch is an engineering consulting firm consisting of a global network of 9,000 professionals with expertise in metals, energy, infrastructure, digital, and advisory. Our organization is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. We work closely with the communities in which we serve to ensure that our solutions optimize environmental protection, economic prosperity, social justice, and cultural vibrancy.

About Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC):

The City of Niagara Falls Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) will provide a voice for the youth of Niagara Falls, while advising Council of important recreational and social issues concerning the City’s younger population.

Their purpose is to:

1. To keep Council informed of important matters affecting youth. 
2. To occasionally host youth workshops/forums and conduct surveys to address concerns and needs that affect youth.
3. To act as a positive advocate for youth.
4. To actively seek input from youth on important matters.
5. To support events created by the committee that relate to the mandate.
6. To provide leadership experience for youth.

Julianna has an Honour’s Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Biology from Queen’s University and through additional schooling at Niagara College obtained a post-graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She is currently completing a diploma as a Civil Engineering Technician. 

As a GIS Analyst, she has over five years’ experience working with projects that involve updating and maintenance of geospatial information, spatial analysis, 3D modeling, raster analysis, and geoprocessing. Julianna has experience with web mapping and creating and customizing applications through the ArcGIS Enterprise. She is competent is automating processes using Python and customizing applications in JavaScript.

As an ultrasound technologist, she performs varying studies from obstetrical to vascular, and assists with procedures under ultrasound guidance. Kailey is responsible for performing diagnostic studies to find pathologies and abnormalities to help radiologists and doctors diagnose patients.

She continues to learn every day and is working to specialize further in MSK (musculoskeletal) and pediatric ultrasound.

Shannon Fernandes graduated from the University of Waterloo with a bachelor of science in biology and a master’s of environmental studies in sustainability management. She has experience in environmental consulting, community outreach, and sustainable supply chain management, and is currently the Climate Change Coordinator at the Town of Lincoln. She is passionate about social and environmental sustainability, community engagement, and making a positive impact in her community.

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/shannonrfernandes

The majority of decisions for patient diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results. As a medical laboratory technologist my job is to analyze and interpret test results while ensuring accuracy and investigating any discrepant findings. The most common and routine sample collected is blood, but we also analyze body fluids, cells, and tissues. We work with doctors and nurses in choosing correct lab tests and ensuring proper collection methods in order to receive the optimal sample. On average, nearly half a million lab tests are done in Ontario each day. It is a great profession for anyone that wants to be in the health care field but does not want to be in direct contact with patients. And what I love most is that every single day is different.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-sielicki-bhsc-mlt-0264281a6

Annies is currently working as a nurse for Niagara Health on the medical floor. She completed her nursing degree at Niagara College and hopes to continue her educational journey in nursing in the near future. She is licensed with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Since joining Niagara Health she has worked in various units with various specialties such as the ER, surgical, and more. 

Kennedy has been a registered dental hygienist since 2019, working at Applebay Family Dental for just over a year. For a short period of time she also worked at the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, a program for low-income seniors who are unable to afford dental treatment. She graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at Niagara College in 2019 with honors. Kennedy has always been fascinated by teeth, but as she continued her studies, she became more passionate about oral health and enjoys educating others about the link between oral health and overall health.

Krista is a Laboratory Technician working in Hatch’s Geotechnical Lab. Krista has an Honour’s degree in Biochemistry as well as a post-graduate diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology. Krista’s studies have allowed her to become very familiar in a laboratory setting. This ranges from laboratory techniques to lab cleanliness. Since joining Hatch, she has conducted specialized and index testing of soils and rock. Krista is also responsible for maintaining an organized work area, performing procedures according to ASTM and MTO standards, as well as preparing laboratory reports for review.

Komal is a junior electrical designer working for the project deliverables group at Hatch. She has an advanced degree in electrical engineering technology. Komal has worked in the engineering manufacturing and resign industry which has enabled her to get better familiarized with industry standards and adherence of the electrical code. These skills have helped her to better understand client needs and instructions from the engineering team. Since joining Hatch, Komal has worked with the design team on various water power and construction projects in accordance with CEC and NEC standards.

Stephanie graduated from Mohawk College’s Civil Engineering Technology program. She has five years of experience in the construction and water and wastewater engineering industry. She also has experience working in both private and public sectors for water infrastructure, completing inspections as per contract specifications and contract drawings, completing technical reviews of engineering drawings and reports, proficient in AutoCAD, leading Municipal Class Environmental Assessment studies, and project management including budget analysis, commissioning, and process controls. She is currently enrolled in McMaster University’s bachelor of technology program, with a focus on civil infrastructure.

Jonathan is a graduate of Mohawk College’s Architectural Technology program. He has been involved in the construction process since he was in grade 11. He is a member of the Ontario Association for Applied Architectural Sciences (OAAAS) program to become a Licensed Technologist OAA. Jonathan has worked for several firms in the Niagara Region with projects varying in size and application, including residential, commercial, and industrial. His day-to-day responsibilities include creating/revising drawings, site inspections, client meetings, 3D renderings, detailing, and specifications.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-boccia-01ab28175

Derek graduated from the Electrical Engineering Technology program at Niagara College in 2018 and has three years of experience working in the controls and automation area of the water and wastewater field. He has previously worked on water and wastewater projects as a systems integrator for municipalities across Ontario before moving to a new job at Niagara Region as a SCADA Technician in the fall of 2020. Derek’s work deals with programmable logic controllers that automate water and wastewater treatment processes and with data acquisition to provide proof of compliance to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in water and wastewater treatment facilities. He’s currently in the process of obtaining his certification as a Certified Engineering Technologist and recently obtained his Operator in Training licenses for water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and wastewater collection.

Drew is the co-founder of XpertVR, a tech startup based in Niagara that develops virtual reality training and educational experiences for post-secondary schools. While completing a bachelor of business administration degree at Brock University, Drew co-founded XpertVR with a fellow business student. Together they participated pin Pitch competitions and entrepreneurship workshops to educate themselves on starting and growing their business. Now two years graduated, Drew manages a team of game developers and 3D artists that deliver high-quality VR experiences to educate students around the province. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-macneil/

Agusia Krzywinska currently works for Phantom Compass as a quality assurance tester and junior programmer. Agusia recently graduated from Brock University and Niagara College’s joint game development program as part of the first cohort. After graduating, Agusia started a company with two other colleagues called Adjective Noun Studios, a mobile game company that focuses on bringing high-quality games to mobile platforms, without microtransactions, ads, loot boxes, or subscriptions. She works on the more technical aspects of making games.

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/agusia-krzywinska/

Dorothy graduated from Brock University with an honours bachelor degree in accounting as well as a master’s of accountancy. Following the completion of her master’s degree, she went on to successfully pass her assurance role on the 2020 Common Final Examination (CFE). Dorothy is now on track to completing her final requirements and obtaining her CPA designation by the end of the year. She is currently working at a mid-sized public accounting firm in St. Catharines where she specializes in planning and performing external audits as well as various tax planning and preparation services. Her passion and experience have allowed her to better understand the needs of her clients so that she can provide financial advice to meet their specific needs. When out of the office, she enjoys attending spin class, grabbing a coffee, and going for hikes!

Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-szymkow-macc-3b5894200

Bryan is a finance graduate from Brock University’s Goodman School of Business. He has experience in venture capital, corporate finance, and analytics. Most recently, he worked at BDC Capital in fund investments. Additionally, he has worked at multiple local tech start-ups and at the BDC IT Venture Fund. He’s currently preparing for the CFA Level II Exam and consulting part-time for technology start-ups remotely. Bryan is passionate about personal investments, emerging technologies, non-fiction reading, cooking, and sports including golf, rowing, and snowboarding.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-haakman/