Networks

For undergraduates, graduates, and early-career professionals in science, engineering, and technology seeking opportunities for support, networking and professional development, we’re proud to share that WISEST supports two networks to help you navigate your career stage.

At each stage of your STEM journey, you are likely to experience unique challenges. WISEST is proud to support two networks to help you navigate those challenges as an undergraduate student through UA-WiSE, or as a graduate student to early-career professional through WiSER. We encourage you to explore the opportunities available to you through these two communities.

UA-WiSE - University of Alberta Women in Science and Engineering

UA-WiSE (University of Alberta Women in Science and Engineering) is a student group at the University of Alberta that supports all undergraduate students underrepresented in fields including science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

UA-WiSE plans events that focus on topics such as mentorship, networking, different careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and the challenges of working in a non-traditional field.

WiSER - Women in Science, Engineering and Research

WiSER (Women in Science, Engineering & Research) was founded in 2008 as a WISEST-supported network to serve the needs of graduate students and early-career professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The community is composed of individuals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from academia, government, and industry.

Meet some of the Co-Chairs of the UA-WiSE and WiSER networks

The UA-WiSE & WiSER Mentorship program connects women and underrepresented individuals in STEM fields with mentors who help foster professional development and personal discovery

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Zowie Biever (she/her)

UA-WiSE Mentorship Co-Chair
3rd Year BSc Specialization in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, U of A

About Zowie

Zowie is going into her third year of her specialization in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Alberta. She previously received a diploma from NAIT where she had majored in Biological Sciences with a Laboratory and Research specialization in 2018-2020. Zowie also volunteered for UA-WiSE on the volunteer committee in 2022-2023 and assisted in the interview spotlight series. Zowie was elected as the Co-chair of Mentorship for UA-WiSE in 2023 and is thrilled to remain in this position. She aims to help connect young professionals with mentors to help establish their career path and empower women and gender diverse individuals in STEM. In Zowie’s free time she likes to bake, journal and read science fiction novels.

Angie Stokes (she/her)

UA-WiSE BTA Co-Chair
4th Year BSc, U of A

About Angie

Angie is going into her fourth year of biological sciences at the University of Alberta. She volunteered on the UA-WiSE committee in the 2022-2023 school year as part of the video and media committee and was elected into the position of BTA Co-Chair in 2023. She is excited to remain the BTA Co-chair of UA-WiSE and will work to promote underrepresented students in STEM fields by hosting the clubs largest event of the year, the Black Tie Affair (BTA). Angie hopes to continue to support and promote minority groups at the BTA and continue to grow UA-WiSE. In her free time, Angie likes to golf, and go hiking and biking in the Rocky Mountains.

Jenna Evanchuk (she/her)

WiSER Co-Chair
MD Student, U of C

About Jenna

Jenna is a second-year medical student at the University of Calgary. Before her current program, she earned a BSc in Biological Sciences and an MSc in Nutrition and Metabolism from the University of Alberta. Her thesis research explored how maternal nutrition across pregnancy and postpartum is related to the health outcomes of pregnant people and their children. Jenna was on the volunteer committee at UA-WiSE for 3 years during her undergrad, gaining experience in different positions, including event planning and sponsor recruitment. She served as a WiSER Sponsorship Manager for 2 years before beginning her Co-chair term in 2023. Having 6 years of experience in the UA-WiSE/WiSER networks, Jenna is thrilled to be continuing in the role of Co-chair for a second year. She remains highly dedicated to advocating for the inclusion, safety, and empowerment of all people in STEM fields.

Angella Britton (she/her)

WiSER Co-Chair
PhD Candidate in Microbiology and Biotechnology, U of A

About Angelle

Angelle is a PhD Candidate in Microbiology and Biotechnology at the Unviersity of Alberta, focusing on Burkholderia bacteriophages. Since her undergraduate studies, Angelle has been involved in the scientific community as the Co-President of her University's science society and in graduate school with WiSER. In 2021, Angelle joined WiSER's executive commitee and has served as Event Lead, Volunteer Coordinator, and now as Co-chair. She also received the 2021 Margaret Brine Graduate Scholarship for Women. Angelle is continually grateful for opportunity to contribute to WiSER's mandate and encourage others to pursue and retain their STEM journey.