When did your love of STEM begin?

The creativity. I think STEM is inclusive to all types of learners and personalities but finding the right entry point can be difficult. I love that there are endless possibilities, ways to think and discover, and that there are infinite permutations and combinations of how you can approach and be involved with STEM.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

Impact. My personal mission and goals in my work is to have a far reach and impact on making science learning accessible to all. In my current role, I have the reach and control to work with schools, communities, students, parents, teachers, etc. on curating resources that are accessible and support learning for all learners. I never felt that I was a "science person", and I really think one of the most powerful things is being in this role, having impact on what happens in science education, touching millions of students lives, but also being a leader who for a very long time, didn't know my own identity. I often was told I was "too Canadian" to be Chinese, but that I was also "too Chinese" to be Canadian.

I've had parents and students thank me and commend me for giving them a space to be themselves and to express their identity through learning science. One of the most touching moments I have had with a past parent has been there expression for how grateful they am that I am in my role, as it shows their child what it is like to grow up in an immigrant family, but still be a leader in education for science and math. CRRP (Culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy) is a true passion of mine and ingraining it in science resources so that all students can learn is a reward that is priceless to me. I love what I do, I love thinking about inspiring youth to be better

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in STEM?

Just try it, even if it seems hard, you never know where that challenge will take you unless you try. No matter what, you’ll learn something about yourself and the journey. As one of my favourite mentors always told me, “It’s by trying hard things that we learn how tough we really are.”