Meet Rachel Tait
My fellow STEM Instructor and I after painting the Cannon at the University of Guelph with the campers participating in Creative Encounters with Science's P.A.G.E.S (Promoting Awareness of Girls in Engineering & Science) program in Summer 2022.
Rachel, a Cell Separation Co-op Student at STEMCELL Technologies, is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical at the University of Guelph, expected to graduate in 2026.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Rachel enjoys indulging in crafts, dancing, skiing, and hiking.
A fun fact about her current co-op role: Rachel performs experiments using flow cytometry, a fascinating technology that utilizes lasers and fluorescence for analyses—an aspect of her work that she finds particularly cool and intriguing.
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love for STEM goes as far back as when I first started school, I've always loved learning and my passion grew with each year of classes. One of my earliest STEM related memories is attending a STEM Summer camp where we did different experiments and building challenges throughout the week. This provided me with great hands on experiences which inspired and left a lasting impact on me.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The best part about working in the field of STEM is knowing how much more there will always be to discover and improve to better the lives of others. The sky really is the limit in STEM, there will always be opportunities to learn more professionally and grow as a person. As well, the problem solving skills I have developed throughout my degree are incredibly valuable and can be applied to all areas of life, not just at work.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
The advice I have to give to young women interested in a career path in STEM is to never question what you are capable of or where you belong. Seek out a mentor or a community of likeminded women who can inspire and guide you through such an amazing journey.
A Fun Fact about Rachel and her current role…
A fun fact about my current co-op role is that I perform experiments using flow cytometry which is a super cool technology that uses lasers and fluorescence to perform analyses.
Some of Rachel’s Hobbies include…
Crafts, dancing, skiing, hiking.