Meet Vanessa Zahner

Vanessa is learning to use an immersion suit!

Vanessa Zahner graduated with a Master of Science degree in Oceanography from the University of British Columbia in 2021. She is currently a Community Partnership Leader at the Centre for Indigenous Fisheries with the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys spending time in the forest, searching for agates on the beach, knitting, learning the Haida language, puzzles and video games.

When did your love of STEM begin?

Some of my earliest memories are spending time on the beaches of Haida Gwaii, I was always really curious about the shells that washed up and the little creatures hidden in the crevices of the tidal pools, I wanted to know who they were!

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

Learning about the natural environment and the evolutionary history of the places and beings as we know and love them today. I strive to be like my ancestors who understood the world around them and their role within these ecosystems.

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

You can achieve anything if you have people in your life who support you. Look for role models and if you don't see any who are like you, try to be the first. Science, tech, engineering and math desperately need your unique perspectives. And while it can be at times difficult to exist in these spaces, never be afraid to be your full self and bring that into your work. Diversity leads to excellence and no one can ever say otherwise. You are brilliant, even if you don't believe it yet.