Meet Yadira Tejeda Saldana

Yadira Tejeda Saldana graduated with her PhD in Pathology from Western University. She currently works as the Executive Director for Cellular Agriculture Canada. In her spare time, Yadira likes to cook new recipes, bake, foster dogs, go for walks, train in the backyard, and keep active.

When did your love of STEM begin?:

I think I've always loved science!

The oldest memory I have of me doing "science" was when I was a kid, and I was playing with a tiny microscope of a science kit from my aunt. I remember I would catch some insects and try to look at them through the lens. At that time, I did not know that what I was doing was "science." I would spend hours analyzing everything I could find using that first mini microscope. That was my first encounter with science, and since then, we have become best friends!

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

The best part about STEM is that it provides me with endless opportunities to make our lives better. It is dynamic and allows me to be creative and think, "out-of-the-box." I like that working in STEM also requires a great deal of collaboration to bring solutions to life.

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

Don't get discouraged if things don't go the way you plan them. STEM careers are always full of twists, turns, and bumps that will help you learn new things. Be always open to learning from every experience you have, bad or good; they will help you be better the next time!