What is Black Science?
Black Science was born in 2023 when a prospective student came up to Maya at an open house and asked if there were other Black students in Science. They were worried about being alone in their faculty and program. When we looked for ways to support this student and help them find community, the options were disheartening. We realized there was a lack of intentional support and appropriate resources for our Black students.
The goal of Black Science is to create a community of support for Black students where we can encourage each other and share a sense of belonging. We have chill events like games nights and study halls. We've hosted information panels and invite faculty to events to provide space for students to make meaningful connections with their instructors. If you aren't in Science but you're interested in this group, please don't hesitate to come to an event, connect with one of the leaders, or even just sign up at the bottom to receive email updates!
Read more on our LinkedIn Spotlight and check out our Instagram @uwblackscience
Meet our Leaders
Theodore Thompson
Club president, 2025-2026
Zarha Joseph
Vice President, 2025-2026
Karen Nayiga
Vice President - external
Toheeb Ayinde
Vice President - academic
Dipo Ogundipe
Coordinator - events & academics
Aziza Chaudhry
Faculty liaison
Cayden Massy
Coordinator - outreach and marketing
Elizabeth Agyei
Coordinator - events and community
Maya Ewert
Faculty liaison
Message from the president
"Black Science is more than just an initiative to me… it’s a community that supports, uplifts and encourages each other to strive each and every day. Whether we’re pursuing careers in healthcare, business, teaching or any other array of professions, we create a safe space for students to be themselves without judgement."
Apply for Scholarships and Bursaries!
Below are a number of scholarships and bursaries for Black undergraduate students. Please apply for these every term that you are enrolled. You can also search the Awards Database for a broader range of options.
Black or Indigenous Heritage Student-Athlete Bursary
Co-operators Award for Black and Indigenous Students
Collective Movement Award for Community Leadership
Gaskin and Claudine Dey Upper-Year Scholarship
Herbert Fernando Memorial Award *If you are planning to enroll in a Biology field-based course, please apply for this award!
Rexall Pharmacy Group Community Involvement Award
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR)
Events
Thank you to everyone who has come out to our events and supported us! Coming up this term....
- Self-Care
- Classic Movie Night
- Potluck
- Study Halls
Follow our IG page for updates.
Opportunities
Follow us on LinkedIn for mentorship, job, research, and community-based opportunities.
Campus Recruitment Summer 2026 — Inviting Members of the Black Community
Toronto, ON
Temporary, Full-time, Fixed-term contract
Apply via the CIBC website
Deadline: February 13, 2026
Bain & Company: Building Entrepreneurial Leaders (BEL)
BEL is a 1.5-day, in-person program held in one of our Bain offices across the U.S. and Canada. During your visit, you’ll gain exposure to life as a consultant—what the day-to-day looks like, the types of challenges our teams tackle, and how we drive results for our clients. This program is open to all second-year (sophomore) students who will be completing a four-year undergraduate degree in the United States or Canada by winter 2027 or spring 2028.
Apply Online!
Deadline: February 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm
National Bank Financial, Mentorship Program for Young Women University Students
Interested in exploring the wealth management industry and the role of an advisor? Make a bold move with the National Bank Financial Mentorship Program for young female students — because taking action can open doors!
The program involves 2 components: A virtual mentorship kickoff featuring a panel of female advisors in September 2026, as well as a 3-term period where students will be paired with an experienced mentor and take part in monthly mentorship sessions, networking activities, and meetings with industry professionals.
Students are eligible if they: Graduate after Spring 2027, are interested in wealth management or the Advisor role, and are available in your region for in-person mentorship sessions over a 9-month period, starting in September 2026.
Explore some more details and Apply here!
Deadline: February 8th, 2026
Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO)
The SEO program provides up to 4,000 high school and post-secondary students with summer employment between May and September with Ontario government ministries, agencies and select organizations.
All SEO job ads will be posted on January 13, 2026, and have staggered closing dates between February and April 2026.
Visit the SEO program website for more information.
CBSN Youth Service Delegates
Are you a Black youth in STEMM looking to gain national exposure, leadership experience, and make meaningful community impact?
The Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN) is inviting applications for Youth Service Delegates (Ages 18–30) to represent the Network at the National STEM Summit & Expo, taking place February 1–4, 2026 in Toronto.
Read up on the details and apply here!
Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS), Early Careers Event
Ready to kickstart your career and connect with inspiring professionals? Join us at Zurich Resilience Solutions for our Early Careers Event packed with networking, learning, and good food—all happening at their Toronto office on February 18th, from 9:15 am to 1:20 pm (EST).
Connect with recruiters and meet your future mentor all while enjoying a provided breakfast and lunch at 100 King St W, Toronto Ontario — 55th floor.
Spots are limited so RSVP using this link!
Would you like to hear about upcoming events, opportunities, resources and Black Science in general? Sign up below and be added to our mailing list!
Our Staff Supports
Black Science is supported by the Science Undergraduate Office. See our staff contacts below!
Maya Ewert
My name is Maya, and I'm the Medical Sciences advisor in the Science Undergraduate Office. When I was completing my BA at Waterloo, I often felt like the only person of color in my classes. I want to help create a positive space for Black students in Science so they feel a sense of belonging and community. Please feel free to say hi if you see me around!
Aziza Chaudhry
I'm Aziza and I work in the Science Undergraduate Office. I’m also a Waterloo grad! Creating community and a sense of belonging is important to me. As a person of color, I want to see our racialized communities thrive.