What is Black Science?
Black Science was started in 2024. A 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!
Meet our leaders
Theodore Thompson
My name is Theo and I’m currently going into 3A Biology. I’m really excited to be supporting forming a tight-knit Black Science community at Waterloo in any way I can. If you see me around, always feel free to shout a hi my way!
Zarha Joseph
Hi, I’m Zarha! I’m currently studying Honours Science and Business, and as a student representative for Black Science, I’m excited to help create meaningful connections among Black science students. As a volunteer with the Canadian Association for Girls in Science and in joining this team, I aim to advocate for underrepresented groups in STEM. In my free time, I love listening to R&B, reading, and baking cookies (brown sugar cookies are my specialty!).
Karen Nayiga
Hi! My name is Karen, 3A Psychology BSc, Neuroscience Minor. The Faculty of Science is such a nurturing community, allowing me to thrive both in and outside of the classroom. Being able to give back to such a community, especially when supporting incoming Black students, lights up my day. Black Science is an amazing initiative to do just that: from fostering connections amongst Black students in the Faculty of Science, to creating spaces filled with joy and laughter!
Maya Ewert
My name is Maya and I'm the academic services coordinator 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!
From right to left (top-row): Aziza Chaudhry, Karen Nayiga, Zarha Joseph, Maya Ewert, and Theo Thompson
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.
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 came out to our meet and greet in September!
October 10:
Black Science Study Hall in STC 2002
November 7:
Black Science Study Hall in STC 2002
