Inclusive Science
In the Faculty of Science, our goal is to foster an inclusive community and a culture where all individuals feel respected, valued, and free to be their authentic selves. We strive to promote open dialogue and learn from our differences.
To achieve this goal, Science has an Associate Dean for a Diverse, Inclusive, and Safe Science. This position acts as a resource and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusivity (EDI), and works on projects and initiatives to tangibly advance our overall goal of fostering an inclusive community. This position is currently held by Jen Parks.
Science is the first faculty at the University of Waterloo to have an embedded Indigenous Initiatives Office. It serves as a hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, researchers, faculty, and staff as well as allies in the Faculty of Science, working to provide the community with guidance and support.
Jen Parks, Associate Dean for a Diverse, Inclusive, and Safe Science
Building a culture of care and accountability
We are actively working behind the scenes to strengthen the ways our community supports one another. Through thoughtful initiatives, we’re laying the groundwork for a more responsive and respectful environment where everyone feels empowered to speak up and supported when they do.
While many of our current projects remain in the preparatory stages, they reflect a strategic and long-term commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We look forward to sharing more as these initiatives evolve and begin to shape the future of our Faculty.
Recent initiative:
Launch of Science’s annual EDI speaker series
In March 2025, we launched our EDI speaker series with an inaugural talk from Dr. Andre K. Isaacs, Associate Professor, College of the Holy Cross (@drdre4000 on Instagram and TikTok). His talk was entitled “Inclusive Excellence: Strategies for Broadening Participation and Improving Belonging in STEM." The series will continue with annual events featuring leaders in equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Check back in early winter for details about the 2026 talk.
Didn’t make it to the first event? Watch the recording of Isaac’s presentation about inclusive excellence.
How to engage with us
Members of the Science community can reach out at any time with ideas for initiatives/projects or for support related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. To get in touch with questions or comments, reach out by email.
Please note that this email is not monitored regularly. If you are in need of immediate help, check out our crisis links below.
Additional resources are also available.
Community spotlight
Meet the exceptional women of Science
March 7, 2025
March 8 is International Women’s Day, a day to promote women’s equity by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to forge gender parity. This year, we celebrate women in the Faculty of Science who are making a difference on this day and every day. Meet some of the exceptional women in Science who are helping to #AccelerateAction for gender equality.
Jen Parks receives a 2024 Equity and Inclusivity Award
February 10, 2025
For Jen Parks, being equitable isn’t something you do, it’s how you think – a mindset that earned her a 2024 Equity and Inclusivity Award. Ask her students and colleagues, and they will tell you that she not only advocates for equity but embodies that equity in her everyday actions and interactions. Congratulations, Jen!
Weaving Indigenous science into the classroom
January 13, 2025
The Faculty of Science is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous histories and cultures, driving the initiative to transform science education by weaving Indigenous and Western scientific teachings into the classroom. Leading this initiative are Savannah Sloat, Manager of Science Indigenous Initiatives, and Kirsten Müller, Chair of the Biology department, who have redesigned an old biology course to include Indigenous knowledge frameworks for an inclusive educational experience.
Advancing physics and reclaiming Indigenous roots
June 21, 2024
Kaylee Biggart, a PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is making significant strides in experimental condensed matter physics while reclaiming her cultural heritage.
Amplifying diverse voices in STEM
January 4, 2024
Undergraduate students Emma Collington and Samantha Fowler were drawn together through their shared experience navigating the university environment with a disability. They were inspired to build a community for other students.
Upcoming events
Get involved and learn more by attending a community event. The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism (EDI-R) offers events throughout the year.
Looking for more? Student clubs are a great place to connect with other students and find peer support.
Start here!
New to EDI? Learn more about equity, implicit bias, and how you can help create a more inclusive community in Science.
Anti-racism, anti-oppression (ARAO) training is available to all members of the university community. This five-module course takes three to four hours to complete and equips participants with the ability to recognize and challenge racism in many different areas of their lives.
Check out the educational catalogue organized by the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, and learn how to take action.
Pathways to disclosure and support
If you need to support related to equity, diversity, and inclusion or sexual violence, please fill out the intake form to be connected to appropriate supports, or talk to a trusted person.
If you’re a trusted person and would like guidance on how to respond to a complaint of harassment or discrimination, please review the information offered by the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office.
If you are a teaching assistant, check out the guidelines for teaching assistants from the Conflict Management and Human Rights Office.
Visit the After Hours Support page for information related to available mental health supports for all members of the campus community.
EDI-focused scholarships
There are several awards available to members of equity deserving communities. Visit the University of Waterloo Award Database and filter by “Affiliation” to search for scholarships for women, black students, first-generation Canadians, refugees, or members of the Indigenous community.
The Faculty of Science Foundation also offers an award for initiatives and efforts by students to promote the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion for the Science undergraduate student population.
Additional resources
Looking for more information? Check out these additional resources.
On-campus resources
Community Resources
For even more community links, check out the resources compiled by the Biology EDI committee.
Need help?
Reach out to the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) or the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism (EDI-R) by filling out the intake form.
If you’re in crisis, immediate support can be accessed through a number of campus and community resources.