Panelists Amanda Ewen and Chi Vu recruiting volunteers for a new Saskatoon Chapter for the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS)

Celebrating Women in STEM at the University of Saskatchewan

Computer Science Student Society, Math & Stats Student Society, and Physics and Engineering Physics Student Society hosted Women in STEM Night on February 11th, bringing together students for a keynote, panel discussion, and interactive activities at Louis' Loft.

By Gabrielle Dela Cruz

On February 11th, 2026, the Computer Science Student Society (CSSS), Math & Stats Student Society(MS^3), and Physics and Engineering Physics Student Society(PEPSS) celebrated Women in STEM by bringing together students from across programs and year levels for an evening of inspiration, honest conversation, and genuine connection. Louis' Loft was packed and the interdisciplinary crowd that showed up said everything about what the night was built for.

Before the program began, attendees dove into STEM Path Bingo inviting everyone to circle the room with bingo cards in hand, hunting for people who matched each square. Descriptions included someone who celebrated a 60% like a victory or someone who slipped on ice that very week and even, someone who wants to work in aerospace. By the time the formal program kicked off, the room was already warm with conversation.

Attendees packed Louis' Loft

Keynote Speaker and Panelists

Hosts Ayo Ogunade (Event Director, CSSS) and Olivia Numedahl (President, MS^3) welcomed the crowd before introducing keynote speaker Dr. Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley, P.Eng., a Vanier Scholar, YWCA Women of Distinction honouree, and founder of Prairie Catalyst. With over two decades in engineering and a PhD focused on activating workplace allies, Dr. Peltier-Huntley set a tone of candour and courage that carried through the rest of the night.

Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley discussing how small actions can make big changes

 

Meet the Panelists

  • Harjot Kaur M.Sc., Food Science
  • Amanda Ewen M.Sc., Computer Science
  • Grace Forward B.Sc., Biological & Biomedical Sciences
  • Agrata Rijal B.Sc. Hons, Physics (Nuclear Science)
  • Asfa Nazir M.Sc., Veterinary Biomedical Sciences
  • Chi Vu Software Developer, Andgo

Six panelists spanning STEM disciplines took on questions submitted live via QR code and in advance, covering imposter syndrome, Co-op decisions, navigating workplace dynamics, and what it really takes to have your ideas recognized. The questions were sharp and the answers sharper. No rehearsed responses, just honest accounts of what it looks like to navigate STEM as a woman in 2026.

Panelist Introductions

After the panel, the room shifted into something quieter. Attendees wrote a letter to their future self, prompted by two questions: What are you proud of surviving so far? and What do you hope you haven't forgotten in two years? There are plans to mail the letters back a year from now, which might end up being the most memorable part of the night.

The evening closed with open networking and informal Q&A. First-years found grad students. Different faculties found common ground. The room welcomed everyone from all identities, all programs, all years, exactly as promised.

A huge thank you to Dr. Peltier-Huntley, all six panelists, Ayo, Olivia, the organizing societies, and everyone who walked through the door.

See you next year. 🌟