Hidden Figures (Canada)

In this episode, Dr. Andy Knight discusses the importance of decolonizing the university and centering marginalized voices - in particular those of Black scholars - in academic scholarship. He emphasizes the need for normative intent in research and advocates for qualitative methodologies, such as case studies, to understand lived experiences. Dr. Knight also highlights the importance of resilience, activism, and mentorship in promoting representation and equity within the discipline. Ultimately, he calls for a shift towards post-colonial thinking and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in academic scholarship to bring about transformative change in the future.

In this episode, Nathan and Joe talk with Dr. Jennifer Adams, whose work in equity and post-secondary STEM education is specifically focused the experiences of racialized learners, and Black learners in particular. Their conversation examines her research methods, the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in science, and her experiences as a Black scholar in both the United States and Canada (with a bonus mention of Type II fun!). Dr. Adams offers advice for aspiring racialized academics, and emphasizes the significance of finding like-minded individuals, seeking out opportunities for growth and mentorship, and finding community support for navigating the academic space as a racialized scholar.

In this episode of the Hidden Figures podcast, Annie and Akalya talk neuroscience with Dr. Jibran Khokhar: his journey in academia, the importance of community in the field, and the need for more inclusivity and diversity in neuroscience. Dr. Khokhar shares his experiences as a first-generation student, the importance of a supportive community, finding joy in the research, and reaching out for mentorship and guidance. He discusses his involvement in advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion in neuroscience through his work with the Canadian Association for Neuroscience. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of academia, the need for a collective approach in science, and the importance of building networks and supporting each other in the field.

In this episode, Dr. Taru Manyanga - a physical therapist and epidemiologist based at UNBC - talks with Joe and Annie about positive disruptions, bold ideas, and the importance of belonging but also being true to yourself. He highlights the value of diversity and the need to challenge biases within academia. In this wide-ranging and animated conversation, Taru advises everyone to show up confidently, knowing that they belong and have important contributions to make.

Dr. Jessie King (Hadiksm Gaax) talks with Annie and Nathan about her journey into academia, the importance of Indigenous perspectives in research, and the need for more diverse representation in academic spaces. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and creating spaces for underrepresented voices to flourish. She also discusses her teaching approach, which is focused on relationship-building, storytelling, and encouraging students to find meaning and purpose in their work. Overall, she hopes to pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive academic environment for future generations.

In this episode, Dr. Juliet Daniel discusses her background growing up in Barbados, her motivation to have a global impact, and her research on cancer, particularly focusing on triple negative breast cancer in Black women. She describes the challenges and barriers she faced in academia, the lack of diversity, and the importance of initiatives like the Black Scientists Network. She also shares her perspectives on faith, resilience, and the importance of supporting the next generation of scientists to create a more inclusive and innovative field. Ultimately, she expresses hope for the future of STEM fields but acknowledges the work that still needs to be done to achieve greater representation and recognition.

Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh is a political historian at McMaster University, where he teaches global human rights history and African history, and is Director of the McMaster Centre for Human Rights and Human Rights. Tune in for a fascinating Hidden Figures conversation on universality, globalism/localism, and privilege.

Meet the Hidden Figures team that shares hosting duties in this quick introductory episode that sets the stage for our upcoming podcasts.