Sparking Science

Sparking Science Through Mentorship Conference

Date: October 12, 2022

We just wrapped up our Sparking Science Through Mentorship Conference 2022! Thank you to our incredible mentors and students for making this year’s conference a big success!

EcoSpark’s Sparking Science Through Mentorship Conference is a life-changing day for many grade nine and ten students in the Durham Region, opening windows of opportunity they may never have imagined. 

The conference showcases inspiring women who have chosen careers in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The speakers and mentors, ranging in age from early twenties to late sixties, come from a variety of professions, such as researchers, energy sector workers, educators and more.  

Conference participants learn that careers in STEM can be fun, satisfying and based in many different sectors of the economy and society.  

Each year more than 100 girls are inspired to imagine new paths that will keep them studying science, technology and math through their high school years and beyond.  

Our use of the terms 'women' and 'girls' is open and inclusive of cis and trans women. Gender non-conforming students who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women in STEM are also welcome.

Conference Mentors and Speakers

Sparking Science Through Mentorship opens with a keynote speaker sharing the journey of her career in a STEM field. Many additional speakers tell stories of their struggles and triumphs, sometimes of being the first woman in their field, as well as how they overcame barriers to their professional advancement. Surprising to some and inspiring to all, they set a tone for the day, demonstrating that women have what it takes to excel in STEM.  

Throughout the rest of the day the students meet with some of the other women who will be sharing their inspiring stories and amazing journeys. Their areas of interest and expertise can range from environmental law, laser engineering, naturopathy, wildlife expert and much more. 

By the end of the day, futures are re-imagined and lives are changed. 

2021 Sparking Science Conference Mentors

Watch mentor videos from our incredible list of mentors and experts from Sparking Science 2021 conference.