Wednesday, May 21, 2025
1–2 p.m.
A chance observation, an aspirational grant proposal and a deep commitment to community-driven programming has led to exciting collaborations for three organizations: The Ulnooweg Education Centre, West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) and Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Join us for an engaging panel discussion with Janice Cudlip (CSA), Martha Barrett (Ulnooweg Education Centre) and Petal Steele (WIBCA) to learn about the research, perspectives and collaborative efforts driving and informing their STEM learning programs and initiatives for youth. Discover how the Ulnooweg Education Centre’s plant-growing robot is opening up a world of possibilities for young learners in coding, prototyping and plant biology, encouraging them to think about future food production for diverse astronauts on a lunar base. Find out how the WIBCA’s Gardeners of the Galaxy are leveraging their robotics club experience as part of a pilot project with the CSA’s youth engagement team.
This free session is part of our ongoing webinar series for professionals with an interest in equity, Exploring Equity in STEM.
Sign up for our eNews to receive updates about future sessions.
About the Presenters:
Janice Cudlip, Lead, Youth STEM Initiatives Team at Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Janice Cudlip has led the creation of Youth STEM initiatives at the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) since February 2021. Her previous work experience has always been connected to enabling individuals or teams to open their minds to possibilities and increase their potential. Inspired by the collaborative nature of space exploration and the chance to share Canada’s role in exciting and important missions, Janice works to bring hands-on learning resources for educators to be used in and outside the classroom.
Martha Barrett, Project Manager, Ulnooweg Education Centre
Martha, a Mechanical Engineer from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, holds a degree from Dalhousie University. Born to a Polish mother, and father from Cape Breton, she is passionate about integrating technical, cultural and innovative approaches to enhance life in Atlantic Canada. At Ulnooweg, she manages a team of Junior Engineers and oversees projects in New Brunswick. Martha is also active in the local circus industry and green economy.
Petal Steele, Education Coordinator, West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA)
Petal is a mother and the founder of the award-winning WIBCA STEM program, which inspires youth—particularly those from underrepresented communities—to explore science, technology, engineering and math with confidence and creativity. With a background in Program Planning and Design, she develops educational experiences that are both impactful and deeply human. Her work centres on creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported and empowered to shape a better future.