Meet Bethany Bouchard, a third year Physics student at the University of Waterloo and the president of the Women in STEM (WISTEM) club on campus. Beyond this, she is actively involved with numerous other clubs and societies, including Let’s Talk Science, SciBall, HeforShe, Physics Interconnected, the Edge Certificate Program, and as a Science Ambassador. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog and boyfriend, cross stitching, playing guitar, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and pursuing an eco-friendly lifestyle by eating plant based, shopping second hand, and living zero waste.
As the President of WISTEM this term, Bethany has helped to facilitate multiple events. This has included co-hosting a panel on biases in the workplace and in STEM fields with the synthetic biology team IGEM, an introduction to programming workshop, and a bomber Wednesday. Over the next couple of terms, amongst their regular events, WISTEM is planning an event for the fall of 2018, whereby they will bring high school students to campus, giving them the opportunity to explore STEM fields with workshops and activities.
Bethany is passionate about physics, treating the environment with care, and helping people. She hopes to be able to combine these passions by using her knowledge of physics to “help create a more sustainable living environment for people”.
It was an honour to sit down with this busy UW student and hear more about her role as president of WISTEM and her life and general.
How did you get involved with WISTEM?
“At the beginning of my second year I knew the person who was running WISTEM at the time…and she was looking for a marketing coordinator for the club. I had just finished my co-op where I was doing a lot of graphic design, and I had really enjoyed that…I created a mock poster for her, [which] she loved…and decided to hire me on as part of the team.”
What inspired you to join?
“Originally it was [that] I really enjoy graphic design and marketing…But, as I as was learning about the club and the message that it represents–to be supporting the women that are in STEM and supporting people who support women in STEM,…a place to help foster relationships,…[to] help as a support in academic and social support for women in STEM at the university….I thought that was a really important thing to have, and to have a place where women in different STEM fields could come and meet each other. Purely because [I’m] in physics I mainly see physics people, so it’s really nice to be able to meet other women that are in other faculties and programs.”
What have been your goals this term as president, or this year?
“My main goal for the club is to make sure that we have a really strong community and a really great support system for women in STEM. That was how I envisioned the club…and I think that is one of my favourite parts of the club–is the ability to unite the different fields of STEM and [its] program and faculties. We even have women [from] the [Arts and Environment faculties] that are part of the club. It’s a great place for women to come together and get to know each other, [to] get exposed to different fields of STEM, and also have a good time.”
What’s your favourite part about WISTEM?
“The people. I am always so happy seeing new people come onto the team and seeing old people return,…it’s really great that we do get to have that mix of different faculties and fields. I think that is one ting that is lacking is that we all get sucked into our own programs or our own faculties, and it gets harder to meet new people who are just across campus.”
Over the course of being involved with WISTEM, how have you seen yourself grow or change?
“I think WISTEM was my stepping stone to feeling more confident about getting more involved. After I joined WISTEM, I joined SciSoc. After I joined SciSoc, I was meeting people that were from SciSoc, and they had other opportunities, and I think that through WISTEM basically I have been able to grow the confidence to put myself out there more. So now my…motto is ‘if you ever need help, and I’ve got the time, then I will come and help.”
What is some advice for someone looking to take on a leadership role?
“For me, when it came to getting involved in the…school community…I was afraid of saying yes. There are so many opportunities that the campus tries to provide, but there is always the fear of taking too much on and letting your academics slie. My suggestion is that if you really [enjoy] something, or think you would it, say yes!”
For people looking to get involved in the club, Beth recommends that they first sign up as a general member on WISTEM’s website which will connect people to a bi-weekly mailing list that shares opportunities to get involved. To become a part of the executive team, people can keep a lookout on WISTEM’s Facebook page for the application process at the end of every term.