![]() Gloria Montano |
After completing a BSEE in 1978, Gloria Montano began her career in the Silicon Valley where she advanced through high tech positions in design, customer support, technical sales and marketing support, project and program management. She left private industry to join the Institute for Women and Technology (now AnitB.org) as the director of an innovative, design-based experiential learning program, the Virtual Development Center. She came to NL in 2006 to earn a Master of Education degree and then worked in various roles in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University. Now post-salary, Gloria continues to seek to broaden discussion on the role women play in the identification, development and distribution of technology-based solutions, and she uses her experience and skills for the benefit of non-profit and volunteer organizations. Gloria is a Past President of WISE NL, a national Past President of the Society of Women Engineers in the US, and has served on several boards including the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT). For fun, Gloria likes to golf and go for walks in the summer, play hockey and snowshoe in the winter, and take the occasional trip outside North America. She also shamelessly enjoys the pleasure of pets belonging to her friends. |
![]() Kimberly Byrne |
Kim Byrne is a Development Officer for Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, with prior experience as the Executive Director at a sports non-profit and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She uses diverse experience to leverage community strengths from a background in volunteering with organizations such as TEDX, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Gathering Place, and by virtue of experience on multiple sub-committees for organizations. Kim also brings lived experience from her student politics days, working abroad, teaching, and having a background in Occupational Health & Safety. Kim has a passion for integrative thinking, inclusion, collaboration, policy, and formalizing strategic planning goals into operations. Kim is invested in youth outcomes, equitable work environments, and mentorship. |
![]() Marie Curtis
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Marie Curtis is a project management and operations professional with over eight years of experience in higher education and clinical research, transitioning into business development and innovation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology (2014) and is certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (2016). Marie began her career in blood biomarker and rehabilitation research, managing over 14 research projects and assets valued at $2.3M. In 2021, she coordinated the arrival of Memorial University students during the pandemic and managed a $310K COVID-19 bursary program. As a Project Manager with the Ocean Startup Project, Marie leads national programming that promotes ocean innovation in academia. She has a proven track record in financial management, recruitment, and stakeholder engagement and is passionate about fostering connections that help underrepresented groups succeed in STEM fields. Since 2021, Marie has been a member of the Rock Island Dragons (community dragon boat team). In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking fitness classes, playing video games, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring NL with her family. |
![]() Alison Cox |
Alison Cox is a Professional Geologist registered under the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador. She graduated from Memorial University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Earth Sciences focusing on economic geology and biogeochemistry. In 2018 she completed a Masters by Research in Mining and Mineral Engineering from the University of Exeter (Camborne School of Mines) in the UK. Since graduating, Alison has worked in greenfields and brownfields mineral exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Greenland focusing on precious and base metal projects. Alison is passionate about women having equal representation in technical roles, especially within the junior exploration and mining sectors. She hopes to introduce young students to geology and other STEM related fields and to build a network that can support graduates and young professionals throughout their career progression. |
![]() Kathleen Shallow |
Kathleen Shallow earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Memorial University in 2022. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience from King’s College London. Kathleen has been a dedicated member of WISENL since 2018 driven by her passion for supporting and advocating for women in STEM fields. Kathleen is a committed advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion and an active volunteer in her community. Kathleen is a Swim Coach with Special Olympics Canada teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities to swim. She is also a mentor for young women facing life challenges through Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition, she advocates for the rights of women and LGBTQIA2S+, as well as for humanitarian and environmental causes. In her free time, Kathleen enjoys pottery, she uses wheel throwing to create functional ceramic art. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, appreciating nature and immersing herself in a good book. |
![]() Erin Burt |
Erin Burt graduated from Memorial University’s Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) program in 2023. Throughout University, Erin was an active member of MUN’s Engineering Student Society, elected as the Junior, then Senior Vice-President of Academics, and as Student Representative to her Civil Engineering Class. Since graduation, she has worked with Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro as a Graduate Regulatory Engineer. Erin is registered as an Engineer-In-Training with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL), and is working towards her designation as a Professional Engineer. Erin is a proud alumnus of the WISE SSEP and Mentorship programs. She also currently serves as a Trustee, Social Media Advisor, and member of the Alumni Network Advisory Council with the Fry Family Foundation. |
Director, Speaker Series |
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![]() Sheldon Baikie |
Sheldon Baikie’s career path to Civil Engineer at Newfoundland Power has been anything but typical. He began by earning a Kinesiology degree with a focus on the business side of sport and recreation. Upon returning to Labrador, he worked as a government administrator for about a decade before deciding to shift gears. His involvement in the construction of a museum sparked an interest in the engineering required for its foundations, prompting him to return to school to study civil engineering. After six years, he completed his degree and started working as a civil/structural engineer. Currently, Sheldon is the Asset Management Lead at Newfoundland Power, where he is helping to review the Sheldon is originally from North West River, Labrador and a proud beneficiary of the Nunatsiavut Land Lands Agreement. He is also engaged in several volunteer activities including, the Indigenous Advisory Committee of Engineers Canada, the board of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador and Women in Science and Engineering’s Indigenous Youth Gathering Committee. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, hiking, and biking with his family. |
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Mona El-Tahan is the founding president of WISE NL, leading the development of a provincial chapter of WISE National in 1988. Mona is a professional engineer, businessperson, and successful entrepreneur experienced in leading diverse and highly talented teams of professionals in the offshore and high technology industries. She is recognized nationally and internationally through awards for success in engineering, business and entrepreneurship, and has an extensive network of professional industry and academic contacts throughout the Middle East, North America, Europe and Southeast Asia. After obtaining a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Cairo University in Egypt and a Masters in Ocean Engineering from Memorial University. After graduation she worked with Lavalin-Fenco Newfoundland Ltd. as a Project Engineer and Senior Research Engineer/Manager then moved to C-CORE as a Senior Research Engineer/Manager. Mona founded InCoreTec Incorporated, an applied research and development company specializing in offshore and environmental engineering, marine navigational aids, sea ice management, project management and consulting. She stepped away from the company and is now in a consulting role. Mona’s numerous awards include Canadian Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1999), NLOWE Entrepreneur of the Year NL 2000), Sara Kirke Award – Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) (2002), and the Canadian Muslim Contributors to the Business Sector – Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC) (2005). Mona’s own favourite quality is her love of helping others. In 2019, this very quality won her a community service award offered by the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador (PEGNL). |
![]() Svetlana Barkanova |
Dr. Svetlana Barkanova obtained her BSc in physics from the University of Latvia in 1994 and earned her PhD in theoretical subatomic physics from the University of Manitoba in 2004. An internationally-acclaimed researcher and an award-winning teacher, Svetlana is currently a Full Professor of Physics at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Grenfell Campus, there she leads the provincial science outreach program designed to engage rural youth, girls and Indigenous students. Svetlana is the Chair of the Division for Gender Equity in Physics of the Canadian Association of Physicists, the Chair of Hadronic Physics/QCD Scientific Working Group of the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics, a member of WISE NL working on initiatives such as Indigenous Youth Gatherings, and a popular presenter with lectures ranging from astrophysics to clean energy. |
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![]() Jacqueline Blundell |
Dr. Jacqueline Blundell is Associate Dean, Research and Graduate, and Professor of Psychology at Memorial University. |
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![]() Mikayla Chislett |
Mikayla Chislett completed a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Electrical, from Memorial University in 2022. After graduation, she started working as an Engineer-In-Training at Newfoundland Power first in their Electrical Maintenance Centre, and now in their Asset Management Group. After growing up in a small community in Newfoundland, Mikayla is excited to be joining the WISE NL Board of Directors to bring light to other young women about opportunities in engineering and sciences. During her free time, Mikayla enjoys hanging out with her miniature dachshund Emmy, enjoying some trivia, or anything escape room/mystery related. |
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![]() Ashley Critch |
Ashley Critch is originally from the West Coast of Newfoundland and got her start with WISE during high school, as a participant in the SSEP program. A few years later, she flipped roles and spent a summer as a SSEP coordinator – grateful to have the opportunity to help encourage young individuals to pursue STEM, just like she was. She is excited to be staying involved, having joined the board in 2024. Ashley is currently studying Naval Architecture and has luckily already been exposed to the industry, confirming her passion for the marine sector, all things ships, and a diverse and welcoming workforce! In her free time, she can be found hanging out with her dog and cats, or crocheting something new! |
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![]() Christine Fontaine |
Dr. Christine Fontaine is a 2008 WISE SSEP alumnus & previous WISE SSEP Director from 2008- 2013. She completed her PhD in Neuroscience from the University Of Victoria where she was a Vanier Scholar having been recognized as one of the top doctoral students in Canada. Her research focused on the impact of fetal alcohol exposure on the mechanisms that support learning in the brain. In this work, she found that the effects of alcohol differed between pre-pubescent males and females. Outside of the laboratory, she was a member of the Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology Strategic Development Committee and is a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization, an international organization that raises funds for women’s education. Christine is now a Paid Search Manager at Supreme Optimization, the world’s leading life science digital marketing agency built by PhD scientists. In addition to her own bench experience, Christine brings to the table skills in grant-writing, leadership, science communication & digital marketing. Having returned to Newfoundland in 2020, Christine is keen to return to WISE NL to further encourage young women to consider an education or career in science & engineering. Christine is passionate about education, science outreach, youth mentorship and the representation of women in science. In her free time, Christine enjoys working on creative projects and spending time outdoors with her young family. |
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![]() Lauren Hayes |
Lauren Hayes is a 2012 WISE NL alumnus, and credits the program to growing her interest in STEM. She is currently a Policy Advisor with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Lauren graduated from Memorial University with a B.Sc in Earth Sciences (2018) and an M.A. in Political Science (2019), and moved to Ottawa in 2019 to join the federal public service. Through various positions with the government, Lauren has had the pleasure of combining her two great loves – geology and public policy – to support science-policy integration on the national scale. She has played a role in developing the Pan-Canadian Geoscience Strategy, Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy and has subject matter expertise in lithium and the critical minerals used in semiconductors. Lauren moved back to St. John’s in 2023 to join ISED’s Atlantic Region Office, where she supports the delivery of ISED’s exciting mandate and works to highlight critical minerals development opportunities in the region. Lauren is a passionate mentor and wants to give back to the organization that meant so much to her during her formative years. She wants to engage with young women, non-binary and gender diverse individuals to encourage them to follow their interests and take the road less travelled by. You don’t have to choose between your passions; if you love what you do, you can carve a niche for yourself! In her free time, Lauren enjoys playing with her two dogs (Lilo and Stitch) and cat (Caesar), creative writing, and going for walks with her husband Brandon. |
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![]() Karla Jeffries |
Karla Jefferies is currently employed with NL Schools as an Intermediate/Secondary Science and Mathematics Teacher. This is her 16th year in this position. Karla was raised in Charlottetown, Labrador and upon graduation pursued an Engineering Degree from Memorial University of NL (MUN). She completed that Degree in 2005 as a single mom. She worked in the field for a couple of years, but the position was unfulfilling. In 2008, Karla began an Education Degree from MUN and completed the program in 2009. She became employed immediately following graduation and have enjoyed her work since day one. Her goal has always been to encourage and support students in any field they have interest; however, Karla’s passion is in Science, Mathematics, Technology and Engineering. Her classroom has always been a space where students have the freedom to explore, question, become curious and are challenged. In 2017, Karla completed her Masters in Educational Leadership as a pathway to move into leadership roles when the time is right. For now, she enjoys teaching and watching her students follow their dreams. |
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![]() Veronica Naterer |
Veronica Naterer is from Winnipeg, Manitoba and lived in two other provinces before coming to Newfoundland in 2012. She graduated from Gonzaga High School in 2020 and while at Gonzaga, completed the WISE SSEP program. Through the SSEP program, she developed a passion for motivating and advocating for other women in STEM careers. She is now in her final year of Mechanical Engineering at Memorial University. Her plan is to graduate in April of 2025 and pursue higher education the following September. Veronica has made a persistent effort to stay involved in her community as well as the engineering faculty. She is involved in many clubs and societies at MUN in hopes to improve student engagement within the school of engineering and applied science. She has been a member of the WISE Undergraduate Society since 2022 as VP of Engineering Society B. Veronica plans to stay on the society until the end of her degree in efforts to continuously encourage and empower other like minded women interested in STEM careers! |
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![]() Liz Palmer-Nunez |
Liz Palmera-Nunez is a proud professional engineer, refugee-Newfoundlander, person of colour, mentor, role model, wife, mother – a woman. Liz is the Manager of Asset Management with Newfoundland Power, where she leads asset management cross-functionally to ensure best practices are identified and translated into action. Liz has managed multi-million-dollar transmission line projects and excels in asset management, development of the company’s transmission and distribution engineering and construction standards, equipment and material specifications, as well as design guides. She has extensive knowledge of the electric utility sector, with over 14 years of experience in the industry. Throughout this time, she has advanced through positions of increasing seniority and responsibility, while leading the growth and development of multi-disciplinary teams at BC Hydro, Maritime Electric, and Newfoundland Power. Liz holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Liz is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institute of Asset Management (IAM). She was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation in 2020 and to the Advisory Council on Occupational Health and Safety of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2021. Throughout her career, Liz has dedicated herself to inspiring others by focusing on leadership and advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion. She was profiled as a role model during the 2022 International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) campaign with Engineers Canada. She was featured in the September 2023 issue of the “Women in Power Systems” magazine and was also nominated for the 2023 YWCA St. John’s Circle of Distinction – Social Justice & Advocacy Award. When Liz isn’t busy with management and governance, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner and three daughters. She loves to travel, meet new people, and experience different cultures. She also enjoys ballroom dancing, dining out, and watching a good movie. |
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![]() Abygail Pike |
Abygail Pike is a graduate of Memorial University, earning her Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) in 2023. She is an Engineer in Training with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL), and since graduating, Abygail has worked as a Field Engineer in heavy civil construction with both rotational site and office experience working on a variety of hydroelectric generating projects within Newfoundland and across Canada. Abygail’s passion for promoting women in all STEM fields and careers runs deep. During her time in university, Abygail was an active member of the Women in Science and Engineering Undergraduate Society (WISE US) executive where she served as the VP Engineering (2019-2022), President (2022-2023), and Past President (2023-2024), before joining the WISE NL Board of Directors in 2022 where she has been a Director-at Large ever since. Abygail wanted to pursue a career in engineering for as long as she can remember and not long after setting on that path became aware of the visible deficit of women in many STEM-based fields. Abygail got involved with WISE because as a person who was discouraged by peers, educators, and professionals from pursuing engineering simply due to her gender she recognizes it is not always easy for young women to find their place in STEM. As a member of the WISE NL board, Abygail wishes to not only encourage other girls and women to feel confident in whatever program they choose to study but also do her part to help end the gender gap in STEM fields and show that a woman in STEM is not something to be dismissed but rather celebrated! |
![]() Melissa Keats |
Melissa Keats is the Program Administrator at WISE NL. Since moving to St. John’s in 2015, she has earned a BSc. (Honours) in Biology, with a minor in Psychology, from Memorial University in 2020. This was followed by a Master’s degree in 2023, where her research focused on aging and Parkinson’s Disease genes using the fruit fly as a model organism. Now, she is excited to be coordinating WISE NL programs which engage and promote young women in STEM. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys baking sweet treats, as well as playing board games with friends and testing her knowledge in trivia. |