Date: 11 October @3:00PM-04:00PM

Title: WiCSC+ Trainee presents “Resources for cognitive science trainees: networking, alt-ac jobs, and supporting neurodiverse students”

Location: Online & DT 2203

Abstract: What is WiCSC+? WiCS-Canada is the Canadian Chapter of Women in Cognitive Science, an NSF-funded organization in the U.S. affiliated with the Psychonomic Society. Heading into its 20th year in 2021, WiCS has offered important professional development and networking opportunities to women (and men) scientists in the fields of cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, and related disciplines. We hope WiCS-Canada will enable similar opportunities, in a way that is tailored to the Canadian research context.

The WiCSC+ Trainee Board: who are we and what do we do? The Women in Cognitive Science Canada Trainee Board is made up of trainees (undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career researchers) across universities in Canada who are engaged in research in the cognitive sciences. The trainee board offers information and resources toward trainees in cognitive sciences (undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career researchers) regarding issues related to various career trajectories to help other trainees navigate school, jobs and life in general.

*We want to highlight that all individuals are welcome to participate – members and affiliates of WiCSC+ need not identify as women.

What will be covered in this presentation? The aim of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of WiCSC+ Trainee objectives and highlight some of the resources and opportunities that we provide. Based on the results of the poll we sent out earlier this month (thank you to everyone who responded!), we will focus on (1) networking, (2) alt-ac jobs, and (3) supporting neurodiverse students.

For more information, you can visit our website: https://wicsc.ca/

Speaker Bios:

  • Taeko Bourque (Carleton University)
    • WiCSC Trainee Governing Board Member
    • Taeko is pursuing her PhD in Cognitive Science at Carleton University under the supervision of Dr. Jo-Anne LeFevre. Her current research focusses on bilingualism and its effect on mathematical cognition, and early numeracy and literacy skills. She is passionate about knowledge mobilization (KMb) and enjoys creating graphics to help simplify complex information and make it more accessible for all. Taeko actively supports equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, through her work on various projects, committees, and networks.
  • Fraulein Retanal (University of Ottawa)
    • WiCSC Trainee Board Founder and Chair
    • Fraulein Retanal is currently pursuing her PhD in Experimental Psychology at the University of Ottawa. As a woman of colour, Fraulein is a passionate advocate for supporting women in cognitive sciences and issues surrounding equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Liza Kahwaji (Carleton University)
    • WiCSC Trainee Working Board Member
    • Liza Kahwaji is an undergraduate Cognitive Science student. Liza is currently a research assistant in Carleton’s MathLab, where she is completing her thesis. Her interests include knowledge mobilization and accessibility, which has led her to WICSC+ as a working board member.