The stars aligned when Jessica Braun (MSc ’21), a PhD student in Applied Health Sciences, recently returned from a research collaboration with NASA to find out she was named the first-place recipient of the inaugural VPR Women in STEM Graduate Leadership award.

The new honour recognizes Brock graduate students and their exceptional advocacy, leadership and efforts to advance women and under-represented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In addition to Braun, Chimerem Amiaka (MSc ’23), a PhD student in Applied Health Sciences, took second place and Alex Wilder, a PhD student in Biological Sciences, took third place in the awards.

Among Braun’s notable accomplishments is launching the Niagara chapter of the Girls SySTEM Mentorship program in January 2023. In its first year, the chapter successfully connected with 48 mentees and 21 mentors, highlighting the need for such a program in the region.

Braun credited her own mentors and teachers for sparking her passion in the sciences, steering her towards a research career in STEM and starting the Niagara chapter.

“I was very excited to be recognized for this award. I have been fortunate enough to have grown up and to be continuously surrounded by empowering and inspiring women in STEM,” she says.

As a mentor, Braun works closely with high school students, helping them learn about non-traditional STEM fields, providing them with hands-on lab opportunities and encouraging them to consider various career options.

Braun has made significant strides in her career in the sciences, working with her supervisor Val Fajardo, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Tissue Remodelling and Plasticity Throughout the Lifespan, on research related to oxidative stress and muscle health.

Acting Vice-President, Research Michelle McGinn spoke to the motivation behind the award and praised Braun’s dedication to impacting her field through research and mentorship.

“The idea for the new Women in STEM Graduate Leadership Award arose from a desire to celebrate and acknowledge the phenomenal leadership and amazing initiatives that I have witnessed from Brock’s graduate students,” she says. “Jessica’s dedication to making an impact with her research and work on mentorship is truly commendable. It aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting women in STEM and strengthening science for all of us.”

As Braun continues to excel in her research and academic pursuits, she hopes to continue her academic journey with a postdoctoral scholarship and inspire future generations of women scientists and researchers.

The Girls SySTEM Mentorship program — Niagara chapter encourages prospective mentors to register through their website and keep an eye on social media for opportunities when they arise in August.