Take a break, we’re on Smoko! This week we are joined by Dr. Tam Tham, a passionate scientist and advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. Tam, who is pursuing her PhD at Dalhousie University and serves as the Director of Youth Engagement for SCWIST, shares her inspiring journey into biochemistry and chemistry despite facing ableism and lack of accommodation in academia. She discusses her research on small peptide hormone interactions and the importance of making scientific concepts accessible, especially for marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities.

Tam delves into her role at SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology), where she leads initiatives to inspire and empower young people, particularly those underrepresented in STEM fields. Throughout the conversation, Tam's dedication to making STEM more accessible and equitable for all shines through, highlighting the transformative impact of mentorship, resilience, and community support.

The discussion also explores SCWIST's efforts to address systemic barriers and promote inclusivity in science and technology, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to science and initiatives like Vision of Science for Black youth. Tam and Alexis underscore the need for increased accessibility to STEM education and the positive impact of programs like the Canadian Black Scientist Network in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts and targeted programs to create a more equitable and accessible STEM landscape for future generations.

Take a Smoko here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5oVOEe6iT9oiwMQMlc3z91?si=a34ba1c4fc97459f