The spark of science camp: introducing STEM to girls

When Doyin, a Long-Range Planning Analyst in Suncor’s Mining and Upgrading unit, began her studies at McMaster University in Ontario, she soon discovered many other engineering specialties. She also discovered that some of her classmates knew about the variety within the field from attending summer science camps. 

“I wish I had gone to a science camp when I was young,” reflects Doyin. “Other students who went to these camps seemed to have an advantage because they were exposed to different scientific fields and jobs, understood the terminology better and had a network of role models who inspired them.”

Motivated by what she didn’t have growing up, Doyin began volunteering for organizations with a focus on inspiring youth--especially girls and minorities--in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

One of the organizations she volunteered with while in university was Go Eng Girl—a free event organized by universities across Canada annually for girls in grades 7 to 10 to learn about engineering through hands-on activities and exhibits. 

After university, Doyin moved to Calgary and soon found another opportunity that combined her expertise with her desire to empower the next generation of scientists with BrainSTEM Alliance. 

As a board member, facilitator and mentor with BrainSTEM Alliance, Doyin helped develop the organization’s strategic plan, designed and led activities for youth, and built relationships with similar non-profits that offer STEM programming for youth like Rehoboth Alliance and Careers NextGen. Doyin also developed a mentorship program between Suncor and Girls Inc. and is a founding member of the Black Youth Inventor Program.

“I’m so grateful to provide kids with opportunities I didn’t have growing up and seeing the difference it’s making in their education and career choices. It really has come full circle for me,” Doyin says with a smile. 

As the world continues to change, the variety of STEM-related fields evolves along with it. BrainSTEM Alliance has added electrical and computer engineering programs based on the interests of students and the experience of volunteers. 

Doyin has also noticed a growing interest in technology among students and found an opportunity to partner with the Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network to offer a code day.

“It’s rewarding to witness youth thrive in our programs, go onto university and then come back and volunteer with us,” says Doyin. “We learn a lot from them and are able to expand our programming based on the expertise they bring back to the community.” 

For her volunteer work with BrainSTEM, Girls Inc. and the Black Youth Inventor Program, Doyin was recognized as one of five 2021 SunCares Changemakers. 

Each year, five Suncor employees are named Changemakers for the significant work they do in their community and are each awarded a one-time donation of $20,000 from Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation to donate to a community organization of their choosing. 

Doyin split her donation among Rehoboth Alliance, BrainSTEM Alliance and the Nigerian-Canadian Association of Fort McMurray.