Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, November16, 2023
Vice- President Olaf chaired the meeting.
Guest Speaker
Program- Chair Ian introduced the guest speaker, Dr Svetlana Barkanova, Professor of Physics at Grenfell Campus. Svetlana began by speaking of herself being originally from Latvia and her study of the nature of dark matter and though dark matter exists no one quite knows what it is.
She then spoke of the telescope at Grenfell Campus which is one of the largest in Canada which is accessible to the public through arranged tours.
She continued by looking at an analysis of the distribution of gender in Science and Engineering (STEM) fields in Canada and considered why the proportion of female students was so low.
This led her to talk about a new project with which she is involved. She is one of the NSERC-Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering in the Atlantic Region. This two-year pilot project is to support a team of researchers who contribute to a culture of inclusion in the natural sciences and engineering fields by catalyzing networks of supporters of this work, promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the research ecosystem, and undertaking activities to enhance awareness and understanding of barriers and inequities faced by members of underrepresented groups in these fields.
There are different projects, but the ones Svetlana focused on was looking at physics in rural classrooms for Grades 7 – 12, and the total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Looking at rural schools and staring in Labrador, she is hoping for presenters with expertise in physical science, engineering and technology visit different rural schools. She is hoping to link the presentations to a relevant curriculum to be developed which will refer to regional priorities including indigenous knowledge.
She showed the area of total eclipse that will pass over Newfoundland on April 8, 2024. The last total solar eclipse crossing this region was in 1970 and the next one after next year will be in 2079. She would like to plan multiple eclipse parties on the afternoon of April 8th and to engage entire communities. Students from equity deserving groups will be able to apply for travel funds to be in the areas of total eclipse.
Foe both projects she will be looking for coordinators, presenters, and educators.
Chris thanked Svetlana on behalf of the club after she had answered several questions.
The meeting adjourned at 1.30pm
Corner Brook, NL A2H 2V3
Canada