Did you know that since 2010, women have accounted for only 30% of the growth in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) employment and still represent less than one-quarter of the workforce in these fields? In a world where diversity and inclusion are crucial to the advancement of Canada’s STEM sectors, Nicole Chan, a third-year Bachelor of Software Engineering student at the University of Victoria, emerges as a powerful example of empowerment and innovation. A dedicated student in STEM, Nicole is determined to forge her path in a male-dominated field. Her commitment to leadership, education, and community engagement depicts an inspiring young woman dreaming of success and actively working towards it.
Nicole is one of ten exceptional recipients of the Canadian Industry Leadership Award (CILA), a program supporting female students excelling in STEM programs across Canadian universities. Sponsored by leading organizations such as Babcock, L3Harris Technologies, CAE, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, and Thales Canada, the CILA offers more than just financial aid; it provides invaluable internships, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to contribute to significant projects in Canada’s defence and security industry.
The CILA is an accolade and a stepping stone for her budding career. Since September, Babcock’s Director and Acting Head of Engineering & Technology, Gordon Szczepski, has mentored Nicole as our Innovation & Technology co-op student and CILA recipient. “This experience enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges while surrounded by inspiring leaders and peers,” she shared.
During her Babcock co-op the last few months, Nicole has created data-driven PowerBI dashboards to display trends and provide insights for future marine equipment repairs and maintenance. She was also employed by our Technology function to research innovative and green technologies including hydrogen fuel cell-powered light-utility vehicles, and sub-sea communications, and radio wave signal capabilities in arctic conditions.
“Nicole has been a great addition to our team. Her curiosity and follow-on research spurred innovative thinking into new green technologies that could be used for our marine and aviation lines of business,” expresses Gord
Before Babcock, Nicole undertook a co-op work term with the Ministry of Attorney General’s Legal Technology Unit. She implemented a significant system for its line of business and proficiently transitioned over 700 users to the new technology. She also demonstrated her passion for impactful problem-solving by analyzing User Acceptance Testing for various web pages, documenting functionalities, and providing insightful recommendations.
Additionally, Nicole has refined her leadership, technical, and problem-solving skills through volunteerism, workshops, community engagement, and personal development initiatives. Volunteering alongside Canada Learning Code, Science Venture, and the Biomedical Engineering Club, she has instructed coding techniques to simulate hand prosthetics and managed data using Structured Query Language. “Teaching others not only strengthened my ability to communicate complex concepts effectively but also allowed me to inspire future innovators,” Nicole reflects. A University of Victoria Women in Engineering, Science, and Technology (WEST) member, Nicole researched solutions that integrated Schneider Electric’s energy boxes with user-friendly software interfaces. “Working on real-world challenges is where I thrive,” she says.
As a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) female student, Nicole has faced her share of challenges and biases, yet these experiences have only fuelled her determination to excel. “I have learned to combat underestimation with perseverance,” she explains. As she continues pursuing her Software Engineering degree, Nicole remains steadfast in her belief that anything is possible with determination and a positive attitude.
Although Nicole’s internship with Babcock is ending, her journey is just beginning. Nicole Chan is a true trailblazer committed to excellence and empowerment in the world of STEM; we’re excited to watch her career unfold and are honoured to have been a part of it.
