Equipping Educators and Empowering Black Students in STEM

Tya Collins’ endeavors as an educator span over two decades in a broad range of settings in teaching and administration. Her research emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach drawing from the fields of education, sociology, critical youth studies, Black studies, and disability studies. Some of her recent work focuses on Black student trajectories through and beyond inclusive and special education, their postsecondary outcomes, and the institutional practices and policies that impact these trajectories.

Ijeoma Aboaja is a third-year doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa. She is interested in the efficient use of educational technologies for teaching, and the educational experiences of Black students in Canada. Her current research is focused on the use of learning management systems to improve teaching in emerging nations. 

Beraca Edner Joseph is a first-year MA student in education with a focus on Black student experiences with ADHD. His research explores how educational policies impact equity and inclusion for students with ADHD, emphasizing systemic barriers and opportunities for improvement. Passionate about advocacy, he aims to inform practices that foster supportive and equitable learning environments for marginalized students.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a philosopher of science with a focus on inclusive innovation in technology, mathematics, and entrepreneurship. He holds a B.A. in Law and Philosophy (Carleton University), an MBA (Schulich School of Business), and a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Science (University of Toronto). His research centers on explainability in AI systems, supported by advanced training in machine learning, philosophy of physics, and STEM pedagogy. Jean-Jacques is also a faculty fellow at the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research and the Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC). He is a leader in decolonization and equity initiatives at the Schulich School of Business, as well as a mentor at NextAI.

Dr. Simpson is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at CHEO and Associate Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa.  Her clinical and research focus includes improving health systems for children with sickle cell disease and chronic hematologic disorders. Formerly Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Faculty of Medicine, she became Division Head of CHEO Hematology/Oncology in August 2024. Dr. Simpson is committed to advancing health equity, innovation, and superior care for pediatric oncology patients.

Sihlobosenkosi Mpofu (Sihlobo), a Mathematics education PhD graduate, is a distinguished expert specializing in the theory of commognition. With a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science (honours) degrees under his belt, he has dedicated his academic career to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in mathematics education. His research focuses on the theory of commognition, shedding light on the intersection of communication and cognition in mathematical learning.

Professor Lewis studies parental involvement in education and the success of Black youth in education. She has been a science teacher educator for the past fourteen years. She firmly believes that bridging the gap between academia and the community is essential for meaningful change and promoting equitable achievements for Black students in schools.  

Gloria Ann Cozier is a three-time graduate of McGill University, MSW, PSW, presenter, license psychotherapist and member of the Canadian Counselling and psychotherapy Association (CCPA), Quebec Counselling Association (QCA) and the International Society of Substance Use Professional (ISSUP) – special Drug Demand Reduction specialist. She is a local, National, and international presenter at various academic conferences and avid supporter of human rights and Justice. She helped undertake the research and development of the first Land Base Addiction wellness model program in Quebec for indigenous population. She received the professional citizens award from the SPVM and the Moulin D’or award for her humanitarian work.

Mwali Muray, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, School of Nursing. She has taught courses such as “Cardiac Arrhythmia” and “Complex Nursing Care” and guest lectured in both English and French for undergraduate and graduate programs. Her administrative experience includes serving as Clinical Education Leader at Laurentian University and Clinical Nurse Educator at the Institut du Savoir Montfort. Clinically, she has worked as an emergency staff nurse in Sudbury and Ottawa, bringing extensive practical expertise to her teaching and leadership roles.

Jude Mary Cénat, Ph.D., is a Full Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa, where he directs the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health and the Vulnerability, Trauma, Resilience & Culture Research Laboratory (V-TRaC Lab). He also holds the University’s Research Chair on Black Health. His work focuses on vulnerability, trauma, resilience, racial disparities in health and social services, and global mental health. Professor Cénat leads projects on the mental health of Black Canadians and has developed online training to equip professionals with culturally appropriate and antiracist care. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada.