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.  

Professor Mwali Muray, RN, BScInf, MBA, PhD, is a registered nurse, early career researcher and assistant professor at the University of Ottawa School of Nursing. Her expertise focuses on access to healthcare for marginalized communities, such as linguistic and visible minorities in Canada. Recent projects include analyses of language concordance between patients and providers in emergency departments. Professor Muray has been working as an ER nurse since 2013.

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.

Ben Eze, PhD, is a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa and an adjunct professor with the School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation (SEDTI) in the Faculty of Engineering. He is the lead architect at Next Pathway Inc., a cloud data migration company, and a business intelligence partner with Champlain Ontario Health at Home. Professor Eze also manages and teaches in upskilling programs at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute, FxInnovation, and CENGN CloudCampus. With extensive experience as a solutions architect and software engineer, he has collaborated with organizations like Montfort Hospital, Cisco, and Desire2Learn. Professor Eze is an accomplished author with numerous peer-reviewed publications and holds two patents in Canada and the United States.