With a knack for explaining complex topics in a digestible way, and a desire to foster equity and diversity in the sciences, Environmental and Life Sciences Ph.D. candidate Sandra Klemet-N'Guessan seeks to spark curiosity and interest in the Sciences for youth. 

“I enjoyed drama and acting growing up, so interpreting things and presenting it to an audience in an appealing and engaging way has always been something of strong interest and passion for me,” Sandra said. “I look at scientific presentations as a way to channel this part of me, and while this is certainly more constrained in a scientific context, I feel it gives you a much better understanding of your research if you can distill it down in a very accessible and tangible way and really think about its impact.” 

Sandra is studying the role that aquatic animals play in the cycling of nutrients in lakes and streams. Her dynamic communication style and ability to make science relatable have opened diverse speaking opportunities, including on CBC Quirks & Quarks, the Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants broadcast, and at various scientific conferences and workshops. Most recently, she was invited as a speaker for the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography’s Amplifying Voices: ECRs Making Waves in Aquatic Sciences webinar series. 

Shaping the future

Sandra emphasizes the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. She has been a guest speaker and mentor at several youth science events, including FemSTEAM PTBO and, more recently, a STEM-powered summer camp for Black youth. She extends her advocacy for representation in science through platforms like Visibility STEM Africa and the Canadian Black Scientists Network. 

If you see it, you can be it," she believes. "Mentorship is such a powerful way to nurture a relationship in a regular, consistent way that can really empower a person, even if they don't end up pursuing a career in science." 

Sandra's diverse background and lived experiences across the globe have shaped her approach to diversity.  

"For me, comfort lies in diversity, not in sticking to the same thing," she stated. She emphasizes the importance of intentional relationship-building, fostering international collaborations, and nurturing curiosity to promote diversity in science. 

Inspired by her mentor

As she nears the completion of her Ph.D., Sandra acknowledges the pivotal role played by her mentor, Dr. Maggie Xenopoulos, in her research and advocacy work. 

"Maggie has always been super vocal and supportive of any extracurricular and advocacy activities I get involved in. She truly leads by example and is super active in the equity, diversity and inclusion sphere, which is really wonderful to have as a mentor,” Sandra shared. “She leaves you the latitude to carve your own path and be the scientist you want to be." 

With her eyes set on a future in research and academia, Sandra aims to strike a balance between imparting knowledge and building a community of inspired individuals ready to contribute to shaping the scientific landscape.