As the first female Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) at Trent and a world-renowned leader in aquatic sciences, Dr. Marguerite (Maggie) Xenopoulos has made it her mission to address underrepresentation of women in STEM, and is doing so by mentoring and training the next generation of experts.  

“I want to instill confidence in my students and foster independent learning as they build critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” shares Professor Xenopoulos, CRC in Global Change of Freshwater Ecosystems. “Each and every one of my students brings forward the field of science and is an important member of my research program. I therefore tailor my mentorship style to work with students towards achieving their professional goals, ensuring they receive the exposure and experiences needed to flourish in their chosen paths.” 

And flourish they do! Third-year Biology student Miracle Denga (Traill College) and Environmental and Life Sciences Ph.D. students Sandra Klemet-N'Guessan and Sasindu Gunawardana are just a few of many students following in Prof. Xenopoulos’ footsteps undertaking leading-edge aquatic research at Trent. 

Creating opportunities to test the research waters

Miracle has spent the last two summers doing fieldwork with graduate students in the Xenopoulos Lab and had the opportunity to present her honours thesis to two international research groups – the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area and the American Geophysical Union as a Student Travel Grant recipient. 

Reflecting on these opportunities, she shares, "Working in Maggie’s lab has been such a special experience. I am constantly learning something new. It has made me excited about what goes on, and research and freshwater ecology has opened opportunities to learn from others in the sector.” 

Inspiring ripples of change

Sandra and Sasindu underscore Prof. Xenopoulos’ dedication to breaking down barriers for women and under-represented researchers to enter the aquatic sciences and empowering students to pursue their passion. 

“Much of my work revolves around analyzing data captured by autonomous underwater vehicles or gliders as we refer to them. This is a field still dominated by men and a bit intimidating to get into. While Maggie is always encouraging and supportive, she also gives us a lot of freedom and flexibility,” explains Sasindu, who finds this approach helpful as she balances her studies with raising a family. 

Now in her final year of studies, Sandra has nothing but praise for Prof. Xenopoulos and, like her mentor, is dedicated to training the next generation of aquatic scientists through various science communication and outreach initiatives.  

“Maggie has always supported any extracurricular activities I've been involved in. She leaves you the latitude to carve your own path and be the scientist you want to be,” says Sandra, who is as dedicated as her mentor to training the next generation and equity and diversity in the sciences. “Having a mentor who is active in the equity, diversity and inclusion sphere is really wonderful. Maggie truly leads by example.”