What is Black Science?
Black Science was born in 2023 when a prospective student came up to Maya at an open house and asked if there were other Black students in Science. They were worried about being alone in their faculty and program. When we looked for ways to support this student and help them find community, the options were disheartening. We realized there was a lack of intentional support and appropriate resources for our Black students.Â
The goal of Black Science is to create a community of support for Black students where we can encourage each other and share a sense of belonging. We have chill events like games nights and study halls. We've hosted information panels and invite faculty to events to provide space for students to make meaningful connections with their instructors. If you aren't in Science but you're interested in this group, please don't hesitate to come to an event, connect with one of the leaders, or even just sign up at the bottom to receive email updates!
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Meet our leaders
Theodore Thompson
My name is Theo and I’m currently going into 3A Biology. I’m really excited to be supporting forming a tight-knit Black Science community at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ in any way I can. If you see me around, always feel free to shout a hi my way!
Zarha Joseph
Hi, I’m Zarha! I’m currently studying Honours Science and Business, and as a student representative for Black Science, I’m excited to help create meaningful connections among Black science students. As a volunteer with the Canadian Association for Girls in Science and in joining this team, I aim to advocate for underrepresented groups in STEM. In my free time, I love listening to R&B, reading, and baking cookies (brown sugar cookies are my specialty!).
Karen Nayiga
Hi! My name is Karen, 3A Psychology BSc, Neuroscience Minor. The Faculty of Science is such a nurturing community, allowing me to thrive both in and outside of the classroom. Being able to give back to such a community, especially when supporting incoming Black students, lights up my day. Black Science is an amazing initiative to do just that: from fostering connections amongst Black students in the Faculty of Science, to creating spaces filled with joy and laughter!
Dipo Ogundipe
Hi, I’m Dipo! I’m a Biomedical Sciences student and a proud student rep for Black Science. I’m passionate about building community and uplifting other Black students in STEM through mentorship, advocacy, and storytelling. Outside of academics, you can find me creating YouTube videos, learning languages, or volunteering locally and abroad. I’m always looking for unique ways to connect science with service—and maybe have some fun along the way!
Gilda Opoku
Hi, my name is Gilda, and I’m a General Science major. Being part of Black Science is an empowering experience—it provides a strong sense of community, a space to celebrate Black excellence in STEM, and valuable opportunities to connect with inspiring mentors and peers. Beyond the team, I pursue my passion for science through volunteer work and research at Grand River Hospital, where I actively contribute to patient care and scientific inquiry. As someone committed to both STEM and meaningful community impact, I’m excited to continue using my voice and skills to inspire and support others as a part of this team!
Apply for Scholarships and Bursaries!
Below are a number of scholarships and bursaries for Black undergraduate students. Please apply for these every term that you are enrolled. You can also search the Awards Database for a broader range of options.Â
Black or Indigenous Heritage Student-Athlete Bursary
Co-operators Award for Black and Indigenous Students
Collective Movement Award for Community Leadership
Gaskin and Claudine Dey Upper-Year Scholarship
Herbert Fernando Memorial Award *If you are planning to enroll in a Biology field-based course, please apply for this award!
Events
Thank you to everyone who has come out to our events and supported us! Events for this term:
April 3:Â
Build Your Wellness - Self-Care Kit Event
6PM - 7:30pm STC 2002
Spring 2025 events are on the way! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.Â
From right to left (top-row): Aziza Chaudhry, Karen Nayiga, Zarha Joseph, Maya Ewert, and Theo Thompson
Would you like to hear about upcoming events, opportunities, resources and Black Science in general? Sign up below and be added to our mailing list!
Our Staff Supports
Black Science is supported by the Science Undergraduate Office. See our staff contacts below!
Maya Ewert
My name is Maya and I'm the academic services coordinator in the Science Undergraduate Office. When I was completing my BA at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ, I often felt like the only person of color in my classes. I want to help create a positive space for Black students in Science so they feel a sense of belonging and community. Please feel free to say hi if you see me around!
Aziza Chaudhry
I'm Aziza and I work in the Science Undergraduate Office. I’m also a À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ grad! Creating community and a sense of belonging is important to me. As a person of color, I want to see our racialized communities thrive.Â