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Chemistry

Equity & diversity

Legs of students on the fountain.

The Department of Chemistry is devoted to creating a welcoming environment that aligns itself with the University of Victoria's Equity Action Plan to improve equity, diversity and inclusion across campus.

"The strength and vibrancy of the University is found in the diverse life experiences, backgrounds and worldviews of all its members."
— Policy on Human Rights, Equity and Fairness

Chem EDI

The Chemistry Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (Chem EDI) committee is a supportive and educational committee in the Department of Chemistry. ChemEDI champions causes related to EDI in the department for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and researchers in faculty research groups.

Contact

We are here to listen to your concerns about EDI issues in the Department of Chemistry. We can provide information about the support services available to you at the University of Victoria and help you engage with these processes. If you have a concern, click the map below to see who you should contact.

Who should I tell?

Our members

Katherine Elvira

ChemEDI Committee Chair and Associate Professor

Katherine (she/her) has been involved with the committee in one way or another since 2017. She has years of experience of being a “woman in science”, and of how being a member of an underrepresented group creates an extra burden to being able to learn and do research in scientific environments. She joined Chem EDI to advocate for changes that remove these barriers to everyone feeling safe and included in the Department of Chemistry.

Nelson Lam

Nelson Lam

Assistant Professor

Nelson (he/him) is a faculty member at UVic Chemistry. Nelson believes science is first and foremost a social venture, and that we often forget normative environments exclude communities from active participation. Nelson joined ChemEDI to centre the individual back into science and contribute to a community/discipline where everyone can genuinely thrive.

Andres Arias Arana

Andrés Arias Arana

Andrés (he/him) is a graduate student at UVic Chemistry. Andrés joined the committee out of a desire to represent different perspectives in the student body. He enjoys collaborating with his fellow members to make the department a better place for everyone.
Emily Cheong

I Teng (Emily) Cheong

Emily (she/her) is a post-doctoral fellow at UVic chemistry. Emily believes that science is borderless, and innovation is often shaped by the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. As an international student in Canada, she benefited greatly from an inclusive community that supported her studies abroad. Now, she hopes to carry that spirit forward by contributing positively to the community.
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Rayne Jean

Rayne (she/her) is an undergraduate student at UVic. During her time as a swim instructor in high school, Rayne had the chance to work with all kinds of people and made efforts to make everyone feel comfortable, included, and supported. Rayne loved being part of that kind of environment, and joined Chem EDI to continue doing her part.

Keira McLintock

Keira McLintock

Keira (she/her) is an undergraduate student at UVic. Keira joined ChemEDI because she has always been passionate about the values of EDI and wants to champion these values in science. She believes that everybody’s experience in science is important.
Fallon O'Connor

Fallon O'Connor

Fallon (she/her) is an undergraduate student at UVic. Fallon is passionate about amplifying the voices of her peers to ensure a safe, inclusive, and diverse academic environment where everyone, staff and student alike, is treated with respect. She also brings a background in supporting and advocating for people with visible and invisible disabilities and is determined to ensure the chemistry department is accessible to all. She believes diversity is the heartbeat that allows communities to grow and thrive.
Finlay Peterson

Finlay Peterson

Finlay (she/they) is a graduate student at UVic Chemistry. Finlay joined the EDI committee to work towards building a stronger scientific community where everyone is valued and respected. She is passionate about organizing events that raise awareness on EDI-related topics and creating spaces for people to connect.

Resources & Support

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 Get support from university resources and student collectives around you.