Can artificial intelligence improve disease diagnosis? How do you forensically analyze digital documents? Which emerging technologies are farmers using to increase crop yields?
The public is invited to explore these topics and more during Soapbox Science Winnipeg at The Forks skate park this Saturday, September 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last year’s energy from the kids reminded me why we do this.
Nisha Ajmani
Soapbox Science is an annual day of free, family-friendly, interactive presentations happening simultaneously all over the world to promote the visibility and accessibility of women and non-binary STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) professionals.
Soapbox Science allows scientists to engage directly with the public while challenging gender biases and showcasing diversity in the scientific community. For presenters, the event also nurtures confidence, develops public speaking skills, and fosters professional development.
More than 250 people attended last year’s event, which saw the return of an in-person format following virtual events during the pandemic.
This year, 12 speakers will give audiences a fascinating glimpse into rapidly evolving fields like AI, robotics, medicine, and genetics. Five UWinnipeg academics—Dr. Mary Adedayo, Faith Akinyemi, Dr. Qian Liu, Nooshin Noshiri, and Dr. Tabitha Wood—are among this year’s speakers.
Sisters leading the way
UWinnipeg researcher Dr. Manisha Ajmani and her sister Nisha Ajmani are once again co-organizing Soapbox Science Winnipeg. They first discovered Soapbox Science in 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Manisha shared her research. They were inspired to start a Winnipeg version.
“Last year’s in-person event was such a success, and we’re thrilled to be back at The Forks,” Manisha said. “The energy was incredible, and seeing so many people come together to celebrate science was truly inspiring.”
Sisters Nisha and Manisha Ajmani co-organize Soapbox Science Winnipeg.
Manisha emphasized the event’s broader impact.
“By highlighting the work of women and non-binary scientists and facilitating direct interactions with the public, this event is crucial for fostering a more equitable and innovative scientific landscape,” she said. “It’s through platforms like this that we can inspire the next generation of researchers and encourage a broader range of voices in science.”
Nisha said her favourite part of Soapbox Science is igniting a passion for science in those who might not have considered it before.
“Science, for me, is an incredible journey of curiosity and determination. It reveals the wonders of our world and inspires us to explore new frontiers,” she said. “Last year’s energy from the kids reminded me why we do this—to make science engaging and accessible for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing how their curiosity will spark new conversations this year.”
Presentation Schedule
Soapbox Science Winnipeg will include the following talks:
Old Medicine, New Purpose – Sikta Chattopadhyaya, PhD Candidate, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba
Revolutionizing Disease Diagnosis with AI – Dr. Qian Liu, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Computer Science, The University of Winnipeg
Forensics: what is in a digital document? – Dr. Mary Adedayo, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Computer Science, The University of Winnipeg
Molecule Jumble – Dr. Tabitha Wood, Associate Dean of Science and Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, The University of Winnipeg
What does antibiotic resistance mean for the future? – Elaine Sara Schultz, MSc, University of Manitoba
Beyond a Science Degree – Kimia Shadkami, MSc Computer Science, University of Manitoba Alum
Opening the Door: Explore How Science is Happening Around Us – Dr. Anju Bajaj, STEM Advisor, Manitoba Catholic Schools
Sickle Cell Disorder: Equal care for All – Dr. Abiola Dosumu, CancerCare Manitoba
Strengthening the brain’s Internal GPS to battle Alzheimer’s disease – Rashmita Chatterjee, PhD student, Biomedical Engineering, University of Manitoba
Beyond the Naked Eye: Smart Farming with Hyperspectral Imaging for Better Crops – Nooshin Noshiri, PhD student, Computer Science Department, University of Manitoba and TerraByte Digital Agriculture Research Group, Department of Applied Computer Science, The University of Winnipeg
Learn to code with virtual robots – Priyanka Tuteja, Director of Operations and Marketing, Cogmation Robotics Inc.
From Data to Dinner: Predicting Soybean Success with AI – Faith Akinyemi, MSc student, Applied Computer Science and Society, The University of Winnipeg
