Caitlin MacPhail
Caitlin MacPhail (she/her; Niitsitapi, Siksika Nation) lives in Kjipuktuk, where she is Manager of Community Partnerships with SuperNOVA at Dalhousie University. Caitlin has worked in STEM education for over seven years, and is passionate about dismantling systemic barriers for Indigenous youth. In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys beading, family time, and spending time near the ocean.
Empowering Indigenous Students through STEM: Bridging STEM and Culture
SuperNOVA’s Mlkiknewawti program engages high school youth in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning that is culturally-relevant and locally-informed. Braiding personal experiences, Indigenous science and Western science, Mlkiknewawti fosters a sense of belonging in STEM, supporting cultural revitalization and resurgence while advancing the recognition of Traditional Knowledge within Western education by offering participants a high school credit. SuperNOVA will share curriculum strategies that integrate educational technology while aligning STEM with culture. SuperNOVA is a non-profit initiative of Dalhousie University that provides youth across Mi’kma’ki with accessible STEM education, regardless of geographic location, socio-economic situation, ability, gender or lived experience.