7th Annual WIS Research Symposium

Moronke Harris (moronkeharris.com) is a deep-sea explorer and oceanographer with experience in climate engineering, blue economy, and intergovernmental, multi-vessel research expedition planning in the high seas. Currently completing a PhD in Oceanography at the University of Victoria (BC, Canada), her research focuses on the most unexplored areas of the ocean, containing the most potential for discovery. Moronke specializes in the alien world of seafloor superheated geysers: hydrothermal vent ecosystems 1000-4000 m under the ocean's surface. She has spent over 110 days of her life exploring Earth's final frontier.

Beyond academic pursuits, she is the founder of ‘The Imaginative Scientist’: a science communication and creative consulting brand blending traditional outreach and artistry to produce an audience-first approach that engages, invites, and inspires curiosity. Brand experience includes 50+ national and international speaking engagements, video production and content creation collaborations garnering 80,000+ views, and consultation for gallery installations, novel and video game development, and film production.

Keynote - Moronke Harris

Tasha completed her PhD in physical chemistry at the University of Victoria in 2021. Her research focused on bacterial adhesion at surfaces using nonlinear optical spectroscopy. During that time she completed a Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (LATHE) certificate and served as the director of communications for UVic Women in Science. Since graduating, she has enjoyed teaching first-, second-, and third-year chemistry courses at UVic and environmental chemistry courses at Royal Roads University. She has especially enjoyed interacting with and learning from her students and being involved in several projects related to the scholarship of teaching and learning. 

Keynote - Tasha Jarisz

Hailey is a current undergraduate student prepared to graduate this Spring with a Major in Chemistry for the Medical Sciences with Honours. She has been a part of the Undergraduate Chemistry Students’ Society for three years now and has served as President of the Course Union for the past year and a half. She has also been a part of the Chemistry Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee for the past year. She is grateful for what she has learned and continues to learn about leadership and fostering an inclusive environment within STEM from these experiences. She looks forward to sharing what she has learned in these past few years with her community.

Student Presenter - Hailey Gray

Join us for the 7th Annual WIS 2024 Research Symposium on March 27th, where we celebrate innovation and collaboration in our community. From 3:30pm to 7:30pm, immerse yourself in a dynamic showcase featuring student poster presentations, captivating keynote speakers, engaging student talks, and ample networking opportunities. This year's theme, "Fostering Community," highlights our commitment to nurturing connections and sharing knowledge. Admission is by donation, ensuring accessibility for all. Don't miss this chance to be inspired, connect with peers, and recognize outstanding contributions. Register now to be part of the WIS 2024 Research Symposium.

We are thrilled to announce that we are now accepting abstracts for poster presentations at the WIS 2024 Research Symposium. Embracing the theme of "Fostering Community," we invite you to share your cutting-edge work and insights with our vibrant audience. The poster presentation session will take place on March 27th, 2024, from 3:30pm to 5pm. To ensure fairness and transparency, please review the criteria outlined in the registration form available on our website. The deadline for submissions is March 1st, 2024. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a collaborative and inspiring event. We look forward to seeing your submissions!