Day 3 Featured speakers
Meet the leading Black scientists and researchers shaping discovery across Canada and
beyond.
Genome Canada | Aug 1, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dr. Loydie Jerome-Majewska is a Full Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, and associated member of the Departments of Human Genetics and Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University. She is a senior scientist and co-lead of the Child Health and Human Development program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.
She completed her PhD work with honors in the laboratory of Dr. Papaioannou at Columbia University, NYC, USA, and a post-doctoral fellowship with Dr. E. Lacy at Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre. Dr. Jerome-Majewska’s group uses multiple omics approaches to understand the genetic and cellular basis of diseases. Her work is funded by Genome Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
In addition, she is Editor-in-Chief for Differentiation and co-Founder of the Canadian Black Scientists Network. Dr. Jerome-Majewska is a Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy.
O.Ont., CD, MBBS, MSc, FAAP, FRCPC, Hon FRCP (UK), FAST, FPIDS, FIDSA
Dr. Upton Allen is a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto and is cross-appointed as a Professor in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation. He is Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and a Senior Associate Scientist in the Child Health Evaluative Sciences program at SickKids Research Institute.
Dr. Allen is a past director of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and a Fellow of the Society. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians (UK), the American Society of Transplantation (FAST), and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (FPIDS).
In 2018, he was awarded the Order of Ontario, and in 2021, he was appointed Commander, Order of Distinction (Jamaica). He received his MBBS from the University of the West Indies, completed his postgraduate pediatric training at The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, and obtained an MSc in Clinical Epidemiology from McMaster University.
Dr. Lawrence Goodridge is a Full Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph, where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics and serves as Director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS). An internationally recognized food microbiologist, his research focuses on the detection, characterization, surveillance, and control of foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging infectious diseases using genomics, bioinformatics, wastewater-based epidemiology, and other advanced molecular approaches.
His work spans the food production continuum, with the goal of strengthening food safety, protecting public health, and improving Canada’s preparedness for emerging biological threats. Dr. Goodridge has secured more than $50 million in research funding, published extensively in leading scientific journals, and collaborates with government, industry, and international partners to translate research into practical solutions for food safety and public health.
In addition to his research leadership, Dr. Goodridge is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the scientific community. Since 2024, he has served as President of the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN), where he has championed initiatives to strengthen mentorship, professional development, networking, and opportunities for Black scientists and trainees across Canada.
Under his leadership, CBSN has expanded programs supporting youth engagement in STEM, including the Ontario Regional Science Fair, while fostering collaborations that promote scientific excellence and inclusive leadership. Through his combined roles at the University of Guelph and CBSN, Dr. Goodridge continues to build partnerships that enhance research capacity, develop future scientific leaders, and create a more diverse and innovative Canadian research ecosystem.
Science Meets Parliament Panel | Aug 1, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Meet the leading Black scientists and researchers shaping discovery across Canada and
beyond.
Dr. Chinyere Nwafor-Okoli is an epidemiologist and health data scientist with expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, population health surveillance, and health systems research.
She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and serves on the Executive Committee of the Canadian Black Scientists Network.
Dr. Nwafor-Okoli is passionate about translating research into policy, advancing health equity, and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.
Emmanuel Zangio is a Policy Analyst at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), where he works on policy and government relations files related to research, innovation, and equity.
He holds a Master of Science in Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the Université de Moncton.
His work focuses on bridging science and public policy, with particular interests in artificial intelligence, workforce development, and inclusive innovation.
Nyasha Gondora was born and raised in Zimbabwe, where she developed an early passion for science after witnessing the transformative impact of medicine and science in her community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Trinity University in the United States, where she was the recipient of nearly $100,000 in academic scholarships, and there she discovered her passion for research.
She proceeded to complete a PhD in Neuropharmacology at the University of Waterloo, becoming the first Black PhD graduate of her department in 2020. During her doctoral training, Nyasha received numerous competitive awards recognizing her excellence in research, research and science communications, and community impact.
Following postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto, Nyasha transitioned into science policy through the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship. She also spent six years as an academic consultant, supporting more than 750 students across North America in their journeys to professional school (e.g., medical and pharmacy school) or research careers. Drawing on experience across academia, consulting, and government, Nyasha brings an intersectional perspective to advancing science, talent development, and inclusive innovation.
A passionate advocate for representation and empowerment, Nyasha has held leadership and board roles in national and international organizations. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024. Nyasha currently serves as Director of Policy and Research at the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), where she is proud to be part of an amazing team advancing meaningful and lasting change for communities across Canada.
Dr. Lawrence Goodridge is a Full Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph, where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Foodborne Pathogen Dynamics and serves as Director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS). An internationally recognized food microbiologist, his research focuses on the detection, characterization, surveillance, and control of foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging infectious diseases using genomics, bioinformatics, wastewater-based epidemiology, and other advanced molecular approaches.
His work spans the food production continuum, with the goal of strengthening food safety, protecting public health, and improving Canada’s preparedness for emerging biological threats. Dr. Goodridge has secured more than $50 million in research funding, published extensively in leading scientific journals, and collaborates with government, industry, and international partners to translate research into practical solutions for food safety and public health.
In addition to his research leadership, Dr. Goodridge is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the scientific community. Since 2024, he has served as President of the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN), where he has championed initiatives to strengthen mentorship, professional development, networking, and opportunities for Black scientists and trainees across Canada.
Under his leadership, CBSN has expanded programs supporting youth engagement in STEM, including the Ontario Regional Science Fair, while fostering collaborations that promote scientific excellence and inclusive leadership. Through his combined roles at the University of Guelph and CBSN, Dr. Goodridge continues to build partnerships that enhance research capacity, develop future scientific leaders, and create a more diverse and innovative Canadian research ecosystem.
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Speaker institutions
Our speakers represent leading research institutions and organizations across Canada including
FAQ
Answers to common questions about registration and attendance
Who can register?
BE-STEMM 2026 welcomes Black Canadian researchers, students, professionals, and allies working in or supporting STEMM fields. Registration is open to anyone committed to advancing Black excellence in science and technology.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment platforms. All transactions are secure and processed through our encrypted registration system. Invoicing options are available for institutional registrations.
What is your refund policy?
Full refunds are available until April 1st. Cancellations after April 1st receive fifty percent refunds. No refunds are issued for cancellations within one week of the conference.
Do you offer group rates?
Yes. Groups of five or more receive a ten percent discount on registration fees. Contact our team to arrange group registrations and receive a single invoice.
What accessibility support is available?
We provide ASL interpretation, live captioning, accessible venue spaces, and dietary accommodations. Indicate your needs during registration so we can ensure full participation.