Olivia Erickson
Nominated by Dr. Bernadette Ardelli
- She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science degree in the biomedical stream with a Chemistry minor and Biology (Honours in Immunology)
- Her honours project investigates the sex-dependent inflammatory effects on mice after chronic microplastic exposure
- She is an outstanding role model for strengthening EDI in STEM at BU and beyond
- Olivia is a learner, an achiever, takes responsibility, provides meaningful input and leads by example
- Olivia was the first BU student to receive the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Black Student Researcher USRA
- She is proud of organizing and hosting Brandon’s first Ball to honour Black history and to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
- She is a powerful agent for change with an unwavering focus on assisting others to be successful
- She co-organized the STEMinist Convention, an annual lunch and learn opportunity offered to girls in grades 7-12 attending the Western Manitoba Science Fair
- She is an inspiration to young girls by advocating for disabled women, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and women of all ethnicities
- She grew up in Brandon, MB
- She currently works as the lead product developer at ReNu Hygienics
- She is currently BUSU’s Racialized Director
How will you #BreakTheBias?
I will #BreakTheBias by existing as my authentic self to achieve my goals regardless of the environment, as society has not made space for individuals like me.