The Future of Science Network started out as a passion project by our founder. All her life Alex knew that she wanted a career in science and starting at the University of Windsor, she was on track to become a dentist. Thanks to her mentor Dr. Dan Mennill, she was able to participate in paid research during her undergrad.

“I woke up every morning and I looked forward to going to work. That was when I knew this was something I could do for the rest of my life.”

Conversations with Dr. Mennill led her to perusing her Master of Science at UWindsor and subsequently her PhD at Brock University.

“Thinking back on what I know now, I would have done the first half of my undergrad so differently and I can’t help but think about what my life would be like today had I known about all my options sooner.”

Being a woman in STEM as well as having a disability, Alex has experienced first-hand the disparities that exist in science.

“Having that representation is so important. We have so many different people in STEM but all too often people still have the same stereotypical image of an older white man in a lab coat when they think scientist.”

In the fall of 2019 Alex decided to take that experience into the classrooms of secondary school students to provide them with the direction and diverse representation she wished she had, and the Future of Science Network began. 

Since 2019 we have been able to organize a fieldtrip for 63 grade 9 and 10 students to attend student presentations at the University of Windsor, implement a mentorship program between graduate students and local secondary school students, launch our podcast, and establish a chapter of our organization at the University of Windsor. We are continually growing with the launch of our online store and looking to expand with chapters at other Ontario Universities. 

Our organization has been able to grow largely in part to the support and resources provided by EPICentre and their EPIC Venture Women program; for that we are extremely grateful. 

Our Mission

Far too often, students who are interested in STEM fields are under the impression that their career options are limited to health care fields, engineering, or teaching, as these careers are the most discussed in high school, and it is not until well into their post-secondary education do they find the career path that is right for them. Our members have their own unique stories but they all have the same theme: I wish I knew sooner. The Future of Science (FoS) Network seeks to change the conversation around careers in STEM as well as the people filling those roles. FoS specifically targets students in grades 8-10, before they have committed to taking classes that fulfill post-secondary prerequisites, and show them the vast career opportunities that are available to them, from health care, to research, to trades, there is something for everyone who is interested in a STEM field. 

FoS serves to fill the gap between other programs that exist and mainstream education. Often the students who are offered spots in existing programs are top of the class or of a higher socioeconomic status. FoS wants to create the interest in students who may be overlooked by current programming and offer the opportunities and resources their peers are receiving.  

Finally, we seek to change the stereotypical idea of what a scientist is by exposing students to industry professionals of diverse races, ethnicities, genders, creeds, abilities and sexual orientations. We want every student to be able to see themselves and feel represented. Ultimately, we believe that today’s youth are the future of science. 

Our Products

Our print on demand products are uniquely designed by individuals in STEM to highlight diverse areas of interest. From memes to study species and molecules, we strive to create a product for everyone with a passion for STEM. Our career series highlights some of the various paths available for people and allows you to show your passions with pride. All of our products are print on demand and are shipped directly to you from our manufacturer. Profits from our sales are entirely invested back into our growing organization and fund programming and scholarships for school students.