The "We Are Science" Initiative
— Celebrate passion projects and journeys
— Build a welcoming environment for all identities
— Inspire future generations of scientists to feel seen, supported, and celebrated
Celebrating Our Science Community
The We Are Science initiative (WAS), developed and powered by the Science Ambassadors, recognizes and celebrates the passion projects of students, faculty, postdocs and staff in the Faculty of Science who are making a difference. Through storytelling, recognition, and representation, WAS aims to foster a more welcoming and empowering culture within the sciences.
Do you know someone who has started or contributed to a passion project and deserves the spotlight? Nominate them today.
Who Can Be Nominated?
We welcome nominations for individuals who:
- Are part of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Science (students, faculty, postdocs or staff)
- Have not been previously featured in the We Are Science initiative
- Are open to sharing their passion project and background that has shaped their scientific journey
Nominations will reopen in Fall 2026.
How to Nominate
Fill out a short form highlighting your nominee’s sustained impact in the following areas:
- Dedication to a passion project
- Community involvement
- Personal or academic growth
The Science Ambassadors will follow up with nominees directly through UCalgary email.
Powered by Community
The We Are Science (WAS) initiative was developed in consultation with the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Office of Indigenous Engagement. WAS is driven by passionate student Science Ambassadors dedicated to meaningful storytelling, representation, and advocacy.
Questions?
Contact science.engagement@ucalgary.ca if you want to learn more about the We Are Science initiative.
Nominee Profiles
Omar Ahmed
Omar is actively involved in animal welfare by collaborating with the Calgary Zoo and partner organizations to carefully prepare nutritional diets tailored to each animal. Omar also fosters community through social media to show others everything from his day-to-day life to new adventures, encouraging his audience to continue being curious and break out of their comfort zones.
As a survivor of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, Omar is no stranger to overcoming adversity. Omar’s childhood has inspired him to dive head-first into his passions, including pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
Omar’s message:
Start even if you feel unsure. You don’t need everything figured out to begin, you just need a reason that truly matters to you.
Sherri Huynh
Sherri grew up with a passion for various mediums of art. Her creative thinking allowed her to develop a unique perspective and interest for science, appreciating components of biology as symbols for creativity and imagination. This inspired her and her co-creator to develop SciWALKS, which uses captivative, public murals to remind us that science can be for everyone. SciWALKS has currently designed two murals between Brentwood Station and the University of Calgary, as well as Bethany Care Centre.
Sherri and her co-creator Hannah have worked diligently to secure funding and collaborate with their community. From care home residents to passersby, Sherri and Hannah have witnessed first-hand SciWALKS ability to uplift surrounding communities. Sherri is thankful for the continued support from volunteers that helped create the murals, as well as the IDEAS fund at the University of Calgary.
Sherri’s message:
If you’re thinking about starting a passion project, don’t wait for the “perfect time”. Keep on finding opportunities to do the things you love outside of the classroom, and protect your creativity; it is what makes us unique and fulfilled.
Nikki Kim
Nikki’s interest in science is focused on understanding how things work from a foundational level. From this, it is no surprise that Nikki used this curiosity to try to create solutions for systemic, real-world problems.
Hearing from paratransit users and healthcare workers in Calgary, Nikki and her co-creator were inspired to create ARide: an app that works alongside the Calgary paratransit system to book and track rides in real-time, supporting a safer, more reliable, and accessible mode of paratransportation. Paratransit users and surrounding communities have been eager to help provide feedback and support Nikki and her co-founder (Priya)’s project (see Priya's profile below). Nikki is extremely appreciative of the support received from the AI Research School (UofC), Calgary Transit Access, and users of the paratransit system for supporting a pilot study of ARide.
Nikki’s message:
Start with a problem you genuinely care about and listen closely to the people affected by it. A meaningful passion project does not begin with a perfect idea, but with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn. Progress may feel slow at first, but small, consistent steps and real feedback will shape your direction.
Priya Tiwari
Priya has always been ambitious, using software as a vessel to create meaningful change for people’s everyday life. This helped inspire her and her co-founder, Nikki (see Nikki's profile above), to create Indro Labs: a smart AI radon monitoring system. Radon is a highly toxic colourless and odourless gas that is a leading cause of lung cancer. Priya’s attention to detail shines through with Indro Labs, as this software supports both in-home radon level monitoring and easy access to radon mitigation companies in a financially conscious manner, keeping homes safe and families healthy across Canada.
Priya and Nikki are grateful for the mentorship they have received from the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary. Their support has allowed piloting in Alberta, with the goal of eventually expanding across Canada and collaborating with other public health organizations and radon professionals.
Priya’s message:
Build for people. Start with a community you genuinely care about, understand what they need, and create something that helps in a real way. Small beginnings, feedback, and collaboration are what turn an idea into meaningful impact.
