Findings highlighted from Canada-wide survey of graduate studies by the Toronto Science Policy Network at UofT
Job losses in the research industry, uncertainty for faculty members, and gaps in support for graduate students have characterized the impact of the COVID-19 on women in STEM, reported panelists in a November 24, 2020 event.
The panel—co-organized by McMaster Women in Math, Women in Science and Engineering, and Promoting Inclusivity in Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University—included recent University of Toronto Master’s in Molecular Genetics graduate Farah Qaiser.
Farah Qaiser on the statistics of COVID-19’s impact on graduate students
Qaiser, who co-founded the Toronto Science Policy Network (TSPN) at UofT and served as its former President, explained how the organization—run by graduate students and post-doctoral fellows—analyzed the impact of the pandemic using survey data from April 22 to May 31.
The team released a research report on August 10, drawing findings from a survey of 1,431 graduate students across Canada. The report uncovered how the pandemic has pushed back graduation dates, scuttled internship opportunities at home and abroad, and worsened mental health for the respondents.
“Of those planning to complete degree requirements by August 2020 (n = 367), half reported being unable to, or being uncertain about their ability to graduate as a result of COVID-19,” noted TSPN in a press release.
The network also highlighted how 40 percent of respondents had internships postponed or cancelled, along with 78 percent of respondents being required to cancel their plans for international research or studies. Seventy-seven percent reported feeling anxiety, 72 percent felt overwhelmed, and 71 percent reported loneliness.
“Some of those responses were very heartbreaking,” Qaiser said. “This was, I think, the first opportunity that graduate students had to just share their thoughts and experiences. And we got a lot of detailed responses, highlighting how there were gaps in support and how the situation was just overwhelming for some.”
Key recommendations from the survey include the provision of “extensions to study and work permits for international students,” widened access to “professional development opportunities” for graduate students, and the betterment of existing institutional supports for health and wellness.
In an interview with The Strand, Qaiser underscored that these recommendations are aimed toward “decision makers at institutions as well as the federal government.” People in positions of power—such as supervisors and department heads—can enact funding extensions or approve leaves of absence, she noted.
Qaiser also underscored how funding support could help some graduate students taking leave care for children. “There are definitely challenges that women specifically have taken on in terms of childcare,” she said. As the Toronto Star reported in April, daycares across Ontario shuttered in response to the pandemic.
On the panel, Qaiser also gave advice for “people who belong to historically-excluded communities,” including people who are Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour. “There’s a lot of talk going on about racial justice—about equity, diversity and inclusion—[and] there are a lot of opportunities popping up as a result,” she said. She underscored initiatives including Black in Neuro, where organizations “are really highlighting and showcasing voices who aren’t always as heard.”
“When you see these things, apply to [them],” she continued. “You never know if it’ll work out or if it won’t. It’s worth trying. Because if it works out, it’s only going to help you. It’s going to help you explore different aspects of your career. And you never know where you might end up.”
Panelists on the impact of the pandemic on academics
Carley Miki, a Ph.D. student in biophysics at the University of Guelph with industry experience as a biotechnologist at Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. and Veriphy Skincare Inc., also shared advice as a panelist.
In addressing women facing major career decisions during the pandemic, she reflected: “After my Master’s, [I drew] on advice from my network from people I’ve worked within [the] industry, people I’ve worked within academia, and then [reflected] on what it [was] that I had enjoyed doing at Mirexus.”
“At that point, I had sort of dabbled in a lot of different areas, and could sort of zero in on what it [was] that I would like to continue working on—which is a perspective that I don’t think I had in graduate school at that point,” she continued.
Her experiences helped her conclude that earning a Ph.D. would be a positive “next step” on her career path as a research scientist, and the pandemic “was also a good time to do it.” As CBC News reported in November, the pandemic has continued to cause job losses and underemployment across the country.
Hannah Wakeling, panelist and Ph.D. student in experimental particle physics at McGill University, also recommended that attendees prioritize their interests, especially when considering new commitments. “I have gotten email after email of all of these opportunities… online that I can go to pretty much every day of the week—there’s [always] a new lecture, there’s a new conference that I could attend.”
“I really had to learn to prioritize and not try to do everything,” she said. “That would be my recommendation… choose one task that you really want to get done in a day rather than trying to be Superwoman every day.”
Dr. Caroline Junkins, Assistant Professor in the Mathematics and Statistics Department at McMaster University, also gave advice on applying to academic jobs remotely. She decided to transfer from her former role with the Preceptor Team at Harvard University’s Mathematics Department to accept the position, due to pandemic-related uncertainty surrounding her employment.
She explained how her experience applying for the academic position involved virtual interviews over the span of a week, and underscored the benefits of taking detailed notes in guiding her research of the institution between interviews.
“The job market is definitely very challenging, but I would say, the interview process—once I got a foot in the door—[was a] bright spot in all,” she said.
As the panelists reflected, the pandemic has upended the plans of many women building careers in STEM fields. Nevertheless, women have continued to find and create new career opportunities, while simultaneously underscoring ways for institutions and decision makers to provide meaningful support in these unprecedented times.
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