First Tamil Canadian Woman Recognized for STEM Leadership

Woman and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada honoured Dr. Melanie Ratnam during Women's History Month in October 2023, making her the first Tamil Canadian woman to win this distinguished distinction. "Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women," this year's WAGE theme, honoured the accomplishments of eleven extraordinary Canadian women from varied origins who are actively changing the future and encouraging inclusion.

Dr. Melanie’s extraordinary journey is profoundly entrenched in Scarborough, where she was raised and still lives. She earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Toronto and focused her study to understanding the control of inflammation by microglia, which are resident immune cells in the brain, following cerebral ischemia.

Dr. Melanie, in addition to her scientific accomplishments, is the President of the UTSC Alumni Association and actively promotes projects that improve alumni relationships with the university. Her involvement won her the coveted Arbor Award in 2022, the University of Toronto's highest distinction for extraordinary and continuous service to the university.

Dr. Melanie’s activism extends from local Toronto schools to national organizations. She has mentored over a thousand students from all educational levels, helping them to address modern issues via scientific and technological innovation. Her involvement as President of The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), a national non-profit devoted to improving gender equality in STEM across Canada, demonstrates her dedication to gender equity in STEM.

Dr. Melanie’s influence extends to the next generation of Canadian scientists and innovators through programs like Ultimate Science for elementary school kids and the EaRTH Switch program at UTSC for secondary school students.

She emphasizes the significance of these initiatives, adding that "Canada's vast talent pool for innovation is going to be our greatest driver of achieving economic growth." Dr. Melanie’s dedication to overcoming systemic obstacles in STEM is reflected in SCWIST's national plan, which strives to increase access to STEM areas from early childhood to professional progression.

Dr. Ratnam also mentors entrepreneurs at UTSC's business incubator, The Hub, and hosts a Science Innovation series to assist science-based enterprises. Many others have been encouraged by her contributions to follow their entrepreneurial dreams.

Dr. Ratnam's incredible career and commitment to STEM innovation and equity were honoured on October 23, 2023, at WAGE's Women's History Celebration, where she had the opportunity of meeting the Honourable Marci Ien. Dr. Ratnam and other distinguished women were lauded by the Minister, who emphasized the significance of Women's History Month as a time to commemorate individuals who have improved women's rights throughout Canadian history.

Dr. Ratnam's path exemplifies the boundless potential of Canadian women in pursuit of scientific excellence and a brighter future. She is honored to be the first Tamil Canadian woman to receive this distinguished award, and her commitment to STEM innovation and equity continues to inspire her community.