International Day for Women and Girls in Science: How Green Experts are Driving Climate Action in New Brunswick

Women in science are spearheading environmental projects with impact across New Brunswick. Their work in research, community initiatives, and innovative technology is making measurable progress in tackling climate challenges. This International Day for Women and Girls in STEM, we’d like to celebrate the amazing work that women in science sectors and roles pursue by highlighting three of our talented Green Experts who are paving the way to a greener future.

Jillian Hudgins 
Environmental Strategist, City of Fredericton 

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in STEM, and how has that inspiration evolved over time? 

I’ve always found inspiration in the natural world and been driven by a desire to care for the environment. I spent long hours outside exploring as a kid. Over time, my idea of how to translate my love of nature into a career has evolved but it has always been rooted in the wish to make the world a better place by caring for the Earth and its inhabitants and motivating others to do so as well. Science and technology allowed me to combine problem-solving with a desire to make a tangible impact on the world. As I’ve gained experience, I’ve seen how STEM fields can be leveraged to create innovative solutions to both local and global issues such as climate change, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. 

What was your first exposure to STEM, and how did it shape your decision to pursue a career in this field?  

My first exposure to STEM came from growing up in a household where both of my parents were involved in fields that fostered curiosity and critical thinking. My father was a biomedical engineer, and my mother was a teacher, so from an early age, I was surrounded by problem-solving and an emphasis on learning. Both of them encouraged me and my sisters to ask questions, explore new ideas, and not shy away from challenges. These early experiences shaped my interest in STEM by providing me with a foundation of curiosity and confidence to tackle problems. My parents showed me how science, technology, and education are tools that can contribute to the betterment of our world, inspiring me to follow that path. 

How does your work contribute to addressing global challenges, and what motivates you to tackle these issues? 

My work centers around driving climate change action at the municipal government level, where I’m involved in developing and implementing policies and programs aimed at reducing our environmental footprint. Although Fredericton is a small city, both our collective and individual behavior and decisions play a role in contributing to the broader global challenge of climate change. By addressing these issues locally and preparing for impacts and hazards that are inevitably on their way, I believe that I am helping to make an impact in our community.  

My motivation stems from a love for the natural world and desire to protect it for future generations. I’m also motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a resilient and livable city that can thrive in the face of climate change. Ultimately, my goal is to encourage and inspire action from others in our community so that our collective efforts can lead to positive change.

 

Angela Dick 
GIS Analyst/Environmental Technologist, Fundy Engineering & Consulting Ltd. 

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in STEM, and how has that inspiration evolved over time? 

Since a young age I had always been interested in the wonders of the natural world and science. I grew up watching passionate conservationists such as Steve Irwin and always knew that I also wanted to make meaningful contributions to preserving the environment. The only way I knew how to do this was through a science-based career. As an adult professional I understand the many challenges our environment faces and feel a responsibility to do all in my power to help conserve Earth’s beautiful environment.

What barriers have you encountered in the STEM field due to your gender or background, and how did you navigate these obstacles? 

I have occasionally encountered biased comments and difficulty working as a young professional woman in a field dominated by older men. When faced with gender-based challenges I tend to stand my ground, speak with confidence, and demonstrate my skills as a competent and intelligent worker. It is important to stand up for yourself and have confidence in your abilities, especially as a young woman. 

 

Anne, MacKnight
Silviculture Manager, York Sunbury Charlotte Forest Products

Have you encountered any biases or stereotypes in your career, and how have you addressed or challenged them?  

I usually don’t look for the biases, but I do remember the biggest one came about 15+ years ago when a coworker (male) and I were meeting a woodlot owner to look over this woodlot. We were in a truck with no back seat and the owner, although talking to us through my window, only spoke to my coworker who was driving. When we decided to ride into the woodlot the owner suggested I go down to the beach as there was a nice spot there to wait. I think the look on my face said it all and the owner realized after a few minutes he had made a mistake and from then on spoke directly to me. I was the silviculture manager, and the coworker was actually under my supervision. I was surprised as the owner’s wife was an engineer – another non typical female role. My coworker and I laugh about it still as the owner thought I was the wife just out for a drive. But honestly, I just carry on as if gender isn’t an issue and don’t go looking for biases. I never feel I have to prove anything. This has served me well. I just do my job, and I feel I have gained respect over the years. The bottom line is just know your stuff and don’t feel you have to better anyone. 

How have you built and maintained confidence in your abilities, especially during challenging times? 

I believe with any job, you need to keep updated on new ideas, take courses and one of the biggest things that works well is networking with others in my field. You also need to stay open-minded and think outside the box. In forestry, the traditional ways aren’t really working now, and we need to expand our thinking and try new ideas. It may be challenging times, but it is also very exciting times. You just need to observe what is going on around you and see how you can improve what you do. Things need to change – that is life, so adapting to new ideas and trying them out is what moves things forward. My job with woodlot owners does allow me to do just that as often there is an owner who is more than willing to try something new. 

What legacy do you hope to leave in your field, and how do you want your work to be remembered? 

I have now over 30 years’ experience working in forestry and with woodlot owners, and I hope that when I do retire, that I will have left woodlot owners and their woodlots in a better state than they were. The relationships I have built with people, the knowledge I hope they have acquired, the decisions I helped them make, the state of their woodlots for the future generations, are the goals I hope I have achieved. I also hope they remember me as someone who was passionate about the forests and worked toward the betterment of their woodlots and was open-minded and forward thinking in tackling the issues we all are facing now with our forests. I sincerely hope I have treated people with respect and have passed the knowledge I had on to younger people following behind me.

Women and girls are essential to addressing the climate crisis, which is why it’s crucial to create environments where they can thrive. By encouraging girls to explore, embrace challenges, and grow with confidence, we empower the next generation of climate leaders. Jillian Hudgins, Angela Dick, and Anne MacKnight are just a few of our remarkable Green Experts driving impactful climate projects here in New Brunswick, paving the way for more girls to rise as fearless innovators and trailblazers in science and sustainability. 
 
Interested in meeting more of our Green Experts? Check out our interactive Green Experts Map or reach out to contact@thegaiaproject.ca to learn more about how to integrate the Green Experts program in your grades 6-12 classroom.   

Author: Katelyn Plant, Marketing & Communications Manager, The Gaia Project 

 

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