Dana Bee

Biography:

Dana Bee is not only a pivotal figure in the Ontario STEM fair community but also the dynamic owner of Chip Time Results, a business that specializes in electronic timing for athletic races across Ontario. Many of these races support charity fundraisers, allowing Dana to blend her passion for sports with community service. Outside of her professional life, Dana stays active with yoga, hiking, and soccer, embracing a lifestyle that balances her entrepreneurial spirit with personal wellness.

Involvement in STEM Fairs:

Dana’s journey with STEM fairs began almost by chance during her college years when she volunteered to fulfil a requirement, but it quickly grew into a deep commitment thanks to the vibrant community and the rewarding nature of the work. Over the years, she has served in numerous capacities, including Co-Chair of BASEF, CWSF and ISEF delegate, and as a member of various committees and panels that shape the STEM fair experience.

Memorable Experiences:

A standout memory for Dana is her role as a chaperone at both the CWSF and ISEF, where she witnessed the transformation of participants from the start to the end of each event. She fondly recalls how students come out of their shells, spurred by the camaraderie and acceptance of being among peers who share their passion for STEM.

Rewards of Her Work:

What Dana finds most fulfilling about her involvement in STEM fairs is the strong sense of community and support among the committee members, many of whom have become close friends. Additionally, seeing the excitement and pride on the faces of young participants when their hard work is recognized is profoundly gratifying for her. These moments underscore the impact of her dedication to fostering a nurturing environment for young innovators.

Stefane Filion

Biography:

Stefane Filion is a Professional Electrical Engineer and a faculty member at Niagara College where he teaches a range of subjects from industrial robotics to microwave and electrical machines. With a Master’s Degree in Applied Science in Mineral Resources, Stefane began his career in underwater robotics, blending his technical expertise with practical teaching. Outside of academia, he proudly serves in the Canadian Armed Forces reserves, teaching air cadets about aviation, physics, and aerospace. His passion for STEM is deeply rooted, sparked early by his father, a high school teacher and microbiologist.

Involvement in STEM Fairs:

Inspired by his father, Jean-Marc Filion, Stefane was immersed in a world of science from a young age, embarking on his own science fair journey in grade six. This journey continued through high school, yielding multiple national and international awards and leading to significant environmental contributions, including the creation of two provincial fish sanctuaries. His commitment to science fairs has spanned over two decades, including substantial roles such as Judge-in-Chief at the Niagara Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Memorable Experiences:

Stefane’s tenure as a chaperone for Team Canada at ISEF stands out, particularly for his efforts in fostering unity among the Canadian delegations. His leadership extended to the regional level where he directed the judging process, setting the stage for professional and fruitful science fair competitions. These experiences, combined with his formative years competing in fairs, equipped him to lead confidently and ensure the success of these critical events.

Rewards of His Work:

The most rewarding aspect of Stefane’s involvement is the opportunity to mentor and guide young scientists, particularly as they prepare for and succeed on the global stage at ISEF. Witnessing the joy and pride in the students when their hard work is recognized is a priceless experience for him, reinforcing the value of his ongoing commitment to the STEM community.

Lois Peterson

Biography:

Lois Peterson, a dedicated educator and lifelong learner, has woven her passion for science and leadership throughout her impressive career. After teaching at St. Mary’s High School in Kitchener, where she first fell in love with science fairs, Lois transitioned into administrative roles, guiding the educational paths at eight schools within the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Now retired, she continues to shape future educators as a Field Supervisor and Faculty Advisor at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she also completed her Master’s in Education Leadership.

Involvement in STEM Fairs:

Lois’s journey into the world of STEM began with her role at St. Mary’s High School, where she joined the WWSEF team and hosted her first regional science fair in 1985. Inspired by Albert Einstein’s belief that “Imagination is greater than knowledge,” Lois has dedicated herself to nurturing the curious minds of young scientists. Her commitment to science education has been a guiding force in her career, fostering a love of learning and discovery among her students.

Memorable Experiences:

A highlight of Lois’s involvement in STEM was the 1994 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Guelph, where participants had the unforgettable opportunity to meet Dr. Roberta Bondar and Carl Hiebert. Dr. Bondar’s photographs of Earth from space and Hiebert’s tales from his ultralight plane journey across 5000 miles left a lasting impression on the young attendees, encouraging them to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams with vigor.

Rewards of Her Work:

Lois takes great pride in her role with the Waterloo Wellington Science and Engineering Team, particularly as the current Director. Since 1974, this group has been a cornerstone for young innovators in the region, and Lois finds immense satisfaction in making these enriching experiences available. Celebrating over five decades of inspiring young minds, she cherishes the opportunity to witness the growth and success of the next generation of scientific leaders.

Wendy Shaw

Biography:
Meet Wendy Shaw, a recently retired biology teacher whose enthusiasm for the natural world is as vast as the outdoors she loves to explore. From kayaking to cross-country skiing, Wendy is always on the move, enjoying life’s adventures. Recently, she’s embraced a very special role—being a grandmother. Wendy is excited about the many nature walks and discoveries she’ll share with her grandchild, passing on her love for the environment to the next generation.

Involvement in STEM Fairs:
It all started at a university science fair over 35 years ago, where Wendy first volunteered as a judge. Captivated by the students’ creativity and dedication, she has since become a cornerstone of the science fair community. Whether it’s her long-standing role as a judge at the Waterloo-Wellington Science and Engineering Fair since 1985 or her deep involvement in the Canada-Wide Science Fairs, Wendy’s passion for mentoring young scientists shines brightly.

Memorable Experiences:
One of Wendy’s most cherished roles has been judging at the Canada-Wide Science Fair—not once, but three times! These experiences allowed her to see the event from multiple perspectives, celebrating the achievements of young innovators and helping them reach their potential. As both a judge and a delegate, she’s had the unique opportunity to support and witness the growth of the finalists from her region.

Rewards of Her Work:
For Wendy, the true reward comes from witnessing the culmination of hard work by a vast number of volunteers at the science fair, where enthusiastic students showcase their innovative projects. Seeing the joy and pride on their faces, knowing she played a part in their journey, is profoundly fulfilling. It’s these moments that remind her why she’s dedicated over three decades to fostering a love for STEM in young hearts.