I had the opportunity to attend and present at the Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CSC x2026) Conference and Exhibition in Toronto. As part of the Empowering Women in Organic Chemistry (EWOC EastCan) Symposium, I presented my honours research titled Beyond Representation: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Practicing Critical Race Theory and Culturally Responsive Teaching in Undergraduate Chemistry Education.
My presentation explored how undergraduate students, professors, and Teaching and Learning Support Services (TLSS) staff perceive and experience culturally responsive and CRT-informed teaching practices in chemistry at the University of Ottawa. The project also examined barriers and supports to implementing inclusive teaching practices and identified strategies to help bridge the gap between institutional EDI commitments and classroom practice.
Beyond presenting my own research, I attended a wide range of talks throughout the conference. While I naturally gravitated toward chemistry education research sessions, I also made a point of attending presentations in areas completely outside my background. It was exciting to learn from researchers across so many fields, gain insight into the diverse research taking place across Canada, and see the passion, creativity, and dedication that people bring to their work. Those conversations and presentations broadened my perspective and reminded me of the value of interdisciplinary learning.
The conference was an incredible experience. As my first scientific conference and my first research presentation, it was a wonderful opportunity to receive thoughtful feedback on my work, build new connections within the chemistry education research community, and engage in meaningful conversations with researchers from across Canada. One highlight was connecting with researchers whose work closely aligned with my own, leading to ongoing discussions beyond the conference.
To top it all off, I was honoured to receive the EWOC EastCan Prize for Oral Presentation, making the experience even more memorable. I am incredibly grateful to the Flynn Research Group and Dr. Alison Flynn for their mentorship and support, which made this opportunity possible.
Britney Achu presenting her project "Beyond Representation"