STEAM-Q

Solmaz khodaeifaal, Ph.D.

Know About Light and Learn Quantum

Encounters That Inspire: Honourable Moments and Learning from Women Who Changed Physics

As a science educator, having the opportunity to meet and engage in person with pioneering physicists such as Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Donna Strickland has been profoundly meaningful for me. Physics, as a discipline, continues to face the long-standing challenge of the underrepresentation of women. In this context, meeting and learning directly from women who have not only entered this field but have transformed it is deeply inspiring.

Hearing their stories, their journeys, challenges, and lived experiences brings to life the reality behind scientific achievement. These are not just stories of discovery, but stories of perseverance in the face of barriers, biases, and systemic limitations. As a female educator, witnessing their resilience and continued engagement in physics has been incredibly motivating for me. It reinforces my belief that representation matters, not only for recognition, but for possibility.

These moments have strengthened my commitment to fostering inclusive, empowering learning environments where all students, especially girls, can see themselves in science. When students encounter role models like these, physics becomes not just a subject, but a space where they belong. Being able to meet these scientists, speak with them, and hear their voices firsthand is something I carry into my teaching every day, as I work to inspire the next generation to pursue science with confidence and curiosity.

Canadian Association of Physicists Congress 2022 – McMaster University

With Nobel Laureate Donna Strickland

At the 2022 Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) Congress held at McMaster University, I had the privilege of meeting Nobel Prize–winning physicist Dr. Donna Strickland. During this conference, I presented my research: “Creating Positive Learning Experience with Constructive and Active Learning Approaches in Quantum Mechanics for Adolescents.”

Donna Strickland’s achievements are not only scientifically groundbreaking but also deeply symbolic. As one of the few women to have received the Nobel Prize in Physics, her work and presence challenge long-standing assumptions about who belongs in the field.

Meeting her in person and witnessing her passion and clarity when speaking about her work reinforced for me the importance of persistence and confidence in navigating a field that has historically been male-dominated.

Women in Physics Canada Conference 2023 – University of Manitoba

With Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell

During the Women in Physics Canada Conference 2023 at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, I had the honour of meeting Dr. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the astrophysicist who discovered pulsars in 1967. I was there to present my work titled: “Students’ Video Recordings: A Means to Assess Physics Learning and Improve Girls’ Self-confidence and Willingness to Participate in This Subject.”

This conference created a powerful space where conversations about equity, representation, and inclusion in physics were central. Being surrounded by women at different stages of their scientific journeys, and meeting a trailblazer like Jocelyn Bell Burnell, was a strong reminder of both how far we have come and how much further we need to go. Her humility, persistence, and lifelong dedication to science continue to inspire generations, and meeting her in person made that inspiration even more tangible and personal.

Public Talk at SFU – 2026

Donna Strickland on Lasers

In 2026, I attended a public lecture at Simon Fraser University where Donna Strickland spoke about her groundbreaking work on ultrafast lasers and their transformative applications in fields such as eye surgery. This talk beautifully illustrated how physics extends beyond theory into meaningful, life-changing applications.

Listening to her speak about her research and its real-world impact once again highlighted the importance of making physics visible, accessible, and relevant. Experiences like this continue to shape my approach to teaching, encouraging me to connect scientific concepts with authentic, human-centred applications that resonate with students.