Overview
Women in Science and Engineering proudly presented our 13th Annual National Conference on January 25-26, 2025! Thank you to everyone who helped make WISE National Conference 2025 a huge success. Check out the media below to get a feel of the conference excitement & we look forward to seeing you in 2026!
Discounts
Thank you to the following schools for supporting the upcoming WISE Conference!
Please check back regularly for updates on discounts, as we will be adding new ones on a rolling basis.
For questions about discounts, please contact conference.academics@wise.skule.ca.
All emails and student numbers associated with any discounted purchase will be sent to the respective school and faculty to confirm enrollment.
Thus, for any discounted tickets, please ensure your affiliated school email is being used for the purchase.
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Humber College
Humber College has generously offered to provide free tickets for 20 interested students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "HUMBERCOLLEGE_25!".
1/20 spots left -
McMaster University
The McMaster University Women in Engineering has generously offered to cover $60 of the ticket price for 20 interested students. Interested students should reach out to McMaster Women in Engineering for more information about this discount.
0/20 spots left -
Toronto Metropolitan University
Department of Mathematics
Toronto Metropolitan University has generously offered to provide free tickets for 2 interested mathematics students. Interested students should reach out to the Department of Mathematics for more information about this discount.
Undergraduate - Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science
0/2 spots leftToronto Metropolitan University has generously offered to provide 70% off tickets for all interested architecture and engineering undergraduate students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "TMU_UNDERGRAD_ENGARCH_25!".
Graduate - Faculty of Engineering and Architectural ScienceToronto Metropolitan University has generously offered to provide 70% off tickets for 15 interested architecture and engineering graduate students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "TMU_GRAD_ENGARCH_25!".
6/15 spots left -
University of Guelph
The Doody Family Chair for the Women in Engineering at Guelph will support up to 17 attendees from the Guelph WiSE organization to attend the WISE National Conference. UG plans to support tickets and accommodations. Please reach out to Jean Hein or the UG WiSE organization!
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University of Toronto
Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
The University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering has generously offered to provide 80% off tickets for 170 interested engineering students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "UOFTENG_25!".
Department of Cell and Systems Biology
0/170 spots leftThe University of Toronto Department of Cell and Systems Biology has generously offered to provide 50% off tickets for 6 interested cell and systems biology students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "UOFTCSB_25!".
Department of Chemistry
0/6 spots leftThe University of Toronto Department of Chemistry has generously offered to provide free tickets for 10 interested chemistry undergraduate students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "UOFTCHEMISTRY_25!".
Department of Computer Science
0/10 spots leftThe University of Toronto Department of Computer Science has generously offered to cover $75 of the ticket price for 20 interested computer science students. For the initial purchase, students pay the full ticket price, and after confirmation of attendance, $75 will be reimbursed. The Department of Computer Science will host a lottery to select students for these 20 spots. Interested students should complete this form by January 5, 2025 to be entered into the lottery.
Department of Earth Sciences
0/20 spots leftThe University of Toronto Department of Earth Sciences has generously offered to provide free tickets for 6 interested earth sciences students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "UOFTEARTHSCI_25!".
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
0/6 spots leftThe University of Toronto Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology has generously offered to provide free tickets for 5 interested pharmacology and toxicology students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "UOFTPHARMTOX_25!".
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University of Toronto Mississauga
The University of Toronto Mississauga Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences (CPS) has generously offered to provide free tickets for 10 interested students. In order to receive this benefit, please contact cps.utm@utoronto.ca. If you are qualified for this subsidy and has already registered, please contact the Department for reimbursement.
10/10 spots left -
Western University
Faculty of Science
The Western University Faculty of Science has generously offered to provide free tickets for 40 interested science students. In order to receive this benefit, please purchase the ticket with promo code "WESTERNSCIENCE_25!".
Faculty of Engineering
0/40 spots leftThe Western University Faculty of Engineering has generously offered to provide free tickets for 20 interested engineering students. Interested students should reach out to the Faculty of Engineering for more information about this discount.
12/20 spots left
Speakers
Keynotes
Biotechnology Panel
Space Panel
Data-Driven Decision Making in Business Panel
Break In & Stand Out Panel
Health Sciences Panel
Beyond Reality: Robotics and Extended Reality (XR) Panel
Pathways in Academia Panel
Sustainability Panel
Workshops
Workshops are a wonderful way for you to more actively take part in the Conference! Our demos, activities, and guided discussions are designed to allow you to get exposure to new concepts, develop useful skills, and engage with fellow attendees. With the focus being more on skill-building, we believe that everyone will be able to find something useful and inspiring from attending these workshops, no matter where their interests lie. Unless indicated otherwise, no materials are required for the workshops.
Using Data Analytics to Solve Real-World Problems
an engineering approach to business
Anna Larkin,
Olivia Tracey,
Rachael Walker
- Senior Analysts, Data Science & Strategy Team @ Birch Hill Equity Partners
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 12 PM EST | Pier 4
Join members of the Birch Hill Equity Partners Data Science & Strategy team to solve a business problem for one of their portfolio companies. Learn about how the team applies structured frameworks and leverages data to develop impactful solutions to real problems.
Harmonizing Innovation: The Intersection of Music and Engineering
Dr. Emily Marasco - Associate Dean, First Year Program & Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility @ University of Calgary Schulich School of Engineering
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 12 PM EST | Pier 5
Dive into the fascinating world where music meets engineering! This workshop explores the science of sound waves, techniques for improving sound quality, and principles of noise control. Gain insights into the domains of frequency and time, and learn how acoustical engineering shapes the way we hear and experience music. Whether you're a musician curious about engineering or an engineer inspired by music, discover how to harmonize these two disciplines and turn your passion for sound into a dynamic career.
Mechatronics 101
making things happen with microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators!
Katie Allison - Ontario Co-Organizer @ Women in Robotics; Course Instructor, TA, Graduate Student @ University of Toronto Robotics Institute
Saturday, 1 PM - 2:30 PM EST | Pier 5
Mechatronic systems are everywhere! Learn how to write software to control hardware, then practice combining sensor and actuator modules to design and test functional mechatronic systems.
Materials: This workshop is ideally attended with a personal computer. We will use Thonny to load code onto microcontrollers, so please download Thonny in advance. Please also bring a USB-A port/converter to connect to sensors with.
Exploring Natural Language Processing
uoft reddit edition
Harman Gill - Undergraduate Researcher @ University of Toronto Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics; VP Logistics @ UTMIST
Sunday, 10 AM - 11:30 AM EST | Pier 4
Join us for a hands-on workshop where we dive into the world of sentiment analysis using data from the UofT subreddit. Learn how NLP and machine learning uncover trends, decode emotions, and provide insights into campus life—all while working with real-world data. Perfect for beginners!
Materials: Bring a charged laptop and an eagerness to learn!
A Journey into Biomechanics
Fatemeh Jazinizadeh - Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream @ University of Toronto Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Sunday, 10 AM - 11:30 AM EST | Pier 5
An adventure into the fascinating area of biomechanics from orthopedic to sport biomechanics with an hands-on activity in human motion analysis.
Materials: At least one Windows laptop for every three attendees to share.
Navigating the Tech World
my journey as an ai software intern at qualcomm
Iris Wang - Low Power AI Software Intern @ Qualcomm
Sunday, 11:30 AM - 1 PM EST | Pier 5
Learn about the life of an intern in the tech industry, from landing the job to day-to-day tasks. The workshop will include an introduction to Qualcomm as a company, insights into the Low Power AI Software Team, how to validate and release AI models, an overview of essential technical and soft skills needed for a software intern, tips on securing an internship, and training your very own AI model.
The 5 Pillars of Financial Literacy
investing, borrowing, saving, budgeting, and protecting yourself
Amber Zhuo - MBA, PFP, Financial Planner @ Scotiabank
Sunday, 2 PM - 3:30 PM EST | Pier 4
Financial literacy is an integral part of preparing yourself for success in your career. Learn about the 5 Pillars of Financial Literacy with an emphasis on investing, then apply this knowledge to a case study on financial planning.
Exploring the Brain: From Mouse Moves to Microscope Views
join us for a hands-on demonstration of how neuroscientists analyze behaviour and histological data!
Katrina Choe - Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour @ McMaster University
Sunday, 2 PM - 3:30 PM EST | Pier 5
Dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience with our hands-on workshop, “Exploring the Brain: From Mouse Moves to Microscope Views”. This interactive workshop is designed for students eager to explore the techniques used to understand brain function and behavior in mouse models.
Participants will learn how to analyze mouse behavior to uncover insights into neural activity and link these findings to histological images of brain tissue. Through guided sessions, you'll gain practical experience with behavioral data analysis, image processing, and the principles behind these essential neuroscience techniques.
Materials: A laptop with Fiji and Boris installed.
Building Your Future: Exploring Career Paths in Technology by NVIDIA
Saira Qureshi - Engineering Manager @ NVIDIA
Sunday, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST | Pier 4
In today's digital world, technology is the backbone of nearly every industry, offering a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you're drawn to cybersecurity, data science, physical design, AI, or deep learning, this workshop is designed to help you explore various tech career paths and assess how your current skills align with these fields. By the end of the session, you'll have a clear understanding of the next steps to bridge any gaps and develop a strong portfolio that aligns with your career aspirations. Building Your Future: Exploring Career Paths in Technology emphasizes building essential skills, creating impactful personal projects, and leveraging your academic background to strengthen your professional journey and enhance your chances of success in the tech industry.
Materials: Paper and pencil ready on hand for each attendee.
Competitions
The WISE National Conference (WISE NC) competitions provide an opportunity for participants from various fields to apply knowledge learned in class and solve real-world problems. We are pleased to present 4 competitions for the WISE NC 2025: 5 Minute Thesis, BattleSnake Competition, Qualcomm Case Competition, and Xylem Ignite Hackathon.
All conference attendees are eligible to participate! You must purchase a ticket for WISE NC 2025 before registering for our competitions. Please be advised that competitions registrations are accepted on a rolling, first-come-first-served basis for limited spaces.
5 Minute Thesis (5MT)
Saturday, 11 AM - 12 PM and 1 PM - 2 PM EST | Pier 9
Deadline: Slide and abstract submissions are due by January 24th 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
We invite students from any STEM background to present their research to a panel of judges and have the opportunity to showcase their findings to a wider audience. Participants will be given five minutes to present their thesis research in an engaging manner using only one static slide. In partnership with URNCST, all abstracts will get published in our journal book (as long as they follow our guidelines).
- Only one static slide is permitted.
- No additional electronic media or props are allowed.
- Presentations are limited to 5 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 5 minutes will face a penalty.
- Presentations will be assessed on communication, comprehension, engagement and quality of work.
5MT Judges
BattleSnake Competition
Saturday, 12 PM - 1 PM EST | Pier 9
Deadline: Make sure to register by January 19th 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
Bring your coding skills to life in this thrilling BattleSnake tournament! Students, either individually or in pairs, will code a snake and compete against others in a series of head-to-head matches. This competition is open to all skill levels and students can sign up for either the beginner or advanced tournaments based on their experience. It is a great opportunity to practice, learn, and have fun in a friendly environment. Each snake's performance will be judged based on its survival time, the last one standing will win.
Prizes: The top 2 teams from each category (beginner and advanced) will receive one year access to Wolfram|One Professional Edition for which the full retail value is $1,660.

Qualcomm Case Competition
Sunday, 10 AM - 12 PM EST | Pier 9
Deadline: Make sure to register by January 19th 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
Participants work in teams to analyze and propose solutions to real-world engineering problems presented in the form of a case study. A detailed brief will be released closer to the competition date. The final design will be presented in front of a judging panel. Students can either register with a team or ask to be put in a team.
- All teams must be made up of 4 people.
- Students from different departments, faculties or institutions are welcome to participate on the same team.
- The final design will be assessed on problem comprehension, quality of design, and presentation skills.

Xylem Ignite Hackathon
Sunday, 2 PM - 4 PM EST | Pier 9
Deadline: Make sure to register by January 17th 2025, 11:59 PM EST.
Participants work in teams to analyze and develop creative solutions to real-world challenges facing the water industry. A detailed brief will be released closer to the competition date. The final design will be presented in front of a judging panel. Students can either register with a team or ask to be put in a team.
- All teams must be made up of at least 3 and no more than 5 members.
- Students from different departments, faculties or institutions are welcome to participate on the same team.
- The final design will be assessed on problem comprehension, quality of design, and presentation skills.
2025 WISE National Conference Schedule
All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Registration/Breakfast
Harbour Foyer
Opening Ceremony
Harbour Ballroom
Keynote - Sara Mazrouei
Harbour Ballroom
Panel - Biotech
Pier 2
Workshop - Using Data Analytics to Solve Real-World Problems
Pier 4
Workshop - Harmonizing Innovation: The Intersection of Music and Engineering
Pier 5
Competition - 5 Minute Thesis
Pier 9
Lunch
Harbour Foyer
Competition - Battlesnake
Pier 9
Competition - 5 Minute Thesis
Pier 9
Panel - Space
Harbour Ballroom
Panel - Data-Driven Decision Making in Business
Pier 4
Workshop - Mechatronics 101
Pier 5
Career & Grad Fair
Harbour Foyer, Pier 2
Closing Remarks
Harbour Ballroom
Registration/Breakfast
Harbour Foyer
Keynote - Jennifer Quaglietta
Harbour Ballroom
Competition - Qualcomm Case
Pier 9
Panel - Break In & Stand Out
Pier 2
Workshop - Exploring Natural Language Processing
Pier 4
Workshop - A Journey into Biomechanics
Pier 5
Panel - Health Sciences
Pier 2
Panel - Robotics
Pier 4
Workshop - Navigating the Tech World
Pier 5
Lunch
Harbour Foyer
Panel - Pathways in Academia
Pier 2
Workshop - The 5 Pillars of Financial Literacy
Pier 4
Workshop - Exploring the Brain: From Mouse Moves to Microscope Views
Pier 5
Competition - Xylem Ignite Hackathon
Pier 9
Panel - Sustainability
Pier 2
Workshop - Building Your Future: Exploring Career Paths in Technology by NVIDIA
Pier 4
Closing Ceremony
Harbour Ballroom
Sponsors
Want to become a sponsor? Get in touch with us at vp.finance@wise.skule.ca
Corporate Partners






















Academic Partners










Event Venue
The WISE National Conference 2025 will be held at Toronto Westin Harbour Castle.
FAQ
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What is the dress code?
Dress code is business casual.
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What companies will be at the career fair?
Please take a look at the companies listed in the Sponsors section. All of our sponsors will be present at the Career Fair.
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Will there be vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/dairy-free/halal food available?
Yes. We do our best to accommodate all dietary restrictions.
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Will there be a coat check available?
Yes. Coat check services will run on both Saturday and Sunday.
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When should I get to the Conference?
Registration opens at 8am on Saturday. The day officially starts at 9am on both days.
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Will there be parking available?
WISE is not providing any parking spots, but there are nearby lots where you can park your cars, or you can pay for valet parking with the Westin Harbour Castle.
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Do I have to stay for the entire duration of the Conference?
Whether you stay or leave for parts of the Conference is up to your discretion. We have events running all day both days, you can refer to the schedule for a breakdown of each day.
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Do I have to check in every time I leave and come back?
No. As long as you checked in during registration, you do not have to check in again. Just make sure you wear your nametag at all times, as that is how we'll identify you as a delegate/speaker/industry representative.
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Where is the Conference happening?
The Conference is held at the Westin Harbour Castle this year. Please see the Venue section for a map.
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Will there be a prayer room available?
Yes, there will be a prayer room available at the venue.
You don't see your question answered here? Please contact conference.internal@wise.skule.ca if you have any further inquiries. Please make sure your question is not addressed in the FAQ first.