Eight years ago, a United Nations resolution declared Feb. 11 International day of Women and Girls in Science. It’s a day on which member countries and their citizens are called on to draw attention to the education and career opportunities for girls and women, and to reflect on the many achievements they have made in science. The UN strives to achieve full and equal access to, and participation in, science for women and girls and, further, to achieve equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Looking around our community, we find many women and girls who are excelling in, and enjoying engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Tullia Upton, a local business woman offering materials testing services to the construction industry, has a strong background in science. Growing up in a small community near Ottawa, Tullia found an educational path that aligned nicely with her passions.
“I was always an outdoors enthusiast,” said Tullia. “I grew up shovelling snow off the natural pond that flooded part of the forest that was my backyard, biking in the woods and fields around my home and gardening with my mom in the summer.” This love of nature led Tullia to post-secondary education that tied together nature and her wish to do something meaningful for her community.
Tullia attended the University of Ottawa where she focused on earth science. During her time at UOttawa, Tullia took many fields courses which led to an interest in soil science and hydrometeorology. This took her to the University of Northern British Columbia, where she received her first master’s degree in geography, studying soil moisture replenishment in the Caribou Mountains. With a Fulbright Student Award in hand, she attended the Oregon State University (OSU) where Tullia earned her second master’s, this time in environmental science and quantitative analysis.
Following graduation Tullia moved to the Sunshine Coast, landing a position in materials testing, a job related to her education and her love of the outdoors. When her employer decided to close the local ebranch office, she purchased the laboratory equipment and set up shop on her own. Sunshine Coast Materials Testing, Tullia’s business for the past three years, offers materials testing to the construction and engineering sectors. This incldes concrete testing, aggregate testing and compaction testing.
“I like what I do. I like being outdoors and working in a field that has a link to my education,” said Upton. “It is a critical service that helps ensure safe buildings and roads on the Coast.”
Tullia encourages girls in grade school to look into careers in science, to embrace courses in chemistry, physics, math, and technology and to keep all options open as they investigate the many careers connected to STEM. Locally, Tullia has supported the Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest, helps out with Streamkeepers and has assisted with the Herring Curtain project and encourages women and girls to engage with community initiatives such as these.
To learn more about the International Day of Women and Girls in Science: www.womeninscienceday.org.
