Celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ People in STEM Day, November 18.
Juliana Osler is a PhD student in microbiology at the Cardona Lab. She is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and a fibre artist outside the lab.
"I find that scientists sometimes approach life with a black-and-white frame of mind and a need to categorize. At the same time, my identity as a mixed-race queer person is inherently complicated and doesn’t always fit into a neat box," says Osler, "I’d like to think my background has helped me approach my research with an appreciation for the nuance and complexity inherent to life."
Osler's research focuses on discovering new antimicrobial compounds. Specifically, the compounds that are effective against Burkholderia cenocepacia. Osler uses genetic manipulation to study how these compounds potentially disrupt and kill bacteria.
She aligns her identity most closely with bisexuality and uses she/they pronouns: "I tell people that I typically use she/they pronouns, but they can refer to me however they’d like as long as they’re nice to me."
For November 18, the International Day of 2SLGBTQIA+ People in STEM, we talked to Osler about her experience in science, her love for knitting and how we can do better as a community at UM to care for one another.
Growing up in Winnipeg, as a queer person, what were some of your favourite and safe places in the city? What is the equivalent of that on campus?
As an introvert who only really embraced their queer identity during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of my safe spaces have actually been safe people. I’ve met some of my best friends in microbiology classes. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Wolseley Wool, where I worked for several years and have always been embraced by the fibre arts community.
You have mentioned that you teach knitting outside of the lab. Have you made fibre art that represents scientific concepts or imagery?
I haven’t done any science-inspired fibre art yet, but I definitely plan on doing some! I’ve seen some knitting patterns incorporating DNA double-helix cables, and I think that’s a perfect mixture of my interests.
How do you express yourself through your fibre art?
I like to use my work as a reminder that good things take time. A handmade sweater isn’t knit in a day because each individual stitch is made by human hands. The slow, intentional care put into its creation makes it even more special.
What is the biggest difference you’ve experienced/felt between graduate and undergraduate studies?
To me, the biggest difference is the freedom to pursue my own interests and follow my curiosity. Undergraduate science education is very prescribed and regimented, but research has been an excellent opportunity to follow my scientific curiosity and develop creative problem-solving skills.
How has your experience been as a queer scientist at the University of Manitoba? What can we do as a university to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all identities, especially queer peoples?
I’ve had a very positive experience. I’ve met many wonderful role models, colleagues, and friends who have helped me grow as both a scientist and an individual.
I think we should continue to remind ourselves that inclusion is and always has been about love for one another. Strong communities are built on compassion and understanding of the unique contributions that all individuals can provide.
Each year, on a Friday afternoon in November, the Faculty of Science hosts a public lecture by a scientist who identifies as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This year, we have the guest speaker, Dr. Julie Blackwood (they/she), an applied mathematician specializing in disease ecology and ecosystem management. Right after Dr. Blackwood's seminar, join us for coffee and conversations on the topic of breaking barriers for 2SLGBTQIA+ representation and inclusion in science.
Register now on the Faculty of Science's Eventbrite page.
Creating space for everyone to thrive is more than a goal—it’s who we are. Fostering a vibrant community is among the commitments you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
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