iWIST Scholarship News 2026
Congratulations to the recipients of the three scholarships managed by Island Women in Science and Technology (iWIST) in 2026.
In August we celebrated the third year of the iWIST Woman in STEM award. We were pleased to welcome representatives from Shift and Redbrick to join us in recognizing outstanding achievements with the Woman of Innovation award and the Woman of Impact award. These scholarships and awards honour excellence, leadership, and the meaningful contributions women from Vancouver Island universities are making in their fields of study.
For more information on the program contact scholarships@iwist.ca
iWIST Women in STEM Recipient 2026$3,000 award
Sedona Reed - Physics and Earth Science Student
Sedona Reed is an emerging geophysicist driven by curiosity, resilience and a deep commitment to protecting communities and the natural environment. A University of Victoria student, Sedona found her direction when an earth science course connected her love of mathematics and physics with her passion for the outdoors and for tackling practical challenges.
Her work has already shown both independence and perseverance. During her honours research into seismic wave activity affecting Greater Victoria, Sedona taught herself complex modelling tools, adapted her approach when evidence did not support her first hypothesis, and communicated her findings clearly to a broad audience. Her supervisor describes her as a highly motivated researcher with initiative, scientific rigour and the ability to persist through difficult problems.
Sedona’s ambitions are also personal. Having experienced wildfire displacement, she is motivated to help protect people, ecosystems and forests from increasingly severe fire seasons. She hopes to use geophysical data, remote sensing and collaborative research to inform more sustainable forest management and wildfire-mitigation strategies.
iWIST Women in STEM Scholarship recipient 2026, Sedona Reed
“I want to make a difference using geophysics, from improving earthquake early-warning systems or understanding the global carbon impacts of wildfires. Support from organizations like iWIST makes that work possible. I encourage every woman in STEM to seek out the supportive, like-minded people around them and put yourself forward.”
Redbrick Woman of Impact Recipient 2026$5,000 award
Gazal Guler - Software Engineering Student
Gazal Guler is a second-year software engineering student at the University of Victoria who approaches technology with empathy, purpose and a belief that secure systems should serve real people. Originally from Turkey, Gazal is interested in cognitive security: building technology that meets people where they are, rather than expecting people to adapt to systems that do not reflect their needs.
Her commitment to impact is already evident beyond the classroom. Gazal has volunteered with nonprofits, supported equity, diversity and inclusion outreach through the UVic Engineering Students’ Society, and served as a Global Community Ambassador for the UVic International Students Society. Her instructor describes her as a thoughtful, engaged and uplifting presence who connects learning about technology with a practical desire to help others and create positive social change. Gazal sees cybersecurity as a moral responsibility, particularly where reliable digital systems support healthcare, finance and public services. She is also quick to recognize the role of community and mentorship in helping women persist in STEM, crediting instructor Monika Smith with believing in her and offering encouragement at a pivotal time.
Redbrick Woman of Impact Scholarship recipient 2026, Gazal Guler
“Communities like iWIST are exactly why more women end up staying in STEM. Knowing there are people actively rooting for you makes a real difference, especially in the moments when it’s hard to root for yourself.”
Shift Woman of Innovation Recipient 2026$5,000 award
Emily Murray - Software Engineering Student
Emily Murray is a software engineering student and community builder whose greatest strength is helping people feel that they belong. Her route into technology began with a rediscovery: while helping her younger sister with a robotics assignment during the pandemic, Emily learned Python and reconnected with her long-standing enjoyment of creating and problem-solving with computers. It also prompted her to challenge an earlier message that technology was not a field for her.
Since then, Emily has worked to ensure other students encounter a different experience. She co-founded the University of Victoria’s Women in Engineering, Science and Technology group and helped revive Women in Engineering and Computer Science, creating supportive spaces where women and gender-diverse students can connect with peers, mentors and industry. Her work has helped students build confidence, develop practical skills and see a future for themselves in STEM.As a mature student who moved to Victoria and navigated university independently, Emily brings empathy, resourcefulness and determination to her leadership. She hopes to continue creating programs and communities that help underrepresented students thrive in STEM.
Shift Woman of Innovation Scholarship recipient 2026, Emily Murray
“Belonging doesn’t always come from a big program or initiative. Sometimes it starts with one person saying, ‘There’s a place for you here’.”
More Photos of the amazing 2026 iWIST Scholarship Recipients at The Geeky Girls Patio Party, sponsored by SHIFT
Learn more about our scholarship sponsors: