Niagara College proudly joins the United Nations in recognizing February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global celebration of inclusive futures in STEM.
This year, NC is spotlighting the inspiring women who are shaping the future of healthcare: current Practical Nursing students and alumni, and professors in the Myhal School of Nursing.
Soohyun Ahn is a Practical Nursing student.
Soohyun Ahn
For Soohyun Ahn, the catalyst for a second career in nursing came from a desire for personal growth, inspired by a podcast about two people who wanted to learn to play piano. Two years later, one still wanted to learn while the other could play, albeit not particularly well – a metaphor for choosing progress over indecision.
“I realized that I do not want to look back in a few years wishing I had developed my skills but hadn’t taken action.”
An adult learner, Ahn envisioned a career centered on collaboration and hands-on work that directly helps others.
“Everything felt new, unclear, and overwhelming, and at first, I did not fully understand why we were learning certain content. I focused on following the courses one step at a time.”
Collaboration with her peers and the “aha moments” throughout her studies continue to motivate and excite her. Through virtual reality and sensory simulations, Ahn has developed a strong sense of empathy for those she will care for as a nurse.
While physical challenges have made learning more difficult for Ahn at times, she reframes them as strengths.
“I believe my life experiences allow me to become a different kind of nurse: one who deeply understand patients during difficult times in their lives.”
Her advice for women and girls considering STEM careers is to think of their goals simply and take one small step at a time.
“Like many science-based fields, nursing is challenging, but I believe it is also one of the most rewarding professions.”
Amelia Godwin graduated from NC’s Practical Nursing program in 2024 and continues to work with the ConfideNCe Program.
Amelia Godwin
Amelia Godwin’s journey from NC to being an Emergency Room Nurse is a testament to resilience, determination, and a love of science. A true force of nature, Godwin brings deep empathy, compassion, and humanity to her work with patients of all walks of life. The 2024 Practical Nursing alum and former Dean’s Award Winner takes a judgement-free approach to her work.
“Emergency medicine is like a grand equalizer because it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from; everyone needs help sometimes, and I love that I work such a diverse patient population,” said Godwin. “Newborns to geriatric, oncology to mental health, convicts and priests, every health condition, walk of life, and background, no matter the time or day, our doors are open… and there is help here; I find solace knowing that I can contribute to that safety for someone.”
Godwin brings the depth of her own lived experience – as a single mom of two, survivor of domestic abuse, neurodivergent woman of colour – to patient care in a fast-paced and intense setting. She is a published author on intersectionality and a fierce advocate for health equity, challenging medical racism while empowering communities of colour and future providers alike.
“I love emergency nursing because it allows me the privilege of witnessing the full spectrum of humanity; all its vulnerabilities and joys, struggles, resilience, relief, disappointments, griefs, confusions, and strengths.”
She remains connected to her alma mater as an Industry Expert Tutor with the ConfideNCe program where she mentors and educates future nurses and support workers.
“It holds a special place in my heart because of its benefits those facing academic barriers; I have personal experience with these challenges.”
Godwin feels strongly that STEM careers are for everyone who can cast out self-doubt.
“I can say with confidence, the “magical barrier” around STEM isn’t real. Yes, you do need resilience, work ethic, determination, passion, and curiosity. But first, you simply have to get out of your own way.”
Her words of wisdom: ask questions, lean on your supports, release self-limiting beliefs, and make space for yourself.
“How you start is not how you finish, and we will be cheering you on every step of the way.”
Lori Hudd is a professor in the Myhal School of Nursing.
Lori Hudd
While students like Ahn and alum like Godwin bring determination and purpose to nursing, it is faculty leadership that helps shape those aspirations into professional identity.
Hudd brings experience from a multifaceted nursing career: advanced practice as a Nurse Practitioner in nephrology, frontline emergency care, and nursing education, with continued clinical practice, research, and leadership in evidence-based care.
“I wanted a role where I could think critically, advocate strongly for patients, and have a direct impact on health outcomes while remaining closely connected to bedside care,” said Hudd on her former roles as Nurse Practitioner.
She discovered her passion for education while teaching part-time in the Master of Nursing program at the University of Toronto, which later led to a part-time role at NC.
“I left my bedside role and never looked back…. As my career evolved, I discovered that I loved teaching and mentoring nursing students.”
Now a nursing professor in both the PN and BScN programs, Hudd teaches pathophysiology and pharmacology, dense subjects that often intimidate students but become empowering once understood.
“Helping students understand the “why” behind disease and treatment is one of the most important parts of preparing them for practice, and my goal is always to make complex scientific concepts approachable, relevant, and applicable to real-world nursing care.”
Hudd stays connected to both clinical practice and advanced technology through her lab work at NC and part-time NP role at Hotel Dieu Shaver Health & Rehabilitation Centre.
“Maintaining an active clinical practice allows me to maintain my extended class registration, stay connected to clinical practice, and remain current with evolving evidence and patient care realities, all of which directly inform my teaching.”
For aspiring nurses, Hudd emphasizes the breadth and versatility of the career.
“Nursing is more than ‘just caring.’ It requires scientific knowledge, critical thinking, patience, adaptability, and strong clinical judgment.”
Her advice to women and girls? Trust your curiosity and know that you are capable.
“Science is not about having all the answers. It’s about continually asking questions, challenging the status quo, and being willing to keep learning and adapting as our world and health care system evolve…. We truly need strong, curious, adaptable minds to help shape the future of health care.”
Andrea Bodnar is a professor in the Myhal School of Nursing.
Andrea Bodnar
Like Ahn, Bodnar came to nursing as a mature student. Following a degree in Women’s Studies, she was drawn to the intersection of science and the human experience.
Joining the Myhal School of Nursing in 2007, Bodnar brings experience as an ER and ICU nurse, and a passion for understanding disease processes in the context of evidence-based nursing.
Bodnar teaches courses on Standards of Nursing Practice, Nursing Theory, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology. Like Hudd, she discovered a love for teaching and mentoring nursing students – and watching them grow.
She emphasizes that scientific concepts in nursing are complex, especially how they apply to patient care in clinical practice.
“As students’ knowledge and experience increases, students move from self-doubt and begin to develop confidence as their understanding improves.”
She encourages aspiring nurses to embrace the challenge and opportunity of the profession, which is demanding, dynamic and with countless pathways to make a meaningful impact.
“Becoming a nurse is not just a career. It’s a way you can make a difference.”
Learn more about the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the Myhal School of Nursing.
