Our scientists
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) researchers and scientists have a wide variety of roles. You can find them at work in fields and forests, on farms, at ports of entry, in processing plants, in CFIA laboratories and in offices across Canada. Their work is important for assessing risk, contributing to the development of policies and programs, giving scientific advice, inspecting fields, facilities and shipments, and more.
On this page
Women in science at the CFIA
At the CFIA, women represent over half of employees in science-related positions.
Learn more about the innovative and important work being done by the CFIA's women in science and how it benefits the daily lives of Canadians.
Women in science profiles
Outstanding in their field: meet Ashley Balchin and Renée Cloutier, CFIA plant breeders' rights examiners
Plant breeding helps boost new crop varieties, yields, tolerance to disease and nutritional value for the food we grow. Here's how two CFIA experts support innovations that benefit shoppers, farmers and other countries.
Women in Science: meet Diane Allan, Vice-President of Science at the CFIA
The CFIA has many exciting job opportunities where you could help to protect Canada's food, plants and animals. Watch Diane Allan's inspiring message for women and girls considering a career in STEM.
Meet Sharan Sandhu, CFIA food inspector
For over a decade, I've been working to protect you from contaminated produce. Dig into my story to learn how I check your favourite fruits and vegetables before they end up at farmers' markets and grocery stores.
Meet Geneviève Lebrun, CFIA food processing specialist inspector
I often find that my work is not well understood by the general public. But it is very hands-on because I am on site in food processing facilities every day. There is no shortage of challenges!
I am proud to be a CFIA veterinarian – here's why
As Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer, I'm honoured to be part of a diverse community of CFIA veterinarians dedicated to protecting animals, people and the environment. If you're a practising or aspiring veterinarian, consider joining our team!
Meet Shae Wasyliw, CFIA meat hygiene inspector
As a cattle rancher and meat hygiene inspector with the CFIA, farming and agriculture have always been part of my life. Here's how I paved my way in the industry to help feed and protect Canadians.
Meet Tracy Lawrence, CFIA virology technician
If you've ever taken a bite of locally grown peaches, enjoyed a glass of Canadian wine, or gone apple picking—you've had a taste of my work! Learn how I sowed my passion for plant science into a career at the CFIA.
Meet Dr. Naheda Sahtout, CFIA science analyst
As an immigrant woman with low vision, I've been breaking down barriers since arriving in Canada. Here's my important message for anyone pursuing a STEM career when the odds are stacked against you.
Meet Noelle Smith, CFIA programmer
I wear many hats at work: programmer, co-chair of the LGBTQ2+ network, and head of the positive space committee. Learn how with lots of drive, Java, and connections, I rarely crash!
Meet Wei Ke, CFIA application analyst
Because I'm hearing impaired, I used to rely on colleagues to take notes at meetings. Now I rely on technology. Learn how I am able to work, and how the CFIA helps support persons with special needs.
Meet Jasmine Mander, CFIA science specialist
Raised in Ottawa, I was privileged from a very young age with easy access to the natural world. Here's how I followed my own trail towards working for Canada's largest science-based regulator.
Meet Rositsa Dimitrova, CFIA plant health risk assessor
Rositsa Dimitrova shares how her passion for nature and study of insects led to her working at the CFIA.
Women in Science: meet Victoria Arling and Annie Locas
Calling all students: do you love science? Here's how 2 CFIA experts got their careers started.
Meet Olga Pena, scientist and advocate
Many inequalities still exist for women and girls in science, especially those from under-represented groups. Here's my story.
Podcasts and vlogs
International Women's Day – Dr. Stephani McLean
Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Genesis House highlighted the CFIA's Dr. Stephani McLean and her career as a veterinarian.
Women in Science: Vlog with Dr. Kalhari Bandara-Goonewardene
1, 2, 3…"Go science!" Do you love science as much as our own Dr. Bandara-Goonewardene? Watch her vlog to learn why this topic is near and dear to her heart.
Women in Science: Vlog with Janine Maruschak
Our own Janine Maruschak knows a thing or 2 about testing grain shipments to help keep invasive pests at bay. Watch her vlog for a look inside our Saskatoon Lab.
#DigitalFirst: vlog with Dr. Stephani McLean
A veterinarian with farming and private practice experience, our own Dr. McLean explains the benefits doing business online through My CFIA for live bovine exports to the United States.
Women in Science: Podcast with Bree-Ann Lightfoot and Dr. Lisa Hodges
"My advice for going into science would be – don't be too afraid or too set on a path in your life. Try different subjects. It's such a big field that you might be surprised what turns out to interest you the most."
Women in Science: Podcast with Dr. Mireille Marcotte
"To date, scientists have catalogued about 1.5 million species of organisms on the planet, with insects making up about two-thirds of this bounty. This whole world of often very small creatures is simply fascinating to me."
Women in Science: Podcast with Émilie Larocque
"I love the fact that the process leads to new knowledge, which is what makes science so thrilling."
Women in Science: Podcast with Anna-Mary Schmidt
"When I was younger I wanted to be a detective, which is amusing in light of eventually studying science, as both require investigating the unknown and piecing together a puzzle."
Women in Science: Podcast with Dr. Ruojing Wang
"When you have lots of challenges, you have lots of opportunities to rise above those challenges."
Visit the Women in Science site for an additional collection of profiles, videos, podcasts, blogs, and more featuring women in science across the Government of Canada.
Advancing future CFIA scientists
The CFIA is a top employer of students trained in a variety of science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, epidemiology, and veterinary science, among others.
To help fulfill priorities now and into the future, the CFIA is committed to recruiting students from a variety of scientific fields.
Learn more about opportunities for students at the CFIA:
Veterinarians at the CFIA
CFIA veterinarians play an important role in Canadian food safety and animal health. They are part of the first line of defence against the spread of many diseases. We need you to be a part of this important and exciting work. Learn more about veterinarians at the CFIA.
Junior CFIA scientists
Keeping Canada's food safe and plants and animals healthy is a big job, so we're always looking for more helpers, no matter their age. Check out the Calling all budding #JuniorCFIA scientists webpage for activities to do with young scientists. You can also meet our team of superheroes to learn more.
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