Cressana Williams-Massey is a Jamaican-born research chemist and science educator with a strong academic foundation and extensive teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry (double major), a post-graduate Diploma in Science Education, and a Master of Philosophy degree in Organic Chemistry. In addition, she is a certified Supervisory Manager.
Before moving to Canada in 2021, Cressana dedicated over thirteen years to teaching at the secondary and tertiary levels of Jamaica’s education system. During this time, she also worked part-time for six years as a Moderator and Assistant Examiner with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Beyond the classroom, she focused much of her career on coordinating academic and community development programs designed to uplift Black youth.
Since joining Queen's University in December 2021, Cressana has been a passionate advocate for STEM outreach and youth empowerment. As the leader of the Black Youth in STEM (BYiS) initiative, she has fostered meaningful experiential learning opportunities for Black and racialized youth. Beyond her work with BYiS, Cressana plays a pivotal role in supporting Black students enrolled in Smith Engineering, cultivating a strong sense of community and belonging throughout their academic journey. Her leadership extends further, having served as Interim Manager for Connections Engineering Outreach from May to December 2024, where she contributed to advancing STEM education and promoting inclusivity across the university.
As part of her role, Cressana works collaboratively with other outreach practitioners and departments within Smith Engineering to deliver engaging experiential learning opportunities to Black youth and other racialized children. She is deeply committed to ensuring that participants in BYiS workshops and programs have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
For Cressana, nothing is more rewarding than seeing the young minds she has nurtured go on to become professionals in diverse STEM fields. Her unwavering dedication to education, inclusiveness, and community-building continues to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Our teaching staff comprises a Mathematics and Physics teacher, a graduate Materials Engineer, a graduate Electrical Engineer, three undergraduate Queen’s University students and a local high school student. Instructors are of various ethnicities and cultural heritages for example, Nigerian, Nigerian-Canadian, Ghanian-Canadian, Caribbean descent, and Indian to meet the needs of the participants who share the same or similar cultural heritages.
Yvonne Anabaranze is a PhD student and IBET Fellow in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Queen’s University, where she also earned her Master of Engineering degree in mechanical and materials engineering. Her academic journey began at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in metallurgical and materials engineering.
Before joining Queen’s University, Yvonne gained diverse experience in sales, process engineering, and production management, implementing innovative solutions that improved operational efficiency and product quality. As a licensed Materials and Metallurgy Engineer (COREN, Nigeria), her professional experience spans the oil and gas sector as well as the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.
Passionate about diversity and inclusion in STEM, Yvonne’s commitment is deeply rooted in her experiences as a Black woman in engineering. Since May 2022, she has been an active contributor to the Black Youth in STEM program at Queen’s University, where she mentors underrepresented youth. Through hands-on activities and personalized guidance, she inspires students to pursue careers in STEM. In addition, she serves as an Engineer-in-Residence with Engineers of Tomorrow, where she ignites curiosity and helps equip students with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in engineering and technology.
Yvonne’s academic and professional work is motivated by her commitment to advancing sustainable, resource-efficient industrial ecosystems. She believes that engineering has the potential to create practical solutions for addressing global challenges, particularly in the areas of materials engineering and manufacturing. Her research aims to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Driven by a curiosity for learning and a deep desire to make a lasting impact, Yvonne holds a firm belief in the transformative power of mentorship to inspire the next generation of engineers.
Paul is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education (Social Justice Education) and a research fellow in the Black Studies program at Queen’s University. He is a passionate educator, mentor, and advocate for equitable and transformative education, particularly for Black youth. As a STEAM instructor for Black Youth in STEM, Paul plays a pivotal role in designing and delivering innovative, hands-on learning experiences that bridge science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. His work empowers young learners to explore STEM fields through creative, engaging, and culturally relevant approaches, fostering confidence and curiosity. In addition to his role as an instructor, Paul serves as a pedagogy workshop trainer for BYiS and occasionally Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) summer staff. He leads professional development sessions that equip instructors and mentors with the skills and strategies to create inclusive and supportive learning content and environments. His workshops emphasize culturally responsive teaching, student engagement, and the transformative power of education to address systemic barriers. Paul actively supports student services initiatives for Black students enrolled in Smith Engineering, working to ensure they feel represented, valued, and empowered within their engineering disciplines.
Beyond his contributions to BYiS, Paul’s research agenda is deeply rooted in education, migration, Black studies, and social justice. Through his work as a research fellow with the Revolutionary Demand for Happiness (RDH) Working Group in the Department of Black Studies, he explores these intersections through creative, critical, and transformative frameworks. Prior to joining Queen’s University, Paul was a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, where he fostered lifelong learning practices and critical engagement among his students.
In addition to his academic and teaching roles, Paul is a poet and community builder. He co-convened The Poetics of Migration with Dr. Katherine McKittrick, a community project that blends critical inquiry and creative expression to explore themes of migration and identity and anti-black racism. He also convened The Poetics of Love, a poetry workshop that explored radical love and challenging discriminations in the classroom. He recently convened a Work-Climate Poetry workshop that delved into working and learning in a climate-changing world. As a poet, Paul finds joy in organizing and participating in community poetry events, using storytelling as a tool to inspire and connect.
Through his multifaceted roles as an educator, researcher, and artist, Paul is committed to empowering Black youth and creating pathways for transformative learning and meaningful engagement in STEM and beyond.
Mirabel is a Master’s student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Queen’s University, researching Silicon Photonics. During her undergraduate years in Ghana, Mirabel dedicated much of her time to teaching, mentoring, and connecting with children and teens through her roles at the university and church. For the past six years, she has also served as an executive member of For the Future (FTF) Ghana, a charity NGO committed to empowering underprivileged children by providing holistic education, training, and developmental resources. Passionate about STEM education, Mirabel is devoted to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Beyond her academic and mentorship roles, she enjoys writing, traveling, baking, and has a knack for learning new languages.
Janki is a Mathematics and Physics teacher from India and a proud graduate of Queen’s University. Before migrating to Canada, she gained valuable experience as a secondary school teacher and served as a Grade Coordinator, where she developed her skills in classroom management, curriculum design, and student mentorship. With a passion for continuous learning, Janki thrives on discovering innovative ways to make education more engaging and accessible.
She has a particular interest in integrating coding with Mathematics and Science, creating fun, interactive lessons that empower students to see the real-world applications of STEM concepts. Her dedication to fostering curiosity and critical thinking among students reflects her belief in the transformative power of education. Outside the classroom, Janki enjoys exploring new teaching methods, staying up to date with the latest educational technologies, and inspiring students to reach their full potential.
Davina is a third-year Arts and Science student at Queen’s University, pursuing a major in Biochemistry and Life Sciences. She is a proud second-generation Ghanaian immigrant, and also a thrice-published author of short stories for teenagers, reflecting her creative and thoughtful nature.
With a quiet and gentle personality, Davina transforms into a vibrant and engaging teacher when working with students. Her analytical mind and innovative approach enable her to conceptualize fun and unique STEM lessons that captivate and inspire young learners. Outside of academics and teaching, Davina enjoys cooking, baking, and crafting intricate origami designs, blending creativity and precision in all she does.
EJ is a dedicated BYiS Outreach instructor and a Queen’s University student pursuing a Joint Honours in History and Political Studies alongside a Bachelor of Education through the Concurrent Education program. Passionate about youth empowerment, she actively contributes to impactful initiatives like Black Youth in STEM, a program she deeply values for its transformative impact on Black youth in Kingston. Outside of academics and outreach, EJ enjoys connecting with others, immersing herself in romance novels, and expanding her impressive sneaker collection.
Arianna is a second-year Concurrent Education student at Queen’s University, pursuing a major in Biology and a minor in French. Passionate about STEM and working with children, she is dedicated to creating opportunities for students from underrepresented communities and inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM. This is her second year with Black Youth in STEM, where she finds immense joy in witnessing the positive impact the program has on Black youth. Known for her kind and enthusiastic personality, Arianna aspires to become a science teacher, sharing her love for learning with future generations. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and improving her French skills.
Khim is a STEM Outreach instructor known for her enthusiastic and positive outlook on life. Currently a first-year general engineering student in Smith Engineering, Khim is eager to embrace new challenges and make meaningful contributions to her community. She has a natural affinity for working with children and is deeply committed to fostering inclusive opportunities for students from underrepresented communities. With a particular focus on inspiring young girls to explore and excel in STEM fields, Khim actively supports initiatives that aim to break barriers and encourage diverse representation in engineering and science.
Khim is passionate about creating engaging and accessible STEM programs that ignite curiosity and confidence in learners of all ages. She believes in the power of education to transform lives and strives to empower the next generation of innovators. Her dedication to equity and inclusion drives her efforts to ensure that every student has the chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.