Katherine Martin inspiring next generations in STEM
As the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Katherine Martin stands as proof that curiosity, mentorship and opportunity can open doors to careers that were once thought as out of reach.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean,” Martin recalls. “Growing up surrounded by marine industries in Shelburne, I had a feeling I’d end up working on or around the water. Techsploration opened my eyes to the many ways I could turn that interest into a career.”
From curiosity to career
From a Grade 9 participant in the program to a full-time role at the cutting edge of ocean technology, her story reflects both personal determination and the collective impact of programs dedicated to inclusion in STEM.
“Techsploration introduced me to careers I had never heard of and showed me that women and gender-diverse people do belong in STEM,” she says. “It taught me that it’s okay to ask questions, be curious and that any challenge can be overcome with enough passion and a willingness to learn.”
The program’s hands-on mentorship and exposure to real-world science careers sparked Katherine’s curiosity, but also gave her the confidence to imagine herself in spaces where women were often underrepresented.
Turning education into opportunity
After completing her studies in science and ocean technology at Dalhousie University and NSCC, Katherine turned her academic passion into a career that keeps her connected to the ocean she’s always loved. An internship at Ocean Sonics, a Nova Scotia company leading the way in real-time underwater listening, quickly became a full-time opportunity.
Today, as Customer Support and Repair Lead, she helps clients around the world use Ocean Sonics’ innovative hydrophones and software to capture and analyze underwater sounds—tools that play a key role in understanding and protecting marine environments.
“I love that my job connects me with people who share a commitment to ocean health,” says Katherine. “Every day, I get to support researchers and organizations who are listening to the ocean and learning from it.”
From student to role model
Now, she’s come full circle. Katherine volunteers as a Techsploration Role Model, mentoring youth and helping them explore careers in STEM and the marine sector.
“It’s so fun to have gone from student to alumna to role model,” she says. “I really enjoy supporting youth in marine industries at a time when women and girls are feeling more empowered than ever to follow their passion.”
That cycle of mentorship is at the heart of Techsploration’s success—and it’s been strengthened by ongoing support from the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) through the Engaging in Skilled Trades Grant Program.
Support that makes a difference
According to Margaret Davidson, Program Manager at Techsploration, the Province’s investment has been transformative.
“This support has played a meaningful role in strengthening our ability to expand opportunities for young women and gender-diverse youth to explore careers in STEM and the skilled trades,” Davidson says. “It’s helped us enhance hands-on learning experiences and build connections between students and industry role models.”
Those opportunities are showing measurable results.
“Through mentor-led programming supported by LSI, 87.5 per cent of participants reported learning new skills, 94 per cent reported increased self-esteem, and 75 per cent said Techsploration influenced their decision to pursue post-secondary education,” Davidson explains. “Collectively, 60 per cent of alumnae surveyed in 2025 are currently training, studying, or working in skilled trades and STEM.”
She mentions that continued collaboration with partners like LSI is key to long-term progress.
“Lasting change happens when industry, education, and community organizations work together with a shared vision,” Davidson notes. “By investing in programs that open doors for young women and gender-diverse youth, partners like LSI are helping reshape what opportunity looks like.”
Progress—and the work ahead
Although Katherine recognizes progress in gender equity, she agrees that there’s still a long way to go.
“Women make up only about 28 per cent of the global STEM workforce,” she says. “Seeing more men in leadership positions supporting true equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives is essential. If your voice is already amplified, use it to lift up those who deserve to be heard alongside you.”
When asked what advice she’d give to girls who are curious about science but unsure where to start, her message is hopeful and simple.
“It’s never too late to start! I didn’t always envision myself working in technology because I thought that my biology degree didn’t make me a good enough candidate,” she says. “No matter what your background is, there is always a pathway to dive into STEM.”
From a high school program that nurtured her spark to a career where she helps others listen to the ocean’s stories, Katherine Martin’s journey shows how mentorship, investment and opportunity can ripple outward – building confidence, representation and a stronger, more inclusive future for Nova Scotia’s STEM and skilled trades communities.
