Igniting a Spark: University of Miami Empowers Female Students with Immersive STEM Experiences; Canon U.S.A. provided camera equipment and training to capture a day-long expedition
30 April 2024 - 3:00PM
A day-long expedition led by the University of Miami’s Shark
Research and Conservation Program through their Females In
Natural Sciences (F.I.N.S.) initiative provided a dozen middle and
high school girl students from underserved communities a hands-on
marine science experience on March 20. The trip was part of an
ongoing initiative to connect students with role models and show
the potential career opportunities that await in the science and
technology sectors, where women have been historically
underrepresented.
The University of Miami has been a long-time Canon customer.
Canon Solutions America (a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A.,
Inc.) supported the shark research expedition that featured
students and faculty from the university’s Rosenstiel School of
Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science.
In an ongoing effort by Canon to lean into the importance of
environmental responsibility and supporting women in the field of
marine science, The F.I.N.S. program’s mission is to provide middle
and high school girls with an exciting hands-on experience as shark
research volunteers under the mentorship of female University of
Miami Rosenstiel School faculty and graduate students.
The program’s goal is to show the possibilities that exist for
women through a supportive environment with accomplished
professionals who are eager to help the next generation of
scientists. Among those champions of the next generation is Dr.
Catherine Macdonald, an assistant research professor and the
director of the Rosenstiel School’s Shark Research and
Conservation Program.“As a female professor in marine biology, I am
honored to inspire and mentor the brilliant minds of tomorrow to
help break down barriers and empower young women to confidently
pursue their dreams in STEM,” Macdonald said. “Through the FINS
program, we can create a ripple effect of change that will refine
what is possible and create a more inclusive and diverse future in
the field of science and technology.”
Dr. Macdonald has more than a decade of research experience with
sharks and rays and is an internationally recognized shark and
interdisciplinary environmental scientist. Her expertise includes
the biology and ecology of sharks, conservation policy, and the
human dimensions of ocean conservation. The F.I.N.S. program
remains part of her commitment to making the field of marine
biology more inclusive.
To lend valuable support, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in
digital imaging solutions, provided cameras, underwater housing and
subsequent virtual training on Canon’s EOS R5 C camera, an amazing
camera used to document this important endeavor. The EOS R5 C is a
full-frame mirrorless cinema hybrid camera.
“We are thrilled to support the University of Miami in igniting
a passion for STEM among students. Through immersive
experience and outstanding technology, we empower the next
generation of innovators and problem solvers,” said Shinichi “Sam”
Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon
U.S.A., Inc. “Together, we will fuel their curiosity and drive
towards a brighter future.”
Click here to view a video of the University of Miami’s Shark
Research and Conservation Program and F.I.N.S. in action.
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About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer,
business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to
the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets.
With approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, its parent
company, Canon Inc. as of 2023 has ranked in the top-five overall
in U.S. patents granted for 38 consecutive years†. Canon U.S.A. is
dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental
responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit us
at www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn
at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.
# # #
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent
and Trademark Office.
Canon and EOS are registered trademarks of Canon Inc. in the
United States and elsewhere All other referenced product names and
marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby
acknowledged.
- Females In Natural Sciences (F.I.N.S.) initiative
Brian Bohl
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
516-408-8214
bbohl@cusa.canon.com