Danielle (she/her) is excited to help start up the Shad program at the University of Manitoba, since science and STEAM outreach are a few of her favourite things. She has contributed to Shad since 2020 and has grown to love it more each year.
Danielle has a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics from the University of Alberta. While doing her PhD at Boston University, she studied how structures in the solar wind (made up of protons, electrons, and magnetic fields) evolve between the Sun, the Earth, and drive space weather. Along the way, she discovered how much she loved outreach and mentoring students. This prepared her for her role at the University of Manitoba, where she teaches courses and labs at all levels, is Director of the Lockhart Planetarium on campus, and runs the Astronomical Observatories. With these facilities, she reacquaints Manitobans with the night sky. Having a special affection for the intersection of science and art, she has co-hosted special events like Poetry in the Planetarium and Ancient Skies—a retelling of Greek myths paired with a constellations tour—and helped create an art installation atWinnipeg’s Nuit Blanche.
When she isn’t thinking about astrophysics, or telling people how great it is, Danielle enjoys being outside and being active, traveling, running, gardening, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Celia McLean (she/her) is an entrepreneur and mental health advocate in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She holds a diploma in graphic design from Red River College. She has been working as a full-time illustrator, photographer, and graphic designer since 2014. Celia owns and operates Middle Child Maker, an e-commerce store selling her artwork.
Celia has been a dedicated volunteer for multiple mental health initiatives around Manitoba, specializing in facilitating workshops in art therapy and organizational skills. She is the artistic director at The Valiant Theatre, an inclusive arts venue opening up in October 2024.
Celia began working with Shad in 2023, when she joined the Shad Manitoba team as a program manager and is excited to be back this year as an assistant program director. She puts the ‘A’ in STEAM and hopes to cultivate creative approaches for problem solving with the Shads.
Celia is passionate about art, sustainability, mental health advocacy, and food sovereignty. She also aspires to take your dog on a hike.