Carter Yott Exemplifies I.D.E.A.L Principles in STEM

As one of the inaugural recipients of BioTalent Canada’s I.D.E.A.L. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Leadership) Scholarship, Carter Yott’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery, community involvement, and the pursuit of equity in all its forms.

The $10,000 scholarship — awarded to students from equity-deserving groups entering their first year of post-secondary education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) — recognizes individuals like Carter who embody the values of leadership and inclusion.

A Surprising Honour

When Carter, who hails from Niagara Falls, Ontario, learned that he had been selected for the prestigious I.D.E.A.L. award, his initial reaction was one of joy, though tempered with a sense of disbelief.

“I was surprised to have won the BioTalent Canada I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship,” Carter admitted. “There were undoubtedly other applicants deserving of recognition because of the diversity and excellence within the applicant pool.”

Despite this humility, his selection was no accident; it reflected his dedication to fostering inclusivity in engineering, a field that historically has lacked diverse representation. Carter’s decision to study engineering at McMaster University is driven by his passion for innovation and problem-solving, particularly in areas related to accessibility. However, he is acutely aware of the financial burdens that come with pursuing a STEM education.

“Studying engineering is an expensive endeavour,” Carter explained. “This scholarship lightens that load significantly.”

For him, the financial relief is more than just a way to pay for tuition — it represents an investment in his ability to continue advocating for inclusion and equity in the future.

Discovering Identity and Culture

Carter’s journey toward becoming a leader in inclusion and diversity hasn’t always been straightforward. Like many young people, he has faced challenges in understanding his own identity, particularly his cultural heritage. “Until recently, I knew little about my ancestry, which I think leads to confusion about culture and identity,” he shared.

Growing up without a strong connection to his Indigenous roots, Carter often adopted the cultural habits of his peers, not realizing until later how important it was to embrace his own heritage.

“I have begun to adopt pieces of my cultures that resonate with me,” he said, reflecting on the process of filling in the “holes” of his identity.

For Carter, this journey of self-discovery has been a critical part of his personal and academic growth.

“As long as you can connect with some part of your past that helps to soothe and make sense of confusion, you are filling in the holes of your identity,” he added.

This realization has empowered him to approach life with a greater sense of purpose, particularly in how he interacts with others and advocates for underrepresented groups.

Advocating for LGBTQ+ Communities

A significant aspect of Carter’s advocacy is his work within the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud member of this community, Carter recognizes both the progress that has been made in recent years and the challenges that remain.

“Youth society in Canada has become much more accepting of the LGBTQ community,” Carter noted. “But there is still discrimination and unconscious bias.”

At McMaster, he plans to become actively involved in groups like Engiqueers and McMaster Pride, using his platform to champion equality.

“I understand that I am confident, and that it can be intimidating for others to risk controversy,” Carter said. “I am not afraid to speak up, and I hope that I can set a positive example in my community.”

For him, being an ally and advocate means more than just words — it requires action and a commitment to confronting bias and injustice wherever it is found.

Engineering a More Accessible World

As an engineering student, Carter is particularly passionate about the intersection of technology and accessibility. His focus on biomedical engineering aligns perfectly with his goal of creating solutions that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

“A fundamental part of research is considering relevance: what am I contributing to, and how does my research reflect the needs of the community?” he explained. This commitment to accessibility is not just a professional goal but a personal one, as Carter seeks to integrate the principles of diversity and inclusion into every aspect of his work.

Carter’s understanding of diversity goes beyond just cultural and social differences — it also includes recognizing the contributions of minority groups to scientific discovery, contributions that have often been overlooked or erased.

“The history of scientific discovery is often falsely interpreted,” he remarked. “Recognizing this dispels biases ‘rooted in history.’” For Carter, acknowledging and addressing these biases is essential to creating a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM.

Leadership and Mentorship in Indigenous Communities

In addition to his academic pursuits, Carter has a passion for teaching and mentorship, particularly within Indigenous communities. Growing up in Niagara Falls, where Indigenous representation was scarce, Carter faced challenges in connecting with his Mi’kmaq heritage.

“There is very little representation of Indigenous people in my hometown of Niagara Falls,” Carter explained. “Our local Native Centre is a thirty-minute drive away, and I was one of only three Indigenous students at my high school during the time of my graduation.”

Despite these obstacles, Carter has worked diligently to embrace his Indigenous identity and become an advocate for Indigenous representation.

Whether through formal tutoring or informal leadership roles, Carter has always found fulfillment in helping others succeed, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. He tutored a member of his Indigenous community through the Fort Erie Native Centre, where he applied the principle of reciprocity, which he describes as a core element of Indigenous research: “learning from everyone and teaching to everyone.”

“I was an academic tutor at my high school for a year and again for a member of my Indigenous community,” he shared. “Reciprocity is a pillar of Indigenous research: learning from everyone and teaching to everyone.”

This passion for teaching extends to his future goals as well. Carter envisions a career where he can continue to mentor and inspire others, not only within engineering but also in life.

“It is vital that young people see their cultures represented because it encourages them to pursue that field in the future,” Carter said.

His work with Indigenous youth, both academically and in advocacy settings, aims to empower the next generation to embrace their identities and succeed in STEM.

“There are many people from all backgrounds who need guidance in school, sports, and life,” he said. “Certainly, I have lacked and received enough guidance in each of those aspects to understand the importance of giving it.”

A Future in STEM

While Carter is still exploring the specific career path he will take within engineering, one thing is certain: he is committed to making a lasting impact in the field of STEM.

“There is much uncertainty about the specific career path I will have,” he acknowledged, “but I believe everyone can make an impact regardless of their platform.”

For now, his focus is on his studies at McMaster, where he plans to take full advantage of the diverse and inclusive environment the university offers. Carter’s involvement with groups like Indigenous Student Services and McMaster Pride is just the beginning.

“Once I come to grips with my schedule, I plan to involve myself more with these groups,” he said. “The more representation people see of their identity, the more likely they are to embrace that part of themselves.”

A Message for Future Leaders

As one of the first recipients of the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship, Carter knows that he carries the responsibility of paving the way for future leaders in STEM. His advice for other students from equity-deserving groups is simple but powerful: “First, focus and consistency go a long way. You become great at something by steady and mindful practice. Second, you have to have the courage to advocate for yourself.”

For Carter, these qualities have been instrumental in his success, and he hopes to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Looking ahead, Carter is excited about the opportunities that lie before him, both at McMaster and beyond. Whether he ends up in biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or another field, one thing is clear: Carter Yott is determined to make a difference, not only in STEM but in the broader fight for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. As he continues his journey, supported by the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship, he is well on his way to becoming a leader who will help shape the future of Canada’s bio-economy.

Conclusion

Carter Yott’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to making the world a more inclusive place. As one of this year’s I.D.E.A.L. Award recipients, Carter exemplifies the qualities of determination, empathy, and advocacy that BioTalent Canada seeks to promote through this scholarship. His journey has just begun, but his impact is already being felt in the communities he serves. Through his studies, mentorship, and advocacy work, Carter is helping to create a future where diversity is not just celebrated but woven into the very fabric of STEM.

Ignite the bio-economy’s brainpower by empowering the next generation of diverse leaders. Learn how you can apply for or support the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship and help drive meaningful change in STEM.