An International Women’s Day feature
When Yotka Rickard began her studies in electrical engineering and mathematics in Sofia, Bulgaria, she was often the only woman in the room.
Today, as a sessional instructor in the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program in the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology at McMaster University, she’s helping to shape a very different experience for the next generation of engineering students, and her impact has been profound.
Rickard’s McMaster journey began in 1995 with a master’s in applied mathematics. She’d just spent a year of honeymooning in Niagara Falls, when she felt a desire to “reengage [herself] with scientific research.” Presented with three options for university, she says that “McMaster won instantaneously.” Her master’s was followed by a PhD in Computational Electromagnetics. A year later, Rickard was awarded a highly completive two-year Post Doctoral Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), an award rarely granted in her specialized field, reflecting both the impact of her research and her deep passion for the discipline.
With the flexibility to choose her location, Rickard chose McMaster once more, and thirty years later, she’s still here, and, as she says, she’s “passionate, evolving and continuing to be inspired every day.”
A passion for engineering practice
For more than a decade, Rickard has taught mathematics in the BTech program. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience, she says, is helping students connect theoretical concepts with real-world engineering applications.
“My theses and research have all been in Applied Mathematics and Computational Electromagnetics,” she explains. “This is why I love teaching exactly that. The BTech program aims to perfect the balance of learning and understanding the science, and hands-on applications before students graduate.”
For Rickard, teaching is about more than mastering difficult equations or technical concepts, it is about helping students recognize their own potential. “It is a privilege to teach students because we have the opportunity to touch their lives and guide them in meaningful ways,” she says.
Mentorship beyond the classroom
Rickard’s dedication to students has not gone unnoticed, leaving a lasting impression on her colleagues.
“Yotka has been a cornerstone of our BTech programs for many years,” says Tom Wanyama, Director of McMaster’s Learning Factory. “Her dedication to student success, particularly in foundational subjects like mathematics and electricity principles, has had a lasting impact on generations of engineering technology students. She combines rigour with genuine care, ensuring that students not only understand the material, but also gain the confidence to apply it in their technical careers. Our community is stronger because of her commitment, professionalism and steady presence.”
Rickard’s students echo Wanyama’s sentiments.
“Yotka is one of the most unforgettable professors I have ever had the pleasure of learning from,” says final-year BTech Biotechnology student, Jolina Berleth. “She always emphasized that we are the next generation of engineers who will make a difference in this world, inspiring me to continue learning and striving toward my goals with a positive outlook.”
Zahara Quadry, President of McMaster’s Bachelor of Technology Association (BTA) expresses similar views, explaining that Rickard’s encouragement has had a lasting impact on students, women in particular.
“Yotka once approached a group of us girls and told us to never be afraid to be women in male dominated spaces,” says Quadry, “She encouraged us to take up space, to own our intelligence and to not let anyone tell us otherwise.”
Our presence in the classroom sends an important message: women belong in technical and analytical spaces. By teaching with authority, clarity and confidence, we inspire female students to pursue their ambitions without hesitation and with self-belief.
Creating space for women in STEM
For Rickard, creating that sense of confidence and belonging is an important part of her work in the classroom. She stresses that visibility, not ability, remains the real challenge when it comes to supporting women in STEM.
“In BTech at McMaster, most mathematics courses are taught by women,” says Rickard. “This is a powerful example of visible role models. Our presence in the classroom sends an important message: women belong in technical and analytical spaces. By teaching with authority, clarity and confidence, we inspire female students to pursue their ambitions without hesitation and with self-belief.”
Balance beyond the classroom
Rickard’s sense of clarity and balance goes beyond the classroom. A child actress and pianist since the age of 18, she still plays regularly in her free time. She is also a certified Reiki Master and meditation teacher; practices she discovered while searching for answers to deeper questions about life’s purpose. It was also during this pursuit where Rickard met her Canadian husband, Brian, thus beginning her journey to Canada in 1993. For Rickard, these pursuits are not separate from her academic life, but part of the same journey of reflection and lifelong learning.
Rickard’s academic journey has also been marked by several recognitions for excellence in research and scholarship. During her graduate studies at McMaster, she received both the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (OGSST), awards given to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and research potential. Earlier in her studies, she also graduated at the top of her class in Bulgaria and received a national Golden Medal for maintaining perfect academic standing throughout high school.
Preparing students to change the world
For the thousands of students who have passed through her classroom, Rickard’s lessons extend far beyond mathematics or engineering principles, encouraging them to believe in their abilities and understand the impact their ideas can have on the world.
Our students have the capacity to redefine systems, solve problems in new ways, and revolutionize the world beyond what we can imagine. I encourage them to understand that every step they take is a unique contribution. Their efforts ripple outward, inspiring others to dream bigger and reach higher.
