Professional Profile
Janelle Fournier (Ph.D.) is a STEM educator, consultant, and professor at the University of Ottawa whose work bridges research, practice, and innovation in science and engineering education. With almost two decades of experience across K–12, higher education, and national STEM organizations, she is recognized for her leadership in designing engaging learning experiences, advancing gender equity in STEM, and supporting educators in adopting evidence‑based instructional practices.
Her career is grounded in a commitment to making STEM more accessible, inclusive, and intellectually rich for all learners, and in helping teachers and organizations build the confidence and capacity to do the same.
Current Roles
Professor, University of Ottawa — Faculty of Education
Professor Fournier teaches and mentors future educators in science, mathematics, technology and engineering pedagogy. Her courses emphasize interdisciplinary thinking, design‑based learning, coding, and the development of equitable, student‑centered classroom practices. She also contributes to research on teacher learning, curriculum innovation, and the integration of engineering principles into secondary science education.
Founder & Principal Consultant, Pickle Labs
Through her consulting practice, Pickle Labs, Janelle collaborates with school boards, universities, non‑profits, and STEM outreach organizations across Canada. She provides professional development, curriculum design, program evaluation, and strategic guidance rooted in research and real‑world classroom experience. Her consulting work is known for being practical, engaging, innovative, and deeply responsive to the needs of educators and learners.
Areas of Expertise
STEM pedagogy and curriculum design
Engineering design integration in secondary science
Teacher professional learning and instructional coaching
Gender diversity and equity in STEM fields
Interdisciplinary teaching practices
Program evaluation and educational research
Graduate‑level course design and facilitation
Research & Scholarship
Janelle’s research examines how engineering principles can enrich science learning and how teachers develop the knowledge, confidence, and pedagogical flexibility needed to implement interdisciplinary STEM approaches. Her work also explores systemic barriers to gender diversity in STEM and the role of instructional design in creating more inclusive learning environments.
She presents regularly at national conferences, contributes to collaborative research initiatives, and supports organizations in translating research findings into meaningful practice.
Professional Background
Before joining the University of Ottawa, Janelle served as Senior Manager of Education at Actua and Principal of Actua Academy, where she led national educator professional learning program where she worked closely with partners across Canada to strengthen STEM outreach and teacher support.
She previously taught biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics for twelve years in French‑language secondary schools in Ontario, where she developed a deep understanding of classroom realities and the day‑to‑day challenges teachers face.
Her academic background includes a PhD in Education from the University of Ottawa, with a focus on engineering integration in secondary curricula. Her thesis focused on teachers’ social representations of engineering, engineers and engineering education in French language high schools in Ontario.
Commitment to Equity in STEM
Across all her roles, Janelle is driven by a commitment to advancing gender diversity and inclusion in STEM. She advocates for systemic change, supports organizations in designing equitable programs, and works with educators to create learning environments where all students feel capable, welcomed, and inspired.
Beyond the Classroom
Janelle lives near Maniwaki, Québec and enjoys an active life filled with research, teaching, consulting, swimming, and time spent with her energetic, kind, and intelligent Border Collie, Alfie. She brings curiosity, creativity, and a deep love of learning to every project she undertakes.
Connect with Dr. Fournier
Whether you are seeking research collaboration, professional development, curriculum support, or consulting through Pickle Labs, Janelle welcomes opportunities to work with partners who share a commitment to innovative and equitable STEM education.
