Andrew J. Myles
BIO
Director of research and development at Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre of NRCC (Canada). Father of four.
”Equity in STEM won’t happen unless we recognize that caregiving is a human issue–not a women’s issue.”
I am a scientist, a manager in STEM, a husband, and a proud father of four amazing children—ranging in age from toddlerhood to early adulthood. I’m sharing my story because I believe we need to normalize caregiving for men in science and reshape what it means to be both a dedicated professional and an engaged parent.
I have always loved science, but I’ve also always loved being a father. That balance hasn’t always come easily. My parenting journey began during my postdoctoral fellowship—a time that should have been defined by academic opportunity and momentum. Instead, I learned I was going to become a father, and the news filled me with both joy and anxiety. Like many early-career researchers, I was in a temporary position with little job security and almost no institutional encouragement for taking time off to care for a child.
At the time, parental leave for fathers—especially in academia—was almost unheard of. My wife and I managed co-parenting through carefully coordinated work schedules and a lot of improvisation. It was far from ideal, but we did our best to support each other and build a home that prioritized family. Looking back, I know many postdocs and early-career researchers still face these same pressures. I now manage a diverse team of scientists and engineers, and I see firsthand how often young professionals are forced to make difficult choices between caregiving and career advancement.
Things began to shift when I landed a permanent job in Canada. By the time our second child was on the way, I felt confident enough in my position to request a nine-month parental leave. While the policy was technically in place and officially supported, the culture was another story.
I faced dismissive remarks, skepticism, and subtle messages that my commitment to science was in question. I struggled with guilt and insecurity—especially during late nights of bottle feeding and early mornings of reviewing manuscripts or editing theses from home.
Despite these challenges, those nine months changed me. I learned that caregiving is not a distraction from meaningful work; it is meaningful work. When I returned to the lab, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose—not just as a scientist, but as a leader who wanted to create better conditions for those following in my footsteps.
Fast forward more than a decade later—my three older children were now teens, and my wife and I were blessed with another child. I was older, more experienced, and in a senior leadership role. Still, the decision to take another nine-month parental leave didn’t come easily. I wondered how it would be perceived. Would I still be taken seriously? Would I be letting my team down?
But something remarkable happened. This time, I received unwavering support—not just from my family, but from senior management and colleagues at every level. The difference in response was profound and hopeful. As hard as it was—balancing the needs of a newborn with the responsibilities of leadership—I was grateful for the chance to experience this part of fatherhood again.
Now, as a manager and mentor, I openly advocate for family leave—not just for women in STEM, but for everyone. I make it a point to talk about my experiences and encourage other men to take the time they need without shame or hesitation. I work to ensure our policies aren’t just words on paper, but practices that are embraced in day-to-day culture.
Equity in STEM won’t happen unless we recognize that caregiving is a human issue—not a women’s issue. When men step up at home, more women stay in the workforce. When organizations support fathers, the whole system becomes more inclusive. I truly believe men benefit immensely from taking parental leave—it deepens relationships, broadens empathy, and sets a powerful example for future generations.
So to anyone wondering whether they can take that step: you can. And you won’t regret it. My journey hasn’t been linear, and at times, it’s been exhausting—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being a scientist and a present father has shaped me into the leader I am today.
Let’s keep pushing for a STEM culture where all parents, regardless of gender or position, are supported in raising the next generation—both at work and at home.