Jenna Harris is a PhD student of Afro-Caribbean descent at McMaster University’s School of Biomedical Engineering. She holds an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering and Engineering Physics, also obtained from McMaster.
Their research focuses on electrochemical biosensors: devices that can diagnose and monitor health conditions without relying on centralized laboratories. Under the supervision of Dr. Leyla Soleymani, Jenna aims to improve public health outcomes by promoting the widespread early detection of infectious diseases.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Jenna is passionate about dance, having trained in various styles since the age of five. Currently, they teach youth and adult competitive teams at Defining Movement Dance, a hip-hop and street dance studio in Hamilton. She also created a production that showcased Black women and femmes in the performing arts, which was selected as a signature event for Hamilton Arts Week 2025.