Empowering Women in STEM at McGill University
Since its inception in 2015, the United Nations General Assembly has designated a special day to underscore the importance of gender equality in science and technology. This initiative aims to enhance participation and recognize the vital contributions of women and girls, who play a crucial role in advancing innovation and shaping a sustainable future.
Trailblazers at McGill University
McGill University has been at the forefront of promoting women in science. Notable figures include:
- Dr. Carrie Derick – The first female professor in Canada and founder of McGill’s Genetics Department.
- Dr. Nada Jabado – Awarded the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award for her groundbreaking work in pediatric neuro-oncology.
Recent Achievements of Female Scientists and Students
The first half of the 2024-2025 academic year has been particularly notable for female students and researchers at McGill. Their accomplishments include:
September 2024
- Three students, Nami Dwyer, Allison Hutchings, and Andreea-Nicole Calenciuc, received the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship, recognized as Canada’s most generous award for STEM studies.
October 2024
- Professor Noémie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne from the Department of Chemical Engineering was honored with the Hubert-Reeves Prize, acknowledging her as a promising young researcher.
November 2024
- Professor Audrey Moores, Department of Chemistry, was appointed President of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada.
- Professors Natalya Gomez (Earth and Planetary Sciences) and Daryl Haggard (Physics) received the 2024 Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
December 2024
- Dr. Nada Jabado was recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada for her revolutionary discoveries in pediatric neuro-oncology.
- Faculty Lecturer Rosalie Bélanger-Rioux from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics was awarded a President’s Prize for excellence in teaching.
January 2025
- Hui Su, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemistry, contributed to a study that received acclaim from Québec Science magazine, highlighting its recognition as one of Quebec’s top ten scientific advances of 2024.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Gender Equality in STEM
McGill University continues to pave the way for gender equality in the sciences, showcasing the remarkable achievements of its female faculty and students. By fostering an inclusive environment, McGill is not only closing the gender gap in STEM but also driving forward the innovation necessary for a better future.
