Celebrating the Amazing Queen’s Women of 2018 | Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science

2018 was a year filled with the groundbreaking work and achievements of the many amazing, inspiring women at Queen’s. As a current female ArtSci student, I have been blown away by how much women have accomplished within every industry this year, both here at Queen’s and beyond. My personal favourite moments from the past year that I would like to highlight for International Women’s Day include the following inspiring achievements:

Dr. Barbara Crow

Our current Dean of Arts and Science was a member of the Bank of Canada’s Advisory Council this year to develop the shortlist of iconic Canadian women that were considered to be featured on the new $10 bill. Here she is talking about the decision to feature civil rights hero Viola Desmond on the banknote.

Dr. Sari van Anders

In celebration of Canada’s 150^th anniversary, the Government of Canada announced The Canada 150 Research Chairs Program, which invests millions into research within Canada. Queen’s was lucky enough to receive one of these chairs and, in July, Dr. Sari van Anders joined the Faculty as the Chair in Social Neuroendocrinology, Sexuality, and Gender/Sex. Her research is challenging how we view sex, sexuality, gender, and how we can research these areas more accurately.

Dr. Michelle Thompson

Queen’s alumna and planetary scientist for NASA, Michelle Thompson made the list of the top 32 candidates for an astronaut position with the Canadian Space Agency. Now working at Purdue University, Michelle continues to work towards her dream of becoming an astronaut.

Callie Hill

Callie Hill is the director of Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre in Tyendinaga, Ontario, where the new Certificate in Mohawk Language and Culture was launched in June of 2018 in partnership with Queen’s. Callie was instrumental in the development and launch of the Certificate, and continues to champion its mission and expansion.

Queen’s Women in Computing

The amazing team of students and professors involved in the Queen’s Women in Computing (QWIC) group have developed a network to support and create initiatives for those underrepresented in the fields of computer science and technology. QWIC created an amazing group on campus, but has also developed a conference that attracts approximately 600 women from across Canada. This conference provides women in technology with oppurtunities to meet, network, and support each other. To celebrate International Women’s Day, QWIC is hosting a networking conversation with Queen’s alumni working in technology. Check out their Facebook event for more details.

Larke Zarichny

A 2018 recipient of the Queen’s Staff Recognition Award, Larke Zarichny was nominated by colleagues for “consistently providing outstanding contributions to the learning and working environment at Queen’s at a level significantly beyond what is usually expected”. As the Undergraduate Program Assistant in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, Larke is known as the “heart” of the Queen’s Geology community, and takes special care to know each and every student, so that she can support them the very best she can.