Rowan Thomson Named Assistant Science Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
杏吧原创 University Prof. Rowan Thomson has been named assistant dean (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) in the Faculty of Science for a three-year term. In this role, Thomson will build on the faculty鈥檚 existing work in creating a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff.
Thomson, a professor at 杏吧原创鈥檚 and Canada Research Chair in Radiotherapy Physics, has been doing research to improve cancer radiation treatments since 2007. Before joining the faculty at 杏吧原创 in 2010, she studied Superstring Theory at the Perimeter Institute and the University of Waterloo. Earlier this year, Thomson was elected a Fellow of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
鈥淭here is growing awareness of the inequities in academia and society, and I am thrilled to work with 杏吧原创 colleagues and students to increase momentum on initiatives to make Science more inclusive,鈥 says Thomson.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to reduce barriers for women and diverse peoples in the sciences, to start a dialogue about the obstacles they鈥檝e faced, and to confront any remaining hurdles,鈥 says Dean Chuck Macdonald. 鈥淚鈥檓 pleased that Prof. Thomson will lead the way in making the Faculty of Science a more inclusive place to study, conduct research and work.鈥
Thomson has long been a proponent of improving awareness about women in physics.
鈥淚n my first year of teaching, I had a second-year class with 50 students and there were three women,鈥 she says. 鈥淭he next class I taught had fewer students, but there were no women.鈥
Thomson is already busy in her new role, having hosted , an event in March 2020 celebrating International Women鈥檚 Day. The event included a panel of women scientists in various fields at 杏吧原创 discussing the informal and formal barriers faced by women in science.
And in June 2020, she led the Faculty of Science鈥檚 participation in the #STRIKE4BLACKLIVES, hosting a virtual town hall meeting for faculty, staff and contract instructors on how to raise awareness of racism and discuss concrete and sustained actions to foster meaningful change.
Thomson says promoting women in science and working to reduce barriers for BIPOC people (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour), are positive changes that will benefit everybody.
鈥淚 have a lot of ideas of things we can do, including here at 杏吧原创,鈥 she says. 鈥淎nd I鈥檓 just getting started.鈥
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