Margaret-Ann Armour Lecture Series
In 2019, WIC initiated the start of the first student-invited named lecture series in the Department of Chemistry. This series, named after the late Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour, aims to celebrate diversity in chemistry by providing a platform for chemists who do outstanding work both in the lab and in promoting diversity and inclusivity within chemistry. ​
Dr. Armour received her BSc and MSc from the University of Edinburgh before completing her PhD from the University of Alberta in 1970. She rejoined the Department of Chemistry in 1979, and served as the Faculty of Science’s premier Associate Dean of Science (Diversity) from 2005 to 2019. Beyond her contributions to science regarding hazardous chemical management, Dr. Armour had been a tireless advocate for stronger representation of women in STEM. She founded Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology (WISEST) at the University of Alberta in 1981, and since its inception, the WISEST programs have reached more than 15,000 participants with 85% of their Summer Research Participants pursuing undergraduate degrees in Science or Engineering. In 2010, Dr. Armour established the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre). As the Associate Dean of Science (Diversity), Dr. Armour developed Project Catalyst, which is aimed at increasing the representation of women in faculty positions in the Faculty of Science.
UAWIC’s First Event: Meet & Greet with Dr. Suzzane Blum
Dr. Armour has received many awards and accolades for research, leadership and outreach activities. She received the McNeil Medal from the Royal Society of Canada in 1994 and the 3M Teaching Fellowship, Canada’s top award for excellence in undergraduate teaching, in 1996. Dr. Armour was named a member of the Order of Canada in 2006. Maclean’s Magazine recognized Dr. Armour as one of Ten Canadians Making a Difference in 2003, and she was twice listed by the Women’s Executive Network as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. Dr. Armour has also received honorary degrees from her alma mater, the University of Edinburgh, as well as the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, MacEwan University, and Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. ​In addition to her tremendous achievements listed above, Dr. Armour was a strong supporter of our group since its inception, attending our very first event on May 2, 2017! Her knack for storytelling, infections smile, and passionate advocacy will never be forgotten.
“We can make each of our communities ones that embrace and value all the diversity of their members.” ​
Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour
Previous Speakers
2025
To Be Announced
Stay tuned for further information regarding next years lecture
2024
Dr. José Rodríguez Núñez
Associate Teaching Professor
Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia
Monday, February 26, 1:00 pm MST (C E3-25)
Tuesday, February 27, 11:00 am MST (C E3-25)
2023
Dr. Mita Dasog
Associate Professor
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Research Chair
Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University
Tuesday, April 11, 2:00 pm MST (CCIS 1-140)
Wednesday, April 12, 2:00 pm MST (CCIS 1-140)
2022
Dr. Nola Etkin
Dean of Science and Professor of Chemistry
University of Prince Edward Island
Wednesday, April 13, 10:00 am MST via Zoom
Thursday, April 14, 10:00 am MST via Zoom
2021
Dr. Jen Heemstra
Chair and Professor of Chemistry
Washington University
Wednesday, January 20, 11:00 pm MST via Zoom
Thursday, January 21, workshop
2020
Dr. Molly Shoichet
University Professor, Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto
Monday, February 24, 4:00 pm MST (E3-25)
Tuesday, February 25, 10:00 am MST (E3-25)
2019
Dr. Geri Richmond
Presidential Chair in Science and Professor of Chemistry
University of Oregon
Wednesday, January 16, 11:00 am MST (CCIS 1-160) and 2:00 pm MST (CCIS 1-140)