Ceiling breakers

Challenging the status quo

When you think of a leading university researcher, who do you picture?

In your mind’s eye, what does an engineer, a computer scientist, a physicist look like? From emerging talents in frontier disciplines like human-machine interaction to trailblazers in male-dominated fields including metallurgy and physics, these Waterloo women represent a sample of change-makers across our campus, with a shared passion for education and research.

Like the social media campaign, #ilooklikeanengineer, which went viral earlier this year when female engineers around the world posted selfies that challenged gender stereotypes, this feature offers an opportunity to explore our unconscious biases. It’s also a chance to celebrate the impact of extraordinary Waterloo researchers, leaders and scholars.

Pearl Sullivan

Pearl Sullivan

Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

While her journey wasn’t always easy, Waterloo’s first female dean of Engineering has enjoyed professional success beyond her dreams

Read Sullivan's profile

 

Marina Mourtzakis

Marina Mourtzakis

Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

This highly regarded physiologist investigates ways to prevent muscle loss in patients, hoping to increase survival rates and improve quality of life

Read Mourtzakis's profile

 

Bessma Momani

Bessma Momani

Professor of Political Science, Faculty of Arts, Balsillie School of International Affairs

The world turns to this widely-published expert for insights into today’s tough political and economical challenges

Read Momani's profile

 

Melanie Campbell

Melanie Campbell

Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science, School of Optometry and Vision Science

While investigating ways to diagnose disease through the eye, this physicist is also dedicated to removing barriers for women in academia

Read Campbell's profile

 

Carolyn Hansson

Carolyn Hansson

Professor of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

With a career marked by many firsts, Hansson excelled in industry and academia in a field traditionally dominated by men

Read Hansson's profile


 

 

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