Janet McDougall is one of the earliest supporters of the School of Pharmacy. Her involvement began with a substantial donation to the building campaign and has continued in the Donald J. and Kathleen D. McDougall Graduate Scholarship which she established to recognize outstanding graduate research and community spirit. Janet received the Contribution to Science Award in acknowledgement of her passion, support, and trailblazing work as a statistician, businesswoman, and pillar of her community.
Janet was one of five science alumni recognized at Thursday’s Science Alumni Recognition Awards. Bestowed since 2007, the Science Alumni Awards honour those Faculty of Science graduates who have distinguished themselves as outstanding professionals in their fields and who have dedicated their time and service to their alma mater.
Janet embodies all of these traits. A biology and psychology graduate from 1971, she worked as a researcher, teacher, statistician, and supervisor before founding her own company, McDougall Scientific, in 1984. She is a highly successful and insightful businesswoman who identified the emerging field of clinical trial research and built her company, a contract research organization, to meet that need. After more than 30 years of success, McDougall Scientific is an industry leader.
However, when Janet received her award, it was not her story that she shared, but that of her parents, Donald and Kathleen McDougall. Coming from humble beginnings, Don and Kay, as they were known, both went on to be leaders in their fields – Donald as a pharmacist and Kathleen as an executive assistant. Both parents were strong supporters of education and inspiring community leaders.
Janet’s support of the School stemmed from these principles, as well as from her father’s love of the profession – Donald practiced pharmacy for 49 years. Congratulations, Janet, and thank you for your support.