Celebrating STEMM engagement and recognizing achievements in helping build the Canada of today

 

A Royal chartered organization, RCIScience was selected to honour a number of distinguished Canadians with King Charles III Coronation Medals. The Institute will award medals to those whose work furthers the charity's mission of fostering science culture in Canada, including those who:

  • have made significant contributions to engaging the public and policy-makers with science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEMM) in Canada;

  • are combating mis- and disinformation in STEMM; and/or

  • are fostering inclusive communities within STEMM.

Recipients:

Dr. Eugenia Addy is a scientist, educator, and social entrepreneur. As CEO of Visions of Science, she champions equitable STEM access and community transformation. With a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto, she has over 15 years of experience in youth initiatives across 40+ communities. A sought-after advocate and thought leader, Eugenia has made 80+ public appearances, including TEDx talks, and her work has been featured in Toronto Life. She also consults on STEM education and serves on the boards of the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Foundation, and Counselling Foundation of Canada

Carrie Boyce is the Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science (RCIScience), Canada’s oldest scientific society that’s been connecting adults in Canada with science for 175 years. Carrie also manages Canada’s Falling Walls Engage Hub and is co-founder and Executive Producer of Science is a Drag, the world’s first science-themed drag show by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. With over a decade’s experience working in the field of science communication and public engagement, it’s fair to say Carrie’s become a Jack of all trades, master of some..

Jake Brooks is an accomplished electricity industry professional with demonstrated proficiency in governance, business development, strategic planning, regulatory affairs and stakeholder relations. He works to integrate business needs with widely shared objectives such as socially beneficial electrification. A published author producing compelling goal-driven communication, Mr. Brooks served as the Executive Director of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario for more than 30 years. He is currently assisting clients with strategic energy projects centered in Ontario. Jake is also a trustee of the Royal Canadian Institute of Science serving as its Corporate Secreatary, leading the charge on governance practices.

Timothy Caulfield is a Professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. He was the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy for over 20 years (2002 - 2023) and has won numerous academic, science communication, and writing awards. He is a Member of the Order Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Caulfield is also the author of several national bestsellers, the co-founder of the science engagement initiative #ScienceUpFirst, and has hosted and produced documentaries, including the award-winning A User’s Guide to Cheating Death.

Stephen Chait is an experienced Board Director with demonstrated success in the public & private sectors. Active community volunteer currently serving as a Board member of the RCIScience, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Richmond Hill Library Board, and Markham Arts Council. Skilled in municipal management, not-for-profit organizations, and economic development. Graduate of McGill University (BA Hons) and Western University (MPA).

Dr. Roopali Chaudhary is a molecular cellular biologist, and the Founder, CEO and Lead Researcher of the non-profit Lotus STEMM, an organization geared towards outreach and increasing the visibility and representation of South Asian women in STEMM (including medicine) fields. Through her work, Dr. Chaudhary actively discusses gender and racial disparities in STEMM fields, while also participating in English and Hindi science communication. Dr. Chaudhary works as a Senior Director - Cells and Biomaterials Integration with Allarta Life Science Inc., working closely with chemists, chemical engineers and cell biologists. In her free time, Dr. Chaudhary works at her custom cake bakery focusing on science-themed cakes, and enjoys clay sculpting, woodworking and building furniture.

Sandra Corbeil is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Networks at Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in science education, outreach, and communication, she is a champion of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in STEM. Sandra spearheaded Ingenium’s Women in STEM initiative, which includes a travelling exhibition and digital resources. She has also created the award-winning Summer Institute for Elementary Teachers, reaching hundreds of educators across Canada. Her innovative leadership fosters national collaboration and inspires inclusive, participatory experiences that engage diverse communities across Canada’s scientific and cultural landscape.

Dr. Imogen R. Coe is a professor of Chemistry and Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and an affiliate scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. She is an active researcher and former academic leader, being the founding dean of the Faculty of Science at TMU. Dr. Coe is also an award-winning scholar-activist in Canada and is widely known and recognized for her work on the integration of principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) into research cultures in science.

Dr. Sarika Cullis Suzuki’s life and work are devoted to science, conservation, and communication. She is co-host of The Nature of Things on CBC, and for over 15 years, has worked in environmentally-themed media in print, film, and audio platforms. Trained as a Marine Biologist (PhD, MSc), her research has taken her around the globe, and led to UN addresses to industry and governments. She has served on the board of the David Suzuki Foundation, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, and WWF Canada’s Ocean Committee. She has won multiple awards for her work at The Nature of Things, including for best documentary, best host, and best writing.

Greg Brown is a trailblazer in the world of science communication and co-founder of AsapSCIENCE, known for its engaging and visually captivating videos that demystify complex topics. Armed with a background in biology and a passion for creative education, Greg combines art and science to ignite curiosity and understanding in audiences of all ages. A skilled illustrator and storyteller, Greg’s unique style has made science approachable and relatable, helping millions connect with the wonders of the natural world. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between science and the everyday lives of people across the globe.

Jock K.S. Fleming, B.A.(McMaster 1976), ICD.D (Rotman School of Business DEP 19). Retired Vice President, Burgundy Asset Management (2009-2024); COO, AEGON Capital Management Inc. (2001-2008); Canada Life Assurance Company, President and CEO of Canada Life Investment Management and its successor company, Laketon Investment Management Ltd. (1980-1999). Member of the CFA Institute and the Institute of Corporate Directors. Past Director and Canadian President of Association of Investment Management Sales Executives (AIMSE), past Chair of Lakefield College Foundation Board of Directors and past Vice Chair of the West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation. Former Director of the Canadian Investment Review, the John Howard Society of Ontario, the Granite Golf Club and Badminton and Racquet Club. Currently, the Chair of the Board of the Royal Canadian Institute for Science, a Trustee of the Lakefield College School Foundation, and Board member of East Bay Cottagers Association. As well is a member of the 48th Highlanders investment committee. Senior Advisor to RiSC Venture Capital.

Dr. Debora Barnett Foster’s passion has always been to inspire people to understand and engage the world through science. As a biochemistry professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, she had the opportunity through her award-winning teaching and research to mentor thousands of science students in their academic and career development. She also played significant leadership roles in the evolution of TMU’s Faculty of Science, the Molecular Science Graduate Program, the Biology and the Biomedical Sciences programs and the new MD program. As Trustee on the Royal Canadian Institute for Science Board, she helped to shape the evolution of RCIS and the development of an exciting array of engaging programs and awards offered to Canadians.

Mehrdad Hariri is the founder and CEO of the Canadian Science Policy Centre, the leading not-profit HUB for science, technology and innovation policy in Canada. Mehrdad’s vision and leadership have positioned the CSPC as a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science and innovation policy in Canada and globally. Under his guidance, the center has pioneered numerous initiatives, including the annual Canadian Science Policy Conference, Science Policy Magazine, and Science Meets Parliament. In 2019, the Globe and Mail recognized Mehrdad for his exceptional contributions to science policy over a decade. In 2022, he was selected as an emerging leader and invited to participate in the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC). He is has also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pin for his contributions to science policy in Canada. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Science, Society, and Policy at the University of Ottawa and has served on various boards and advisory committees. These include being a board member of the Journal of Science Policy and Governance and the Science & Technology Awareness Network, as well as serving on the advisory committees of the Innovation Leadership Council (ILC) of the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) and the MITACS Science Policy Fellowship program. Mehrdad studied Veterinary Medicine, Cell Biology and Functional Genomics at universities in Tehran, Montréal, and Toronto. Mehrdad has numerous publications and opinion pieces in various media outlets and regularly appears in the media as a commentator on science policy issues.

Jesse Hildebrand is the VP of Education for Exploring By The Seat of Your Pants where he hosts over 20 live monthly broadcasts featuring scientists and explorers globally for classrooms. He was formerly the founder of Canada's Science Literacy Week and the Toronto producer for The Story Collider live storytelling show and podcast. Through these roles he has helped coordinate over 4000 virtual and in person science events over the last decade.

Celia Du is an experienced science communication specialist and the Programs Manager at RCIScience. She has worked with the Canadian Space Agency, the Gairdner Foundation, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and Science Everywhere, and has been interviewed by Discovery UK, Global News, and CTV News. After graduating with a BSc in Chemistry and only a few broken flasks, Celia completed her Master’s in Science Communication and Public Engagement from the University of Edinburgh. Dedicated to improving and innovating science communication practices, her work strives to meet people where they’re at, create playful environments, and foster curiosity.

Peter Love provides strategic and policy advice on energy issues with a focus on energy efficiency in the built environment. He currently serves on five boards and is past Chair of RCIScience. After 12 years teaching university courses on energy efficiency policies and programs, he wrote and recently updated a free on-line textbook. Previous roles have included Chief Energy Conservation Officer of Ontario and member of the team at Pollution Probe in the 70’s that developed the 3 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle. He recently received the Clean50 Lifetime Achievement award. He is the proud father of 5 and grandfather of 4.

Dr. Suzanne E. MacDonald is currently University Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University, appointed to the graduate programs in both Psychology and Biology. She has three main areas of research expertise, including memory and cognition (“how animals think”), the psychological well-being of captive animals, and the impact of human activity on wildlife. Her research is conducted both in the field, at sites in Kenya and throughout Canada, as well as at the Toronto Zoo.

Dr. Marianne Mader is the CEO for the Canadian Association of Science Centres, a member-based organization representing over 80 organizations that support the public engagement of science, technology, and nature across Canada. She is a space scientist and public speaker, who has dedicated her career to building a thriving science and innovation culture across Canada. Dr. Mader is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society College, an alumnus of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership, and a recipient of a US Antarctic Service Medal.

Mitch Moffit is a creative force and co-founder of AsapSCIENCE, the wildly popular YouTube channel that makes science accessible and entertaining for millions. With a background in biology and theatre, Mitch merges scientific expertise with creative storytelling to spark curiosity and inspire audiences worldwide. Beyond his on-screen work, Mitch is passionate about exploring the intersection of science, education, and digital media to engage the next generation of thinkers. His innovative approach has earned him global recognition as a thought leader in science communication and education.

Rhonda Moore is the Executive Director, Science and Innovation at the Institute on Governance and a part-time lecturer in Carleton University’s Faculty of Science. For 20 years, Rhonda has worked in policy, research, and science communications across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, advocating for effective (science) policy and governance through clear, accurate communication. Rhonda volunteers her time as the President of the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada. Rhonda believes that science communication is more than simply making science accessible to non-scientists. Effective science communication helps to build trust and understanding in science, generate support for the pursuit of scientific research, and inform decision-making. Rhonda is from Rupert, Quebec and lives with her husband Alan in Ottawa.

Anthony Morgan is the co-host of CBC's beloved science docuseries The Nature of Things. A man of many talents, Anthony is also an award-winning science communicator, PhD researcher, startup founder and game designer who has hosted dozens of TV programs. He's obsessed with changing how people see, think and talk about science in their everyday lives and has spent close to 20 years finding ways to do just that. He's worked at the Ontario Science Centre, with Asap SCIENCE, written for newspapers, hosted CBC Radio, collaborated with municipal governments and serves on the steering committee of the misinformation-tackling Science Up First. This work and more has earned him multiple distinctions and award nominations including a Falling Walls nomination for breakthrough science engagement initiative and being named one of CBC's top 20 millennial change-makers.

Dr. Parshati Patel is an astrophysicist, science communicator, author, space artist, and astrophotographer. For over a decade, she has dedicated her career to inspiring curiosity about space with diverse audiences, especially among youth and educators. Dr. Patel has spearheaded award-winning space outreach initiatives and organized hundreds of public engagements. Dr. Patel is a sought-after speaker and frequently contributes to local, national and international media outlets such as CBC, CTV, and Global News in English, Hindi, and Gujarati. She authored a children’s book titled ‘My Books of Stars and Planets’ with DK Publishing. Dr. Patel uses her creative side to foster wonder about our surroundings in her spare time through her space-themed paintings and astrophotography.

Farah Qaiser is a genomics researcher by training. Farah holds a Master of Science from the University of Toronto, where she led DNA sequencing to better understand neurological disorders. She worked as the Director of Research and Policy at the non-profit Evidence for Democracy, leading national initiatives to bridge the gap between science and policy. Farah co-founded the Toronto Science Policy Network, served on the Canada Chief Science Advisor’s inaugural Youth Council, and organised Wikipedia Edit-A-Thons to create pages about underrepresented scientists. In 2024, Farah co-authored a children’s book, Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment, to inspire the next generation of scientists. She continues to serve on the Let’s Talk Science Board of Directors.

Mathieu Ranger is a science communicator who is passionate about creating entertaining science-based content that inspires, engages and educates his audience. Mathieu has worked as a presenter, educator, and content developer at the Ontario Science Centre and the @Bristol science centre. He has also worked extensively with pharmaceutical companies on the development of educational materials for patients. Mathieu is the founder and creative force behind Unsolved Science, a developer of science-based mystery games for adults. Mathieu is proud to have served as an active board member for RCIScience for the past 10 years, working with his peers to increase public interest and engagement in science.

Dr. Reinhart Reithmeier is a Professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. He is known internationally for his research on membrane proteins in human health and disease. An award-winning lecturer and graduate mentor, Dr. Reithmeier enjoys teaching introductory biochemistry, as well as upper level and graduate courses. Through professional development activities he is dedicated to ensuring that graduate students develop the skills and network to take advantage of the diverse job opportunities. Dr. Reithmeier has been active in supporting the Royal Canadian Institute for Science, a venerable organization whose mission is to bring science to the public. His leadership was recognized in 2012 by election as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Arthur Wynne Gold Medal from the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences in 2022.

Dr. Krishana Sankar is a scientist and public health advocate with a background in biomedical research and science communication. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Cell Biology from the University of Toronto, where her research focused on understanding cellular mechanisms related to diseases like diabetes. Dr. Sankar is recognized for her leadership in addressing misinformation and promoting evidence-based practices, particularly regarding vaccines and public health measures. She is passionate about increasing science literacy, equity in healthcare, and supporting underrepresented groups in STEM. Dr. Sankar also works actively to engage diverse communities through outreach and education programs.

Kyne Santos is a math communicator who makes popular educational videos on social media, about math, science, history, and drag. She holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and is the author of Math In Drag. Her videos have been viewed over 350 million times and continue to show the world that math is fun, artistic, and inclusive.

Kirsten Vanstone, the Royal Canadian Institute's first Executive Director, is a not-for-profit manager specialising in organizations connected with science and STEM. She has more than 20 years’ experience working in museums, planetariums and science centres and is an active volunteer with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. She has a BSc in Astronomy & Physics and a Masters degree in Science Communication. Kirsten is from Toronto, where her first job was working the elevators at the CNTower.

Dr. Samantha Yammine, PhD is a Neuroscientist, Science Communicator, and Digital Media Producer who believes science should be by everyone, for everyone. Better known as Science Sam, she is a popular science creator across social media channels and regular Science Expert on CTV’s The Good Stuff with Mary Berg. Sam is trusted by scientists for her accuracy while empowering people to explore science by making it more accessible, inclusive and fun. She has built an engaged community of people who love her unique style of clear, empathetic & engaging science storytelling through social media, TV screens and keynote stages around the world.

Ken Yoon is a senior executive/ investment professional with over 25 years of experience in investing in, advising, consulting, financing, building, and turning around private and public growth companies in health care, life sciences, agriculture and clean technology with participation in over $550M in financing and M&A transactions both as CEO/CFO and as a private equity professional. Ken is a CPA, CA, holds an MBA from the University of Toronto, Law Degree from Queen’s University, and BSc from University of Western Ontario. He also serves as a board member and Treasurer at the Royal Canadian Institute of Science (RCIScience) and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Dr. Jen Gunter is a Winnipeg-born, Canadian-trained OB/GYN and a passionate science communicator often called the Internet’s OB/GYN. She is a bestselling author and her books The Vagina Bible, The Menopause Manifesto, and Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation have been translated into 25 languages. Her TED Talk, “Why Can’t We Talk About Periods?” was the third most viewed TED Talk of 2020. She hosted the popular CBC GEM/Amazon Prime Series Jensplaining and the TED Audio Collective podcast, “Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter.” She blogs at www.thevajenda.com.

Dr. Emily Agard earned a B.Sc. (honours) in Life Sciences from Queen's University at Kingston and a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Toronto. She taught biology at York University and the University of Toronto at Scarborough before joining faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Currently, as the director of SciXchange within the faculty of science at TMU, she is passionate about making science accessible, engaging and inclusive of all groups. She continues to teach immunology and embraces opportunities to speak to the general public about science. She recently became the Toronto chapter ambassador for Technovation Girls. In this role she supports girls through one of the largest tech-entrpreneurship competitions in the world.

Dr. Matthew Campea recieved a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McMaster University in 2023 where he won several awards for his scientific presentations on his research in designing nanoparticles to improve drug delivery. Namely, he was the winner of McMaster's 3 Minute Thesis competition in 2019. In 2024 he brought his science communication skills to social media where he would explain his research in a way that everyone could understand, all while having some laughs along the way. @MattyCPhD is one of the fastest growing social media accounts in the field of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Matthew hopes that his videos will inspire the next generation of scientists to learn and appreciate groundbreaking research without needing to do a PhD themselves. Outside of social media, Matthew is a Scientific Specialist in biotech and is Canada's #1 armchair coach for his favourite soccer team, AS Roma.

Dr. Shawn Hercules is an interdisciplinary scientist advancing health equity and diversity in science. He earned a doctorate in Cancer Biology and Epidemiology from McMaster University, focused on genetics and epidemiology of aggressive breast cancers among Nigerian and Barbadian women. As a postdoctoral researcher at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Shawn investigated molecular profiles of precancerous breast tissues to develop novel prevention strategies for populations at high-risk for breast cancer. Currently, as a clinical epidemiologist, Shawn evaluates clinical effectiveness of health technologies and interventions. Shawn champions diversity and inclusion in STEM through Science is a Drag, which challenges cis-heteronormative stereotypes in science.

Prof. Renee Hložek is an observational cosmologist studying the universe’s origin, nature, and evolution using telescopes in Chile’s Atacama Desert. Originally from South Africa, she earned her DPhil at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 2011. After a Lyman Spitzer Jr. Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton, she joined the faculty of the University of Toronto in 2016. Hložek is a CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, a 2020 Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, and a 2021 recipient of the Canadian Astronomical Society Harvey B. Richer Gold Medal and the Connaught Fund McLean Award. She is a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists and received the 2024 Rutherford Memorial Medal.

Paul Nicklen is a biologist, photographer and conservationist. He uses the power of visual story-telling to drive empathy and action for our changing planet. Paul worked as a biologist in the Northwest Territories and then had a 20 year career with National Geographic Magazine as a journalist. He is the co-founder of the non-profit, SeaLegacy where we focus our efforts on ocean conservation.

Krista Lamb is a science communicator who specializes in translating complex topics into interesting and understandable stories for diverse audiences. Her first book, Beyond Banting, was released in 2021 and went on to win the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Book Award in the general public category. In addition, Krista has been the producer and host of multiple podcasts, including the award-winning Diabetes Canada Podcast and the newly launched How to Talk About Health.

Alex Nye. Chef turned entrepreneur. Worked in fine dining across Canada for 15 years before starting several businesses across multiple sectors focussed on helping small businesses