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Wednesday February 13, 2019 VOLUME 126 Number 7
Local woman honoured on International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Dr. Tara Barton-Maclaren’s interest in science began in grade-school, when her entries in the school’s science fair were winners. She has always loved biology and chemistry. Vankleek Hill Collegiate Insitute teacher Natalie Kouao (left) nominated Grade 12 student Made- bonnie laing leine Fortin for a Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteering. Late last week, Kouao Review contributor learned that Madeleine would be one of two students receiving the award at WE Day, which The world needs more Matook place on Monday, February 11 in Montreal. rie Curies. Or maybe just more Tara Barton-Maclarens. Tara, a Research Manager in Risk Assessment at Health Canada and a resident of Vankleek Hill, is one of the women Health Canada chose to highlight for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, on February 11, 2019. louise sproule The United Nations GenFortin on Monday, a few Culture degree at Queen’s louise@thereview.ca eral Assembly first estabhours after she received her University, or a social justice lished the International Day VANKLEEK HILL – award. She shyly confessed curriculum at St. Francis-Xaof Women and Girls in Science Vankleek Hill Collegiate In- that she was feeling “kind of vier University. in 2015 to recognize that a sigSince the beginning of stitute (VCI) student Made- ecstatic” and said that it felt nificant gender gap exists at all her high school career, Forleine Fortin was presented unbelievable. levels of science, technology, Fortin says she had no tin has played an active role with the Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volun- idea that she had been nomi- in VCI’s Me to We Club, and engineering and mathematteers at WE day, which took nated for the award until took the initiative to spear- ics (STEM) all over the world. place at Théâtre St-Denis last week and then learned head an awareness campaign Even though women have in Montreal on February 11. on Friday from VCI teacher and fundraiser for the Veter- made tremendous progress Fortin received her medal Natalie Kouao (Kouao nomi- ans’ Transition Network. She and increased their participafrom humanitarian Craig nated Fortin for the award), is a keen and key participant tion in these fields, they are Kielburger, who started the that she would be receiving in all of the club’s activities still underrepresented. WE movement more than an award. Fortin says that throughout the year, from 20 years ago. Craig and his one other student received a bake sales for the Society for A career marked with brother Marc, believed that similar award at the WE Day the Prevention of Cruelty to challenges Animals (SPCA) to collecting together, WE can change the event. Fortin is graduating from winter clothes for those in world. They set out to work Dr. Barton-Maclaren is with developing communi- VCI in June 2019, and has need locally. one of the women changing ties to free children and their yet to decide whether she will that. She graduated with a BSc families from poverty and ex- pursue an English Literature >> Page 6 Honours degree in Biomedical degree at Trent University, or ploitation. Science from the University The Review spoke with a Languages, Literature and of Guelph and a PhD in Re-
Why does she volunteer? Student says she feels like it gives her a purpose
vourite subjects were biology and chemistry. “I really found biology dissections exciting,” she laughs. Dr. Barton-Maclaren is the first to acknowledge that women face challenges in choosing STEM careers. “I was very fortunate in having supportive and interested par-
Student receives Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteering
Family Day holiday February 18 As we go to press, everyone in the region is preparing for a major snowstorm and as we write this – on press day, many schools were closed and events were being cancelled in anticipation of heavy snowfall, strong winds and bad driving conditions. But in addition to this week’s snow days, we are all in for another day off on Monday, February 18, which is an official holiday: Family Day. See inside this edition for events happening close to you on Family Day. And in the meantime, drive safely and think of all those who are out there working on our behalf, to keep roads clear, hospitals open and essential services up and running. Be kind to your neighbours and to all of those who may be working around the clock in the next few days.
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productive Toxicology from McGill University. She now heads a 12-person team doing computational toxicology research and human health risk assessment to protect Canadians against the risks posed by chemicals. Her interest in science first emerged at Maxville Public School where her Science Fair projects were the environmental winners in both grades 7 and 8. In high school, her fa-
a year as an invited speaker in the US and Europe and often finds herself as the only woman on an international panel. For a period of time at Health Canada, she was managing an all-male division. “It’s not easy to find a woman mentor/role model,” she claims. Another challenge is balancing or juggling a demanding job involving travel with family life and her own sporting interests. She and her husband Geordie are parents to three children - Alexa 12, Kaelan 10 and Ryland 7. “I am ever so grateful for the excellent support of my husband and parents, which make a life/work balance possible,” she says.
“See challenges as opportunities”
ents,” she says. “I was encouraged to succeed in any domain I chose.” She adds that she was also one of the first girls to play hockey on a boys’ team in Alexandria. “In a rural environment, girls tend to be encouraged to pursue more traditional female roles and careers,” she notes. “You have to work very hard to gain respect and recognition as an expert in an often male-dominated environment,” she says. This can be particularly true on the international stage. She attends about eight conferences
When asked what advice she would give young women considering a career in science, Dr. Barton-Maclaren answers, “Be confident, be passionate and follow your ambitions. Be curious and creative in your work. Share your ideas, ask questions that come to mind and make constructive comments. Too often, women and girls sit back and follow or are hesitant to make a mistake publicly. Be a leader.” She also advises seeking a mentor or role model – someone who inspires you. Her last piece of advice is to “Surround yourself with people who love and know you for who you truly are.” Having her family and friends in this community gives her the right balance in her life. “I leave the office and I can be Tara, not Dr. BartonMaclaren.”
The Review offices will be closed on Monday, February 18 to mark Family Day. The deadline for advertising material will be Friday, February 15 at 4:30 pm. The Review offices will open for business on Tuesday, February 19 at 8:30 a.m.