Laurier welcomes biologist Sara Iverson for Anne Innis Dagg lecture

Feb. 24, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University will host one of the world’s foremost experts on ocean predators and ecosystems for the 2023 Anne Innis Dagg lecture.

Dalhousie University Professor Sara Iverson will present “What Top Predators Can Tell us About Ocean Ecosystems: Perspectives from One Woman of Wild Science” on March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Senate and Board Chamber on Laurier’s Waterloo campus.

“Sara has studied all kinds of animals — from sharks to polar bears,” said Matthew Smith, Department of Biology chair and professor. “She is a member of the Royal Society of Canada as one of most successful scientists in the country, as well as scientific director of the Ocean Tracking Network, based out of Dalhousie —a worldwide network of ocean researchers who are tracking aquatic animals. We think the aquatic focus of a lot of Laurier researchers makes Sara an ideal speaker, and we are thrilled she accepted our invitation."

Established to honour the ground-breaking work of its namesake, zoologist Anne Innis Dagg, the lecture series celebrates Dagg’s achievements by inviting notable Canadian women studying animal biology to share their work. This year’s lecture is the second in the series.

“The lecture series aims to raise awareness of Anne’s story. She was a pioneer in large mammal research, specifically giraffes, and encountered a lot of systemic barriers to progressing through her academic career,” said Anthony J. Clarke, dean of the Faculty of Science and professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  “We want to encourage discussion about the importance of gender equity in STEM and help inspire young women to pursue a career in science by inviting high-profile biologists from across Canada to speak about their research and their individual journey.”

The lecture series is supported through Laurier’s Office of the Provost and the Lloyd Carr-Harris Foundation.

­­­­­­­­­­­Registration is open for Iverson’s March 7 lecture. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The lecture runs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and there will be mingling and refreshments with Iverson from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is a free, public event.