U of G Welcomes Dr. Charmaine Dean for the 2025 Tremaine Speaker Series on Women in Science
On October 21 and 22, the University of Guelph (U of G)’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics hosted Dr. Charmaine Dean as this year’s guest for the Tremaine Speaker Series.
Established in 2023 through a generous donation from the Tremaine family, the Tremaine Speaker Series for Women in Science brings a leading woman scholar or policy maker to campus each year to celebrate women’s achievements and inspire future researchers. Each year, a different department within the College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences (CCMPS) hosts the series.
Dr. Dean is the Vice-President, Research and International, and a Professor in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at the University of Waterloo. She provides strategic leadership for the university’s research, innovation and global partnerships, developing connections across academia, government and industry. She has drawn a focus to ethics and social impact related to technology developments through various initiatives and is a key driver for equity and diversity in the context of research and internationalization.
During her visit to U of G, Dean led a series of events which explored the collaborative power of statistics, Canada’s leadership in enviornmetrics, and pathways for women in academic leadership.
Power of Collaboration: The Interdisciplinary Nature of Statistics
Dean opened the series with a research talk highlighting how statisticians work across disciplines to approach complex problems. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in driving discovery and advancing research, along with the importance of working at the speed of the collaborator who’s initiating the project.
Forests, Fisheries, and Formulas: Canada’s Role in Environmetrics
In a talk about Canadian statistics, Dean explored how statistical sciences support environmental research and resource management. She shared historical examples from Canadian forestry and fisheries to show how data-driven models guide sustainable decisions.
Graduate Journeys: A Conversation with Dr. Dean
In an informal discussion with graduate students, Dean reflected on her academic path and leadership journey. She answered student questions and offered advice on navigating challenges and building a meaningful research career.
“As a grad student, you’re always so full of doubts and you always criticize yourself. Enjoy every stage of your life and enjoy everything you’re doing,” says Dean. “Be a little more resilient instead of getting upset over the small details.”
Women in Academic Leadership: Pathways and Perspectives
Dean closed her visit with a discussion on women’s leadership in academia. She encouraged participants to consider the value of mentorship, equality and community in shaping inclusive institutions.
By sharing her experiences and insights, Dr. Dean’s visit as the 2025 Tremaine Series Speaker inspired conversation across disciplines and generations, empowering the community of women in science at U of G.