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Dr. Roberta Bondar Appointed Chancellor of Trent University
Distinguished photographer, scientist, physician, astronaut to serve as 9th Chancellor
The
Senate of Trent University is pleased to announce its unanimous decision
to approve the appointment of Dr. Roberta Bondar as Trent University’s
ninth Chancellor.
"I am very pleased to accept the role of Chancellor at Trent University," said Dr. Bondar. "In all my endeavours and travels, I have come to value how my educational experiences at the undergraduate and graduate levels have helped me to understand our world and shape me as an individual. The unique educational experiences offered at Trent, with its emphasis on the arts and sciences, combined with a strong research focus, help to distinguish the University. The University is producing graduates in a variety of sectors who are critical thinkers, lifelong learners and well-rounded citizens who contribute to our communities. Trent also has a tremendous expertise in environmental education and I am very pleased to be associated with a university renowned for its environmental science programs."
Commenting on the appointment, Trent University President and Vice Chancellor Bonnie Patterson emphasized that, "The University is honoured to have such an accomplished Canadian in this leadership position. We are fortunate to have a nationally recognized hero such as Dr. Bondar serve as Chancellor and to have her affiliated with the teaching and research excellence at Trent University. Dr. Bondar’s appointment continues a long line of distinguished Canadians who have served as Chancellor. Just as each Chancellor has made special connections with the University community I have no doubt that Dr. Bondar’s contributions will leave a lasting legacy."
Dr. Bondar is an exceptionally qualified candidate to serve as Chancellor. She is a neurologist, scientist, pilot and astronaut who holds the NASA Space Medal. She is also an Officer of the Order of Canada and a laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. As an advocate for environmental protection she has had the rare opportunity to view the earth from space. Science and photography have always been linked to Dr. Bondar’s life, and it was natural that one of Bondar’s assignments aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 1992 was to take photographs of Earth.
Her
scientific career began in high school in Sault Ste. Marie. Using her
camera in support of her studies, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in agriculture and zoology from the University of Guelph, and developed
new techniques for photomicroscopy while pursuing a master’s degree
in experimental pathology at the University of Western Ontario. She completed
her doctorate in neurobiology at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Bondar earned her medical degree at McMaster University with a special interest in space medicine. After completing her board certification in neurology, she studied at Tufts New England Medical Centre in Boston, specializing in neurophthalmology - how we see and record the world around us.
She studied professional nature photography at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California. In 1984, she was one of the six original Canadian astronauts selected to train at NASA. In January 1992 Bondar was launched into space aboard the NASA space shuttle Discovery and became the first Canadian woman to fly in space. In her role as an international payload specialist she conducted life and material science experiments in space, becoming the world’s first neurologist in space.
Reid
Morden, Chair of the Board of Governors, welcomed the news of Dr. Bondar’s
appointment by the Senate. "To have a scholar of Dr. Bondar’s
reputation affiliated with Trent is a privilege. Her role as an accomplished
photographic artist, academic and internationally recognized scientist
will prove invaluable to our students, faculty and staff. On behalf of
our Board, I would like to issue Dr. Bondar a warm welcome to our University."
For more information about Roberta Bondar, please visit www.robertabondar.ca.
Posted January 21, 2003
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