DEI Initiative / People / Carrie Derick
Carrie Derick
Born in 1962 in Quebec, Derick showed an early interest in science and pursued higher education despite the limited opportunities available to women at the time. In 1889, Derick earned a Bachelor of Science at McGill, becoming one of the first women to graduate from the institution. She pursued further studies internationally in botany and genetics. At the University of Bonn, Derick completed the research but was refused a Ph.D. based on a policy against awarding doctorates to women. After several years without pay equity or increase, and three years of already running the department, Derick was appointed Professor of Comparative Morphology and Genetics, a significant milestone for women in science. She is the first person to create a Evolution and Genetics course in Canada, and was among the very first women who appeared in American Men of Science magazine in 1910, an acknowledgement of her skills and contributions to science. More than advocating for herself, Derick believed in the importance of providing women with equal opportunities and fought for women’s inclusion in research and academia.