Lunch with Dr. Donna Strickland,

Nobel Prize Laureate 

It is extremely challenging to do justice to Dr. Strickland’s talk and presentation – After all she is one of the very few female professionals who has been awarded a Noble Prize.  We are blessed with having her in our own backyard.

Dr. Strickland’s credentials are amazing:  As a distinguished Professor in the Dept. of  Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo, in 2018, Dr Strickland was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, for her ground-breaking inventions in high-intensity laser physics. I had not made the connection between laser physics and laser cataract surgery, which  I have had, and even laser treatment on my toes!  It was great to hear how she attempted to bring science this down to earth; the pin men sketches helped! 

Donna shared the fascinating science behind her prestigious award and took us on a  vivid   behind-the-scenes look at her unforgettable Nobel Prize week in Stockholm, Sweden.  Donna was engaging, down to earth and amusing.  Donna took us on a journey to Stockholm: the hunt for a formal dress, which stole the show.  The briefings on protocol and etiquette and being escorted into the formal dinner by the King of Sweden is something Donna will never forget.  It was refreshing to hear that the King was extremely charming and down to earth.

Donna is a wonderful example of what women can do in the field of science.  I worked in a high-tech company, where 4 decades ago, we hired two young women who had just graduated with degrees in Engineering from McMaster and Waterloo Universities.   Back then, this was an amazing accomplishment.

It wasn’t too many decades ago, when CFUW, and teachers in academia were encouraging girls to go into mathematics and engineering.  CFUW can be proud of having had a vision, for over 100 years, to encourage young women to attend University.   CFUW continues to award scholarships towards that aim.

A very special thank you to Roberta Hickey who worked with the staff at Golf’s Steak House to organize the venue, the meal, and the extra seating and a thank you to Peggy Rose and the CFUW KW Program Committee.

~ Anita Davis