Born: 1881 (Cobourg, Ontario)
Died: 1964
Biography:
Alice Evelyn Wilson, MBE, FRSC, FRCGS (August 26, 1881 – April 15, 1964) was Canada’s first female geologist. Her scientific studies of rocks and fossils in the Ottawa region between 1913 and 1963 remain a respected source of knowledge.
Early Life:
Wilson was born in Cobourg, Ontario in 1881 to her father Dr. John Wilson, a professor of classics at the University of Toronto. From a young age, she was exposed to nature during canoeing and camping trips with her father and two brothers. These experiences sparked her interest in fossils and the study of geology. Spending time outdoors also helped improve her health. Her brothers were already critically acclaimed experts in their respective fields of geology and mathematics, thus scholarly thought and the pursuit of scientific knowledge were deeply encouraged in the family.
Education:
In 1901, Wilson began studying modern language and history at Victoria College in Toronto, originally intending to become a teacher. However, due to health problems, she did not complete her final year of studies. She eventually finished her degree in 1911, many years later.
Wilson faced numerous obstacles in her pursuit of higher education. Despite being eligible to undertake a doctorate in 1915, she was repeatedly denied paid time off from the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), even though the GSC was granting paid absences at the time. However, her direct boss from 1920, Edward M. Kindle, supported her and encouraged her to take a leave and finish her doctorate. Unfortunately, other leadership roles at the GSC were not as supportive. Undeterred, Wilson persisted for seven years until she was awarded a scholarship by the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) in 1926. Even then, the GSC contested her leave. Thanks to the lobbying efforts of the CFUW, Wilson was eventually granted leave and graduated in 1929 at the age of 48 from the University of Chicago with a doctorate in geology.
Career:
In 1907, Wilson began her career at the University of Toronto museum in the mineralogy division, despite not having completed her degree at the time. In 1909, she took an assistant job at the Victoria Memorial Museum and later obtained a temporary clerk position at the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), which was headquartered at the Victoria Memorial Museum in Ottawa. It was during this time that Percy Raymond, a colleague, requested her assistance in translating a portion of Karl Alfred von Zittel’s Text-Book of Paleontology from German to English. Raymond also advocated for Wilson to take a leave of absence from the GSC in order to finish her degree, which she completed in 1910. In recognition of her achievements, Wilson was given a permanent position at the GSC in 1911.
Wilson’s career as a geologist was groundbreaking. She was the first female geologist in Canada and paved the way for other women to follow in her footsteps. It was not until 1970 that other women were granted permanent positions at the GSC. Wilson’s scientific studies focused on the Ottawa region, where she conducted extensive research on rocks and fossils. Her work not only added to the knowledge of the geological history of the area but also provided valuable insights into the field of geology as a whole.
Throughout her career, Wilson faced challenges and prejudices due to her gender. However, her passion for geology and determination to excel in her field allowed her to overcome these obstacles. She became a respected authority in her field and was known for her meticulous research and dedication to scientific accuracy.
Awards:
– Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
– Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC)
– Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (FRCGS)
Alice Evelyn Wilson’s contributions to geology and her pioneering achievements as Canada’s first female geologist have left an indelible mark on the scientific community. Her dedication to her field, despite facing numerous challenges, continues to inspire future generations of women in science.