Dr. Marlene Evans
Research Scientist
Environment Canada
Fields: Fields: Limnology; contaminant chemistry
Nominated by: D.P. Shaw
Excerpt from nomination: Dr. Evans was long involved in Great Lakes research before moving to her present position with the National Hydrology Research Institute in Saskatoon. Over her career, she has made major contributions to understanding of contaminant fate and processes in the great lakes, basic biology of Great Lakes organisms and while in Saskatoon has extended her research efforts to arid zone lakes and contaminant transport in the Canadian subarctic. Her career spans a difficult period in hiring for women in science, and her intelligence and determination led her through to the current position in Canada.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a cashier at a local grocery store. I learned how to work efficiency and how to deal with the public. I also welcomed the opportunity which the responsibility provided, e.g., ringing up sales, balancing the cash register, working with the public, etc. That, in turn, gave me more confidence in my university studies.
Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
The person who I admired the most in my career was Dr. Richard Thomas. I met him through the Board of Directors of the International Association for Great Lakes Research and the Science Advisory Board of the International Association for Great Lakes Research. I admire Richard for being an excellent scientist who, as a government researcher, could also effectively address applied environmental concerns. He had excellent leadership and management skills and I very much enjoyed working on committees with him. I learned a great much from him.
What are you most proud of (either professionally or personally)?
My most recent research on Great Slave Lake and my past zooplankton research on Lake Michigan.
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Be persistent in following your dreams.
What is your favorite book?
I have all sorts of books I like. I enjoyed Thomas Hardy in my teenage years. "Stone Diary" is probably the book which I read most recently that I enjoyed particularly. "Shipping News" also was good.
What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
The opportunity to conduct field research in systems which have not been looked at in depth and to find out something new and exciting.
What was your darkest moment (professionally) and what did you learn
from it?
Working with personally offensive sexist bosses who abused their power. Personally offensive is much more difficult to deal with than professionally offensive which I was well equipped to deal with. As I result of this, I eventually came to learn that I had rights. I also learned to become more assertive in areas where I was weak.
What do you do to relax?
I like to run and to read. But, with my work becoming so demanding, I rely more on favorite TV shows. I also like to cook and clean house as a way to relax.
