Chantal, 36, is the Co-Director of the Science North - Laurentian University graduate program in Science Communication. After studying psychology at the University of Western Ontario, Chantal obtained a master's of communicating science at the University of Glamorgan in Wales. She has been in her current position for two years which includes teaching courses in the program . As a staff scientist at Science North (1998-2004), she was a member of the team that developed the Jane Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees travelling exhibit. Chantal is a devoted mother of 2 young children and has spent many volunteer hours sharing her love of science with young people.

Q: What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
A: My greatest professional accomplishment is the development and establishment of the Science Communication Graduate Diploma program at Science North and
Laurentian University.

Q: What is your favourite movie or book?
A: My favourite book is Sacajawea by Anna Lee Waldo. This historical-fictional novel, which is about the young Shoshoni woman who played an important role in the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1805, inspired me as a young adult and remains one of my favourite stories.

Q: What is your personal motto?
A: Do whatever works to get it done.

Q: What is the No. 1 thing you are working toward
A: that you haven’t yet accomplished?
Completing my PhD.

Q: What advice would you give to young leaders under the age of 40 to get more involved in their community?
A: Follow your passion.
Find a niche and fill it.
There are needs and holes to be filled in your community and you have the initiative, motivation, knowledge and commitment to fill them.