Dr. Bonnie Schmidt appointed to the Order of Canada

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, a member of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Board of Governors, has been appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. Dr. Schmidt’s appointment was announced on Canada Day by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

A member of the UOIT Board of Governors since January 2013, Dr. Schmidt is Founder and President of Let’s Talk Science, an award-winning charitable organization she started while completing a PhD in Physiology at Western University in London, Ontario.

Let’s Talk Science helps children and youth fulfill their potential and become productive citizens and innovators by supporting their learning and engagement through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Under Dr. Schmidt’s guidance, Let’s Talk Science has grown into a leading national organization, reaching over three million Canadians.

“We often think of literacy solely in terms of reading and writing. Dr. Schmidt has shown that fostering science literacy is also crucially important for primary and secondary school students across Canada,” said Tim McTiernan, PhD, UOIT President and Vice-Chancellor. “Our entire university community congratulates Bonnie on joining the company of other outstanding Canadians.”

The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Since its creation, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Dr. Schmidt will accept her Order of Canada insignia and lapel pin at a Rideau Hall ceremony later this year.

Related links

• Dr. Bonnie Schmidt’s UOIT Board of Governors profile
• Backgrounder on the Order of Canada (website of the Governor General of Canada)
• Let’s Talk Science website home page

Media contact

Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668, ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (cell)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca