Women in Science Honoured by YWCA

Two UBC Science faculty members were among the 67 nominees for the 2010 YWCA Women of Distinction Awards honoured at a gala dinner last night.

Mona Berciu, associate professor with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Anne Condon professor of Computer Science and Associate Dean at the Faculty of Science, were both nominated in the education category.


“Anne and Mona are outstanding leaders, not only actively working to broaden the participation of women in their fields, but also serving as exemplars to the research and education communities,” said Simon Peacock, Dean of the Faculty of Science. “We’re extremely proud of their contributions, and delighted they’ve been recognized by the external community.”

Berciu is cited for her work as the main organizer of Welcome Women, an initiative which seeks to attract female students to the study of physics, and for her efforts in the classroom.

The UBC Science Killam Prize for Excellence in Teaching winner is legendary for giving flawless mathematical and technical lectures with no reference material, captivating her students, and earning her exceptionally high ratings

Condon is cited as an inspiring mentor and role model to countless students and faculty across North America. She has led several successful initiatives designed to broaden participation in science and engineering, with a particular focus on women in computing. Condon is currently working to develop policies at UBC Science that strengthen mentoring practices and support faculty who take maternity or parental leaves.

The Women of Distinction Awards began in 1984 to honour, encourage and recognize women whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the health and future of the community. Since then, YWCA Vancouver has honoured over 200 deserving women and workplaces.

This year’s award recipients included UBC’s Janice Eng, a professor in the department of physical therapy at UBC, in the Health and Active Living category.

Recognized nationally as one of the most prestigious awards for women, the Women of Distinction Awards also honours businesses and organizations that support the diverse needs of their employees.