Today the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez announced the appointment of Dr. Karen Dodds as Chairperson of the Canadian Museum of Nature's Board of Trustees for a term of four years, effective February 16, 2023. This appointment is the result of a rigorous, open, transparent, and merit-based Governor in Council selection process.
Dr. Dodds started her career as a research scientist. From 2011 to 2016, she served as Assistant Deputy Minister at Environment and Climate Change Canada. Prior to that, she was Assistant Deputy Minister at Health Canada from 2008 to 2011. Throughout her career, Dr. Dodds played a key role in leading various science policy issues related to the environment and human health, including national regulatory work. Her experience includes engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and international organizations, notably the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the World Health Organization.
Although now retired from the federal public service, Dr. Dodds remains active in several science-related organizations. She is Chair of the Board of Directors of the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network, a national network funded by the Tri-Councils (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) and hosted at Dalhousie University. Until recently, she served as a member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and chaired its Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. In terms of community involvement, she recently served on the Board of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Dr. Dodds holds a Bachelor's degree in Science and Master's degree in Science (Microbiology) from the University of Waterloo, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology) from the University of Guelph.
The Canadian Museum of Nature is a national museum in the Canadian Heritage Portfolio.
