Sudbury native Meagan McGrath was named an Honourary Life Member of Science North at a July 7 event.
McGrath is an aerospace engineer, an explorer, a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces, a scientist, and a trailblazer for all women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
She joins 51 other individuals with the title of Science North’s Honorary Life Member.
The Honorary Life Member Award was instituted in 1984 by the Board of Trustees of Science North to recognize individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to science and/or Science North.
McGrath is host to a magnitude of outstanding achievements and incredible stories. In May 2007, she reached one of her most incredible milestones — she summited Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain at 8849 metres, located in the Himalayas.
She was supported by Science North to do so, achieving her goal of climbing the “Seven Summits.”
In November 2007, she was honoured for her unwavering bravery when she saved the life of a climber near the summit of Mount Everest as she descended from her own summit achievement.
McGrath has a long history with Science North, extending back to when she was a child as a Summer Science Camp participant.
On Friday, July 8, Meaghan presented to Science North campers, Science North’s Student Science Advisory Council, and the general public about the importance of adventuring, exploring, encouraging people of all ages to follow their passion, while motivating them to reach new heights.
After her enthusiastic presentation, the audience was treated to the award-winning Everest IMAX film.
McGrath is known for her perseverance, hard work, humility, creativity, giving back to her community, and countless significant contributions to Northern Ontario.
She credits finding her passion and being in a STEM career to Science North’s Summer Science Camps programs.
“Life can be exciting!” she said. “Admittedly, it can sometimes be hard to make our dreams happen. With a goal and lots of perseverance, it turns out your dream expedition is possible! Get creative and be prepared to work hard.”
“One of the greatest joys when working with Meagan on her adventures was developing with her the ways we would involve our visitors, especially youth, in the science and spirit of adventure,” said Amy Henson, Science North senior scientist.
“I watched many young girls look up to Meagan wondering what dreams they could also accomplish knowing women like Meagan pave the way for them.”
To celebrate, and honour, Meagan as an Honorary Life Member a new fund has been established. The Meagan McGrath Girls in STEM Fund recognizes Science North Honorary Life Member Meagan McGrath for her commitment and dedication to Science North, her resilient global exploration and expeditions and her promotion and support of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The goal of the Fund is to provide support for programs, projects, or initiatives that seek to improve access and representation for girls in STEM throughout Northern Ontario.
To support the fund, visit this site.
“On behalf of everyone at Science North and Dynamic Earth, we’re incredibly proud to announce Meaghan McGrath as our second Honorary Life Member this year,” said Jennifer Booth, Interim CEO, Science North.
“What a compelling, exciting, and insightful celebration. It’s inspiring to see Meagan go from a summer camp participant to embark on countless journeys and explorations, summiting Mount Everest, giving back to Northern Ontario, and becoming a role model for women in STEM. She is truly incredible. We’re proud to support her, and she’s worthy of the title of Honorary Life Member.”=
