Making History – Building Futures
October is women's history month so it is only fitting to celebrate women's successes here at the University of Ottawa. This year the University celebrates two significant milestones: it has been 90 years since the approval of the Bachelor of Arts program for women students, and 10 years since the creation of the Institute of Women's Studies.
One individual on campus whose career has been exemplary in forging a path for women is Dr. Ruby Heap, associate vice-president, research. Trained as an historian, Dr. Heap specializes in the history of women in higher education and the professions, with a particular focus on women in science and engineering.
As a graduate student and a young researcher, she was drawn to women's history, which was then emerging as an exciting new field aimed at "making women visible" as historical subjects. Her career led her to the Department of History at the University of Ottawa, where she later became founding director of the Institute of Women's Studies (IWS) - which currently boasts a free-standing doctoral program in women's studies, world-class research and a robust national and international reputation thanks to expanding partnerships and collaborations.
Despite her busy schedule, Dr. Heap remains committed to the training of students through graduate supervisions and their participation in her research teams. "Each student brings her or his own ideas, views and perspectives," notes Heap. "All of which enrich the conduct and results of the research projects conducted here at the University."
Dr. Heap appears here in the photo with four young women currently studying in Engineering.
By Heather Lynch
Published: October 2009