Office for Science and Society

Ariel Fenster - Curriculum Vitae

For biographical highlights click here

OFFICE ADDRESS:
Department of Chemistry, McGill University
801 Sherbrooke West
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2K6
Tel: (514) 398-2618
email: ariel.fenster@mcgill.ca

DATE OF BIRTH: April 18, 1943, Bergerac, France

EDUCATION:
Licence ès Sciences (B.Sc.) - University of Paris - Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry - 1966
D. Etudes Approfondies (M.Sc.) - University of Paris - Theoretical and Physical Chemistry - 1967
Ph.D. - McGill University - Physical and Inorganic Chemistry - 1972

EXPERIENCE & PUBLIC SERVICE:
2002 - 2011: Member of the Board "Society for the Promotion of Science and Technology"
1999 - present: Founding Member and Assistant Director of the McGill Office for Science and Society
1982 - present: Senior Adjunct Professor, McGill University
2000 - 2004: Member of the RCMP Forensic Laboratories Services Advisory Board
1985 - 2001: Chemistry Professor, Vanier College
1974 - 1984: Chemistry Professor, Dawson College (John Abbott College: Fall 1984)

AWARDS:
Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1971-1974
Polysar Award for Outstanding Chemistry Teaching, Chemical Institute of Canada, 1982
Catalyst Award for Excellence in Chemistry Teaching, U.S. Chemical Manufacturers Association, 1989
College Chemistry Canada (C3) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chemical Education, (Inaugural Award), 1990
The Royal Society of Canada's McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science (Inaugural Award), 1992
Beppo Award for Communicating Science to the Public, "Conseil de Developpement du Loisir Scientifique du Quebec", 1993
Raymond Gervais Award for Exceptional Contribution to Science Education, Quebec Association of Science Teachers, 1999
Michael Smith Award for the Promotion of Science in Canada, 2005

COURSES TAUGHT:
Introductory Chemistry, General Chemistry I & II, Chemistry in the Modern World I&II (Vanier College); Organic Chemistry I & II (Vanier College & McGill University);
The World of Chemistry I, II,III & IV (McGill University);
General Chemistry I & II (McGill University).
Chemistry for Nurses (McGill University)

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Over the last three decades developed an extensive programme, offered both in English and in French to bring the relevance and enjoyment of science to the public.

Public Lectures
Created over 60 different lectures on topics of general interest. Titles range from "The ABC's of Vitamins" to "Science and Art: Facts and Fakes." This has led to close to 1,000 1 000 invited presentations, to a variety of groups, of all ages and different backgrounds. The lectures have reached an estimated total audience of well over a hundred thousand.

Exhibitions
Developed with Profs. Harpp and Schwarcz lectures and demonstrations for the following exhibitions in Montreal:

1. UNESCO pavilion of the Montreal exhibition "Man and His World". These attracted over 80,000 people during two summers (1980 and 1981).

2. Expotec-95 "La Chimie en Fête" at the Old Port in Montreal. The exhibition had a total attendance of over 370,000 during its 5 months run making it the largest event of its kind ever.

3. Summer of 2002 "Cooking with Science," a series of activities on the science of food at the Montreal Science Centre. The programme attracted over 18,000 visitors during its 10 days run.

Starting in 2008 participated to the annual Festival Eureka organized by the Montreal Science Centre

Special programs
In 2001, introduced at McGill a series of monthly lectures on science aimed at Secondary V francophone students. The programme developed in cooperation with the "Commission Scolaire de Montréal" is now attracting more than 300 students a year.

Radio and television
Has appeared over 500 times on TV and radio to discuss health, environmental and technology related topics.
Has also been a regular contributor on the following shows:

1. "Nutrition Report", CFCF Television

2. "Daybreak", CBC Radio

3. "Y a pas deux matins pareils", Radio Canada Toronto

4. "Y a pas deux matins pareils"

5. "L'été du monde"

6."L'après-midi porte conseil", Radio Canada

In addition has developed science segments for children television including:

1. "Capitaine Cosmos", T.V.A.

2. "L'infernale machine du docteur V", Radio Canada

3. "Macaroni Garni", Telé-Québec

In 2004-2005 was the science contributor on Radio-Canada's health show "37.50. The daily show, seen on television across Canada had an audience of ca. 100,000. Was also seen on the Discovery channel for the 10 part series "What's that all about" which dealt with the science behind everyday things (i.e. microwaves ovens, adhesives, plastic bags, etc.) The show was also shown in French on Canal D under the title "Fallait-y-penser".