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:
1999 - present: Founding Member of the McGill Office for Science and Society
2002 - present: Member of the Board "Society for the Promotion of Science and Technology"
1982 - present: Senior Adjunct Professor, McGill University
2000 - 2004: Member of the RCMP Forensic Laboratories Services Advisory Board
1989 - 1991: Commentator, CBC Radio, Montreal
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 (Mcgill University).

INVITED LECTURES:
Over 600 presentations to conferences, universities, schools and interest groups.

TV AND RADIO:
Over 300 presentations in both French and English.

PUBLICATIONS:
22 papers on chemical research and on education.

"MAGIC OF CHEMISTRY" PRESENTATIONS:
Over 230-with Professors D.N. Harpp and J. A. Schwarcz.

"CHEMISTRY FOR THE PUBLIC" (McGILL UNIVERSITY) PRESENTATIONS:
Over 60-with Professors D.N. Harpp and J. A. Schwarcz.

"SPECIAL PROGRAMMES:
In 2001, Dr. Fenster introduced a series of lectures based at McGill and specifically aimed a Secondary V francophone students. The programme developed in cooperation with the "Commission Scolaire de Montréal" is now attracting more than 300 students a year.
In 2003, Dr. Fenster developed a similar program for the intellectually challenged students from "Summit School in Montreal".

EXHIBITIONS:
Organized, with Professors D.N. Harpp and J. A. Schwarcz, the "Man and His World" (1980-81) and "Expotec-95" (1995) chemistry exhibitions in Montreal for 80,000 and 370,000 visitors respectively.
Developed the food show "Cooking With Science" in 2002 at the Science Centre of Montreal. The exhibition had 10,000 visitors during its 10-day round.