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[Photo Credit : Phillip Jeffrey from Vancouver, Canada – Blog | Twitter, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Adapted, Background changed]
She was born in Lebanon to Egyptian parents and grew up in a family that valued education and perseverance.
When she came to Canada in the late 1970s, she brought with her not only dreams of learning but also the determination to turn those dreams into something bigger.
The early years weren’t easy—navigating a new culture, new expectations, and the challenge of excelling in fields where women were often underrepresented. But Mona was driven by curiosity and courage.
✨ A Spark Becomes a Career
Mona pursued chemistry, earning her PhD in bio-organic chemistry at McGill University. Her passion was in the molecular underpinnings of heart disease, where she made major contributions to cardiovascular research.
Her work wasn’t just academic—it was lifesaving. She developed insights that advanced treatments and deepened global understanding of genetics and health.
“Science is not only about discovery. It’s about building a healthier, fairer world.” — Dr. Mona Nemer
❤️ Breaking Barriers
Dr. Nemer became a professor and then Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa. She trained countless students and built internationally respected research teams.
In 2017, she was appointed Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, a role that made her one of the most influential scientists in the country. She guided government policy on health, innovation, and public science communication—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
🌍 Beyond the Lab
Beyond science, Mona is a champion of women in STEM, mentorship, and global collaboration. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Order of Canada, for her service and leadership.
Her work proves that immigrant women can not only contribute to Canada—they can shape its future.
🎯 Why Her Story Inspires
Dr. Mona Nemer’s story shows us that:
- Education is a passport to leadership.
- Representation in science fuels innovation.
- Immigrants enrich Canada’s most critical institutions.
From an immigrant student to Canada’s voice of science, Dr. Nemer embodies resilience, intellect, and impact.
