Dr. Joanne O’Meara, physics professor in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, has been recognized with a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her outstanding achievements and community contributions.

Awarded to 30,000 outstanding Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life, the commemorative medal honours those whose achievements and contributions, at home or abroad, have brought credit to Canada.

“I am incredibly honoured to be a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal,” O’Meara says. “Although these medals are given to individuals, this recognition is really for the incredible team of people I have had the pleasure of working with over the past many years, both at the University of Guelph and at Royal City Science.”

Since 2002, O’Meara has inspired physics students at U of G through her dynamic teaching style as an award-winning educator at the institutional, provincial and national level. Her medical physics research began with a focus on the design of measurement systems specifically for people who are occupationally exposed to toxic heavy metals and has slowly shifted during her career to a greater focus on physics education-based scholarship.

A community-engaged scholar, O’Meara’s passion for science within the broader community is what led to the co-founding of Royal City Science (RSC). The non-profit organization brings together scientists, educators and enthusiasts in the Guelph area with the mission of enhancing interactive, educational and entertaining science programming. The ultimate goal is to build a new science centre for southwestern Ontario.

RSC sparks curiosity and fosters a love for science among all ages with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) pop-up events. Through science and education, RSC aims to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, guided by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the notion that science should be accessible for everyone.

Throughout her career O’Meara says she was encouraged by colleagues in the Department of Physics who share her vision and see the value in her approach to her work, particularly with RSC. “I thank them all,” she says. “This is an initiative that has truly snowballed through the tireless efforts of all of the volunteers involved.”

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. It is the first Canadian medal to mark a coronation and is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.

Contact:

Dr. Joanne O’Meara
omeara@uoguelph.ca

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