At the Edge of Canada: Indigenous Research

At the Edge of Canada: Indigenous Research presents interviews with researchers about their work with Aboriginal peoples. The objective is to assist people in better understanding Indigenous people, our issues and the often asked Google term “what is aboriginal.” It is originally produced as a radio broadcast on UMFM 101.5 FM in Winnipeg Manitoba and hosted by Dr Robert-Falcon Ouellette while working at University of Manitoba. He is now an Member of Parliament in Ottawa. Ekosani.

Monday, 23 January 2012

Dr Lee Wilson University of Saskatchewan, Indigenous Science

This is a conversation with Dr Lee Wilson (Métis) about his work with Chemistry and his views on Indigenous Science. http://artsandscience.usask.ca/profile/LWilson

Dr. Lee Wilson is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Wilson has made significant contributions to the investigation of the formation of sugar-like materials widely used in food and pharmaceuticals and their relations to other materials, and is currently researching the development of new types of materials that will have a tremendous impact on areas such as the environment, medicine, advanced drug delivery system, and energy storage devices. This research will be of great importance for many Aboriginal communities in Canada that suffer from water quality and health issues.

Dr. Wilson was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba and grew up in the small rural community of Lake Francis. He obtained a B.Sc. from the University of Winnipeg in 1992, and graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Saskatchewan in 1998, becoming the first Métis student to earn such a degree. He has published many papers in highly respected peer reviewed journals, is a sought-after speaker at conferences, and has won many awards and honors including the Governor General's Gold Medal in Graduate Studies, the Graduate Thesis Award, Visiting Fellowship in a Canadian Government Laboratory Award, and the 2006 Saskatchewan Centennial Medal.

Dr. Wilson has served as a role model and mentor throughout his graduate and teaching years. He has provided inspiration to Aboriginal youth through the Innovators in the Schools Program, and has developed science programs and camps for Aboriginal students at the University of Saskatchewan. He is currently developing hands-on laboratory experiences for northern Saskatchewan high school students visiting the university campus in partnership with the Outreach and Transition Programs Office at the College of Engineering. Dr. Wilson continues his involvement in Canada’s science and technology community through the Canadian Aboriginal Science and Technology Society, Biotalent Canada, University of Saskatchewan initiatives, and various grass roots organizations.

To Learn more(interview and podcast)
http://archive.org/download/LeeWilsonAndScience/LeeWilson.mp3