Alice Evelyn Wilson (August 26, 1881 – April 15, 1964) was Canada's first female geologist. She is most well known for her scientific studies of rocks and fossils in the Ottawa region between 1913 and 1963.
Early life
Alice Evelyn Wilson was born on 26 August 1881 in Cobourg, Ontario, the daughter of Mary Adelia Kingston Wilson and Dr. John Wilson, a professor of Classics at the University of Toronto.
She grew up in an academically oriented household and was one of three children, with two older brothers. One of them, Alfred William Gunning Wilson, later became a geologist and earned a doctorate from Harvard University, while another brother, Norman Wilson, was noted for his ability in mathematics.
During her final year of study, after several years at the university, Wilson became seriously ill with anemia. The illness forced her to withdraw from the university before completing her degree.
Following her return in 1911, she was given a permanent position at the GSC, although she was still not allowed to participate in field studies alongside her male peers. This policy was finally changed in 1970.
Before the departure of colleague Percy Raymond, she wrote two articles, both of which recorded new species of animals. Respectively, a new branchiopod and then a bivalve. She began studying the area in the early 1910s, only a few years after joining the Geological Survey of Canada in 1909 and completing her university degree in 1911.
The book for children features three kids asking a geologist different questions about the Earth starting with: "Why do some rocks skip on water better than others?" Dr. Wilson once said that "The earth touches every life. Everyone should receive some understanding of it" (Massive Science). This explains her passion for teaching others about geology and the admiration she gained from her students at Carleton who knew her affectionately as the "rock doctor."
Later career and retirement
Wilson became a respected member of the GSC and mentored many young geologists through her lectures, field trips, publications, and museum exhibits. However, she was not referred to as "Doctor" by her colleagues until 1945—16 years after she obtained her doctorate. She retired two years later, at the age of 65, as was required by law, though five new hires were required to do the same amount of work as Wilson. However, she kept her office at the GSC and continued her work regardless of not being compensated until her death in 1964.
Wilson's work on researching the geology and paleontology in the area of Cornwall, Ontario and the St. Lawrence lowlands was important for the creation of the St. Lawrence Seaway that was built in 1954.
A few months before her death, Wilson gave up her office at the GSC and informed Dr. James M. Harrison about it. Although Dr. Harrison tried to convince her not to leave, Wilson responded by saying, "[Her] work is done."
Death
Wilson died in Ottawa on April 15, 1964, at the age of 84 years old. Her death marked a significant loss to the academic community, particularly in the field of geology. She is remembered for her work to the understanding of the stratigraphy and invertebrate palaeontology of the Palaeozoic strata of eastern Canada, though that contribution wasn't recognized until after her retirement.
Awards and recognition
Wilson received numerous professional honours during her lifetime and has been commemorated in Canada for her pioneering role in geology.
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Professional firsts
- First woman geologist employed by the Geological Survey of Canada in 1909.
- One of the first two women elected Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in 1930.
- First Canadian woman admitted to the Geological Society of America in 1936.
- First woman elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1938.
Honours and awards
- Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to science within the Canadian federal civil service in 1935.
- Awarded an honorary doctorate by Carleton University in recognition of her geological research and her work as a lecturer in paleontology in 1960.
- Alice Wilson Award established by the Royal Society of Canada, recognizing outstanding early-career women scholars, in 1991.
- Inducted into the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame in 2005.
Commemorations and memorials
- The Geological Survey of Canada named a meeting room "Wilson Hall" in Ottawa in her honour.
- Designated a Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada in 2011.
- A Government of Canada commemorative plaque honouring Wilson was unveiled at the Canadian Museum of Nature on 18 October 2018.