Alice Wilson

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.

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.

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.

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. alt=Plaque posthumously recognizing the significance of the work of Alice Wilson and her contributions to the field of geology.

Professional firsts

First woman geologist employed by the Geological Survey of Canada in 1909.

First Canadian woman admitted to the Geological Society of America in 1936.

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.

A Government of Canada commemorative plaque honouring Wilson was unveiled at the Canadian Museum of Nature on 18 October 2018.

A tunnel boring machine used for the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project in Montreal was named "Alice" in her honour in 2019.

Selected publications