In this episode, WWEST manager Danniele chats with Dr. Gail Anderson about bugs and other animals, a career in forensics that makes a real difference in the world, and the benefits of university if one chooses to attend. Gail also reveals how she achieves work/life balance, her journey from a young forensic entomologist to professorship, and the importance of being a mentor to young people in STEM.

Guest: Dr. Gail Anderson (website)

Dr. Gail Anderson is a Professor in the School of Criminology and the Co-Director of the Centre for Forensic Research at Simon Fraser University.

Gail holds a Burnaby Mountain Endowed Professorship at SFU. She is a forensic entomology consultant to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Municipal Police across Canada as well as the SPCA and Wildlife Enforcement.  She has been analyzing forensic entomology cases since 1988, and has testified as an expert witness in court many times.

In addition, her work has been featured in numerous television programs. Gail was also a recipient of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 Award and a YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Science and Technology, as well as the SFU Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award. She was listed as one of the 100 most Influential Women in British Columbia by the Vancouver Sun in 2010, received a Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence in 2014, and in 2015 was listed as one of the 6 most influential scientists in BC by the Vancouver Sun. In 2017, she was awarded the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Pathology Biology Section Award for Achievement in the Life Sciences.

For a full transcription of this episode, click here.

Relevant Links:

• Canadian Police College
• Criminology at Simon Fraser University
• Funding and Award Opportunities - large list of grants and awards, sponsored by Research Services, SFU
  
• "The Hypersensitivity of Horses to Culicoides Bites in British Columbia" (Anderson et al)
• Sweet itch
• Thelma Finlayson
• The Walking Dead
• Z Nation

• Dr. Gail Anderson - publications

Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood)
Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes
Produced by: Vanessa Reich-Shackelford