Juliet Daniel facts for kids

Juliet M Daniel is a brilliant Barbadian-Canadian professor who studies biology at McMaster University. She is famous for her work on cancer. Dr. Daniel discovered and named a special gene called Kaiso. She has also won many important awards for her amazing research and leadership.

Dr. Daniel's Journey in Science

Early Education and Research

Juliet Daniel started her science journey in 1987. She earned a Bachelor's degree in life sciences from Queen's University. Later, in 1993, she completed her PhD in microbiology at the University of British Columbia.

After her PhD, Dr. Daniel worked as a research fellow. She spent three years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Then, she moved to Vanderbilt University in Memphis, Tennessee, for another three years.

Discovering the Kaiso Gene

During her research fellowship, Dr. Daniel made a big discovery. She found a new gene and named it Kaiso. She chose the name Kaiso after calypso, a popular type of Caribbean music.

Dr. Daniel found that the Kaiso gene helps control other genes. These genes are important for how cells grow and how they stick together. This discovery was a major step in understanding how our bodies work.

Research at McMaster University

In November 1999, Dr. Daniel joined the Department of Biology at McMaster University. She is now a full professor there. Her lab focuses on studying a type of cancer called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Her team looks for genetic factors that might explain why TNBC is more common and serious in women of African ancestry. In 2017, her lab showed that the Kaiso gene helps TNBC cells grow and survive. This research is very important for finding new ways to fight this cancer.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Daniel's research has been recognized many times. She has received funding from national and international groups. She also mentors students from African Caribbean backgrounds at McMaster University. She helps them succeed in science and in the community of Hamilton.

In 2006, Dr. Daniel helped start an organization. It is called the Canadian Multicultural LEAD Organization for Mentoring & Training. This group helps guide and train young people.

Personal Life

Dr. Daniel has also faced personal challenges. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. After receiving treatment, she is now healthy. Her experience has likely given her even more passion for her cancer research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Juliet Daniel has received many awards for her excellent work:

• 2021: Honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados.
• 2020: WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award, Toronto, ON.
• 2020: International Women’s Day “Black Women in STEM” recognition from the Jamaican Canadian Association, Toronto, ON.
• 2019: Woman of Purpose Award, Elegant You Tea Party, Toronto, ON.
• 2019: University of the West Indies (UWI) Vice Chancellor’s Award, Toronto, ON.
• 2018: Recognized as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Women, 100ABC, Toronto, ON.
• 2017: Harry Jerome Award (Category: Technology and Innovation).
• Ontario Premier's Excellence in Research Award.
• Barbados Honor Gold Crown of Merit.
• National Ball Award.
• John C. Holland Award (for Professional Achievement).
• 2010: Gold Crown of Merit for Cancer Research Barbados National Honor, Barbados.
• 2009: Errol Walton Barrow Award of Excellence, Barbados Ball Canada Aid, Toronto.
• 2008: African Canadian Achievement Award of Excellence in Science, Toronto.
• 2004: Minority Scholar Award, American Association for Cancer Research.
• 2001-2006: Ontario Premier Research Excellence Award, McMaster.
• 1989–91 & 1994–96: NSERC pre- and post-doctoral scholarships.

See also

In Spanish: Juliet Daniel para niños