Juliet Daniel facts for kids

Juliet M Daniel is a professor from Barbados and Canada. She teaches biology at McMaster University. Her main work is studying cancer. Dr. Daniel is famous for finding and naming a special gene called Kaiso. She has won many important awards for her research and leadership.

Dr. Daniel's Journey and Discoveries

In 1987, Dr. Daniel earned her first degree in life sciences from Queen's University. Then, in 1993, she completed her PhD in microbiology at the University of British Columbia. After that, she worked as a researcher for six years. She spent three years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Then she moved to Vanderbilt University in Memphis, Tennessee, for another three years.

During her research time, Dr. Daniel made a big discovery. She found a gene and named it Kaiso. She chose the name Kaiso after Calypso music, which is a popular type of music from the Caribbean. Dr. Daniel found that Kaiso helps control other genes. These genes are important for how cells grow and stick together.

In 1999, Dr. Daniel joined the Department of Biology at McMaster University. She is now a full professor there. Her lab studies a type of breast cancer called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). They want to find out why this cancer is more common and more dangerous for women of African heritage. In 2017, Dr. Daniel's lab showed that Kaiso helps TNBC cells grow and survive.

Dr. Daniel's research has been used by other scientists over 4,000 times. She has also received many awards for her work and for guiding other students. These awards include the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Women award and a Gold Crown of Merit for Cancer Research from Barbados. She was also named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.

She has received money for her research from groups in Canada and other countries. Dr. Daniel also helps and guides students from African Caribbean backgrounds. She works with students at McMaster University and in the city of Hamilton. In 2006, she helped start an organization called the Canadian Multicultural LEAD Organization. This group helps with mentoring and training.

A Personal Story

Dr. Daniel herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. After getting treatment, she is now healthy.

Awards and Recognition

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

See also

In Spanish: Juliet Daniel para niños