Embedded Files
Carrie Derick “had gained knowledge for herself, and . . . believed that her knowledge was a possession to be used for the service of mankind.” - A.F. Byers
Notes on The Development of The Holdfasts of Certain Florideae, 1899.
Advancing Plant Sciences
Dr. Carrie Derick built a substantial body of scientific work across the fields of botany and genetics. In which she aimed many of her publications to reach both academic and general audiences, something not many academics considered at the time. Some of her notable works included studies on early development of Florideae, anabiosis, and nuclear changes in growing seeds (Sarazin & Birker 2018). Dr. Derick's extensive number of publications covered a variety of topics and were published in journals such as The Botanical Gazette, The Journal of Royal Microscopical Society, Science, The Canadian Record of Science, and many others (Sarazin & Birker 2018). She also authored a detailed book on the trees of McGill University's campus, combining principles of botany, genetics, and practical recommendations for landscape management (Sarazin & Birker 2018). Dr. Derick's breadth of work earned her recognition in the 1910 edition of the American Men of Science magazine, making her one of the few women to have been recognized in this manner (Haideri 2021).
Pioneering Genetics Education
At a time when evolution remained a topic of controversy and genetics was just a budding discipline, Dr. Derick bravely pioneered both their academic pursuit and education in Canada. As a newly appointed professor, Dr. Derick developed and taught Canada's very first course in "Evolution and Genetics" at McGill University, and later going on to found and chair McGill's genetic department (Sarazin & Birker 2018). Dr. Derick was instrumental in laying the foundations of genetics in Canada, though she many not have initially received the recognition she deserved, the field of genetics may never have come to be what it is today, had it not been for Dr. Carrie Derrick.
Advocacy
Aside from Dr. Derick's academic works, she was directly involved in many political issues involving woman's rights issues, especially during a time when women were marginalized simply for their gender.
She publicly supported birth control, which was illegal in Canada from 1892-1969.
Founded and was president of the Montreal Suffrage Association from 1913-1919
Active member of the Montreal Local Council of Women
Served as a member on the Advisory Committee of the Montreal Women's Liberal Club
(Sarazin & Birker 2018).
Legacy
Dr. Derick's legacy may not have been defined by a single groundbreaking discover; however, her impact on the scientific landscape is inarguably profound. At a time when female researchers were often relegated to secondary roles, Dr. Derick relentlessly pursued equal representation, opportunity, and treatment, leading to her inevitable recognition. From starting out as a part-time botany demonstrator to working her was to the position of Professor of Comparative Morphology and Genetics and founder of the McGill University Genetics Department. Dr. Derick's greatest legacy is how she pioneered the path for future generations of scientists. By becoming Canada's first female professor, she did more than simply educate future generations on the topics of botany, evolution, and genetics; she successfully challenged the structure of academia and its exclusion of women in Canada.
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