The Biology Capstone Seminar series was established in 2007 with seed funding from the Faculty of Arts and Science as a Capstone Experience Pilot Project. This formalized the custom of inviting occasional external speakers to address the Biology undergraduate thesis class (BIOL 537). Each year the Capstone Seminar is organized by a committee of volunteers from this class. In consultation with their classmates, other students and faculty members, the committee selects and invites a high profile speaker to address the Biology graduating class around the end of the winter term. The seminar is advertised widely on campus and is open to the whole Queen’s community. A reception after the seminar allows the students to interact informally with the speaker.

Past Speakers

  • Dr. Ken Storey, is Professor, Departments of Biology and Chemistry at Carleton University, and recipient of the Flavelle Medal and Fry Medal. Seminar title: Survival in extreme environments: mammalian torpor and hibernation. (2019)
  • Dr. Michael Szego, Clinical Ethicist, Centre for Clinical Ethics, Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Seminar title: My career path from Biology to bioethics Reflections and some useful advice for students at the start of their careers. (2017)
  • Dr. Leigh Revers, a Senior Lecturer in Biotechnology and Associate Director of the Master of Biotechnology (MBiotech) Program at the University of Toronto. (2015)
  • Dr. Jeff Hutchings, a professor and renowned biologist. Dr. Hutchings will be giving an inspiring talk regarding the importance of biology and research in our lives. (2014)
  • Severn Cullis-Suzuki is a high profile advocate for environmental and social justice, and a best-selling author. Title: From Reductionism to Interdependence: Putting Our World Back Together. (2013)
  • Bob McDonald, Science journalist and host of CBC’s “Quirks and Quarks”. Seminar title: What if everything you know is wrong? (2012)
  • Dr. Freda Miller, Canada Research Chair in Developmental Neurobiology and HHMI International Research Scholar, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. Seminar title: Neural stem cells: from development to repair. (2011)
  • Dr. Armand M. Lerio, Professor of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, UK. Seminar title: The soul of the worm (2010)
  • Dr. Michael Ruse, Lucycle T. Werkmeister Professor, Department of Philosophy, Florida State University. Seminar title: My life and times as an evolutionist. (2008)
  • Dr. Peter Zandstra, Canada Research Chair in Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, University of Toronto. Seminar title: It's in the numbers: systematic approaches to predicting and controlling stem cell output. (2006)
  • Stephen Strauss, Globe and Mail science correspondent. Seminar title: What would Biology's Einstein do? (2005)
  • Jay Ingram, Host of the Daily Planet, Discovery Channel. Seminar title: Communicating science in the popular media (2004)