Deborah MacLatchy

Deborah MacLatchy is Professor of Biology and President/Vice-Chancellor at Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Science. She holds an Honours BSc in Biology from Acadia University, PhD in Zoology from the University of Manitoba, and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Guelph. Since joining Laurier in 2007, she has served as Dean of Science, Vice-President: Academic and Provost, and Acting Vice-President of Research.

Her research focuses on ecotoxicology and comparative endocrinology, examining how environmental contaminants (particularly endocrine disruptors) affect fish reproduction and development under climate change pressures. Studies span Canadian ecosystems including Atlantic estuaries, Northwest Territories rivers, and southern Ontario watersheds, with collaborations in pulp/paper, oil/gas, and wastewater industries.

Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on endocrine disruption mechanisms in fish, wastewater treatment impacts, climate change interactions, and industry effluent remediation. Her work integrates molecular biology, field ecology, and toxicology across species like mummichog, walleye, and rainbow darter.

Awards & Honors:

• Honorary doctorate, Acadia University (2016)
• Recognition Award, Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (2015)
• Canada's Most Powerful Women (WXN Top 100, 2012)
• NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation (2005)

She supervises graduate students and secures funding from NSERC, industry partners, and government infrastructure grants. Leads the Canadian Rivers Institute, co-directs the ecotoxicology node of the Southern Ontario Water Consortium, and chairs the Balsillie School of International Affairs board.