Respected around the world as an expert in global change biology, Trent biology professor, Dr. Maggie Xenopoulos works to inspire future scientists, particularly young women, to become the next generation of leaders in this important field.

One way she aims to do so is by showing these future leaders, what’s possible, by taking on significant leadership roles within the sector herself.

Professor Xenopoulos was recently appointed as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences.

“Very few women serve as editors-in-chief of scientific scholarly publications,” explains Prof. Xenopoulos. “After resuming my role as deputy editor-in-chief of Limnology and Oceanography, I felt it was important to take on a greater leadership position so that others can follow in my path.”

Training future scientific leaders to follow in her footsteps is something Prof. Xenopoulos is very passionate about. In her 17 years at Trent, she has trained over 70 undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, most of whom are now active professionals in aquatic sciences – from consulting, to government scientists and academia. She also proudly boasts with the caliber of students currently working in her lab.

“Two fantastic young women working in my lab have taken on leadership roles in University governance – Sandra Klemet-N’Guessan, a PhD student in the Environmental and Life Sciences graduate program, is president of Trent’s Graduate Student Association and Emily Yeung, a fourth-year Biology student, is serving as the vice-president of the Biology Undergraduate Society.”

Fighting for the Future of Freshwater Ecosystems

As an expert on the impact of global change stressors on freshwater ecosystems, Prof. Xenopoulos has been involved in and has led a number of large-scale national and international programs, such as NSERC FloodNet and Real-time Aquatic Ecosystem Observation Network (RAEON).

In March 2020, she was appointed to the Great Lakes Science Advisory Board, which advises the International Joint Commission on research and scientific matters relating to binational environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes.

“Collecting and sharing scientific data is valuable for policymakers, water managers, and scientists, but also for citizens to better understand our lakes,” says Prof. Xenopoulos. “My vision is to continue building on my research and outreach program on global change, but also to mentor future researchers to be critical thinkers, good communicators and to provide them with opportunities to engage in multi-disciplinary and collaborative research.”

Trent University’s Biology program has been ranked as one of the top 20 university Biology programs in Canada by Maclean’s University Rankings. Learn more about the program and Trent’s world-class faculty, like Prof. Xenopoulos – applications for fall 2021 are still open.