Published by Ontario Veterinary College (519) 824-4120, Ext. 54401

May 11, 2007

OVC professor honoured at Women of Distinction Awards

Dr. Brenda Coomber, Biomedical Sciences, was among the recipients honoured Thursday night at the YMCA-YWCA's 2007 Women of Distinction Awards. The 12th annual event was held at the River Run Centre.
There were more than three dozen nominees honoured in 10 categories ranging from Arts and Culture to Lifetime Achievement.
Coomber, whose research focuses on tumour biology, angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic cancer therapy, was the recipient in the Science, Technology and Research category.
The award citation states that Coomber has been instrumental in the transition of her department into a high-level academic unit emphasizing the links between animal and human health and that she "exemplifies the qualities of a mentor for women in biomedical sciences. Supervising and co-supervising a number of female undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students, Brenda emphasizes collaboration, teamwork and mutual benefit throughout her research supervision."
She helped shape key policy matters related to female academic staff and equity issues while a member of the Ontario University Faculty Association's Status of Women Committee.
Coomber's cancer research laboratory has developed into one of the larger labs in the department and her work was instrumental in attracting the $27-million grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation that led to the complete renovation of research facilities in Biomedical Sciences.
She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and papers on cancer biology and last year was highlighted on the front cover of Cancer Research, the leading international scientific journal in the field.
Coomber, along with Dr. Paul Woods of Clinical Studies, is also a co-organizer of OVC's proposed institute for cancer investigation and clinical care. She is playing a critical role as a spokesperson for the initiative which is the focus of a $10-million fundraising campaign by OVC Pet Trust.