In honour of a pioneer in hydraulic machinery research in Canada
“Throughout my career, I have truly been a role model for women in science and engineering. I have also brought more women into the science and engineering professions since I understood that this was important for equality, innovation and the development of Canada.
Quick facts
Professor Claire Deschênes studied engineering because she was looking for a stable profession that fit her character: She likes to organize, understand and solve problems.
Professor Deschênes is constantly working to promote women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and is a cofounder of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES), AFFESTIM (Association de la francophonie à propos des femmes en sciences, technologies, ingénierie et mathématiques), and INWES Education and Research Institute (ERI), three non-profit organizations.
Professor Deschênes founded the LAMH at Université Laval in 1989. This laboratory is internationally renowned for its research in hydraulic turbines.
Professor Deschênes has won numerous awards and scholarships throughout her career. She is the first woman to receive the Lionel Boulet price. She also received the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Synergy Award for Innovation in 2014. Professor Deschênes is a member of the Order of Canada and is knight of the Ordre national du Québec. In 2022, she was named professor emerita at the Université Laval mechanical engineering department.
