Marcia MacDonald

External coordinator on the leadership team, 500 Women Scientists, Montreal pod

Biomarkers, Genomics/Proteomics, Metabolic Syndrome, Women in Science, Diversity in Science, Doping in Athletes, Anti-Doping,

Media

Biography

Marcia MacDonald moved to Montreal to serve as a Deputy Director in the Science and Medicine department at the World Anti-Doping Agency. She oversaw a team responsible for the global development of the Athlete Biological Passport program, which monitors biological variables over time to indirectly reveal the effects of doping in sport, rather than attempting to detect the doping substance or method itself. With more than 20 years of experience overseeing a range of projects, she understands the challenges of implementing research findings and policy recommendations into practice. Prior to joining WADA, MacDonald was the Director of Research Programs at Genome British Columbia, and before that, she worked in the biotechnology industry to identify and validate targets for gene silencing and other therapeutic approaches. She obtained her BSc in Biochemistry from Queen’s University and PhD in Genetics from the University of British Columbia.

She served on the Board of Directors at the Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology (SCWIST) where she oversaw the Make Diversity Possible Project, which works with science and technology companies to build inclusive workplace cultures that embrace and advance a diverse workforce. Make Diversity Possible project builds on SCWIST’s MakePossible.ca online mentoring network.

Expertise

  • Biomarkers
  • Doping in Athletes
  • Anti-Doping
  • Genomics
  • Proteomics
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Women in Science
  • Diversity in Science