The notion of structure - the relationship between the parts and the whole - has always fascinated Ursula Franklin, a distinguished alumna of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

With x-rays and every form of microscopy as her tools, she joined the Department in 1967 as part of a newly formed Materials Science concentration that also brought Professors Aust, Rutter, Craig and Winegard to the Faculty.

In addition to teaching and research in the structure of metals and alloys, she won acclaim for her work on characterization of ancient materials. Taking the notion of appropriate structures into its broader content, Franklin worked tirelessly on the inclusion of women into science and engineering, mentoring many of them and helping to ease their working conditions.

As a member of NSERC, the Science Council of Canada, and the Royal Society and many other civic bodies, she attempted to integrate knowledge and commitment into Canadian life. In 1984, she became the first woman to be appointed as a University Professor at U of T. In 1995 Toronto named a school after her – the Ursula Franklin Academy, which follows a special curriculum that seeks to integrate science and the liberal arts and challenges students to develop a sense of social responsibility in addition to skills in science and technology.

In 2002, University Professor Emeritus Franklin received the Pearson Peace Medal from the United Nations Association in Canada in recognition of her contributions to humanitarian causes. A Companion of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, she continues to work for appropriate, cooperative, and peaceful social and educational structures that would give room to advance the best in all.

Recently, the Trudeau Foundation appointed her as a mentor to their post-doctoral program. Dr. Franklin continues to stay engaged with the University as senior fellow at Massey College. She has authored two books The CBC Massey Lectures - The Real World of Technology (1999) and the Ursula Franklin Reader (2006) as well as numerous technical papers.

Reprinted from Skulematters alumni magazine 2008.

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