Two exceptional faculty members have been named Distinguished University Professors in recognition of their outstanding scholarship, teaching, and service.
Juliet Daniel and Jeffrey Weitz are receiving the university’s highest honour for faculty members for their significant and lasting impact on McMaster, their respective fields and society at large.
“Juliet’s groundbreaking work on the Kaiso transcription factor has provided important insights into aggressive breast cancer in young Black women, while Jeffrey’s pioneering research in thrombosis has led to life-saving treatments for blood clotting disorders,” says Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president (Academic).
“Beyond their research, both have been exceptional mentors, shaping the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and innovators. Their dedication to advancing knowledge and improving lives truly embodies McMaster’s commitment to excellence.”
Juliet Daniel: Trailblazer in cancer research and equity advocacy
A professor in the department of Biology, Juliet Daniel is an internationally recognized cancer biologist whose innovative research has deepened our understanding of aggressive breast cancer in young Black women.
She discovered the transcription factor Kaiso, which plays a critical role in tumour progression.
Her groundbreaking work revealed that high Kaiso levels correlate with worst outcomes for Black women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, a discovery that is paving the way for new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Beyond her research, Daniel is a dedicated mentor and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM. She has played a crucial role in mentoring emerging scholars, particularly women and Black scientists, and has led many initiatives aimed at fostering diversity in academia.
Her leadership extends to community engagement, where she has worked to address systemic health disparities and promote cancer awareness among marginalized groups.
Daniel’s numerous accolades, including the Gold Crown of Merit from Barbados, the inaugural Canadian Cancer Society Inclusive Excellence Award, the ONYX Magazine (Florida) Woman of the Year Award, and recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women by WXN, highlight the global impact of her work.
Jeffrey Weitz: Advancing thrombosis research and clinical innovation
Jeffrey Weitz, a professor in the department of Medicine and a global leader in thrombosis and cardiovascular research, has spent over 36 years at McMaster, making groundbreaking contributions to medicine and attracting more than $90 million in research funding.
As a true “bench-to-bedside” scientist, Weitz has seamlessly translated fundamental discoveries into life-saving treatments for blood clotting disorders. His research has led to the development of novel anticoagulants, including Apixaban (Eliquis), which is now widely used to prevent and treat conditions such as stroke and venous thromboembolism.
With more than 650 peer-reviewed publications and more than 110,000 citations, Weitz’s influence extends beyond McMaster. He has held leadership positions in prestigious organizations such as the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, where he has been instrumental in raising global awareness of thrombosis through initiatives like World Thrombosis Day.
Weitz has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
His dedication to mentorship has shaped the careers of more than 50 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, ensuring that the next generation of medical researchers continues to build on his legacy.
Legacy of Excellence
Daniel and Weitz exemplify McMaster’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and societal impact.
Their contributions have not only shaped their respective disciplines but have also inspired students, colleagues, and the broader academic community.
As Distinguished University Professors, they join an extraordinary group of scholars whose work continues to define McMaster’s reputation as a leading global institution.
Their achievements will be celebrated at the Spring 2025 Convocation, where they will be formally recognized for their remarkable contributions to research, education, and service.