The Canada-Caribbean Institute Canadian Co-Chair, Rhonda McEwen of Victoria University, shares the following statement…
It is with profound sadness that I write to share the news that our colleague and friend, Dr. Juliet Daniel, passed away on April 28, 2026.
Dr. Daniel was a professor in the Department of Biology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. She also served as Associate Dean, Research and External Relations and Special Advisor to the President as well as a co-founder of the Canadian Black Scientist Network.
Dr. Daniel was widely recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to cancer biology, including identifying and naming the Kaiso gene, a discovery of lasting significance in molecular cancer research. Equally important was her deep commitment to increasing representation in STEM, particularly within Black communities. Through her work with the Canada-Caribbean Institute, she mentored emerging scholars and helped create pathways for those historically underrepresented in the field. She was also deeply engaged in the work of the CCI Board and its events, including providing exceptional leadership for the highly successful 2024 CCI Research Symposium at McMaster, which brought together Caribbean and Canadian communities around shared priorities.
On a personal note, I remain in shock at this loss. I last saw Juliet at the CCI Research Symposium in February, where she was in true form, supporting the event in every way possible. Whether facilitating sessions, leading lively discussions, or helping assemble swag bags into the early hours of the morning, she brought tireless energy, warmth, and generosity. This spirit of commitment and care is how I will always remember her.
We will truly miss her contributions to the CCI, her brilliant mind, and her unwavering willingness to help. While her passing is a tremendous loss, her impact through research, mentorship, and advocacy will endure across the academic and Caribbean communities she cared for so deeply.
My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her.