Maydianne Andrade

Maydianne Andrade is an award-winning biologist and University Professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Her research examines how social and environmental variables shape organismal traits and species diversity, with a focus on the evolutionary ecology and behaviour of black widow spiders and their relatives.

She is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, and of the Animal Behaviour Society, and serves as Chair of the National Killam Selection Committee and of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Council of Canadian Academies. She received the Trailblazer Award from the Canadian Science Policy Centre in 2024 in recognition of her work to increase inclusive practices and policy as founder of the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence and as co-founder and inaugural President of the Canadian Black Scientists Network.

Professor Andrade is a sought-after speaker who prioritizes pubic engagement, acting as a frequent guest on CBC radio’s Quirks and Quarks and Ideas, and contributing as host, cast, and concept creator for documentary films on The Nature of Things.