I’m a philosophy professor with expertise in applied ethics, feminist philosophy, and moral philosophy. Some of my research concerns how to understand moral concepts like trust and conscience, and other research focuses on pressing issues in public policy. I’ve had a particular interest in policy matters that deal with the creation or dissolution of families with children, and with trust or distrust in public institutions.

I’ve been directly involved in policy-making and public debate in Canada on topics that concern my research, including the right of health care professionals to conscientiously object to providing abortions and other services, public funding for in vitro fertilization, and improvements to our adoption systems. Some of my work on adoption occurred in my capacity as Chair (2016-19) of the Board of Directors for Ontario’s Adoptive Parents Association (now Interwoven Connections).

My training in feminist philosophy informs all of my research, teaching, and policy efforts. I’m deeply committed to bringing a feminist lens to the subjects I study and to mentoring the next generation of feminist philosophers and bioethicists.

In recognition for my scholarly contributions and contributions to Canadian public life, I was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2021 and a Distinguished University Professor at Western in 2024.