Prof. Haskell has served as Deputy Director since June 2020, coming in just as the Fields Institute was in the early stages of its pandemic-related closure and shift to remote programming. She has since become an anchor of the Institute’s success, providing a cool, strategic head and steady hand in daily operational activities.

While Prof. Haskell was instrumental in advising and executing on the Director’s vision, she has been particularly effective at shoring up the administrative processes at Fields, making sure everything runs smoothly and academic voices are well represented. She is a champion for her colleagues in the mathematics community, considering ways to improve their experience, whether they’re collaborating with Fields or attending events.

This is particularly true in improving the experience of mathematicians from underrepresented communities – especially women. Prof. Haskell recognized that program organizers could benefit from concrete tools to increase the diversity of speakers and participants at their events, and created a toolkit for this purpose. She met with organizers to ensure they understood that EDI was a priority Fields would encourage by marking funds to support it. As an example, Prof. Haskell took an active role in increasing the number of postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented groups. The effect was immediately measurable, with, for example, postdoctoral fellows identifying as women rising from 11% in the benchmark period of 2011-2017 to 27% in 2023.

Prof. Haskell has also worked with colleagues at the other Canadian mathematics institutes to create the IDMS Summer School with the purpose of increasing diversity in mathematics by providing support to undergraduates from underrepresented groups to continue into graduate studies. By providing both instruction in key subjects and faculty mentorship, the program helps participants build a sense of community and belonging among math academics.

Prof. Haskell’s love of the Fields building has also led to some of the better décor choices at 222 College Street. Years ago, she and husband, Walter Craig, commissioned a special table in the shape of a heptagon that serves as a focal point in the Fields atrium. Many conversations take place at this table and observant types are often overheard expressing delight at the beauty of the shape. 

The striking Wieringa Wall that adorns the back wall of our main conference room would also not be there without Prof. Haskell’s support. When architecture student, Ross J. Cocks, approached Fields with a proposal for the ambitious project last year, it was Prof. Haskell who spearheaded the cause and helped see it through.

It’s no surprise that Prof. Haskell has been so effective in her role. She comes to Fields from McMaster University, where she is a Professor and former Associate Chair of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics. For over two decades, she has contributed to notable research in model-theoretic algebra and has enjoyed a warm relationship with the Fields Institute for just as long. 

As the Board continues its search for the next Director, the Fields Institute remains in great hands under Prof. Haskell’s leadership. Says Prof. Murty, “I am delighted that Deirdre has accepted the position of Interim Director. Her knowledge of the Institute and its functioning will be crucial in keeping the momentum going on all our activities and initiatives. I have full confidence in her!”

An Acting Deputy Director will be announced shortly.