Windsor's Hoda ElMaraghy is one of 25 in people in the province being invested into the Order of Ontario next week.
The University of Windsor engineering professor is being recognized for her work in the field including being named the first female dean of engineering in Canada and the first woman to obtain a PhD in mechanical engineering in the country.
"I was extremely thrilled. I was ecstatic," ElMaraghy tells BlackburnNews.com. "This is the highest honour that the province of Ontario can bestow on any of its citizens and it's really amazing."
She doesn't expect being part of the order to change her work.
"It's gratifying, but the work will not change. I will continue to do my research, I'll continue to do my teaching, serving the community in any way I can," says ElMaraghy.
However, ElMaraghy does hope new doors will now open.
"The more people that know about what I am able to offer, the more opportunity to reach out and they can contact me," says ElMaraghy. "If I can be of any assistance I'm always happy and ready to do that."
The ceremony is set for January 20 in Toronto at the Ontario Legislature where the 25 new appointees as well as 2014 appointee Rick Green of "The Red Green Show" will be invested by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell.
