The fixture, which is suspended from the ceiling in the University’s Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies, was named Dr. Deeno Hinshaw after Alberta’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
Hinshaw grew up in Sylvan Lake, 25 kilometres outside of Red Deer, and has gained acclaim for her role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta. Albertans have praised Hinshaw for her calm manner and simple explanations of complex health concerns. The vote was held by the U of A Paleontology Society. Society vice president Catie Strong expressed her views on the contest winner:
“I think this really shows just how much people want to recognize Dr. Hinshaw in some kind of way. And even if this is kind of a small gesture, I think it shows that people are very appreciative of her work.”
Students suggested over 200 names, with the runner-up being Indiana Bones. Dinosaur fossils and images are part of Alberta’s identity due to the high number of fossils found in the province, including a species named the Albertasaurus. Skeleton segments like the newly-named Dr. Deeno Henshaw can be headlining attractions featured in poster printing campaigns for museums, schools and other institutions.
The Paleontological Society did, however, have to point out that the plesiosaur was a marine reptile and not technically a dinosaur. But the name will remain, and oversee countless meetings and study sessions once the university opens its doors again.