Rate My Professor Bill Whelan

Bill Whelan is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Prince Edward Island and holds a cross-appointment in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Atlantic Veterinary College. He earned a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Prince Edward Island in 1988, followed by an M.Sc. in Health and Radiation Physics and a Ph.D. in Medical Physics from McMaster University in 1991 and 1996, respectively. Whelan joined UPEI in 2008 as an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Optics, advancing to Full Professor in 2010. His prior appointments include positions at Ryerson University, where he served as Assistant and Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, along with adjunct roles at the University of Toronto and McMaster University.

Whelan’s research focuses on tissue optical properties, laser therapeutics, near-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and optoacoustic imaging, with applications in cancer detection and treatment. He has held leadership roles including President of the Canadian Association of Physicists for 2023–2024 and Chair of the Department of Physics at UPEI. Among his honors are the Canada Research Chair, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, and the Distinguished Service Award from Youth Science Canada. Whelan has contributed to numerous committees and review panels for NSERC, CIHR, and professional societies, and he remains active in science promotion and education initiatives in Prince Edward Island.