Advisory board
Advising the Museum of Classical Antiquities, our board brings together experts to guide the museum’s preservation, research and public engagement activities. The board members are drawn from the wider community and include former volunteers.
Members of the board
Georgian Parkes
Georgian Parkes is an emerging museum professional who has been working in museums for the
past six years. She has a particular interest in public engagement and programming, as well as
collections management and exhibit development. Georgian was involved in the daily operations of the Museum of Classical Antiquities between 2022 and 2024, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public history at Western University.
John Serrati
John Serrati is the director of the Museum of Classical Antiquities and an adjunct professor in the Department of Classics and Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa. His research examines gender and gender performance in ancient martial societies.
His favourite piece in the Museum is the pyxis (trinket box) from classical Greece.
Chandra Giroux
Chandra Giroux is the manager of the Recruitment of Policy Leaders program in the Government of Canada. She has previously worked as a contract instructor in classics at both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, and has also worked as an archaeologist in Ottawa. She holds a PhD in ancient history (McGill, 2021), a master’s degree in classical studies (University of Ottawa, 2016), a master’s degree in Greek and Roman archaeology (Newcastle University, 2010), and an honours BA in history and classics (University of Ottawa, 2009). Chandra has also served on a variety of boards, including the Ottawa chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America (2015-present) and the Archaeological Institute of America International Societies Committee (2020-present). During both her undergraduate and master’s degrees, Chandra volunteered at the Museum of Classical Antiquities, and credits the practical experiences she earned there with her later successes. Chandra is a proud member of the Métis nation.
France Therrien
France Therrien is a valuable member of the Learning Team at the Canadian Museum of History. She has over fifteen years’ experience as a training specialist, interpretive planner and learning specialist. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the Museum’s educational programs and learning experiences, and she continues to do so, recognizing the ongoing impact of her work on the Museum’s mission, which is to inspire and educate visitors.
France is a proud University of Ottawa alumna who holds a bachelor’s degree in classical studies and a post-graduate diploma in museology from Université Laval. Her academic journey and travel to various international destinations has instilled in her a deep passion for discovering the hidden narratives and lesser-explored facets of history, understanding that they offer invaluable windows into the past and provide unique perspectives and insights.
Apart from her work at the museum, France is a mother to two young boys. She enjoys nurturing their innate curiosity and creating an environment of open-minded exploration.
Nicolas Mercier, Director of Stakeholder Engagement
Nicolas Mercier is a senior philanthropic manager with over ten years of fundraising experience. As director of stakeholder engagement at the University of Ottawa, he has been a proud member of the Advancement team for 13 years. Nicolas has personally secured over $11 million in donations and overseen strategies resulting in over $26 million in fundraising revenue, significantly contributing to the University’s success.
Previously, Nicolas worked at the Canadian Cancer Society and holds a diploma in advertising from La Cité Collégiale.
Beyond his professional achievements, Nicolas enjoys giving back to his community. He serves as an assistant coach for a youth basketball team and a mentor for the AFP Ottawa Future Leaders Mentorship Program. He has also held various volunteer roles, including treasurer for a cooperative housing organization, appointed fundraiser for a municipal party, and former member of the Board of Governors of the University of Ottawa.
Nicolas is dedicated to fostering human understanding and improving societal empathy. He strives to bring together people who want to make a difference with projects that matter. He is also dedicated to mentoring emerging leaders and fostering long-lasting stakeholder relationships, highlighting his influential role in the philanthropic advancement community.
