With the death of Dr Dawn Eagle, Newnham College has lost a shrewd, creative, and much valued colleague. Her loss is deeply felt, by her family, many friends, colleagues and all the students she has taught.
Dawn Eagle died on Monday 26th August 2019, after five years of living with incurable cancer. She was an Associate Lecturer of Newnham College, who was known to most through her teaching, as a supervisor for the NST IA Evolution and Behaviour course, and her help in admissions for the NST Biology course. She did this alongside an active research career in behaviour and neuroscience as well as raising a son, Martin, and daughter, Joanna, with her husband, Dr Mark England.
Dawn was a graduate of Cambridge (BA and PhD) and rowed for the lightweight blues boat in 1992 during her studies. Her knowledge and understanding of University of Cambridge, its courses and systems, was deep. Dawn was a valuable and active member of the Biology community in Newnham. She loved her subject and was an insightful and creative biologist who pushed students to think beyond the boundaries of their teaching. She was active in trying to make them ‘own’ their learning and grow personally in their studies.
Dawn applied this creativity and shrewdness to all aspects of her work and life. Until she was ill, Dawn came in to lunch regularly, and her absence from our discussions – both serious and lighthearted – has been felt. She was hugely talented and clear in getting her ideas and points across in regular conversation; whether discussing ways to avoid young children writing on the walls, whether or not one should cycle wearing a helmet, and her tips on how to safely navigate roundabouts on a bike. Her ready sense of humour and jewellery making skills lightened our days.
Newnham College sends our heartfelt condolences to her family. She will be deeply missed.
Dawn’s family have set up a webpage in her memory, including a lovely gallery of photos dating back to her student days.
Dr Barbara Blacklaws, Fellow and Director of Studies in Natural Sciences