Five Faculty of Science professors named to Canadian Geographic list of nation's 100 greatest explorers

UAlberta scientists included alongside names like astronaut Chris Hadfield and director James Cameron.

14 October 2015

An astounding 5% of Canada's greatest explorers in 2015 are professors in UAlberta's Faculty of Science, according to Canadian Geographic magazine and the Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Described by Can Geo as "questing to better our geographic and scientific knowledge of Canada, Earth, and everything beyond," this illustrious list of explorers recognizes UAlberta scientists alongside household names such as astronaut Chris Hadfield and director James Cameron.

The names from the Faculty of Science include:

  • Philip Currie (Professor and Canada Research Chair in dinosaur paleobiology, Biological Sciences)
  • John England (Professor Emeritus, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences)
  • Eva Koppelhus (Assistant Professor in paleobotany, Biological Sciences)
  • David Schindler (Professor Emeritus in water ecology, Biological Sciences)
  • Ian Stirling (Adjunct Professor in polar bear ecology, Biological Sciences)

Four of these hail from the Department of Biological Sciences. Says department chair Michael Caldwell: "The University of Alberta is home to some of the world's greatest minds in biological sciences, and it is a testament to the quality of researchers to see four members of our faculty included in this list of Canada's greatest explorers,"

Dean of Science Jonathan Schaeffer adds, "All scientists are explorers by nature-we seek new knowledge. That our Faculty has such strong representation on the Royal Canadian Geographical Society's list of greatest explorers reinforces our reputation for research excellence."

Find the full list online here: Canada's greatest explorers 2015