Environment professor is awarded University Research Chair
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Professor Helen Jarvie has been awarded a University Research Chair (URC) in recognition of her contributions to water quality science and management. Her research focuses on eutrophication and water quality impairment: a complex environmental sustainability challenge, which is amplified by accelerating changes in climate and land use.
Professor Jarvie’s URC in Water Quality, Biogeochemistry and Aquatic Ecosystem Health will focus on adaptive solutions in land and water management to reduce nutrient (phosphorus and nitrogen) inputs to rivers, and restore river health and function, with the aim of improving the resilience of water bodies to environmental change.
The URC builds upon the Grand River Land-to-Lake initiative that she has developed in collaboration with colleagues in the Faculty of Environment, to identify and quantify nutrient sources, and the drivers of eutrophication and water quality impairment in Canada’s largest Lake Erie watershed. Professor Jarvie’s URC research will help to prioritize mitigation measures and identify nutrient targets to support a healthy Great Lakes Ecosystem, and provide a cornerstone for wider global partnerships in sustainable water quality management.
The ultimate goal of this URC is to help our watersheds – and the people living in them – to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world, by building new research capacity towards sustainable futures in water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, from local to global scales.
The URC designation recognizes exceptional achievement and pre-eminence as a researcher in the individual’s field, and allows the faculty member to devote additional time and resources to their research. At most five appointments are made each year. With Dr. Jarvie’s appointment, the Faculty of Environment has five URCs, in addition to eight Canada Research Chairs. Learn more about Environment researchers, their projects and accomplishments.
