Philippe van Cappellen - 2019/2020

Philippe van Cappellen – Earth & Environmental Sciences

Dr. Philippe van Cappellen is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a world-renowned expert in the area of Ecohydrology. Professor Van Cappellen arrived at the University of Waterloo in 2011 as the esteemed Canadian Excellence Research Chair in Ecohydrology. In just 9 years since beginning his tenure at the University, Professor van Cappellen has developed a research group of close to 50 research personnel including research faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. In this short time period, he has supervised or co-supervised a total of 10 master’s students, 16 PhD students and 8 postdoctoral fellows. In fact, at the Spring 2019 convocation, he had 6 graduating PhD students, which is indeed unprecedented within Earth and Environmental Sciences.

In developing the nomination materials for this award, students and colleagues describe his mentorship as inspirational and highly supportive. He continually encourages his graduate students to achieve the highest level of excellence possible through creativity, curiosity and dedication. He is an outstanding role model for all who have had the opportunity to work and interact with him. Many of the professionals who have trained with Philippe, have moved on to permanent positions due, in a large part, to the education and opportunities they received under his supervision. Professor van Cappellen is dedicated to the development, success and future careers of his graduate students and this has already established a legacy that is having an influence at an international scale.