Dr. Peter Bernath (BSc '76): Distinguished Alumni award
As a leader in the field of high resolution spectroscopy of molecules,Peter has already made an astonishing career out of atmospheric discoveries. He is well known for discovering the long carbon chain molecule C5 in the late-type carbon star IRC+10216 and for being a member of the team of scientists who confirmed the existence of water on the sun.
As Mission Scientist for the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) Mission launched by satellite in 2003, Peter studies atmospheric chemistry and dynamics that affect stratospheric ozone depletion in what has been heralded as one of Canada's most important science investigations to date. He is currently the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Old Dominion University in Virginia. He holds a BSc in Chemistry (physics) from the University of Waterloo as well as a PhD in physical chemistry from MIT.