John is a graduate of Waterloo, completing his BSc, Master’s and PhD. Though he began his studies at Waterloo in chemistry, he developed an interest in geology.
I noticed that most of my friends were geologists, John says, and what they were doing was more interesting than what I was doing. I was drawn to the lab work.
John transferred from chemistry to geology, but his doctoral research combined elements of both disciplines. He demonstrated how hydrogen and oxygen isotopes that occur in the exoskeletons of fossil insects hold clues to the environments in which these ancient creatures lived.
Since
retiring
from
the
family
business
in
2004,
John
has
been
a
dedicated
volunteer
to
the
Earth
Sciences
Museum,
undertaking
many
projects
such
as
updating
the
collection
database
and
creating
a
variety
of
educational
posters
and
labels
for
the
museum
displays.
Using
skills
developed
as
a
geologist
and
journalist,
he
provides
information
and
explanation
for
what
might
otherwise
just
be
sparkling
rocks
or
old
bones.
John’s educational posters piece together the stories behind the specimens. He brings them to life, says Peter Russell, the museum’s long-time curator and nominator for this award.
Last year John encouraged his parents to donate to the museum. The donation allowed the museum to purchase a collection of dinosaur paintings and replicas, including the head of Cryolophosaur, a dinosaur discovered in Antarctica.
John’s volunteer efforts extend beyond Waterloo; he also donates his time at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. In the new year he will take his spirit of volunteerism abroad to spend the winter in New Zealand at the Canterbury Museum.
Peter Russell holds high praise for this year’s award winner.
John thinks highly of the University of Waterloo and is an asset to the Earth Sciences Museum. I hope he will continue to give freely of his time to the work of the museum.