Congratulations to Dr. Chris Yakymchuk in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, who has received the Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision.
Dr. Yakymchuk’s research involves studying the processes of mountain formation over time, particularly the differences in these processes from the Archean era (over 2.5 billion years ago) to the present, as reflected in the rocks. Using a diverse approach involving fieldwork, petrology, geology, geochemistry, and geochronology, he explores orogenesis (the geological process of mountain formation) and continental crust development.
Additionally, he investigates fluid-rock interactions in the deep crust and applies principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology to understand the origin of mineral deposits and critical minerals. The benefits of his research range from advancing scientific knowledge about Earth’s history to understanding the localization and responsible development of our natural resources.
The depth of his research makes him an exceptionally well-rounded scientist, capable of training students in field work, petrology, instrumental analyses, and numerical modelling across multiple geoscience fields. Yakymchuk has completed sole supervision of four PhD students and eight MSc students and has co-supervised three MSc students and several visiting PhD students. He is currently supervising one PhD student and four MSc students and is co-supervising two PhD students and one MSc student. He won the Department’s Jane Lang Excellence in Earth and Environmental Sciences award in 2020 for his outstanding teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
His ability to attract and retain exceptional students is shown in the quantity of scholarship and research awards won by his students, including a NSERC Vanier Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, UW Alumni Gold Medal Finalist, W.B. Pearson Medal, Dean of Science Award, and the Marie-Claire Ward Geoscience Award. Students supervised by Yakymchuk have a strong record of securing employment in government agencies, industry, and academia.
The letters of support in Dr. Yakymchuk’s nomination package highlight his exceptional character and dedication to teaching excellence and student success.
“In just over 10 years at the University of Waterloo, Chris has established a truly outstanding graduate student supervision style that enables award-winning students to flourish, realize their research potential, and develop skillsets from their projects that enable them to secure geoscience-oriented jobs.”
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Brian Kendall, Professor and Interim Department Chair
“It is no exaggeration to say Chris prioritizes making time for his students so they can excel, which, on his behalf, requires a very careful balance of his highly sought-after time and attention. While it should not be exceptional to feel valued by educators, Chris unfailingly ensures that his students feel supported and valued.”
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Jessica Gareau, BSc ’25, current MSc graduate student
“Chris embodies what it means to be a supportive, forward-thinking, and empowering graduate supervisor. His mentorship philosophy is rooted in understanding the whole student, including our personal goals, background, academic strengths, and the career paths that excite us.”
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Carson Kinney, BSc ‘19, PhD ’24, Postdoctoral Researcher
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) established the Award of Excellence in Graduate Supervision in 2005 to recognize exemplary faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in graduate student supervision. Read more about this year’s recipients.