Alumni Profile: John Frim

John Frim, PhD

John Frim

BSc Physics ‘72, MSc Physics ‘74, PhD Biophysics ‘77

First Secretary Defence, R&D (retired)

Embassy of Canada

Washington, DC


After his postdoctoral study at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, Dr. Frim—an expert in thermal physiology, environmental ergonomics, and human factors—joined the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine (now DRDC Toronto) as a Defence Scientist.

Dr. Frim’s career achievements include: 119 open literature publications and proceedings, five international defence research and development panel reports, two book chapters, and one conference proceedings (editor); over 60 scientific and keynote presentations; 15 defence R&D contracts; four patents pending and/or awarded; Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto School of Physical and Health Education; and full voting Member of the Canadian General Standards Board Committee on Firefighter’s Protective Clothing.

His many honours include DRDC’s most prestigious award, the Performance Excellence Award, and the Gold Status Award, which recognizes project management excellence. Dr. Frim's contributions to numerous international R&D and NATO panels led to a diplomatic appointment as First Secretary Defence R&D at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC.