The University of Waterloo’s Ecohydrology Research Group hosted a special Research Symposium on December 6th to celebrate the 6oth birthday of Philippe Van Cappellen. The symposium was attended by colleagues and students, past and present, many of whom travelled to Waterloo from overseas.
The symposium showcased the impactful research conducted by Philippe and his colleagues in various scientific fields, and spanned his career from graduate studies at Yale University, to positions at Utrecht University and Georgia Institute of Technology, to Philippe’s Canada Excellence Research Chair appointment at the University of Waterloo founding the Ecohydrology Research Group.
A full day of research sessions was held featuring former colleagues of Philippe’s who travelled from France, The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Japan and the US to name a few, to honour his achievements and the impact he has made to environmental research and to education. Carl Steefel, of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and American Geophysical Union Fellow presented the evening’s keynote lecture where he discussed advancements in the field and Philippe’s unique contributions. A few rare photo memories of Philippe’s travels and time in Connecticut, Georgia, and Utrecht delighted colleagues. Former students shared their research and recounted memorable “Philippe-isms”.
In closing the event, Philippe shared advice for young researchers and noted “I am humbled to have had the opportunity to work with all of the immensely talented researchers that travelled here today, and proud to see the great things former students have gone on to do in their careers”.
Pictured above: (L) Lecture from the morning session (M) Keynote speaker Carl Steefel, of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and American Geophysical Union Fellow (R) Lab Tour (Bottom) Evening Group Photo