2025 Patterson Distinguished Service Medal
Professor Parisa A. Ariya was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Patterson Distinguished Service Medal, an award widely regarded as the most prestigious Canadian distinction recognizing exceptional contributions to meteorology. Meteorology is a broad discipline within the atmospheric sciences and encompasses several specialized research areas, including atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics, dynamic meteorology, hydrology, climatology, and climate change.
Derek G. Gray (1941-2026)
It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that our dear colleague and friend Dr. Derek G. Gray, Professor Emeritus, passed away on Saturday May 30th
Researchers warn of risks posed by ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ found in crops, agricultural soil
A new international study offers insights into the health risks posed by crops’ absorption of “contaminants of emerging concern” (CECs) and flags knowledge gaps the authors say must be addressed.
David Harpp (1937-2026)
It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you that Dr David Harpp, Tomlinson Professor Emeritus in Science Education, our colleague, but also to many of us in the department a teacher, mentor and friend for many decades, passed away Saturday February 14th, peacefully and in the presence of those closest to him.
McGill Magnetic Resonance Facilities (MMRF) are now recycling helium
In late April 2021, a helium recovery system was installed for the Chemistry NMR/EPR Facility in Otto Maass and the QANUC high-field NMR facility in Pulp and Paper. This technology, one of only a few in Canada, allows for up to 90% of the helium used in the facilities to be recycled, thus protecting a valuable, and limited, natural resources, and limited greenhouse gas emissions. Funding was obtained fr
NMR facilities managers trying to solve helium problem
Department members Tara Sprules, manager of the national high-field NMR facility QANUC, and Robin Stein, chemistry department (MC2) NMR/EPR manager, have just had an article published in the CIC newsletter about helium. Together, they use about 2900 L of helium annually to make their eight NMR spectrometers function, and recent cost increases have left them feeling nervous about the future.
