Queen’s is celebrating as two researchers root themselves at the forefront of environmental science.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is honouring two Queen’s professors for their lifetime achievements in environmental science including Dr. Kerry Rowe from the Department of Civil Engineering, who received the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering, and Dr. John Smol from the Department of Biology, who was awarded the Donna Strickland Prize for Societal Impact of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research.
NSERC funds research and innovation across sectors, ing Canadian scientists and engineers in achieving impactful breakthroughs. According to The Gazette, Queen’s has won 14 major NSERC prizes since 1990.
Rowe has focused his career on geoenvironmental engineering, specifically waste management. His work addresses critical questions about waste containment, landfill design, and the safe disposal of hazardous materials, which he believes are often overlooked but vital to public health.
Smol is a pioneer in paleolimnology, and his research reveals the historical impacts of human activity on lakes and rivers through the study of sediment layers, which act like environmental time capsules.
Rowe and Smol are both appreciative of the group effort behind their successes.
“This isn’t just an award for me; it’s a recognition of the countless colleagues, students, and postdoctoral fellows who have contributed over the years. It is the first time in the last 30 years a civil engineer has won this award,” Rowe said in an interview with The Journal.
“It’s very much a group award with me going up to get the plaque,” Smol said in an interview with The Journal.
Rowe noted the safe disposal of various types of waste, is crucial yet rarely celebrated.
“We don’t do work that grabs headlines because our goal is to prevent disasters, not respond to them,” Rowe added.
Smol describes his research akin to stepping into an environmental time machine.
“Lakes accumulate sediment over time, almost like pages in a history book. The sediment layers in lakes allow us to track changes dating back thousands of years, revealing crucial insights about how human activity and natural factors have impacted ecosystems,” he said.
By studying these sediment layers, Smol and his team analyze data stretching back to the 1800s and even farther, making it possible to map how ecosystems responded to various stressors, including climate change, pollution, and human interference.
Rowe hopes to expand his research to tackle “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic compounds, used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, don’t degrade naturally and pose long-term risks to the environment. His work is extending to develop landfill liners called geomembranes that can safely contain such chemicals for longer, ensuring they don’t leak into the surrounding environment.
“Deg landfills capable of containing these persistent chemicals is a monumental task. We’re talking about materials that might last thousands of years. The traditional landfill designs we’ve used aren’t enough anymore,” Rowe said.
In collaboration with Indigenous communities, Smol’s research is expanding to address the historical impact of industrial activities, such as mining, on traditional lands. This partnership, he says, blends Western scientific methods with Indigenous knowledge, enriching both perspectives
“Indigenous groups often seek historical clarity on how their lands have been altered by industrialization. Many communities want to know what their lakes and rivers were like before mining or other disruptive activities began. Our research can answer those questions,” Smol said.
Rowe credits the University for fostering an environment that s interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
“The GeoEngineering Centre here at Queen’s has been instrumental. The facility brings together researchers from geology, civil engineering, and environmental sciences,” Rowe said in an interview with The Journal.
In collaboration between Queen’s University and the Royal Military College, the Queen’s GeoEngineering Centre focuses on sustainable solutions in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. It addresses critical issues like waste containment, soil mechanics, and groundwater protection to prevent environmental damage and public health.
This collaborative hub has enabled Rowe and his colleagues to work on large-scale projects that address pressing environmental issues.
Looking forward, both Rowe and Smol see their work evolving in response to growing environmental demands.
“If we want to manage our ecosystems effectively, we must first understand how they’ve been impacted over time,” Smol said.
“There are so many issues that need attention, look for practical problems where you can make a difference. It really is all about digging deeply and doing things that benefit society,” Rowe said.
All NSERC prize winners can be found on their website.
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