The Government of Canada has appointed three new Canada Research Chairs at UNBC, adding to northern expertise in climate change, forest ecosystems, and forest insects. Two of the Chairs have been attracted to UNBC from American universities.

In this round of CRC appointments, UNBC outperformed every other small university in Canada.

Atmospheric scientist Stephen Dery will be coming to UNBC from Princeton University and will study the effects of climate change in the North. The temperature increase over the next century is predicted to be higher in the North than any other region on earth and Dr. Dery’s research will focus on the effects of rising air temperatures on the water cycle: precipitation, snow, river flows, and evaporation.

Current UNBC biology professor Russell Dawson is focusing on issues of evolution and ecology in northern forests. In particular, he will study birds such as swallows, bluebirds, and kestrels. The reproductive success of these birds will provide an excellent indication of the overall health of the environment. Field sites in northern BC and northern Saskatchewan are being established and Dr. Dawson’s techniques on measuring the response of birds to environmental degradation will be useful to efforts aimed at protecting wildlife habitat while engaging in resource management.

Dezene Huber will be studying the ecological and genetic processes that allow forest insects to resist natural plant defenses. The mountain pine beetle outbreak has been a high-profile infestation, but Dr. Huber’s research has implications for understanding the “chemical warfare” that occurs between insects and the plants upon which they feed. By better understanding the factors that make trees more tolerant of insect attack, the research could lead to pest-control products designed to target specific insects based on their molecular biology – potentially leading to the development of highly specific pesticides. He is coming to UNBC from the University of California at Davis.

"The Canada Research Chairs program is a significant gain for universities and colleges across the country," said the Honourable David Emerson, minister of industry and minister responsible for the Canada Research Chairs program. "It ensures Canadian research excellence for years to come, and gives our students - the next generation of leaders and thinkers - the opportunity to learn from the best and brightest minds in the world."

These appointments will start on July 1, 2005, and double the current number of Canada Research Chairs at UNBC. UNBC also has Canada Research Chairs in rural and small town studies, forest soils, and climate modelling.

Contact:

Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622