Prof Honoured for Groundwater Research
December 03, 2009 - News Release
A University of Guelph environmental engineering professor has received an international award for significant research contributions to the understanding of groundwater.
Prof. Beth Parker is the 2009 recipient of the John Hem Award for Excellence in Science and Engineering from the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers (AGWSE) for her work on improving conceptual models based on field-scale studies. This research has been important in making informed decisions about groundwater remediation, protection and management.
“Dr. Parker shows great energy and enthusiasm for educating and informing others, always encourages debate and discussion and is an eager collaborator,” said Timothy Parker, an AGWSE member and nominator. “She is well-respected in academia as a researcher and teacher and is recognized as a leading expert in contaminant hydrogeology in the groundwater industry.”
Made up of more than 13,000 international professionals, the AGWSE is dedicated to advancing groundwater knowledge and supporting the beneficial protection and management of the world’s groundwater resources.
“This award brings recognition to the University of Guelph for its role in addressing water, and I am delighted we have outstanding faculty like Beth who are contributing and being recognized in very significant ways,” said Prof. Steven Liss, associate vice-president (research services).
Parker, who was involved in the investigations and remediation of contaminated industrial sites before entering academia, joined the University of Guelph in 2006 as a Senior Industrial Research Chair with more than $5 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
Most recently, she received $5 million from the Ontario Research Fund to lead a research team aimed at developing technologies to secure safe and sustainable groundwater supplies.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338 or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or dhealey@uoguelph.ca.
