Renowned Queen’s University researcher John Smol, one of the world’s top arctic experts, was recently named a Canadian Change Maker, defined as Canadians who changed the world in 2013.  Dr. Smol is one of only nine Canadians selected by the magazine Canadian Geographic for an honour that includes film director James Cameron and retired astronaut Chris Hadfield.

“I am delighted to be recognized in this way, and continue to hope that scientific research will have more influence on public policy and lead to a wider recognition of the seriousness of some of our environmental problems,” says Dr. Smol.

Canadian Geographic describes Dr. Smol as “a pioneer of “paleolimnology” (the study of layers of lake sediment that provides insight into recent and ancient environmental shifts)” and says that “…this Queen’s University biology professor is among the most influential people on this list of change makers. Dr. Smol’s work has helped people the world over grasp the reality of climate change.”

“Dr. Smol is a leader in his field and an inspiration to young researchers,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “Being recognized by Canadian Geographic is a true honour and a testament to Dr. Smol’s years of dedication to his field.”

Since 1990, Dr. Smol has earned over 45 research and teaching awards. He has held the Canada Research Chair in Environmental Change since 1991 and was named an Officer in the Order of Canada in June. His most recent honour was the prestigious Weston Family Prize for Lifetime Achievement in Northern Research.