New leadership welcomed by UBC Chemistry and EOAS

This summer, two of UBC’s largest science units will have new heads, with Professor Laurel Schafer and Dr. Erik Eberhardt stepping into leadership roles in the departments of Chemistry and Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, respectively. Both appointments are set to begin on July 1, 2024.

Professor Schafer, who focuses on developing new catalytic methods for carbon-nitrogen and carbon-carbon bond forming reactions, has been serving as associate head of research with UBC Chemistry since 2016. Dr. Eberhardt, the current director of UBC’s geological engineering program, conducts research in rock mechanics and rock engineering, which is relevant to both surface and underground engineering problems.

Dean pro tem Dr. Mark MacLachlan expressed his excitement about working with both Schafer and Eberhardt to advance the goals of their departments. He commended Dr. Michael Wolf for his leadership as head of Chemistry over the past eight years, which included navigating challenges like the pandemic and enhancing diversity within the department.

Similarly, Dr. Philippe Tortell was recognized for his leadership at EOAS, which brought in talented researchers and educators, developed ties with Chilean researchers, and initiated a future minerals initiative. Under Tortell’s leadership, EOAS has become one of the most diverse departments in the world and has contributed to UBC’s strong national rankings in geology and earth sciences.

Chemistry and EOAS play crucial roles in UBC’s academic landscape, providing training to thousands of students every year. The Chemistry head search committee includes members like Dr. Dan Bizzotto and Dr. Mark Thachuk, while the EOAS head search committee is made up of individuals like Dr. Dominique Weis and Dr. Scott McDougall.