Welcome to EES!

Earth and Environmental Science at Acadia offers programs leading to B.Sc. degrees in Environmental Science, Geology and Environmental Geoscience, and M.Sc. degrees in Geology, Environmental Science and Applied Geomatics.

Departmental News

Dr. Zhou recieves an NSERC Grant!

Congratulations to Dr. Zhenhao Zhou on his NSERC Grant!

Awarded: Discovery Grant for $175,000

Project: A five-year study entitled, “Temporal evolution of plutonic-volcanic systems from magmatic to post-magmatic stages: implications for rare-earth-elements mineralization”

Why this research matters: The migration of magma and fluids in Earth’s crust redistributes heat and mass and, in some systems, concentrates elements into ore deposits mined since ancient times. This program investigates how granite-based magma systems form rare earth element (REE) deposits, which are critical for technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy. By tracking the timing of magma emplacement, cooling, mineral formation, and volcanic activity, the project aims to better understand how these deposits develop. Additionally, this research project will help train the next generation of Canadian petrologists working in critical mineral exploration and development.

Thank You Dr. Spooner!

See the video and Dr. Spooners response here.

Thank you for all you do and the impact you have given many!

"Rowan has had a whirlwind undergraduate career at Acadia, arriving as an Irving Scholar, and helping to lead innovations in sustainability, taking his biochar project all the way to Enactus nationals.

One thing, he says, during his time at Acadia has remained constant: having Dr. Ian Spooner in his corner. “Your belief in me, especially in times where I wasn’t sure of myself, has helped me more than you know,” Rowan tells his honours supervisor.

In knowing Rowan, Dr. Spooner says he’s "had the pleasure of seeing somebody develop opportunities who, in my wildest dreams at that age, I don’t think I would ever have had the opportunity to realize.”

“It’s these kinds of experiences that I’ve had with you that make everything I’ve done at Acadia worthwhile.”"

See all the thank you letters from other departments here.

Spooner, Ricketts and Stanley Retirement

Congratulations to Dr. Ian Spooner, Dr. Peter Ricketts and Dr. Cliff Stanley on their upcoming retirements!

All three have been incredible assets over the years to the department and they will be very much missed.

Their retirement party was held at the University Club with many folks dropping in and giving well wishes. Dr. Nelson O'Driscoll; our current Head, gave a speech and read letters from former students, while Dr. Rob Raeside our previous long term Head and former Dean of Science gave a speech speaking to the longevity and contributions to the department.

Happy Retirement to All!