June 14, 2004 For Immediate Release

A student from Kelowna has received the Governor-General's gold medalfor academic achievement from the University of Northern BritishColumbia.

Chad Luider graduated in 2004 with a Master of Science in NaturalResources and Environmental Studies. His research focused on the roleof organic carbon in lake systems. In particular, the research focusedon how metal contaminants move around in lakes and how active thecontaminants are in affecting aquatic organisms. This research is veryimportant because metal contamination in lakes is quickly becoming aglobal problem. In fact, research suggests up to a seven fold increasein metal contaminants, such as copper, worldwide. Chad's research willhelp to set guidelines for dealing with these contaminants.

Chad's work has been presented at nine regional, national, andinternational conferences. He also has two publications in respectedacademic journals as well as five more that are "in progress". He had anear-perfect grade-point average in his coursework at the University.

Chad came to UNBC to start his graduate studies, upon therecommendation of Dr Jeff Curtis at Okanagan University College. DrCurtis was also Chad's co-supervisor during his graduate studies, alongwith UNBC Geography professor Ellen Petticrew.

The Governor-General's gold medal is presented annually at UNBC to thetop graduate student completing either a master's or doctoralprogram.