April 22, 2005 for immediate release

The Government of Canada has appointed three newCanada Research Chairs at UNBC, adding to northern expertise in climate change,forest ecosystems, and forest insects. Two of the Chairs have been attracted toUNBC from American universities.

In this round of CRC appointments, UNBC outperformedevery other small university in Canada.

Atmospheric scientist Stephen Dery will be coming toUNBC from Princeton University and will studythe effects of climate change in the North. The temperature increase over thenext century is predicted to be higher in the North than any other region onearth and Dr. Dery’s research will focus on the effects of rising air temperatureson the water cycle: precipitation, snow, river flows, and evaporation.

Current UNBC biology professor Russell Dawson isfocusing on issues of evolution and ecology in northern forests. In particular,he will study birds such as swallows, bluebirds, and kestrels. The reproductivesuccess of these birds will provide an excellent indication of the overallhealth of the environment. Field sites in northern BC and northern Saskatchewan are beingestablished and Dr. Dawson’s techniques on measuring the response of birds toenvironmental degradation will be useful to efforts aimed at protectingwildlife habitat while engaging in resource management.

Dezene Huber will be studying the ecological andgenetic processes that allow forest insects to resist natural plant defenses.The mountain pine beetle outbreak has been a high-profile infestation, but Dr.Huber’s research has implications for understanding the “chemical warfare” thatoccurs between insects and the plants upon which they feed. By better understanding the factors that make treesmore tolerant of insect attack, the research could lead to pest-controlproducts designed to target specific insects based on their molecular biology –potentially leading to the development of highly specific pesticides. He is comingto UNBC from the University of California at Davis.

"The Canada Research Chairs program isa significant gain for universities and colleges across the country,"said the Honourable David Emerson, minister of industry and ministerresponsible for the Canada Research Chairs program. "It ensures Canadianresearch excellence for years to come, and gives our students - the nextgeneration of leaders and thinkers - the opportunity to learn from the best andbrightest minds in the world."

These appointments will start on July 1, 2005, anddouble the current number of Canada Research Chairs at UNBC. UNBC also hasCanada Research Chairs in rural and small town studies, forest soils, andclimate modelling.

Contact:

Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and PublicRelations, UNBC – 250.960.5622