UBC Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences appoints new head

An internationally recognized expert on fluid-rock interactions who is studying how to use mining residue to soak up green house gases has been named head of the UBC Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.

Professor Greg Dipple will assume the appointment effective July 1, 2009.

"I’m delighted to be able to make this announcement," notes Science Dean Simon Peacock. "I’m looking forward to working with Greg during what I think will be a very exciting chapter in the history of the department. I’d also like to express my very sincere thanks to Paul Smith for his outstanding leadership of the department over the past nine years, a period that saw EOS's research garner national recognition."

Dipple's recent work has included investigating CO2 sequestration via mineral carbonation—removing C02 from the atmosphere through natural reactions with large-scale mineral deposits or mine tailings, and storing it as environmentally benign by-products. His research has included collaborations with UBC's Mineral Deposit Research Unit and the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research, and included forging strong ties with the minerals industry. His administrative contributions to the University community have included serving on the Dean's Advisory Committee on Promotion and Tenure and as Acting Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs.

Dipple, who joined UBC in 1992, earned his PhD at The Johns Hopkins University. The Earth and Ocean Sciences Head Search Committee included Susan Allen, Ray Anderson, Michael Bostock, Andrew Caruthers, Nancy Heckman, Ken Hickey, Malcolm Scoble, Deborah Varley and Morgan Wittstock.