Dr. Erik Krogh and Dr, Chris Gill received their 25-year Long Service recognition for 2022.
In some ways, it is hard to believe that Dr. Chris Gill and Dr. Erik Krogh are celebrating their 25 years at VIU. If anything, it seems their energy, engagement and desire for excellence has only grown over the years, deepening their passion for research and teaching in the field of Chemistry. Both are professors in the Chemistry Department and are co-directors of the Applied Environmental Research Laboratories (AERL) with long lists of accomplishments and accolades behind their names. The similarities between the two do not just end there, so talking about them together seems natural, as their manager Todd Barsby, Associate Dean of Science Technology pointed out the recent Long Service Dinner.
“Their partnership is a hallmark of their success,” Barsby said at the dinner. “Together, they have brought in millions of dollars in grant funds, trained hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students, and double-handedly (as a duo) raised the profile of VIU by showcasing the power of undergraduate research to our peers across Canada and the US.”
The AERL has been considered a fast-track to student success, helping students understand some of the directions a chemistry degree can lead, as well as providing opportunities for sophisticated and challenging research experience. The direct link to real world applications making it all the more relevant.
However, the two are not solely defined by their successful partnership.
Dr. Gill’s recent work through AERL is literally saving lives.
“His research has continued to pioneer innovative ways to interface with something called a mass spectrometer, and focus this technique’s analytical power on developing life-saving harm reduction tools,” Barsby said. “These are tools, like paper-spray mass spectrometry, that have been put to use testing for trace levels of fentanyl in drug samples on the Downtown Eastside.”
This is in addition to mentoring and teaching thousands of students throughout his 25 years.
Dr. Krogh is the definition of an academic “in all the best ways”, according to Barsby and other colleagues.
“In the entertainment industry he would be seen as a ‘triple threat’. In academics, we just sit in awe of someone who is such a natural at research, teaching, and service,” Barsby shared. “I honestly think he could teach any course in the CHEM program.”
Dr. Krogh provides enthusiastic mentorship to students, and colleagues who are dealing with professional difficulties also find a thoughtful listener with good advice when they knock on his door.
Congratulations and thank you to both Dr. Krogh and Dr. Gill for your dedication, passion, and professionalism over the last 25 years.
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