Barbara Sherwood Lollar
Early Life and Education
Barbara Sherwood Lollar was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She developed an interest in geology at a young age, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Harvard University. Following her undergraduate studies, Sherwood Lollar went on to earn a Ph.D. in geochemistry from the University of Waterloo.
Career and Research
Sherwood Lollar is best known for her research in the field of isotope geochemistry, specifically her work on groundwater and subsurface geology. She has made significant contributions to understanding the age and origins of groundwater, as well as the microbial life that exists in deep subsurface environments.
Her research has led to the discovery of ancient water, some of which is billions of years old, trapped deep within the Earth's crust. This discovery has significant implications for the study of astrobiology, as it provides insights into the potential for life on other planets.
Sherwood Lollar has also conducted extensive research on the remediation of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons. Her work in this area has led to the development of innovative techniques for tracking the degradation of these contaminants in the environment.
Awards and Honours
Throughout her career, Sherwood Lollar has been the recipient of numerous awards and honours. She was awarded the John Polanyi Award in Chemistry for her groundbreaking research in geochemistry. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and a recipient of the NSERC John C. Polanyi Award.
In 2019, Sherwood Lollar was awarded the prestigious Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering, the country's highest honour for scientists and engineers. She was recognized for her revolutionary contributions to geochemistry, which have reshaped our understanding of the Earth's subsurface and its implications for life on other planets.
Personal Life
Sherwood Lollar leads a private life away from her professional duties. She is known for her dedication to her research and her commitment to advancing the field of geochemistry. Despite her numerous achievements, she remains humble and focused on her work, embodying the true spirit of a scientist.