Barbara Sherwood Lollar named to the National Academy of Sciences

May 5, 2022 by Dan Haves

This week, the National Academy of Sciences announced the election of 120 members and 30 international members in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar was among the 30 international members announced. 

"Election to prestigious international societies comes with a sense of profound gratitude to the colleagues who – usually completely anonymously – work to nominate, support and promote their colleagues," says Sherwood Lollar. "We all benefit from that spirit of selflessness and leadership. It is an immense honour to join such a scientific community."

Sherwood Lollar has conducted groundbreaking research into the geochemistry of ancient waters and geochemical life processes occurring kilometres beneath the planet’s surface. This includes the discovery of billion-year-old water deep within the Canadian Precambrian Shield.

She also conducts research in groundwater quality and remediation. Her work identifying the source and tracking the movement of contaminants in groundwater helps guide environmental policy.

Membership to the NAS is considered one of the highest honours that a scientist can receive. Sherwood Lollar becomes just the 17th faculty member from the University of Toronto to receive this honour, and the third to hold appointments to the department of chemistry, joining University Professor Emeritus John Polanyi and University Professor Lewis Kay.