Dr. Barbour is currently Professor of Civil engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. He graduated from this University with a Bachelor of Engineering, where he also obtained his Masters and PhD. He was appointed full professor over a decade ago, where he now concentrates his teaching and research in geotechnical engineering, particularly in the areas of contaminant transport in saturated and unsaturated soils, and in mine waste reclamation.

Dr. Barbour is a recognized expert in the area of designs to prevent or minimize damaging affects from reactive mine wastes. As you might expect in many countries, especially Canada, where mining is such an important industry, the contributions of Dr. Barbour are very important and his services as researcher and a consultant are much in demand. Recently his research has been directed at understanding how best to develop a watershed cover over the acidic overburden wastes for the huge mines of the Alberta oil sands. Given the growing development of these oil sands, Dr. Barbour’s work can be seen as not only important for the mining industry, but also demonstrates his commitment to protection of Canada’s natural environment.

He now has over 300 technical publications to his credit, including chapters for three books, and his work has already won a number of prestigious awards. Yet, as successful as Professor Barbour is as a researcher and consultant, his true love is teaching. He offers his students a blend of academic experience together with the knowledge gained from his research and consulting experience. This is a marvelous combination for a professor to have, and it is no wonder that he has already won, twice, the University of Saskatchewan Student Union Award for excellence in teaching.

Dr. Barbour is a licensed professional engineer in Saskatchewan, a member of both the CGS and CSCE and an Associate Editor of the Canadian Geotechnical Journal, considered to rank with the best geotechnical journals in the world. In addition to his technical achievements Professor Barbour is an exemplary citizen of the City of Saskatoon and has contributed to both his city and province. He has served as chairman of the Legislative Committee, the Board of Trustees for Aldersgate College in Saskatchewan, and on a number of Education and Guidance Boards for the Methodist church of Canada.

Indeed a well-rounded and productive engineer, researcher and teacher - - and now a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada.

Mr. President – Dr. S. Lee Barbour