Trent University Alumnus Appointed Officer to the Order of Canada

Trent alumnus Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell (Traill College ‘83) has received the nation’s highest honour by being appointed an officer to the Order of Canada.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McDonnell is a professor of hydrology and associate director of the Global Institute for Water Security. His award-winning research has had a seminal scientific impact on the field, including advancing water security and deepening the world’s understanding of the water cycle according to Trent.

“On behalf of the Trent University community, I congratulate Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell on his achievements that exemplify Trent’s values of excellence, innovation, and leadership in water research,” said Naomi Handley, Trent director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “Dr. McDonnel’s remarkable contributions to hydrology not only advance scientific understanding but also serve as a profound source of inspiration for our students who, like him, are poised to lead in environmental sciences and shape the future of water research.” 

McDonnel’s appointment was announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Trent’s seventh chancellor.

“Trent is where it all started for me,” said McDonnell. “My professors and peers all shaped me, and Trent provided the launching pad for my research career.” 

He has served as President of the American Geophysical Union’s Hydrology Section and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences International Commission on Tracers while also being named a member of the Royal Society of Canada and a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Royal Geographical Society.  

According to Trent, McDonnell’s research has led to new techniques for measuring and understanding how rainfall moves through landscapes while improving our understanding of how watersheds store and release water.

“Understanding these issues is critical to solving some of the world’s biggest water challenges,” he says.

McDonnell’s accolades include the 2016 International Hydrology Prize from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization and prizes from the European Geosciences Union, American Institute of Hydrology, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

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