Faculty of Science

McMaster University alumnus Paul Hoffman is a revolutionary research scientist and innovator in tectonic and sedimentary geology who earned his BSc in geology at McMaster, followed by MSc and PhD degrees at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Hoffman is particularly well-known for his pioneering research on Proterozoic carbonates and the application of plate tectonics to the Earth’s early history, particularly research based on his extensive fieldwork in northern Namibia. He also developed the Snowball Earth hypothesis which links global glaciation events to evolutionary and tectonic milestones. In 2024, Dr. Hoffman was recognized for his lifetime of scholarship with the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences, one of the world’s most prestigious honours in science.Dr. Hoffman was a long-time research scientist and then senior research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada, mapping vast tracts of the northwestern Canadian Shield and producing pioneering research on plate tectonics of the Precambrian era. At the same time, he held a series of academic appointments at universities including the University of California – Santa Barbara, California Institute of Technology, University of Texas at Dallas and Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Dr. Hoffman then became a professor of geology at the University of Victoria for two years before moving to Harvard University in 1994 as the Sturgis Hooper Professor of Geology. He has been professor emeritus since 2008.

A member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of Canada and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Hoffman has earned many honours including the Logan Medal of the Geological Association of Canada, the Willet G. Miller Medal of the Royal Society of Canada, the Henno Martin Medal of the Geological Society of Namibia, the Gold Medal of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and, perhaps most importantly to the former member of McMaster’s track and cross-country teams, membership in the McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2012, Dr. Hoffman, who has authored articles in high-profile publications including Science and Scientific American, was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

 
As a mentor, Dr. Nishimura has guided both graduate and undergraduate students, encouraging independent research and community engagement. She has also been a leader in fostering student organizations, such as the Human Behaviour Society, promoting student leadership and service.

Her pedagogical innovation extends beyond the classroom. She actively contributes to the broader academic community by attending conferences, conducting research on educational practices like ungrading, and implementing new strategies for fostering inclusive learning environments.

Arya Ebadi will continue his commitment to enhancing student life at McMaster University by serving as the MSU’s Vice-President (Administration) and Chief Administrative Officer for the 2026-2027 academic year.