Balfour+Currie



Balfour Currie was a famous Canadian Scientist born in Montana in 1902. His hard work and involvement has led to many scientific developments in today’s modern society. His contributions to research and knowledge and his association with the University of Saskatchewan have also resulted in the evolvement of learning centers. For these contributions to today’s scientific development Balfour Currie is a remarkable candidate for the Scientist Hall of Fame.

In the beginning his journey led him to receive a BSc with high honors in his physics class, an MSc from the University of Saskatchewan and a PhD from McGill University. From these, it is clear that he had great motivation and determination towards his studies. Once finished with school in 1930, he was appointed an assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan where they were aware of his work ethics and his scientific abilities. Two years later, Currie began an exhibition in the Arctic with the Canadian Weather service as a meteorologist. While there, Currie and his partner Frank Thomas who was a physics lecturer at the time were able to record and analyze data. These findings were later very important for the research in Aurora Borealis and the Upper Atmospheric Studies. It was said by G.G Shepherd “It was only because of Currie's success at Chesterfield Inlet, and in gleaning the results afterwards, that the University of Saskatchewan was able to embark on upper atmospheric physics at such an opportune time, in the early fifties. Currie's contribution enabled Canada to participate actively in space science in the latter part of the 1950-60 decade. That is the real legacy of Chesterfield Inlet and Balfour Currie." His research and perseverance not only aided the University of Saskatchewan and Chesterfield Inlet but it also benefited Canada and its opportunity to be involved in space sciences.

Currie’s contributions never came to rest, even after he retired in 1974. He became the president of the Alumni association for the University of Saskatchewan. His position, as well as many donations was made to make sure that the University be up to high standards. He wanted this in order to give the students a memorable experience as well as providing them with reliable and important information that they could apply in their future. However, this is not all that he did in his spare time. While he remained true to his connections with the University and continued as the presidents research advisor, he lent his time and skills for the benefit of scientific discoveries. His aid and words were taken into high consideration because his presence and opinions were greatly appreciated and considered reliable. That’s not all either, for five years Currie served as a coordinator of Canadian research activities in International Magnetospheric studies. Being involved in this allowed him to offer his knowledge towards the subject of Magnetospheric studies and also to create a fun and exciting way to learn necessities of the subject. Currie looked at science as a crucial part of tomorrow. Due to this he was very dedicated to his work and being able to share his knowledge with those who feel the same way. Even after his death at his home in Saskatoon in 1981 Balfour Currie is still remembered for his contributions to scientific research.

Lastly there are many people who would agree that Balfour Currie would be a remarkable model for the Scientist Hall of Fame. Throughout his life he has received numerous awards congratulating him on his efforts towards scientific research and his work with the students mostly from the University of Saskatchewan. His first honor was an election for a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. This came from his strong support towards the objectives of the society. He gave his respect to his society and in return they recognized his contributions with this gracious acclaim. Next he was appointed a companion of the Order of Canada. The reasoning for this honor was his outstanding contributions as a distinguished University teacher in Saskatchewan and the knowledge that he was able to share with all of his students and his colleagues. He was an able administrator with his organization and leading within all of the various positions he had taken on throughout his life. Also, He was highly respected as a research scientist and his analysis of data. Then Currie was elected a fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society of Great Britain. Shorty after that he was elected a fellow of the Arctic Institute of Canada. Then, in 1962 he was awarded a gold medal for “Achievements in Physics” which was awarded in recognition of his presidency of the American Geophysical Union and his accomplishments with the Canadian Association of physicists. Later he was presented with the Patterson medal from the Meteorological Society for his enormous contributions to Meteorology. After these acknowledgements he was then given an Honorary LLD from the University of Saskatchewan and lastly, a few years later he was praised with an Honorary DSc from York University. All of these honors and acclaims were awarded to Currie with complete respect for his knowledge and contributions to the society as well as his genius scientific research developments.

To conclude, Balfour Currie would be a great representative for the Scientist Hall of Fame. His lifetime achievements have been recognized by his society and the country. His research and teaching have benefited too many to count as well as his gracious contributions of his time and knowledge to scientific analysis. He will always be remembered to most and his research will continue to benefit all into the future. For these he should be reserved a spot in the Hall in memory of his scientific benefaction.

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