Dr. Rolf Mathewes

Professor

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Biography

Rolf W. Mathewes is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University, specializing in paleoecology and palynology. His research interests integrate biology, earth sciences, and archaeology, focusing on reconstructing past environmental changes in western Canada. Utilizing various techniques including pollen analysis and radiocarbon dating, he collaborates with other scientists to understand the impacts of climate change, fire disturbances, and human activities on forest and wetland ecosystems. His findings are of interdisciplinary importance and have applications for geologists, archaeologists, climatologists, and resource managers. Mathewes is also pioneering forensic botany research, employing plant materials to assist in legal investigations. Current projects include studying the climate history of postglacial forests in coastal British Columbia and analyzing rich fossil deposits to trace climate patterns over geological timescales. His work contributes significantly to the understanding of environmental changes and landscape evolution in British Columbia.

Research Interests

Courses

General Biology

Requirements for Simon Fraser University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:93
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field
Application Checklist
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Specialization Notes

Department of Philosophy