Dr. Bruce Broster

Dr. Bruce Broster taught at UNB for 35 years, and is a well-recognized and highly admired professor and educator in earth sciences.

Dr. Broster graduated with a BSc in earth sciences from the University of Waterloo and received his PhD from the University of Western Ontario. He has held positions at the University of Missouri, University of British Columbia, the University of Windsor and at UNB.

Evidence of Dr. Broster’s excellence in teaching and research have been recognized by the many nominations and awards he has received throughout the years, most notably, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of New Brunswick (APEGNB) 2021 Outstanding Educator Award and the Geoscientists Canada’s Professional Geoscientist Award in 2012. His contributions to the geoscience profession and province of New Brunswick were recognized with the APEGNB L.W. Bailey Award in 2013.

Dr. Broster was honoured with the UNB Merit Award in 2012 and the UNB President’s Distinguished Service Award in 2021. He was supervisor to 17 MSc and three PhD students, all of whom have moved forward as successful individuals working in teaching, industry or government.

Known for his innovative approach to curriculum development and academic innovation, he is credited for having co-developed and conceptualized several academic programs, including UNB’s environmental geochemical program, joint bachelor of arts and science degree, the articulated NBCC-SJ/UNB Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Studies program and more.

Dr. Broster’s research has been widely published, with over 200 scientific communications that include approximately 50 papers in reviewed scientific journals, 37 published government reports and guides and 131 abstracts and presentations. His research has been supported by approximately $1.2 million in grants from industry, government and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Dr. Broster was active in his field of study outside of academia, and served as president of Geoscientists Canada (GC) and Chair of the GC Standards Board, president of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick (APEGNB), Chair and Vice Chair of APEGNB’s Foundation for Education.

In acknowledgement for his many contributions to the geoscience and engineering professions, he was awarded fellowships by The Geological Association of Canada (FGAC), Geoscientists Canada (FGC) and Engineers Canada (FECH).