As part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations at Lakehead University, 40 extraordinary people were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of the institution. Dr. J.E. (El) Molto, who until recently was a full time faculty member of the Department of Anthropology, was named as one of these Northern Lights.

 

On March 29, 2006 Dr. Molto was also honoured as one of the 40 Research Stars. Dr. Scott Hamilton, who is currently in the Department of Anthropology, was also named a Research Star. These awards were determined from nominations by their peers and then successful selection by the Senate Research Committee.

 

Dr. Molto was honoured with these distinctions because of his international reputation as a bioanthropologist with many research projects including the ongoing Dakhleh Oasis project in Egypt and work in Baja. Since some of his research interests include human biology, he was one of the early advocates of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Dr. Molto also spearheaded the founding of the Paleo-DNA Laboratory and played a central role in establishing the Applied Bio-molecular Science Program at Lakehead University. Over his nearly 30 years of service within the Department of Anthropology, Dr. Molto has taught and influenced many undergraduate students. In addition, he has worked with local law enforcement officials and the coroner on forensic cases.

 

In August, 2005 Dr. Molto joined the Department of Anthropology at the University of Western Ontario, where he will be pursuing many opportunities that are available at this larger institute such as supervising PhD students and setting up a new DNA laboratory. Although he is missed in the Department of Anthropology at Lakehead University, he will remain involved with our department as an Adjunct Professor. Dr. Molto will also return periodically to Thunder Bay as he is a founding partner of Molecular World Inc., which is located here.

 

Congratulations on your award Dr. Molto! 

 

 

Dr. Carney Matheson, of the Department of Anthropology at Lakehead University, has recently assisted best selling author Kathy Reichs with her latest novel Cross Bones. Reichs' novels address different aspects of anthropology, so she enlisted the help of Dr. Matheson and the Paleo-DNA Lab. More information about this news item can be found on the Office of Communications' web page.