Career Profile

Chris Murray

Associate Professor (Physics)
Lakehead University
Chris Murray headshot
Chris Murray headshot
Sector
Education and Training,  Science
Location Born
ON
Location Now
ON
Education Pathway
University
Readability
7.9
School Subject
Environmental Science,  Human effect on the ecosystem,  Pollution,  Math,  Physics,  Science

I teach undergraduate physics and conduct research in biopolymers and environmental technology.
About me
How I affect peoples’ lives
What I do at work
Outside of work I
My career path is
My advice to others
I am motivated by

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born in Guelph, Ontario and grew up in Orillia, Ontario. I went back to Guelph for university, then worked in the Greater Toronto Area following grad school. I returned to Orillia to work for Lakehead University in 2010.

I now live in: Orillia, Ontario

I completed my training/education at:  I completed my BSc., MSc and PhD in Physics at the University of Guelph.

What I do at work

I teach undergraduate physics and conduct research in biopolymers and environmental technology. I also teach special topics in science to professional year education students. I have recently conducted research on masks used to protect the general public and front-line workers from diseases like COVID-19. I also work with a First Nations community to help increase their ability to measure changes in weather.

I spend about as much time leading science outreach as I do on teaching and research put together. I guide several programs with Let's Talk Science - Lakehead Orillia, to bring science programming to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

My career path is

I knew from an early age I wanted to be a scientist. However, throughout high school I was also drawn to art and technology courses. I found these areas allowed me to create. I thought that maybe I would become an engineer. I didn't know for certain what an engineer did. I enjoyed physics so I decided to study that at university. Even though I did not become an engineer, I still end up making things. I create and build new technologies all the time in my role as a scientist working at a small university.

I am motivated by

I find interaction with young learners the most rewarding and exciting part of my job. I also enjoy solving problems using do-it-yourself methods.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I believe my greatest impact on people is through my teaching and outreach. That said, I have also invented several technologies to reduce pollution. These technologies are used all over the world.

Outside of work I

I enjoy spending time with my family.

My advice to others

Don't avoid challenges that might stand between you and your goals.

When I was a student, I enjoyed:
  • Art
  • Math
  • Industrial Arts
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Computer Science
When I was a student, I would have described myself as someone who:
  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Organized activities for my friends
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Was motivated by success
  • Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
  • Was really creative
  • Always knew exactly what I wanted to do
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Related Topics

Careers
Education
Environment
Modern Physics
Pollution
Polymers
Recycling
Teaching
Technology
Waste

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