Draft:Keith Alan Hobson
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Comment: No actual sources given. Sophisticatedevening🍷(talk) 00:58, 14 June 2025 (UTC)
- Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Wassenaarl (talk) 00:53, 14 June 2025 (UTC)
Keith A. Hobson | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 10, 1954 Harrow, England |
| Died | October 2, 2024 Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | Simon Fraser University, University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan |
| Known for | Stable isotope analysis, animal migration tracking |
| Awards | F.AOU, F.RSC, F.IOU, Elliot Coues Award, Loye & Alden Miller Award |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Ornithology, Isotope Ecology, Conservation Biology |
| Institutions | Environment and Climate Change Canada, Western University |
Dr. Keith Alan Hobson (10 July 1954 – 2 October 2024) was a Canadian ornithologist and isotope ecologist renowned for his pioneering use of stable isotopes to study animal migration, food webs, and conservation.[1]
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Harrow, England, Hobson immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1966.[1] He completed a B.Sc. in Physics at Simon Fraser University in 1977, an M.Sc. in Zoology at the University of Manitoba in 1988, and earned a Ph.D. in Isotope Ecology from the University of Saskatchewan in 1991.[2]
Career
[edit]Hobson joined Environment and Climate Change Canada as a Senior Research Scientist in 1992, a role he held until retirement in September 2024.[1] He held adjunct professorships at the University of Saskatchewan, Western University—where he became a Distinguished Professor in 2018—and Dalhousie University.[2]
He served as Editor of Waterbirds (2005–2008) and Editor-in-Chief of Avian Conservation and Ecology (2012–2020), leading the journal to a notable increase in both publication output and citations.[2]
Research and contributions
[edit]Hobson was a pioneer in applying stable isotopes (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen) to trace food web dynamics and migratory origins in birds and insects, including monarch butterflies.[2] He co-developed geographic assignment techniques using feather hydrogen isotopes, a foundation for modern migration ecology.[2]
He authored or co-authored over 650 peer-reviewed papers, plus books and chapters, and held an h-index of 122—ranking him among the top 3% of environmental scientists globally.[3]
Honors and awards
[edit]- Fellow, American Ornithologists’ Union (2004)
- Fellow, Royal Society of Canada (2013)
- Fellow, International Ornithological Union (2018)
- Elliot Coues Award, American Ornithologists’ Society (2007)
- Loye & Alden Miller Research Award (2010)
- Doris Huestis Speirs Award, Society of Canadian Ornithologists (2011)
- Geoff Howell Citation of Excellence, ECCC (2005, 2018)[3]
- Named #1 ECCC scientist and top 3% globally in Environmental Science & Technology[3]
Death and legacy
[edit]Hobson passed away peacefully at home at age 70 on 2 October 2024, after a brief battle with cholangiocarcinoma.[1]
He is remembered as an innovative scientist, dedicated mentor, and humorist whose work elevated Canadian ornithology and isotope ecology worldwide.[4]
References
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