David K. Ratz

David K. Ratz is an Adjunct Professor in History at Lakehead University holding a sessional or contract position, and concurrently serves as Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces where he is a member of the Military Faculty at the Canadian Forces College. His dual academic-military career spans over two decades of teaching and service.

His educational credentials include:

• PhD in History, University of Oulu, Finland
• MA in Canadian History, Lakehead University
• BA Honours, Lakehead University

Dr. Ratz specializes in Canadian military history with deep expertise in Finland-Canada bilateral relations, Nordic regional studies, and Northern Canadian history. His research bridges military policy analysis with regional historical narratives, particularly examining German POW camps in Canada and Northwestern Ontario's military heritage. This interdisciplinary approach connects European and Canadian historical frameworks through the lens of foreign policy and military engagement.

His scholarly recognition includes:

• M. Elizabeth publication award (2020)

Dr. Ratz secured competitive research funding as co-investigator on a 2022 SSHRC grant exploring historical themes, though specific project details remain undisclosed. While his teaching portfolio includes undergraduate supervision for courses like Introduction to the Canadian North, formal graduate student mentorship isn't documented in available records. His military appointments demonstrate practical application of historical scholarship through officer training at the Canadian Forces College.

Operationalizing his research, Dr. Ratz served as Commanding Officer of the Lake Superior Scottish Regiment and maintains active military engagement through the Canadian Forces College, where he integrates historical analysis into contemporary military education frameworks.