Joel Gagnon

Joel Gagnon is a Professor at the University of Windsor's School of the Environment with a hybrid appointment at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER). He leads the Element and Heavy Isotope Analytical Laboratories, focusing on analytical environmental chemistry and geochemistry. His expertise includes laser ablation mass spectrometry, microanalytical method development, and environmental forensics.

Education:

• B.Sc. (Honours) in Geology, University of Windsor
• M.Sc. in Geology, University of Windsor
• Ph.D. in Geology, McGill University

Research Interests: Joel's work spans analytical geochemistry, laser ablation techniques (e.g., excimer/femtosecond lasers), and environmental applications such as heavy metal pollution assessment. He explores mineral deposits, hydrothermal systems, and biogeochemical processes using advanced instrumentation. His lab develops methods for elemental/isotopic analysis of geological and biological materials (e.g., fluid inclusions, otoliths).

Labs & Facilities: He oversees state-of-the-art facilities including excimer and femtosecond laser ablation systems, ICP-MS, and other analytical tools. These support collaborative projects in environmental monitoring and mineral exploration.

Advising & Opportunities: His research group seeks motivated students for M.Sc./Ph.D. projects in environmental geochemistry, method development, or mineral deposit studies. Projects integrate analytical innovation with environmental or geological applications.