Mel Schriver (2026)

On May 7, 2026, on the last day of ChemCon, Dr. Mel Schriver (Dr. Mel, as his students call him) was inducted into the Science Atlantic Hall of Fame. Dr. Mel’s consistent presence at ChemCon has been a staple of the conference since he first attended as an undergraduate student in 1982.

Now at the end of his career, Dr. Mel has watched dozens of students begin their academic journeys at ChemCon, just as he once did. He recognizes someone in almost every university Chemistry department across Atlantic Canada as a former student whose poster or presentation he once judged at the conference.

Dr. Mel has always appreciated ChemCon for the opportunity to connect with his colleagues and for the conference practice it provides for students. This year’s ChemCon really stuck out in his mind, however. He recalls a moment where a student lost their way halfway through their presentation but was able to get back on track.

“It was the mood in the room that I remember,” he describes. “A soft encouragement that can only come from people that love their discipline and love fellow learners.” Dr. Mel admires both the courage of that student and the kindness of the people in the room. He feels that this moment was a wonderful representation of the unique experience of Science Atlantic conferences.

The kindness of others played a central role in Dr. Mel’s own academic journey. He was a “bookish” child who grew up in a farming community. His family didn’t understand his interest in science and academics, but they supported him nonetheless. Their support was backed by his teachers, which Dr. Mel modestly credits as the reason he was able to attend university, start his research career, and acquire an academic position.

Dr. Mel completed his BSc and PhD at the University of New Brunswick, after which he worked in research-heavy positions at Saint Mary’s University and Memorial University of Newfoundland. He already had fond memories of ChemCon, so when the undergraduate students in his research groups went to the conference every year, he went with them. Eventually, when he was hired as a professor at Crandall University, Dr. Mel advocated for Crandall to become a Member of Science Atlantic (then called APICS). In 1996, he became the APICS Chemistry Representative for Crandall and held the position until his retirement this year. He was also the Tour Coordinator on the Chemistry Division Executive of APICS between 1990 and 1994, and served as the Chair of the Science Atlantic Chemistry Division from 2018 to 2021.

While Dr. Mel began his career primarily as a researcher, his professorship at Crandall steered him into more of a teaching role. He has since guided many of his students down paths of academic success, much like the teachers who supported him in his youth. He speaks about his time teaching and what he has learned through a language of love.

“There’s a tension between loving our discipline and loving our fellow learners,” he explains. “Just like un-equilibrium seeks equilibrium, we have to find that balance.” Dr. Mel has learned that the best professors are able to create the necessary balance between these two loves. The first love – the love of science – often begins in childhood.

“The best scientists are four-year-olds,” Dr. Mel says. Children are naturally curious, and that curiosity leads to knowledge, which ultimately leads to wisdom. While this cycle can happen at any age, Dr. Mel emphasizes that “the foundation of it all has got to be play. It’s got to be that love and that hope.”

Dr. Mel encourages his fellow learners to bring play back into their work. Professors and students alike should draw from childhood joy and create environments where they and others can play in their minds.

Dr. Mel’s impact has been felt across Atlantic Canada. Dr. Glen Briand, current Chair of the Science Atlantic Chemistry Division, reflects on his contributions: “It was very important to the Chemistry Division to acknowledge Mel’s many contributions to the Chemistry Community in the region over the years, including his steady and guiding presence at the annual ChemCon student conferences. Given the many roles he’s played at Science Atlantic and academic institutions in the region, he has been an invaluable resource to help achieve the mission of Science Atlantic.”

We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Mel Schriver as an Outstanding Contributing Member for his service to Science Atlantic and the scientific community over many years.