David Suzuki
David Suzuki, a scientist and environmentalist is also known for being a broadcaster. He hosts a radio and television program that explains complex natural science concepts in layman’s terms for the audience. Suzuki is a 3rd generation Japanese Canadian, with his grandparents coming to
Canada from Hiroshima and Aichi Prefecture. In many interviews, Suzuki has credited his own father for his interest in science and nature.
A geneticist by profession, in 1958 Suzuki earned a Bachelor’s degree at Amherst College in Massachusetts. He received a degree in Biology, followed by a Doctoral Degree in Zoology, which he earned at the University of Chicago. From 1961 to 1962, Suzuki worked in the Tennessee Oaks Ridge National Lab, undertaking a research associateship at its Biology Division. He moved on to become an assistant professor in Genetics, teaching courses at the University of Alberta. In 1963, he joined the faculty at the University of British Columbia where he served as Professor Emeritus.
Suzuki was awarded the E.W.R Steacie Memorial Fellowship, recognizing him as an outstanding scientist under the age of thirty five. During that time, he accumulated many awards and obtained 24 honorary degrees in the United States, Canada and Australia. Eventually, he became a Companion in the Order of Canada and a member of the Royal Society of Canada.
Suzuki is also a
published author, penning 48 books with 19 of them for children. His textbook,
An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, is still the most widely used genetics textbook in the United States. It has been translated to numerous languages including Italian, Spanish, Greek, and Arabic.
After pursuing a vigorous academic career, he conquered a different kind of medium. In 1974, Suzuki created and hosted
Quirks and Quarks that was broadcasted over CBC Radio for 4 years. He produced two documentaries on the environment for CBC Radio. In 1971, Suzuki transitioned to television with his show
Suzuki on Science. His show,
The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, became a highly awarded series.
Suzuki himself received accolades as a broadcaster. He has 4 Gemini awards for his hosting stints and an eight-part mini-series entitled
A Planet for the Taking, which received an award by the United Nations. In 2002, Suzuki was awarded the John Drainie Award for excellence in broadcasting.
Regarded a leader in the field of sustainable ecology, Suzuki is an advocate for global climate change. His foundation, the David Suzuki Foundation, is committed to ensuring that climate is protected and the economy is transformed to turn his dreams into reality. In addition to these goals, the David Suzuki Foundation is engaged in building a healthier community through Earth-friendly infrastructure and sustainable energy and transportation options.
The foundation has spearheaded various projects. Among these are the protection of salmon in Japan, a dam research project in Australia, the rehabilitation of the clam fishery in Vancouver, and even the promotion of green weddings. The David Suzuki Foundation aims to work with the local communities in order to create successful economic and community development models.