Trent University Saddened to Learn of the Passing of Professor Emeritus Dr. Raymond March
Professor emeritus in the department of Chemistry, Dr. March was a world-renowned researcher in mass spectrometry
The University community is mourning the passing of Dr. Raymond March, a pioneering researcher in mass spectrometry and dedicated mentor whose contributions have shaped generations of students and scientists.
Dr. March joined Trent in 1965 as an assistant professor and rose to full professor by 1976, distinguishing himself as an international expert in ion trap mass spectrometry. Over his career, he authored more than 160 research papers and secured continuous NSERC funding, reflecting his dedication to advancing research excellence at institutions like Trent. A collaborative and generous scholar, he was instrumental in establishing the annual Trent Conference on Mass Spectrometry, now in its 41st year, which continues to foster student research.
Following retirement in 1999, Dr. March remained deeply engaged with Trent, teaching graduate courses in watershed ecosystems and in the Environmental Life Sciences graduate program until 2014. His name endures through the Dr. Raymond E. March Visiting Scholar in Chemistry, which brings leading experts to Trent, and his significant contributions to the Water Quality Centre.
Dr. March’s work earned him numerous accolades throughout this distinguished career, including the Gerhard Herzberg Award and Trent's Distinguished Faculty Research Award. His expertise also contributed to groundbreaking projects like the Rosetta comet mission. The Rosetta comet mission was a decades-long mission to study the origins of the solar system. His work on ion trap mass spectrometry played a crucial role in analyzing the chemical composition of the comet, providing insights that have advanced our understanding of the universe. Beyond his scientific achievements, he was a mentor to countless students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, always generous with his time and knowledge.
The University extends heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Raymond March and to all who knew him at Trent.