Myrna Simpson


Myrna Simpson is a Canadian research environmental chemist who is the Canada Research Chair in Integrative Molecular Biogeochemistry at the University of Toronto. She is also the Associate Director of the Environmental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Centre. Her research consider the molecular level mechanisms that underpin environmental processes, and the development of advanced analytical tools to better understand environmental health.

Early life and education

Simpson became interested in chemistry and the environment during high school. She completed undergraduate studies in chemistry at the University of Alberta. After graduating, she spent a year as an analytical chemist. She became particularly interested in environmental chemistry, and eventually returned to and graduate studies at the University of Alberta. Her doctoral research considered sorption of organic compounds in soil with emphasis on how soil organic matter controlled these processes.

Research and career

Simpson has demonstrated that nuclear [magnetic resonance spectroscopy] is of particular value when it comes to environmental research. In particular, it can be used to understand the fate of environmental pollutants and how particular ecosystems respond to climate change. In 2003, she secured funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to purchased Canada's first high-field NMR spectrometer for environmental research. The high-field NMR spectrometer was installed in 2004.
Through the use of NMR and different mass spectrometry techniques, Simpson furthered the understanding of environmental processes at the molecular-level. This approach provided new knowledge on how climate change and pollution impact the environment.

Awards and honours

Simpson is married to André J. Simpson, also a research chemist, with whom she has published several papers. They have two children.