By Communications Staff

Flags on campus are lowered in memory of Professor Emeritus Peter Roeder (Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering) and retired professor William Newcomb (Biology).

Dr. Roeder came to Queen’s in 1962 after completing a PhD at Pennsylvania State University and a postdoctroal fellowship at the New Mexico Institute of Technology. He became an emeritus professor upon his retirement in 1996. He was head of the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering from 1977-1981. During his career, his major research interest was the equilibrium distribution of elements between chromite, olivine and basaltic melt.

Dr. Newcomb joined Queen's in 1978 as an assistant professor and then was promoted to associate professor in 1984. At the time of his retirement in December 2013, he had served the Department of Biology for almost 35 years. His research focused on understanding the developmental processes that control microspore embryogenesis, an important breeding strategy in agriculture, and also the role of plant hormones and other metabolites in the development of nodules.

Dr. Roeder’s family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life on Thursday, June 12 from 5-7 pm at the University Club (168 Stuart St.). For those wishing, memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by Dr. Roeder’s family.

Arrangement details for Dr. Newcomb have not been announced. The story will be updated when the details become available.