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Paul Amyotte’s career in chemical engineering is impressive. He received his Bachelor of Engineering from the Royal Military College in 1976, a Master’s Degree from Queen’s University in 1979, and a Ph.D. from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS) in 1986. After graduation Paul began as an assistant professor at TUNS, now Dalhousie University, and later served as department head and assistant dean of Engineering. Paul was recently named the C.D. Howe Chair in Engineering.

Paul wasn’t drawn to engineering by a love of things mechanical or electrical. “My satisfaction comes from trying to understand the underlying chemical and physical sciences of engineering applications to process engineering, the processing of materials to produce value-added products,” he says. Throughout his career Paul maintained his research interests in industrial safety and loss management. Considered a global expert in the prevention and mitigation of dust explosions, his knowledge in this area is sought around the world.

Paul has won numerous teaching awards including the TUNS award for Teaching Excellence, the Faculty of Engineering Award for Teaching Excellence, the Dalhousie Student Union Award, the Chemical Engineering Annual Professor Appreciation Award (five times), and the Instructional Leadership Award. Paul’s love of teaching carries over into his work as an enthusiastic mentor for young professionals in the Engineers-in-Training (EIT) program.  “My students inspire me in many ways,” says Paul. “Not the least of which is to produce high quality research results presented in well-written papers.” He has delivered keynote lectures internationally and has received best paper and best presentation awards.

Paul received the J.D. Fraser Service Award in 2005.  He went on to serve as President of Engineers Nova Scotia in 2008/09, and received an Engineers Canada Fellowship that same year. Since 1990, Paul has been a member of the Engineers Nova Scotia Board of Examiners and has chaired that Committee.

Paul’s contributions to Engineers Canada span two decades. He served on both the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board and the Canadian Engineering Qualifications Board, and now serves as our representative on the Engineers Canada Board of Directors. He also served as Chair of national committees such as the Finance and the International Committees. Paul has served as President of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering and has received Fellowships from both the Chemical Institute of Canada and the Engineering Institute of Canada. Characteristically low key, Paul maintains, “Engineering is not a job, it’s a way of life. When it comes to professional service, I have received far more than I have given.”

Paul is quick to credit his wife, Peggy, with helping him achieve his personal and professional goals. He is also proud of their four adult children, Jonathan, Matthew, Sarah and Lauren. Although he says his work is his hobby, Paul also enjoys sports, travel and music.

For his exceptional professional and community achievements, Paul Amyotte is the 2012 recipient of the F. H. Sexton Gold Medal Award.

The Engineers Nova Scotia Gold Medal bestows distinction upon an outstanding Engineer and recognizes exceptional acheivements in his/her chosen field of engineering practice. Consideration is also given to commmunity and professional service.