We are profoundly saddened to share that Matthias Jakob tragically passed away on Sunday 16th October, following an accident.
Dr. Jakob graduated with a Ph.D. from our department in 1996, under the supervision of Dr. Michael Bovis, and was one of Canada’s foremost specialists in steep creek hazard and risk assessments.
He was an adjunct professor at UBC for many years, serving on the research committees of numerous students in Geography and EOAS. He was also a research collaborator with many faculty in the department, including recent work with Prof. Eaton and Prof. Church.
Dr. Jakob worked with BGC Engineering, where he employed a large number of our graduates, and helped establish an important geoscience consulting firm. He was a principal force in moving B.C.’s hazard-based flood assessments towards a more modern risk-based approach.
He will be fondly remembered and very much missed by all who knew and worked with him. Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time.
Details of the memorial service will follow when they are available.
