Stephen Lower completed his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, University of B.C. and was a professor of physical and environmental chemistry at Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada from 1966 to 1999. The University, named after explorer Simon Fraser opened in September 1965. In less than 40 years SFU has gained an international reputation for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as for its innovative interdisciplinary and professional programs. It has been rated as Canada's best comprehensive university five times in the annual rankings of Maclean's magazine and has consistently placed at, or near, the top of the publication's national evaluations.