Geodesy & Geomatics Engineering

Please join me in offering condolences to the family and friends of professor emerita Dr. Susan (Sue) Elizabeth Nichols, who passed away on Sept. 2, 2024.

Originally from Middleton, N.S., Sue graduated from Acadia University in 1974 with a bachelor of science (honours) in mathematics. She then studied physical geography at the University of British Columbia from 1974 to 1975 before earning her land survey diploma in 1978 from the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute in Lawrencetown. In 1983, Sue obtained her master's in engineering (M.Eng.) in surveying engineering from UNB, followed by a PhD from UNB in 1992. She also earned her professional engineer designation in 1986.

Sue began her journey at the UNB department of geodesy and geomatics in 1980 as a part-time teaching assistant while pursuing her graduate studies. Over the years, she advanced through various roles and ultimately achieved the rank of professor in 2001. Throughout her tenure, Sue also took on several administrative roles within the faculty of engineering, including serving as the director of graduate studies in geodesy and geomatics engineering.

Her expertise in land administration, gender rights and access to land, aboriginal and First Nations' ownership rights, marine boundary delimitation and land registry reform was recognized globally, leading to collaborations with the United Nations, the World Bank and other international organizations. Sue brought several important international training programs in land administration to UNB and made significant contributions to UNB's Centre for Property Studies.

Sue's work extended beyond UNB, supporting efforts in her discipline through roles such as member and examiner on the Atlantic Provinces Board of Examiners for Land Surveyors, past president of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics, and national representative on various committees of the International Federation of Surveyors.

Throughout her career of more than 30 years at UNB, Sue received over 50 research grants, contracts and awards. She was invited to speak at conferences on five continents and authored or co-authored over 100 publications. She developed and taught land administration and cartography courses, supervising over 25 graduate students and 75 senior undergraduate reports and theses.

In 2014, Sue was awarded the rank of professor emerita at UNB in recognition of her distinguished career. Her contributions to the university and the field of land administration were numerous and impactful.

Sue will be remembered for her insight, wisdom, compassion and commitment to education and research. She was a trailblazer and a shining example to those honoured to know and work with her. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, friends and family.

No service is planned. Condolences can be left here. Flags will be lowered on both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses in her memory. Our thoughts are with Sue's loved ones and friends.

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle
President and Vice-Chancellor