Born and raised in Southern Ontario, John moved to Winnipeg to complete his post-graduate degree after attending McMasters University. He has a Masters Degree and PhD in Physical Geography, both from the University of Manitoba. He has been working as a faculty member at the University of Manitoba for more than 20 years. His research focuses on the Arctic system, examining snow-covered sea ice and marine mammal habitat.

John has an extensive background volunteering with a variety of organizations in Winnipeg over the past 17 years. He was in leadership roles with King Park Child Care (as Chair of Board), Crohn’s and Colitis Canada – Winnipeg Chapter (as Education Lead and Chapter President) and on the CIBC Run for the Cure Organizing Committee (as Registration Lead and Run Director – Logistics). In these positions, he played a major role in fundraising, helping to raise over $5 million dollars for breast cancer research, along with other initiatives. In addition, his background in education has been used in his volunteering; participating in education initiatives for a number of non-profit organizations in the city, including Canadian Blood Services. He has also been active in service and outreach through his faculty position at the University of Manitoba, providing talks to various organizations and schools both locally and nationally, as well as interviews on my research to numerous media organizations.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing curling and tennis and listening to true crime podcasts.