Jon Turk

In 104 days beginning last May, Jon Turk (PhDChem’71) completed, by kayak, foot and skis, the world’s first circumnavigation of Ellesmere, the northernmost island of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The author and scientist completed the 1,500-mile adventure with a 26-year-old photographer, and the pair endured harsh weather conditions and long days of paddling. For their endeavor, they were nominated as adventurers of the year by National Geographic. Jon lives in Darby, Mont., and is a grandfather of six.