10/15/2026
Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, Olive Thomas spent years exploring the city's waterfalls. Now, she's helping uncover the stories they can tell about the landscape around them.
The McMaster Environmental Science master's student has visited more than 40 of the city's 100+ waterfalls, turning a passion for the outdoors into research on erosion, groundwater and ice formation.
As part of the Niagara Escarpment Erosion Project (NEEP), Thomas is studying how these natural landmarks change over time and how that knowledge could help shape Hamilton's future.
Discover how McMaster research on Hamilton waterfalls and erosion could help guide future planning and protect the Niagara Escarpment.