Three Trent University researchers are receiving a combined $643,477 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund to acquire advanced tools and equipment that will strengthen scientific investigation in fields of growing importance to Canada, including aging and dementia care, environmental contaminants, and medical innovation.
"The federal government is supporting important research for Canada - a nation that values knowledge creation, innovation, and productivity grounded in deep research," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "Thanks to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Trent researchers can equip campus spaces and labs with state-of-the-art tools and equipment that help attract world-class talent to the University and push discovery further."
Advanced tech to examine communication across the lifespan
At Trent University Durham GTA, Psychology professor Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi will utilize the funding to support research in her Cognition, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT) Lab examining how sensory and cognitive changes affect communication as people age. Using tools such as eye-tracking equipment and a social robot, her team will study communication between people, as well as how older adults interact with emerging technologies. Research findings will help inform new interventions for people experiencing hearing loss or dementia and support the design of more effective technologies for Canada's aging population.
Imaging molecular reactions
Chemistry professor Dr. Michael Burt will use funding to acquire a titanium-sapphire laser to create a globally distinctive laboratory that will allow researchers to observe how complex molecules change during chemical reactions. Research at the Spectroscopy and Optics Lab at Trent Lightsource (SPOTLIGHT) will advance applications in greenhouse gas storage and medicinal chemistry and provide students with training on ultrafast spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and scientific computing.
Detecting environmental contaminants
Dr. Mary-Claire Buell, assistant professor in the Trent School of the Environment and Forensic Science, will use the funding to acquire a new high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer to be housed in Trent's Water Quality Centre (WQC), Canada's most comprehensive mass spectrometry facility. The new instrument will advance the work of her 14-person research lab working to detect and analyze per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known carcinogens often referred to as "forever chemicals' and other emerging contaminants in freshwater and coastal systems.
"Modern scientific tools are essential to producing the reliable data that communities need to understand potential risks and consider approaches to mitigation," said Professor Buell. "The new mass spectrometry equipment has greater sensitivity that will allow researchers to identify contaminants at very low concentrations and determine how much is present in water, soil and traditional food sources. The new instrument will help us train the next generation of researchers while producing evidence that communities can use."
Shared access to the new mass spectrometer in the WQC expands research and training opportunities for other programs at Trent, including Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biology, Anthropology, and Physics disciplines, as well as for collaborators in government, other universities and the private sector. Over the past year, more than 75 faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers used facilities in the WQC supporting research across Canada and internationally.
Advancing Canada's research ecosystem
The funding for Trent researchers is part of a national investment of more than $118 million supporting 357 research infrastructure projects at 68 institutions through CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) and College Fund.
The JELF grants build on $7.3 million in recently announced funding for Trent researchers from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Together, these investments are expanding Trent's capacity to deliver new insights and prepare skilled talent for Canada.
Learn more about Research and Innovation at Trent University
