The Office of the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation is pleased to announce the first round of funding for the Critical Research Equipment and Tools (CRET) program.

This annual funding program helps improve the range and quality of our research infrastructure, enables us to keep pace with technology, and provides increased opportunities for student research training.

Stream 1 Awards (<$10,000): 

Accelerometers and Data Loggers

Applicant: Christine Voss

These devices are used to measure and record movement for the objective assessment of complex physical activity behaviours and will enable researchers in the Southern Medical Program and the School of Health and Exercise Sciences to gain a better understanding of physical activity behaviours in both clinical and community-based settings.

High-Power Ultrasonic Homogenizer

Applicant: Sunny Li | Co-applicant: Sumi Siddiqua

This tool generates intense sonic shock waves in liquid media to break apart particles and produce a thorough mixing (homogenization) of a sample to support research on: nanofluids used as coolants in electronic devices and systems, and next-generation binder technologies used to stabilize road subgrades.

Rheometer

Applicant: Abbas Milani

This device measures the response of a sample to applied forces to characterize the properties of a wide range of materials, including: low-viscosity liquids (e.g., inks), polymer melts, paste-like materials, gel-like materials, soft solids, and slurries. The characterizations enabled by this instrument are essential to polymer and biomaterial research and are relevant to many industry sectors, including: food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, and polymer engineering.  This instrument will support research programs for faculty members of the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI), the Eminence-funded Cluster of Research Excellence in BioComposites and the Comfort-Optimized Materials for Operational Resilience, Thermal-transport and Survivability (COMFORTS) Micro-Network.

Stream 2 Awards ($10,000 – $100,000):

Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS) Instrument

Applicant: Isaac Li | Co-applicants: Frederic Menard, Susan Murch, Jonathan Little, Mina Hoorfar

This instrument is used for high-throughput characterization of molecular and cellular interactions. It uses ultrasound waves to exert a wide range of force on biomolecules or cells simultaneously to measure their mechanical responses with nanometer precision. It can be used to study inter- and intra-molecular interactions at the single-molecule level, as well as cell adhesive interactions at the single-cell level.  This instrument will support 16 faculty members in three Eminence-Funded Clusters of Research Excellence to tackle research projects in biophysics, bioengineering, chemical biology, neurobiology, immunology, plant chemistry, and nanomaterials.

Automated Bilateral Limb Blood Flow Measurement System

Applicant: Glen Foster | Co-applicants: Christopher West, Neil Eves

The instrument will enable researchers in the Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health to investigate novel mechanisms and interventions in people with sleep apnea, spinal cord injury and respiratory disease to generate new approaches to improve respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Multi-Cell Temperature-Controlled UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

Applicant: Mina Hoorfar | Co-applicants: Isaac Li, Sepideh Pakpour

This optical instrument measures the intensity of light absorbed by a sample and will enable researchers in chemistry, microbiology and engineering to determine the size, shape and stability of nanoparticles to: understand the interactions between cells, run accurate DNA and protein quantifications on a large number of samples in a single experiment, and conduct multiple enzymatic reaction measurements at different temperatures at once.  The equipment will advance interdisciplinary research studies and industry-partnered projects in wastewater sensing, molecular force sensing, and disease biomarker identification.

RespirAct

Applicant: Ali McManus | Co-applicant: Phil Ainslie

This is the only commercially available and FDA-approved gas control device that can precisely target final exhaled respiratory gases to address how brain blood flow responds to excessive sedentary behaviours during childhood. This interdisciplinary research initiative involves researchers from the Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health and the Southern Medical Program, and is being developed as a Digital Wellness Initiative in collaboration with the Central Okanagan School District and the Stober Foundation.  This instrument will enable researchers to study: the potential impacts of excessive sitting, and the impact of growing up in an increasingly digital world on the developing brain.

TapeStation System

Applicant: Mike Russello | Co-applicants: Michael Deyholos, Sepideh Pakpour, Miranda Hart, Soheil Mahmoud

This instrument provides high-resolution and economical quality control within the next-generation DNA sequencing workflow, allowing identification of problems with individual samples before they are moved to the more costly DNA sequencing step.  The instrument will be used by researchers in the Department of Biology and the School of Engineering to support genome assembly, genotyping, metagenomics, and transcriptomics studies with applications in molecular ecology, conservation genetics, population genetics and plant genetics.

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) System

Applicant: Alex Uhl | Co-applicants: Mohammad Arjmand, Lukas Bichler, Jian Liu and Sumi Siddiqua

The XRD system allows non-destructive characterization of thin films or powders to identify the crystallinity, phase purity, stress, and chemical coordination within a material.  This instrument will support research and training in materials science, enabling researchers in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry and the School of Engineering to further explore interest areas such as solar fuels, nanomaterials, aluminum alloys, new-generation battery technologies, geotechnics, and others.

The Eminence Clusters of Research Excellence  are interdisciplinary networks of researchers working to solve pressing challenges facing society.

The Inaugural Cluster Trainee Poster Session will provide trainees with opportunities to share their research, showcase their creativity, and update the campus community on ongoing Eminence Cluster research activities.

Each trainee will have 30 seconds to ‘pitch their poster’ and entice the audience to visit their poster to learn more about their research project.

Following the pitch presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to engage in more depth with over 30 trainees at their posters and find out what excites them about their research and being part of an interdisciplinary cluster.

Schedule of Events

2:30     Opening Remarks (Phil Barker)
2:35     Eminence Trainee Pitches
3:15      Formal poster viewing (trainees available to answer questions and discuss their research)*
4:15      Prizes awarded
4:30     Event concludes

*Refreshments will be served.

List of Presenters   Full Abstracts

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Time:  2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: UNC Ballroom (UNC 200) | UBC Okanagan, 3272 University Way

RSVP to attend

Questions? Contact:

Danielle Lamb
Major Awards Officer
danielle.lamb@ubc.ca

2019 ubc FACULTY RESEARCH AWARDS

UBC is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 Faculty Research Awards. Winners were selected by UBC’s Faculty Research Award Committee, which spans arts and humanities, business, applied science, science, and medicine.

UBC KILLAM RESEARCH PRIZE:

Recognizing outstanding research and scholarly contributions.

Up to ten prizes of $5,000 each are awarded annually to full-time tenure-stream faculty members in recognition of outstanding research and scholarly contributions. All fields of research are eligible.

Junior Category:

Allison Hargreaves (English and Cultural Studies)

See all UBC recipients

UBC Okanagan, Accelerate Okanagan, BC Cancer and Interior Health have joined forces to host an annual Future of Health Forum that  provides researchers, clinicians, innovators, entrepreneurs, students and the general public with an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas on how to build a better future for health in our province.

With cancer remaining the leading cause of death in BC, the inaugural Future of Health Forum will focus on the research and innovation in cancer care and the strides being taken to improve patient outcomes and quality of life for those affected by the disease.

WHAT:   Future of Health Forum on Cancer Care
WHO:     More than 150 delegates and 30 renowned speakers
WHEN:   Friday, October 18, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
WHERE: The Innovation Centre, 460 Doyle Ave., Kelowna, BC
COST:     $50 registration fee (including lunch and reception)

Register  Schedule  Speakers

Speakers

We have assembled an expert lineup of speakers, including Dr. Connie Eaves —internationally renowned stem cell researcher and 2019 Canada Gairdner Wightman Award recipient — who will take the stage on October 18th. Faculty from both UBC campuses will speak on a range of topics, including advances in cancer detection, personalized radiotherapy, and new treatments and technologies designed to empower patients with choice throughout their journey. Leaders in cancer care and research will discuss the current state of cancer care in BC and the innovative research that is helping to shape the future of health in B.C.

Program

The schedule of events follows the patient journey from preventing and detecting the disease, through to diagnosis and treatment, and improving quality of life for patients, survivors and supporters. The closing reception includes a screening of ‘The Nature of Things’ documentary, Cracking Cancer, a short film that recounts the journey of seven BC Cancer patients as they take part in the Personalized Onco-Genomics (POG) program—a cutting-edge clinical research initiative that is changing the way oncologists view cancer treatment.

Explore the work of UBC Okanagan’s 2019 Researchers of the Year.

Each year, we recognize the outstanding achievements of researchers who have made significant contributions to research and/or creative scholarly activity at UBC Okanagan. Three prizes are awarded in the areas of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Health. This year’s recipients epitomize excellence and are leaders in their respective fields and disciplines, working across traditional boundaries to help make the world a better place.

STUDENT RESEARCHERS OF THE YEAR

Dear colleagues,

As the 2018/19 fiscal year draws to a close, I’d like to invite you to join me for a Town Hall update on Monday, April 1, 2019, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

I will review the activities and successes of the past year and look ahead to some of the projects and partnerships we have on the horizon.

Town Hall details

Date: Monday, April 1, 2019
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: University Centre Ballroom, room UNC 200

Topics of discussion will include a review of our core research strengths, updates on new and expanding programs and partnerships, and major infrastructure programs and projects, including the Innovation Precinct and the Digital Learning Factory.

We will also have an interactive audience Q&A session where you can post and up-vote topics that are important to you.

Please RSVP to attend. I am looking forward to discussing the growth of our research community at UBCO and hope you are able to join us.

Best regards,

Phil Barker
Vice-Principal and Associate Vice-President, Research and Innovation
UBC Okanagan

Jonathan Corbett, assoc. prof. of geography and SSHRC researcher of the year, Kasun Hewage, prof. of engineering and NSERC researcher of the year, and Rachelle Hole, assoc. prof. of social work and health researcher of the year.

Dear colleagues,

Each year, we recognize the outstanding achievements researchers who have made significant contributions to research and/or creative scholarly activity at UBC Okanagan.

Three prizes were recently awarded in the areas of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Health.

This year’s recipients epitomize excellence and are leaders in their respective fields and disciplines, working across traditional boundaries to help make the world a better place.

They are actively engaged in tackling big societal issues from homelessness and food security to sustainable energy and supporting youth living with developmental disabilities and autism.

Please join me in acknowledging and congratulating our 2019 Faculty Researchers of the Year, who will be celebrated at a special awards ceremony and reception next month.

We are also pleased to honour the achievements of MSc student Emily Giroux and PhD student Katrina Plamondon, our 2019 Student Researchers of the Year.

Sincerely,

Prof. Phil Barker
Vice-Principal Research and Innovation
UBC Okanagan

Industrial Research Chair partnership will advance sustainability measurement and management

As a leading Canadian expert in sustainability, UBC’s Nathan Pelletier has been awarded a prestigious Industrial Research Chair by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The award will advance Pelletier’s research activities that focus on sustainability measurement and management, life-cycle thinking and resource efficiency, with an emphasis on the Canadian egg industry.

Pelletier, an assistant professor at UBC’s Okanagan campus, teaches in both the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences and the Faculty of Management. He has spent roughly a decade researching the science of sustainability, with a focus on food systems. Since 2016, he has collaborated with Egg Farmers of Canada as their Research Chair in Sustainability, exploring opportunities to improve resource efficiencies and reduce the environmental impact of egg supply chains.

“I am passionate about the development of food systems that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable and that contribute to our health and well-being,” says Pelletier. “Achieving this in modern food systems requires considering food supply chains in their entirety, from the beginning of production to the consumer’s end use of a product—in other words, a truly holistic evaluation of sustainability risks and opportunities.”

Only a handful of researchers are awarded an Industrial Research Chair from NSERC each year, making it a great honour for Pelletier, explained Marc Fortin, VP Research Partnerships at NSERC. This support will allow Pelletier to grow his research program as the first-ever NSERC/Egg Farmers of Canada Industrial Research Chair in Sustainability.

“NSERC’s Industrial Research Chair program provides for dynamic research and development collaborations between Canada’s brain trust and partners,” says Fortin. “We are proud to support this chair, which is developing the knowledge and supporting innovation necessary to advance the success of the sector and improve the sustainability of that production. The results this team will deliver could have broad benefits across Canada.”

“We are very proud that Nathan is doing his innovative work at UBC Okanagan,” says Phil Barker, Vice-Principal and Associate Vice-President, Research at UBC’s Okanagan campus. “His insights on sustainability and agriculture are benefiting industry, our community and the environment. This cutting-edge and relevant research will have direct impacts on our region and on global production methods. His work is a wonderful example of the outstanding and impactful research performed at UBC’s Okanagan campus.”

“Food systems sustainability is a subject of increasing importance. Egg Farmers of Canada strives to promote innovation and the continuous improvement of egg production through the latest scientific research,” says Tim Lambert, CEO of Egg Farmers of Canada. “His work helps us understand the link between environmental sustainability and egg production, while developing processes and technologies with environmental and social impacts in mind.”

Local MP Stephen Fuhr also wanted to highlight the significance of the partnership and the good work coming out of UBC Okanagan.

“Food systems and sustainability are two topics that are very important to our government,” said Fuhr. “We know that partnerships like the one between UBC Okanagan’s Nathan Pelletier and Egg Farmers of Canada, supported by organizations like NSERC, lead to discoveries that benefit all Canadians.”

Brianna Wells, PhD

Brianna Wells, research support specialist for the Office of Research Services.

The Office of Research Services is delighted to announce that Brianna Wells has joined the team as a research support specialist to oversee the social sciences and humanities portfolio. Brianna was previously with the University of Alberta, where she earned her PhD in the Department of English and Film Studies and was a postdoctoral fellow with the newly formed Sound Studies Initiative in the Faculty of Arts.

Wells settled in quickly and is providing valuable guidance and support to faculty members pursuing funding opportunities to support their research. Wells is a natural communicator and collaborator with an innate ability to mobilize people and resources to design compelling project proposals. A UBC alumna, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Vancouver before moving to Montreal to complete her Master’s (also in Arts) at McGill University.

Wells’ background in English has fostered a passion for all aspects of communication.  She is a skilled writer, editor and vocalist, who began singing in choirs at the early age of six. An art (and artist) enthusiast, opera buff and cultural theorist, Wells conducted research with Opera America in New York and Pacific Opera Victoria and has published articles in 19th-Century Music and Opera America magazine.

Her research interests include North American studies, opera, circulation theory, media genealogies, performance theory and the interrelations of media and opera histories in twentieth-century Canada and the United States. The Office of Research Services invites you to take advantage of Wells’ breadth of experience.

Contact: FIP 318 | 250-807-8520 | brianna.wells@ubc.ca

Gabrielle Legault, PhD

Gabrielle Legault, Indigenous community liaison for the Office of Research Services.

Meet Gabrielle Legault – the Office of Research Services’ new Indigenous Community Liaison.

Legault is Métis, originally from Saskatchewan and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her engagements with the Métis Nation of BC and Parks Canada. She recently joined the Office of Research Services to help researchers develop collaborations with Indigenous communities and other partners.

No stranger to our campus, Legault completed her Master’s and PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies at UBC Okanagan, worked in the Centre for Social, Spatial and Economic Justice as a research assistant, and co-authored publications with Profs. Jon Corbett and Mike Evans in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts & Sciences.

Perfectly and passionately suited to her new role, Legault’s areas of research specialization include: Contemporary Métis culture and identity, Métis history, Indigenous territories and homelands, Indigenous research methodologies, community-based research methods, Indigenous knowledge and Indigeneity.

An accomplished speaker, facilitator and dedicated community engagement specialist, Legault has devoted her studies and career to helping the ‘Metis-curious’ and people from all backgrounds and origins better understand Indigenous issues and perspectives. Legault’s humble and respectful approach is a welcome addition and tremendous asset to our campus. From capacity-building to curling, Legault has a knack for finding the heart of any community.

This new role is supported by UBC’s Indigenous Research Support Initiative (IRSI) formally established in 2017 to provide better resources and support for Indigenous community-based research at UBC. Interested in getting to know Legault or finding out how she can support your work?  Drop by and say hello.

Contact: FIP 326 | 250-807-8187 | gabrielle.legault@ubc.ca

Kent Dehnel, PEng

Kent Dehnel’s appointment marks an important milestone in the evolution of the STAR initiative a multi-disciplinary research platform that catalyzes opportunities for researchers on both UBC campuses to work collaboratively with partners to improve human health and safety in extreme environments.

STAR research has applications across a range of sectors and disciplines, including health and social development, materials and manufacturing, and disaster foresight and recovery.

As operations facilitator, Dehnel will coordinate the technical services team and work to create operational synergies across STAR’s multi-faceted, widely distributed research and development activities.

Dehnel will serve as the conduit between STAR’s internal research teams and external partners in a hybrid role that was created to leverage STAR’s rapidly expanding opportunities in the private, non-profit and government sectors. UBC plays a critical role in BC’s innovation ecosystem and Dehnel’s contribution will help strengthen STAR’s regional partnerships to have greater economic and societal impact.

Dehnel is a successful entrepreneur with extensive finance and operations experience in small business and start-up environments. He is also the co-founder and part-time CEO/CFO of three successful technology companies in the energy, mining and particle accelerator industries. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from UBC, an MBA from the University of Toronto, and is a professionally licensed engineer.

To find out more about the Survive and Thrive Applied Research (STAR) initiative, visit: star.ubc.ca