Backgrounder

August 2, 2011

Projects Funded In Waterloo

University of Waterloo

Should we move trees to save them from climate change and to benefit forestry?
Project title: Defining Ontario’s future forests: science, stakeholders and assisted colonization
Lead researcher: Dr. Brendon Larson
Number of researchers benefiting: 5

Assisted colonization is a controversial technique that involves moving species to save them. Dr. Brendon Larson at the University of Waterloo is exploring the pros and cons of assisted colonization, specifically its applications in forestry and for the conservation of biodiversity. His work will affect future public policy on the topic.

Advancing our knowledge of the universe
Project title: Astrophysical windows into fundamental physics
Lead researcher: Dr. Niayesh Afshordi
Number of researchers benefiting: 3

University of Waterloo astrophysicist Dr. Niayesh Afshordi is developing new computer tools to mine and understand data from astrophysical probes. He wants to advance our understanding of several key problems in theoretical physics, including the nature of dark matter and dark energy, which make up 75 per cent of the universe.

Developing detectors to advance telecommunications and other high tech fields
Project title: Sensitive detection using superconducting quantum circuits
Lead researcher: Dr. Adrian Lupascu
Number of researchers benefiting: 2

University of Waterloo quantum physicist Dr. Adrian Lupascu is focused on developing detectors for electromagnetic fields. These ultrasensitive detectors, which are based on the phenomenon of superconductivity, promise to revolutionize fields such as telecommunications, medical diagnosis and materials characterization.

Improving counter-terrorism efforts in Ontario
Project title: Integrated counter-terrorism institutions in comparative perspective
Lead researcher :Dr. Veronica Kitchen
Number of researchers benefiting: 5-10

University of Waterloo’s Dr. Veronica Kitchen aims to make Ontario more secure from terrorism. The political scientist is studying counter-terrorism units in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom to determine best practices. Her work will contribute to policies to increase effective cooperation among police, intelligence, emergency planning and the military while preserving our democracy.

Preventing bone fractures caused by osteoporosis
Project title: Adaptations in bone quality in response to neurologic injury and reduced mechanical loading
Lead researcher: Dr. Lora Giangregorio
Number of researchers benefiting: 11

Traumatic neurologic injury caused by stroke or spinal cord injury results in bone loss and increased risk of fracture. At the University of Waterloo kinesiologist Dr. Lora Giangregorio is investigating how this happens. Her goal is to develop ways to better predict and prevent bone fractures among these patients and others with osteoporosis.

Finding and removing contaminants in our water
Project title: DNA-functionalized hydrogels for visual detection and removal of contaminants in water
Lead researcher: Dr. Juewen Liu
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

University of Waterloo chemist Dr. Juewen Lui is developing innovative sensors that can detect contaminants in water – and remove them at the same time. His work will help  protect our water and keep Ontarians healthy.

Taking quantum communication global
Project title: Satellite based quantum communication
Lead researcher: Dr. Thomas Jennewein
Project title: Satellite based quantum communication
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Protecting information from hackers is a challenge for governments, corporations and individuals. Quantum communication could be the answer – if it could operate at much greater distances than it can now. University of Waterloo physicist Dr. Thomas Jennewein is developing technology to use satellites, which would enable global quantum networks. If successful, this would give Ontario and its space industry a huge advantage in a highly competitive area of communications.

Improving wireless communications by reducing interference
Project title: Interference management in asynchronous wireless networks
Lead researcher: Dr. Patrick Mitran
Project title: Interference management in asynchronous wireless networks
Number of researchers benefiting: 3

Anyone who uses a smart phone knows how irritating interference can be, and this problem is growing as wireless use increases. At the University of Waterloo, Dr. Patrick Mitran is developing advanced techniques to overcome interference.

Developing multifunctional nanomaterials
Project title: Multifunctional nanowires: understanding and manipulating optical and magnetic properties through defect engineering
Lead researcher: Dr. Pavle Radovanovic
Number of researchers benefiting: 3

University of Waterloo scientist Dr. Pavle Radovanovic studies how light, magnetic fields and electrical current interact in nanomaterials. His goal is to get them to perfect different tasks at the same time. The knowledge gained from this research will be key to designing new materials and devices, particularly in the field of information and communications.

Developing therapies to treat people with problems moving their hands
Project title: Representations of the hand in higher-order somatic loci and their neural interactions with primary motor cortex
Lead researcher: Dr. Aimee Nelson
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Three out of four stroke victims have problems moving their hands, making it hard to do simple tasks everyone else takes for granted. University of Waterloo kinesiologist Dr. Aimee Nelson is using neuroimaging to investigate how healthy brains control hand function, research that may lead to new therapies for treating people with impaired hand movement.

Helping secure clean drinking water
Project title: Assessing the vulnerability and environmental impact of pumping wells near wetlands and streams
Lead researcher: Dr. James R. Craig
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Dr. James Craig of the University of Waterloo works to help protect drinking water supplies across Ontario. The environmental engineer is developing specialized computer models to study the exchange of water between public and private wells, streams, and wetlands. These tools will help water managers better protect public health.

Exploring the potential of quantum computing
Project title: Algorithms for quantum computers
Lead researcher: Dr. Andrew Childs
Number of researchers benefiting: 4

Scientists believe that one day quantum computers will perform tasks that are not manageable for today’s computers. At the University of Waterloo, physicist Dr. Andrew Childs is developing new algorithms to explore what these future uses of quantum computers might be.

Moving quantum computers a step closer to reality
Project title: Manipulating single electron spins for quantum information processing
Lead researcher: Dr. Jonathan Daniel Baugh
Number of researchers benefiting: 8

The University of Waterloo’s Dr. Jonathan Baugh is working towards building a solid-state quantum information processor. His goal is to manipulate individual electrons that will function as quantum bits for these new machines. His work is bringing us closer to making quantum computers a practical reality – and helping Ontario define the future of large-scale computation.

Wilfrid Laurier University

Helping clean the energy industry
Project title: Investigating the reactivity of engineered nanomaterials under industrial and atmospheric conditions through surface science, computational chemistry and mathematical modeling
Lead researcher: Dr. Hind Al-Abadleh
Number of researchers benefiting: 6

Wilfrid Laurier University chemist Dr. Hind Al-Abadleh is investigating the potential of nanomaterials for removing arsenic from fossil fuels and alternative energy sources – and what impact they would have when entering the atmosphere. Her work is of great interest to the energy industry in its efforts to be socially and environmentally responsible.

Developing advanced materials for electronic devices
Project title: Synthesis and characterization of new self-assembled organic molecular materials from aromatic building blocks
Lead researcher: Dr. Kenneth Maly
Number of researchers benefiting: 8

Dr. Kenneth Maly at Wilfrid Laurier University is using new techniques in synthetic organic chemistry to design materials that can be used in next generation electronic devices such as flat panel displays, transistors and photovoltaic solar cells. His work is of great interest to Ontario’s advanced materials sector.