Dr. Bernard Le Foll

Smoking is one of the largest causes of preventable deaths in Ontario. Current therapies are helping only a minority of patients overcome their addiction to nicotine and there is a pressing need for new, more effective treatments. Dr. Bernard Le Foll, a clinician scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and an associate professor at University of Toronto, is building on recent evidence showing that antagonists to the D3 type of dopamine receptors are potentially useful in the treatment of nicotine addiction. The validation of this novel therapeutic approach may change the treatment of smokers in the future.

Dr. David Fisman

Whooping cough poses a serious health threat both locally and globally; rates of disease have recently increased in Ontario, and worldwide the disease causes over 200,000 deaths each year.  Dr. David Fisman, a scientist at the Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children, is studying trends in the occurrence of whooping cough to get a better understanding of how it spreads. His goal is to identify the best prevention strategies for Ontario, particularly in the area of hospital-based outbreaks.

Dr. John Parkinson

Dr. John Parkinson is currently a scientist in Molecular Structure and Function at the Hospital for Sick Children as well as an assistant professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular & Medical Genetics at the University of Toronto. Applying sophisticated computational methods to study parasite genomes, Dr. Parkinson aims to identify key proteins that play a critical role in mediating parasite survival. With the worldwide emergence of strains of parasites resistant to current treatments, Dr. Parkinson's research will help uncover new classes of drug targets that will lay the foundations for the next generation of anti-parasitic therapeutics.

Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras

Developing effective treatments for cancer remains a challenge for researchers. In recent years, rapamycin, an immunosuppressant drug developed and used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation, has proved to be a potent drug in the fight against cancer. By applying state-of-the-art proteomics, the study of the full set of proteins in a particular cell, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute investigator Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras is identifying how rapamycin works to destroy cancer cells. In the process, her research may result in the identification of future therapeutic uses of rapamycin.

Dr. Howard Leong-Poi

Many Ontarians have heart and vascular disease and for some the current treatments are not working well. There are promising new treatments on the horizon, involving either genes or stem cells, that relieve symptoms, promote new vessel formation and restore blood flow. However, these new treatments are invasive and aren’t as effective as they could be. Dr. Howard Leong-Poi, an assistant professor of Cardiology at the University of Toronto, is developing a new technique to deliver genes and stem cells to specific sites using ultrasound energy. If successful, Dr. Leong-Poi’s technique could result in an effective therapy for heart and vascular disease and help Ontario’s pharmaceutical sector develop and market it.

Dr. Robert Nam

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in men. Dr. Robert Nam, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, is identifying new substances called biomarkers that can indicate a particular disease state in prostate cancer with the goal of improving how the disease is screened, diagnosed and treated. His research will help to keep Ontario in the forefront of prostate cancer research.

Dr. Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar

Sudden cardiac death is most often caused by severely abnormal heart rhythm or ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation is currently treated by implanting a defibrillator, which is often an expensive approach. Dr. Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar, an assistant professor/scientist in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, is developing a better understanding of ventricular fibrillation by recording and analyzing the complex electrical activity in human hearts with the goal of developing new, less expensive therapies.

Dr. Cristiana Amza

Organizations that provide Internet services such as e-commerce, online banking, stock trading and gaming are finding that the costs of maintaining their network systems are escalating as more content - and more users - are added. The chances of the systems failing are also increasing. Dr. Cristiana Amza, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, is developing systems that automatically and seamlessly manage and repair themselves. “Self-management” is a top priority of many major information technology companies and this project will help them achieve this goal.

Dr. Christopher Beck

Every year, Ontario’s multinational corporations need to make decisions about what should be produced, where and when. These decisions must be made in a context that is constantly changing as a result of events like severe weather, changes in government and the decisions of other organizations. Existing tools for decision making do not take these uncertainties into consideration. Dr. Christopher Beck, an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto, is building on the areas of artificial intelligence and operations research to develop new techniques for helping organizations make the best decisions to achieve their goals.

Dr. Warren Chan

Possibly the most important key to fighting cancer is early detection. An exciting area of diagnostic promise that has yet to be fully explored is nanotechnology, the technology of controlling particles that are smaller than 100 micrometers with properties uniquely suited to identifying cancers. Dr. Warren Chan, an assistant professor with the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto, is developing new nanotechnology-based probes for detecting molecules involved in the onset and progression of cancer. His research will lead to improvements in biological research and medical care. The commercial benefits of this technology will give Ontario a head start in the development of this emerging technology.

Dr. Constantin Christopoulos

Ontario’s critical infrastructure – its bridges, hospitals, power generation facilities, industrial facilities and schools must be designed to resist extreme loading such as earthquakes, hurricanes and blast loads with no loss of life and with minimal or no damage. New high performance structural systems are needed to upgrade existing structures and build new ones that are more resilient to such extreme and devastating loading conditions. This is the focus of research being done by Dr. Constantin Christopoulos, an assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Toronto.  He is investigating rocking steel wall systems, which will be able to deform under extreme loading conditions and then regain their initial integrity, eliminating all structural damage. His work will give steel fabricators and structural engineers a leading edge, enabling them to design and build these advanced high-performance structural systems worldwide.

Dr. Susanne Ferber

As our population ages, Ontario will face a growing number of seniors living with the effects of stroke. Dr. Susanne Ferber, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, is finding new therapeutic strategies to help them regain control over cognitive and motor skills. Dr. Ferber is accomplishing this by identifying the brain regions and processes that coordinate what we are doing (action) with what we are thinking (thought). Her work also has implications for other diseases, such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s.

Dr. France Gagnon

Blood clots in veins, known as venous thromboembolism, are a serious disorder that is affected by lifestyle and genetics. Dr. France Gagnon, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Toronto, aims at discovering the genes that cause venous thromboembolism with the goal of developing tools to better identify people at risk and strategies for effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Stephen Girardin

Food poisoning represents a major health issue because of outbreaks in contaminated food. Dr. Stephen Girardin, a Canada Research Chair in Innate Immunity and Microbial Pathogenesis at the University of Toronto, is uncovering how pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria overcome the body’s defense mechanisms and cause illness. His research will be of interest to Ontario’s healthcare industry and to its biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

Dr. Amr Helmy

Lasers are used to probe the inner workings of countless vital materials and processes. The laser’s colour is important because it determines the laser’s probing capability.  One colour-range that is powerful in its probing abilities is the infrared. This colour-range is important for solving problems in numerous disciplines including medicine, communications, environmental monitoring technologies and manufacturing. Dr. Amr Helmy, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Toronto, is developing new class of semiconductor lasers which will overcome the current limitations in producing infrared radiation. His work will help to keep Ontario at the forefront of photonics research.

Dr. Dylan Jones

Dr. Dylan Jones, an assistant professor of physics at the University of Toronto, is using satellite observations of atmospheric pollution together with computer models of the atmosphere to better understand the complex processes that have an impact on air quality. His research will enable development of effective new strategies for improving our air quality and promote negotiation with other jurisdictions to reduce emissions.

Dr. Ben Liang

With the use and complexity of wireless devices growing, there is increased competition for limited network resources - and this frequently causes problems for users and service providers. Dr. Ben Liang, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Toronto, is working on new networking technologies. Based on collaboration rather than competition, the new hardware and software technologies will increase the efficiency of wireless networks, improving the user’s experience and reducing the service provider’s operating costs. 

Dr. Avner Magen

Computers rely on algorithms, a predefined set of rules, to solve problems. But not all computational problems are easily handled by current algorithms. Some are simply too complex to produce an exact answer, so approximation algorithms are necessary. Dr. Avner Magen, an assistant professor of computer sciences at the University of Toronto, proposes to examine the mathematically provable limitations of standard techniques for the development of approximation algorithms and, in the process, design powerful new algorithms to improve current techniques. His work has applications in a variety of domains such as geographic information systems, visualization and databases, and could help Ontario businesses reduce costs.

Dr. Christopher Matzner

How do stars and planetary systems form? How do they influence one another within crowded stellar nurseries? Those are questions Dr. Christopher Matzner, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Toronto, is answering by using analytical studies, together with cutting-edge large scale parallel computing -- the simultaneous execution of the same task split up and specially adapted on multiple computers in order to obtain results faster.  His work will develop computational techniques with a wide range of applications in the aerospace, pharmaceutical, petroleum and automotive industries.

Dr. Angus McQuibban

Mitochondria are essential energy producing organelles, minute structures within the cell. Their disruption results in many neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease, and can be a key contributing factor to premature aging. Dr. Angus McQuibban, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto, is developing a better understanding of the mechanisms that control mitochondria by studying them at the molecular level in fruit flies. His research will provide much-needed information on human mitochondrial diseases - and how to treat them.

Dr. Dae-Sik Moon

As we learn more about our universe, we realize how much more there is still to discover. Taking astronomical research to the next level will require new technologies and instruments, which is what Dr. Dae-Sik Moon, an assistant professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, is developing. Dr. Moon is creating new infrared detector technologies and a novel infrared-optical spectrograph, which will be used to pioneer new astronomical research. Not only will these instruments help position Ontario as a leader in astronomical research, they will have other far-ranging applications.

Dr. Hani Naguib

Polymers form a large class of natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties and purposes. They are the fundamental building blocks of advanced materials and manufacturing processes. In research designed to create ‘smart materials’, a new class of adaptive materials, Dr. Hani Naguib, an assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering and materials science and engineering at the University of Toronto, is investigating electroactive cellular polymers. These cellular polymers can modify their shape and geometry when they are electrically activated. The new materials created would make it possible to develop lighter, smaller and environmentally benign products and devices. Dr. Naguib’s work will contribute to the province’s international profile in the highly competitive area of advanced materials and manufacturing.

Dr. Peter A. Newman

Vaccines are our best long-term hope for ending the AIDS epidemic. Ongoing clinical trials to test experimental vaccines are essential. Dr. Peter A. Newman, an associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work and RBC Chair in Applied Social Work Research at the University of Toronto, is creating a set of “best practices” for community engagement in safe and ethically conducted HIV vaccine trials in Ontario, North America, and the developing world. By facilitating the development of HIV vaccines, Dr. Newman’s research will help to reduce the monumental human and economic costs of the AIDS epidemic.

Dr. Arun Paramekanti

Transition metal oxides are complex solids in which strongly interacting electrons organize into novel quantum states not found in conventional solids. These materials hold the promise of new and beneficial technologies due to their highly tunable properties. Dr. Arun Paramekanti, an assistant professor with the Department of Physics at the University of Toronto, is focusing on advanced analytical and computational techniques designed to understand these systems and their emergent properties. The benefits include keeping Ontario’s advanced materials and manufacturing industry at the forefront of innovative materials research.

Dr. Milica Radisic

Heart attack results in the death of beating heart cells, known as cardiomyocytes. In adults, cardiomyocytes can’t multiply to make more tissue. Instead, a scar forms that compromises heart function and may eventually lead to heart failure. Replacing the damaged area using engineered tissue may be the answer, but only if a source of cardiomyocytes can be found. That’s the focus of research being conducted by Dr. Milica Radisic, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto. Dr. Radisic is assessing the feasibility of using recently identified cardiac progenitor cells to develop a functional cardiac patch.

Dr. Konstantinos Sarris
 
Ontario is a world leader in the field of information technology. To keep our competitive edge, Ontario companies and institutions need to be at the forefront of the newest technologies, not just as users, but as innovators. One of these technologies is ultra-wide band radio, which can carry a large capacity while requiring very low operating power. Its development requires accurate assessment of ultra-wideband signal propagation and of the effect of radiated emissions. Dr. Konstantinos (Costas) Sarris, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, is accelerating the use of ultra-wideband systems by designing modeling tools to guide the design of these systems and assess the safety and level of their emissions.

Dr. Aron Shlonsky

Structuring and analyzing data, especially in large institutions such as the child welfare system, is often a daunting task. Dr. Aron Shlonsky, an associate professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, is building a longitudinal child welfare database, a system that will track the service histories of children and families. This will help link data collected from across the province, and provide child welfare workers and government with crucial information on how to improve child and family policies and practices.

Dr. Karan Singh

We are all fascinated by the way we are built and function. Dr. Karan Singh, an associate professor of computer science at the University of Toronto, is developing techniques for visualizing human anatomy while it functions. His work will provide new insights into the anatomy and how it works and will be of particular interest in anatomy education, clinical exploration and treatment, as well as animation.

Dr. Gregory Steffan

The computer hardware industry has recently switched to producing processor chips that contain multiple processing cores, and systems containing custom hardware. The potential benefits are enormous, but the average computer programmer does not have the skills necessary to benefit from this advancement. Dr. Gregory Steffan, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Toronto, is developing systems to automatically take advantage of this new hardware. His work will help software companies, particularly smaller ones, become more competitive.

Dr. Vincent Tropepe

Today’s medicines could be more effective at combating the devastating loss of nerve tissue from degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and retinitis pigmentosa. With the goal of improving early diagnosis and developing “self-repair” treatments, Dr. Vincent Tropepe, an assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Toronto, is studying the genes in zebrafish that act as unique biomarkers for both degeneration and repair of brain and retinal tissue. Zebrafish have been chosen because they are small, their brain and retina is similar to that of humans, and they have the remarkable capacity to regenerate nerve tissue. Dr. Tropepe’s research will stimulate interest in pursuing new avenues of drug development.

Dr. Kevin Truong

Cell signaling is part of a complex system of communication that governs cellular activities. While there are still many unanswered questions about cell signaling, it is clear that problems in communication can lead to diseases like cancer. Dr. Kevin Truong, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Toronto, is developing new ways for scientists to watch this communication as it takes place in living cells. His work will provide a better understanding of the difference between healthy and diseased cells - and lead to better treatments for a myriad of diseases.

Dr. Aaron Wheeler

Biology and medicine are on the threshold of a revolution fuelled by the development of “high-throughput” technologies, tools capable of collecting vast amounts of information. Dr. Aaron Wheeler, an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Toronto, is developing new “lab-on-a-chip” tools, devices that integrate multiple lab functions on a single microchip, with a view to enabling analysis of proteins and screening techniques. This research will help to keep Ontario at the leading edge in biotechnology.

Dr. Ning Yan

As the demand for environmentally friendly products that use renewable fibres has increased, the bio-fibre plastic composite industry has grown steadily over the past decade. Still, the use of bio-fibres has been limited, particularly in high-end, value-added products, because of problems with moisture absorption and change in fibre dimensions. Dr. Ning Yan, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto, is developing new bio-fibre composites that can overcome these challenges by using the latest nanotechnology. Improving performance and acceptance of these renewable fibres will directly benefit both the environment and Ontario’s forestry industry.

Dr. Keiko Yoshioka

To support the growing demand for food and fiber production, pesticide use has increased dramatically over the last few decades. However, the possible negative side-effects of these chemicals on the environment and human health are becoming a growing concern. Dr. Keiko Yoshioka, an assistant professor of cell and systems biology at the University of Toronto, is investigating the plant immune system to discover novel genes that play a role in resistance to disease. This research will pave the way for the design of disease resistant crops, as well as new types of environmentally friendly chemicals.

Dr. Sherry Grace

Heart disease is a major cause of death in Ontario. Cardiac rehabilitation, a program of exercise and education to facilitate heart recovery, can help prevent this type of death. Research conducted by Dr. Sherry Grace, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science at York University, is comparing access to cardiac rehabilitation in vulnerable populations. The research will show what type of referral can maximize access to care, including through electronic health records, and will create a better understanding of what factors create barriers to cardiac rehabilitation.

Dr. Xiangji Huang

As more and more medical data becomes available online, the need for an advanced information retrieval system increases. Developing a new tool to help doctors and patients search for the most relevant information, discover interesting patterns from medical databases and obtain recommendations for cost-effective treatments is the focus of research being done by Dr.  Jimmy Huang, an associate professor in the School of Information Technology at York University. His research will improve health care by increasing the effectiveness of medical data retrieval and identifying optimized treatment plans from medical data.

Dr. Gino Lavoie

Producing polymer materials with new properties requires the development of catalysts that are more stable in facilitating specific chemical reactions. Dr. Gino Lavoie, an assistant professor of chemistry at York University, is developing a better understanding of the features needed to improve the performance of these catalysts, something of great interest to Ontario’s plastics industry.

Dr. Shayna Rosenbaum

Damage to the hippocampal area of the brain, whether as the result of injury or diseases such as dementia, can result in severe amnesia. Dr. Shayna Rosenbaum, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at York University, is developing a novel approach to researching memory impairment following injury. Using functional neuroimaging to visualize brain activity as patients perform memory tasks, Dr. Rosenbaum's research will lead to improved assessment and treatment of memory disorders. It will also build Ontario's reputation as an international leader in psychological and neuroscience research.

Dr. Huaiping Zhu


West Nile virus is causing concern to government, health officials and the public. Dr. Huaiping Zhu, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at York University, is studying how West Nile virus is transmitted among mosquitoes and birds and how other factors such as season and climate change influence its transmission and spread. Dr. Zhu’s research will help to create a system incorporating geographic information for early warning and prediction of the West Nile virus in Ontario.