Backgrounder

January 11, 2010

Projects Funded In Waterloo

Today, through the Ontario Research Fund–Research Infrastructure program, Ontario is investing more than $21 million at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University to support 21 research projects and 301 researchers. This investment is part of a broader $268-million province-wide investment that will support 214 projects and more than 3,300 researchers in 14 cities, and help to create and preserve more than 1,300 construction jobs over the next four years across the province.

University of Waterloo

Studying Vector and Vaccine Production in Animal Cells
Helping to ensure a rapid medical response to virus pandemics
Lead Researcher: Aucoin, Marc
Provincial Funding: $78,000
Researchers Affected: 8

Vaccines protect against infectious diseases by inducing immunity, and they are arguably one of the great advances in medicine in the 20th century. They have saved hundreds of millions of lives and reduced the strain on health-care systems worldwide. But the growing threat of virus pandemics means governments will need to be able to respond quickly, with large amounts of active vaccine components. Developing that capability is the goal of research being conducted by Dr. Marc Aucoin at a new self-contained biological safety suite at the University of Waterloo.

Advancing the Development  of Organic Electronic Devices
Creating new market opportunities by improving OLED technology
Lead Researcher: Aziz, Hany
Provincial Funding: $150,000
Researchers Affected: 15

Organic Light-Emitting Devices (OLEDs) offer significant advantages over conventional technologies: a brighter, more brilliant picture, an unlimited viewing angle, fast “response” time, mechanical flexibility, and low power consumption. That is made them the choice of the next generation of small displays used in MP3 players and mobile phones. But before OLEDs can be widely adopted and used in large panel displays, issues relating to their reliability must be resolved. That is the goal of research being done at the University of Waterloo by Dr. Hany Aziz. His research program promises to give Ontario’s microelectronics industry a competitive foothold in a market that is estimated to reach $20 billion annually by 2010.

Water Quality Research Platform in Urban and Urbanizing Watersheds
Protecting our water quality
Lead Researcher: Barker, James
Provincial Funding: $8,853,561
Researchers Affected: 18

Ontario’s future growth will depend on our ability to ensure water quality in urban and urbanizing areas. Using a section of the Grand River Watershed that has been designated for future growth, researchers from eight Ontario universities are developing breakthrough technologies in drinking water and wastewater treatment to meet current and emerging challenges. Led by the University of Waterloo’s Dr. James Barker, the scientists are using “smart” hydrologic instruments to determine the impacts on water quality from changing agriculture practices, increased waste and storm water discharge and water reuse. Their goal is to develop innovative processes to meet current and emerging challenges in drinking water and wastewater treatment.

Vision Physiology and Cell Biology Laboratory
Developing new treatments for vision problems
Lead Researcher: Choh, Vivian
Provincial Funding: $125,000
Researchers Affected: 8

How do the lens and retina interact to control eye growth? It is a question that interests University of Waterloo researcher Dr. Vivian Choh because it may play a role in the development of various vision difficulties. Dr. Choh’s approach is innovative, combining vision-specific technology and cell biology techniques. Her research could lead to the development of new treatments for vision problems like myopia that affect millions of Canadians.

Integrating Distributed Generation Seamless Integration into Existing Distribution Systems
Integrating small energy sources into the existing network
Lead Researcher: El-Saadany, Ehab
Provincial Funding: $150,000
Researchers Affected: 8

Distributed generation (DG) produces electricity from many small energy sources. Increasing its use could help Ontario utilities boost their reliability, efficiency and power quality – while saving money. But before DG can become integrated into existing power distribution systems, there are a number of technical and environmental challenges that must be overcome. That is the goal of research being conducted by Dr. Ehab El-Saadany at the University of Waterloo. Dr. El-Saadany’s work will lead to more DG systems being integrated into the existing network, and help Ontario meet its energy policy goals.

To date, Dr. El-Saadany has received $140,000 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

Subsurface Imaging for Improved Contaminant Transport Predictions
Developing new cleanup technologies for contaminated groundwater
Lead Researcher: Illman, Walter
Provincial Funding: $100,000
Researchers Affected: 8

Accelerating the cleanup of contaminated groundwater is the goal of research being done by Dr. Walter Illman at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Illman and his team are conducting cutting-edge field, laboratory and computational research, with the goal of developing a new method for accurately predicting the way contaminants are transported. This research will lead to new subsurface characterization approaches that will result in accelerated cleanup and substantial cost savings to the government and industry.

Smart Materials Ontario (SMO): Advancing New Functional Materials Technology
Accelerating advanced materials research
Lead Researcher: Leung, Tong
Provincial Funding: $2,903,866
Researchers Affected: 30

At Smart Materials Ontario, the goal is to dramatically transform the way we manufacture materials, specifically ‘smart’ functional materials. They are materials that have one or more properties that can be changed in a controlled fashion by external stimuli, such as stress, temperature and moisture, enabling new applications. Using the most advanced ion microscope and spectrometer in the world and a rapid prototyping facility, the researchers will develop innovative devices that include biosensors, electronics and biomolecular devices, and low-cost solar panel cells.

Research Infrastructure to Support a Canada Research Chair in Microfluidics, Nanofluidics and Lab-On-A-Chip Technology
Developing technology for producing lab-on-a-chip devices
Lead Researcher: Li, Dongqing
Provincial Funding: $360,000
Researchers Affected: 70

A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device is a miniaturized biomedical laboratory that can perform the same functions as its room-size counterpart – and more. The advantages are obvious: LOC devices are small, portable and can be used in the field to produce results on the spot, significantly reducing the cost of testing. But so far, no complete LOC devices exist. University of Waterloo researchers Dr. Dongquing Li and Dr. Carolyn Ren aim to change that, by developing the chip technology required to produce the first fully integrated, fully automatic, handheld LOC devices. This research will give a boost to the province’s biotech sector and ultimately benefit Ontario’s health care and food and water inspection sectors.

Evaluation of Body Composition in Health and Disease
Developing effective nutrition and exercise programs to improve survival rates among cancer patients
Lead Researcher: Mourtzakis, Marina
Provincial Funding: $56,232
Researchers Affected: 14

People undergoing treatment for cancer develop changes in their body composition. These changes, such as muscle and fat loss, lead to metabolic disturbances and increase the risk of cancer recurrence, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. University of Waterloo researcher Dr. Marina Mourtzakis is using a high precision tool called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DXA) to measure body composition and track tissue changes to evaluate the changes that occur during the time-course of the disease and the effectiveness of nutrition and exercise programs. The goal is to ensure more successful treatments, improve survival rates and reduce the economic burden on Ontario’s health-care system.

Integrated Facility for Assessing Microbial Diversity and Function
Better understanding how microbial communities work
Lead Researcher: Neufeld, Josh D
Provincial Funding: $150,000
Researchers Affected: 16

Although we cannot see most micro-oganisms such as bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, protists and algae, we know that they are everywhere. They inhabit the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. They often cluster together in communities and are beneficial in countless ways. At the University of Waterloo, Dr. Josh D. Neufeld investigates microbial communities that impact global climate change through the cycling of nutrients in the environment, maintain the healthy function of the human body and those that may be harnessed to produce biofuels and bioplastics. This research will help position Ontario as an international leader in the fields of environmental and human health microbiology.

Visualization and Biotelematic Environment (VBE)
Exploring the impact of digital culture on the human mind, body and health
Lead Researcher: O’Gorman, Marcel and Ellard, Colin
Provincial Funding: $179,867
Researchers Affected: 17

Digital media is transforming our daily lives, from the way we access and use information, to how we interact with one another in our personal and work lives, to the way we think about and use our bodies. But what impact is our digital culture having on our minds, bodies and health? And how can we develop new digital media experiences that actually promote health? Those are questions University of Waterloo researchers Drs. Marcel O’Gorman and Colin Ellard are interested in answering. Using a highly original and multi-faceted approach, they aim to better understand the connections between technology and behaviour, and open up new opportunities in the field of technological innovation.

Promoting Muscle Health and Preventing Muscle Dysfunction Due to Inactivity and Disease
Studying physical activity as a prevention/treatment strategy for muscle dysfunction
Lead Researcher: Quadrilatero, Joe
Provincial Funding: $164,400
Researchers Affected: 12

It is estimated that skeletal muscle wasting affects up to 35 per cent of the older adult population. A decline in muscle health is also associated with inactivity and some diseases (e.g., cancer). In research that fits with Ontario’s “Keeping Ontarians Healthy” priority, Dr. Joe Quadrilatero will research skeletal muscle apoptosis (cell death) during inactivity and illness, and study the use of physical activity as a potentially non-invasive, cost-effective prevention/treatment strategy against muscle dysfunction. Given Ontario’s aging population, this research has the potential to have a significant impact on Ontarians’ health and well-being, through setting appropriate exercise guidelines for health and public policy.

Geomodeling Glaciated Terrains
Expanding our geological knowledge
Lead Researcher: Ross, Martin
Provincial Funding: $100,000
Researchers Affected: 15

Land use planners, engineers and environmental consultants all depend on accurate geological information to do their jobs properly and efficiently. At a new lab at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Martin Ross is leading a team of scientists who are using innovative technology and approaches to conduct field-based research on our glacial landscape and subsurface geologic features. The goal is to learn more about these glacial terrains and their complex relationships with surface landforms. What the researchers discover will be made available through web-based applications to anyone with an interest.

Secure Global Information Transport Infrastructure with Flexible Mobility Support
Ensuring communications security
Lead Researcher: Shen, Xuemin (Sherman)
Provincial Funding: $1,884,171
Researchers Affected: 14

We all want to be able to communicate when and how we like. And we want to be sure that our communication, particularly when it comes to financial and business transactions, is secure. It is a big challenge, given the multiple communications networks – the Internet, cellular, wireless – that we all use every day. At the University of Waterloo, Dr. Zuemin Shen is developing novel protocols, algorithms, and techniques to address  security concerns, while enabling user mobility. If successful, his work could give Ontario’s telecommunications industry a vital competitive edge in the international marketplace.

To date, Dr. Shen has received $2,910,500 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

Facility for the assessment of engineered rehabilitation systems for infrastructure renewal
Developing new methods to repair infrastructure faster
Lead Researcher: Soudki, Khaled
Provincial Funding: $468,909
Researchers Affected: 16

All over the world governments are struggling to maintain and repair essential public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and pipes. It’s extremely expensive – in Ontario alone the government has earmarked $30 billion over five years  – and highly disruptive. At the University of Waterloo, Dr. Khaled Soudki is focused on developing faster and more durable methods of repair using composite materials. His work will give governments new tools to extend the life of existing infrastructure and ensure that the next generation is safer and more durable than any before.

To date, Dr. Soudki has received $140,000 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

Centre for Small Scale and Thin Film Mechanical Behaviors
Accelerating commercialization of nanotechnology devices
Lead Researcher: Tsui, Ting
Provincial Funding: $92,000
Researchers Affected: 13

Nanotechnology holds the promise of transforming virtually every high-tech industry, from advanced manufacturing to life sciences to information technology. But there are challenges to commercializing nanotechnology devices, particularly in terms of their design and mechanical reliability. At a new centre at the University of Waterloo, Dr.Ting Tsui is developing innovative mechanical characterization techniques and fabrication processes to overcome these limitations. His work will have a profound impact on industry, by enabling faster commercialization of nanotechnology devices.

Materials and Manufacturing for Lightweight Automotive Structures and Advanced Occupant Protection
Developing the vehicles of the future
Lead Researcher: Worswick, Michael
Provincial Funding: $3,774,926
Researchers Affected: 30

For years the auto industry has been the engine that drives Ontario’s economy. But our industry is being threatened by low-cost, less regulated jurisdictions in Asia and South America, as well as technologically advanced competitors in Europe. University of Waterloo researcher Dr. Michael Worswick is determined to keep Ontario’s auto industry at the leading edge. He and his team are using innovative fabrication processes to develop the next generation of lightweight automotive materials, ones that will reduce vehicle fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while improving crashworthiness.

To date, Dr. Worswick has received $313,090 in funding from the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

Advanced Joining Facilities for Macro, Micro and Nano Level Fabrications
Advancing materials joining to keep Ontario industry competitive
Lead Researcher: Zhou, Norman (Y.)
Provincial Funding: $1,183,608
Researchers Affected: 25

Materials joining is an enabling technology in the manufacture of almost all industrial products, from aircraft to automobiles, microelectronics to medical implants. It is the focus of research being conducted at the Centre for Advanced Materials Joining at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Norman Zhou and his team are developing new technologies to enable ultrafast, reliable fabrication and continued miniaturization – at a lower cost. It is research that is crucial to Ontario’s future global competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.

Wilfrid Laurier University

Cataloguing and Understanding Dodder Plant Evolution, Diversity and Distribution in the Context of Biodiversity
Supporting Ontario’s environmental priorities
Lead Researcher: Costea, Mihai
Provincial Funding: $77,521
Researchers Affected: 21

Dodders (Cuscuta ), a member of the morning glory family, are one of the world's most diverse and widespread group of parasitic plants. Ontario lists some dodder species as invasive/noxious weeds. Some species are detrimental pests, some are endangered, and others are being investigated for medicinal purposes. Understanding them is important from an economic, ecological and conservation point of view. Dr. Mihai Costea will conduct innovative research to understand dodder species' evolution, catalogue their diversity, and map their distribution on Earth. The findings will support Ontario's environmental and sustainable natural resource management priorities. Dr. Costea's research will contribute to the Global Taxonomy Initiative, which aims to catalogue and understand the evolution of life on Earth (biodiversity).

Understanding Age-Associated Memory Loss
Strategies to combat memory impairment
Lead Researcher: Marrone, Diano F.
Provincial Funding: $128,888
Researchers Affected: 7

Memory impairment is prevalent in an aging population like Ontario’s. An estimated 16 per cent of people over age 65 suffer from cognitive impairment, and this prevalence increases exponentially with age. Progress in understanding its causes offers tremendous potential economic, health and quality of life benefits for Ontarians. Dr. Diano Marrone will discover the changes in cellular function that occur over the course of normal aging. The findings could contribute to developing therapeutic strategies and effective, low-cost public policies to help all Ontarians age with a minimum of mental impairment.

Patch Clamp Electrophysiology Setup For Recording Neurons In Acute Brain Slices
Developing drugs to treat inhalant abuse
Lead Researcher: McKay, Bruce E.
Provincial Funding: $50,422
Researchers Affected: 6

How do inhalants like toluene, found in many household products, affect the brain? The question interests Wilfrid Laurier University researcher Dr. Bruce McKay because of the increased incidence of inhalant abuse among children and adolescents. Using a state-of-the-art technique known as ‘patch clamp electrophysiology’, Dr. McKay is studying electrical and chemical signaling in individual brain cells, to determine exactly how these substances modify brain function in young people and adults. The long-term goal is to develop drugs to treat or even reverse the damage inhalants do to the brain.

The Ontario Innovation Agenda

Research at the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University is an example of Ontario leading the world in the quest for knowledge and discovery. Support for this kind of work is part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, the province’s $3.2-billion strategy to make innovation a driving force of Ontario’s economy.  By targeting investments toward areas where Ontario already is, or is poised to become a global leader, and by building on our greatest strength – the talent and ingenuity of our people – Ontario is harnessing innovation to ensure ours is one of the winning economies of the 21st century. 

Support from the Ontario Research Fund–Research Infrastructure program

Part of Ontario’s Innovation Agenda, the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) is key to the province’s plan to move world-class research from the lab to the global marketplace. The role of the ORF is to help ensure that Ontario researchers have the tools they need to lead the world, or lead international collaborations, in their respective fields.