November 7, 2006

EASTERN ONTARIO WINS 22 EARLY RESEARCHER AWARDS

Under the Early Researcher Award (ERA) program, the Ontario government is investing $51 million over five years in the next generation of researchers. In this second round of the program, more than $14 million will be awarded to leading early career researchers working in 10 communities across the province. In Eastern Ontario, 22 researchers at five institutions received the awards for research in a wide range of fields.

---

PETERBOROUGH

Trent University

Dr. Marguerite A. Xenopoulos

Ecological and Biological Effects of Multiple Environmental Drivers in Lakes and Rivers

Freshwater is vital to our survival and well being, providing food, air purification, and recreation among many other benefits. This integral part of the biosphere is being negatively affected by climate change and many other factors. A research team at Trent University led by Dr. Marguerite A. Xenopoulos will assess the ecological and biological repercussions of global change stressors in Ontario's lakes and rivers on species ranging from bacteria to fish. The results will have numerous uses in agriculture, water quality, energy, and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Xenopoulos received her Ph.D. in Environmental Biology from the University of Alberta, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Trent University.

---

KINGSTON

Queen's University

Dr. Anne Petitjean

Molecular Devices for Nanomedicine and Biology

Nanotechnology, manipulating materials on an atomic scale, is revolutionizing a wide variety of fields, including manufacturing, electronics and devices. In nanomedicine a variety of nanodevices that are triggered by light, chemicals or electrochemical stimuli have been developed, but the two worlds of artificial machines and biological systems remain separate. Dr. Anne Petitjean leads a team at Queen's University that will examine possible interactions between these artificial devices and nature. Their research focuses on bio-targeting nanodevices that aim to change the shape of DNA. The work will help develop new anti-cancer drugs and deepen understanding of existing drugs. Dr. Petitjean received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from University Louis Pasteur in France, and is currently an Assistant Professor and Queen's National Scholar in the Department of Chemistry at Queen's University.

Dr. Robert Knobel

Quantum Measurement in Nanostructures
Nano-electrico-mechanical systems are tiny moving devices (a few atoms across) that move in response to the smallest forces. These devices promise increased speed and sensitivity as sensors for the medical, automotive and semiconductor sectors — such as measuring the mass of a single molecule. Dr. Robert Knobel leads a team at Queen's University that will use nano-electrico-mechanical systems at low temperatures to study the quantum limits of measurement. This research could answer fundamental physics questions and lead to new sensors and measurement techniques with applications in numerous industries. Dr. Knobel received his Ph.D. in Physics from Pennsylvania State University, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Queen's University.

Dr. Xiaolong Yang

Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of Tumor Suppressor Gene LATS1 in Cancer

Cancer affects one in three Ontarians. Mounting evidence strongly suggests that the loss of tumor suppressor genes may be responsible for the development of cancers. Dr. Xiaolong Yang and his research team at Queen's University will explore the roles of a novel tumor suppressor gene, LATS1, in cell activity during the formation and invasion of tumors. Their work will increase understanding of the roles of tumor suppressor genes and provide valuable information for new diagnosis and treatment protocols. Dr. Yang received his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology of Cancer from Memorial University in Newfoundland, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queen's University.

Dr. Stephen D. Waldman

Development of Engineered Cartilage Suitable for Joint Repair

About one in 10 Ontarians suffers from cartilage degeneration, and with the aging baby boomer population, the numbers will continue to rise over the next few years. Dr. Stephen D. Waldman leads a team at Queen's University that will develop functional tissue that can be used to repair cartilage defects, and avoid the use of synthetic joint replacement devices such as artificial knees and hips. The researchers will grow cartilage tissue and create implantable materials for cartilage repair. The potential market for tissue-engineered cartilage is estimated at over $1 billion worldwide. Dr. Waldman received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Dalhousie University, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Mechanical & Materials Engineering and Chemical Engineering at Queen's University.

Dr. Derek A. Pratt

Mechanistic Studies of Radical Chemistry Relevant in Biology

A chemical mechanism called radical oxidation is a common factor in almost every human degenerative disorder from heart disease to cancer to Alzheimer's. Dr. Derek A. Pratt leads a team of researchers at Queen's University that will study the oxidation of biological molecules which generally involves free radicals, to develop a means of controlling or preventing these reactions, for both medical and industrial purposes. This research has broad implications for medicine and also the energy, materials and agriculture sectors of the Ontario economy. Dr. Pratt received his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Vanderbilt University, and is currently an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Bioorganic and Physical Organic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Queen's University.

Dr. Ian Janssen

Obesity Research and Education

In Ontario, one in four adults and one in 10 children are obese. This places an immense burden on the province's health care system. Effective illness prevention strategies require proper identification of obesity in the clinical setting. To provide clinicians with the information they need, Dr. Ian Janssen and his team at Queen's University will develop new assessment tools built on current practices such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference. The new tools promise to provide more accurate measures of a person's health risks related to obesity. Dr. Janssen received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from Queen's University, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University.

Dr. Stephen Hughes

Theory and Applications of Light-Matter Interactions in Photonic Nanostructures

Nanophotonics is a technology that exploits light-matter interactions in materials that contain spatial features that are on the nanometre length scale, which is about 1-50,000th the width of a human hair. This incredibly small size gives rise to a range of exciting new optical regimes where it is now possible to confine and manipulate individual photons and electrons simultaneously. Dr. Stephen Hughes and his research team will carry out fundamental investigations of optical processes in advanced nanoscale materials and explore the consequences of these for next-generation photonics technologies. Dr. Hughes received his Ph.D. in Physics from Heriot-Watt University (Scotland), and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy at Queen's University.

Dr. Paul Grogan

Canadian Northern Ecosystem Responses to Climate Change: The Importance of Biogeochemical Cycling During Spring-Thaw

Most global climate change predictions forecast rapid warming for northern Canada, especially in the winter months. This warming in the north could compound the effects of global climate change, since warmed soil carbon in the boreal forest and tundra ecosystems will release even more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Dr. Paul Grogan leads a team of researchers at Queen's University that will contribute to models aimed at predicting how the carbon balance of Canada's northern ecosystems will respond to climate change. This work will also provide strategies for government to manage the northern environment under future climatic conditions. Dr. Grogan received his Ph.D. in Natural Sciences - Ecosystem Ecology from the University of California at Berkeley, and is currently an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems in the Department of Biology at Queen's University.

Dr. Ingrid Johnsrude

How the Brain is Organized to Comprehend Speech and Language in Young and Older Listeners

One of most common hearing complaints made by older adults is that they can't hear speech properly, especially in noisy situations. Studies show that a person's hearing abilities aren't a good predictor of speech perception, suggesting that central auditory and cognitive processes play a key role in speech comprehension. Dr. Ingrid Johnsrude and a team of researchers at Queen's University will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study how speech is processed under difficult, i.e. noisy, conditions. They will also look at how the brain organization that supports speech perception changes with age. Dr. Johnsrude received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from McGill University, and is currently an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at Queen's University.

Dr. Amir Z. Fam

A New Generation of Bridges, Poles, and Piles Using Concrete-Filled Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Tubes

Key components of Ontario's infrastructure such as utility poles, bridge columns and piles are deteriorating rapidly because of corrosion. De-icing salts used in winter accelerate the problem, and replacing corroded structures is very expensive. At Queen's University, Dr. Amir Z. Fam and his team of researchers are developing a new generation of infrastructure that will address the corrosion problem. Simple and economical, the system uses non-corrosive fibreglass tubes filled with concrete. The research will evaluate this system to develop new design guidelines. Dr. Fam received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba, and is currently an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Innovative and Retrofitted Structures in the Department of Civil Engineering at Queen's University.

---

OTTAWA

University of Ottawa

Dr. David L. Bryce

Nuclear Magnetics Resonance Study of Materials Exhibiting Heavy Metal-Heavy Metal Interactions

Creating new materials for the future relies on a deep understanding of the properties of their component parts. Heavy metals such as gold, silver, platinum and thallium offer unique and practical applications in a wide range of industries from pharmaceutical production to advanced manufacturing. At the University of Ottawa, Dr. David L. Bryce leads a team of researchers that is applying spectroscopic and quantum chemical methodologies to better understand the properties of heavy metal-based materials. Possible applications include nanoscale optical sensors and functional materials with "tuneable" properties. Dr. Bryce received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Dalhousie University, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Marjorie Brand

Proteomics Study of Erythroid Differentiation

Gene therapy is currently being examined as a viable treatment for a large number of diseases. However, our inability to establish tissue-specific gene expression is one of the main limitations in the development of such treatments. Dr. Marjorie Brand's research is designed to better understand tissue and the regulation of gene expression. Proteins involved in regulation are identified and quantified using a recently developed quantitative proteomics technology. It is hoped that these studies will allow us to decipher the molecular mechanism of tissue-specific gene expression to facilitate development of better gene therapy techniques and treatments. Dr. Brand received her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from University Louis Pasteur in France, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and a research scientist with the Ottawa Health Research Institute (OHRI) at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Kristin Baetz

Building a Genetic and Protein Interaction Network Map for the NuA4 enzyme complex

With the Canadian Cancer Society estimating that about one in four Canadians will die of cancer, basic research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression is vital. Some researchers have hypothesized that certain "hub" genes are more likely to be associated with diseases like cancer. One such gene is the human NuA4/Tip60 complex, which has been implicated in cancer progression. At the University of Ottawa, Dr. Kristin Baetz leads a team that will use powerful genomic approaches to determine interaction in the NuA4 enzyme complex and its role in the progression of cancer, with the ultimate goal of developing new treatments. Dr. Baetz received her Ph.D. in Molecular and Medical Genetics from the University of Toronto, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Alan Forster

The Use of Information Technology to Measure and Improve Health Care Safety

A significant number of deaths are due to medical errors. Dr. Alan Forster's research team will develop new methods of measuring healthcare safety. These methods will help us understand the causes of safety problems and guide priority setting. Information-technology solutions will be used to develop interventions designed to improve care. Dr. Forster received his M.D. from the University of Ottawa, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and a research scientist with the Ottawa Health Research Institute (OHRI) at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Eric Doucet

Appetite Control in the Regulation of Body Weight:

An Investigation of the Role of Blood-Borne Peptides in the Regulation of Feeding in Humans

Obesity continues to increase in our society despite continued efforts from health professionals and agencies to warn against its toll on human health. The countless diets and other strategies that people try have been only partially successful. Researchers have found that after weight loss, many people quickly regain the weight that had been lost. One explanation is that weight loss increases appetite. Dr. Eric Doucet at the University of Ottawa will lead his research team in an investigation of how nutrition and exercise affect the hormones (blood-borne peptides) that play a key role in appetite control. Dr. Doucet's research could lead to new ways to take off weight and keep it off. Dr. Doucet received his Ph.D. in Physiology and Endocrinology from University Laval, and is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Antonio Colavita

Genetic Analysis of Mechanisms Involved in the Establishment and Maintenance of Neuronal Polarity in C. elegans

Neurons are the main unit elements of the nervous system. An understanding of the human brain requires knowledge of the properties and function of neurons. Dr. Antonio Colavita and a team of researchers at the University of Ottawa are using the simple nervous system of C. elegans, a microscopic nematode or worm, to discover how neuronal cells acquire distinct characteristics such as a polarized cell shape and branched morphology. This work is part of an overall effort to advance the understanding of nervous system function in both health and disease. Dr. Colavita received his Ph.D. in Molecular and Medical Genetics from the University of Toronto, and is currently a Scientist in the Department of Medicine and with the Ottawa Health Research Institute at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Ravi Bhardwaj Vedula

Material Processing with Intense Ultrashort Light Pulses

Light plays a pivotal role in life sciences and communications technologies. Photonics describes how light is manipulated, controlled and monitored with a wide range of devices. Dr. Ravi Bhardwaj Vedula and his team at the University of Ottawa will explore the unique properties of ultrafast lasers. The intense light pulses of the femtolaser offer the potential for surgery with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, precision biomedical imaging, cell manipulation, and the production of new photonic devices. Dr. Vedula received his Ph.D. in Physics from the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research in India, and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Ottawa.

Dr. Jocelyn Côté

The Role of Arginine Methylation in RNA Metabolism and Disease

Cellular and molecular research holds great hope for finding new treatments and cures for diseases such as cancer and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which continue to take a toll on our society. SMA is among the leading genetic causes of infant death and there is no known cure. Dr. Jocelyn Côté and his team at the University of Ottawa will use an Early Researcher Award to better understand the role that a process called arginine methylation plays in disease. Arginine is an amino acid in protein that has an important role in normal cell division. Dr. Côté's research may lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer and SMA. Dr. Côté received his Ph.D in Molecular Biology from the University of Sherbrooke, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

Carleton University

Dr. Peter X. Liu

Surgical Training Systems with High-Fidelity Haptic Feedback

With its reliance on animals, cadavers, human volunteers and patients, conventional surgical training has obvious disadvantages. Animals have different anatomies than humans, cadavers don't provide physiological responses, and it is risky for students to practice on patients. Dr. Peter X. Liu and his team at Carleton University plan to change that with the development of a new Virtual Reality and Haptics-based Surgery Simulator (VHSS). Dr. Liu's team will focus on realizing a high degree of haptic (touch and feel) sensation for the simulator, which will be built by an industrial partner. The simulator will train medical staff in cricothyroidotomy, a subtype of a tracheotomy that is a common and life-saving surgical procedure. Students will palpate the virtual patient, use virtual instruments to make an incision and insert a virtual tracheotomy tube. Dr. Liu received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Alberta, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering at Carleton University.

Dr. William Willmore

Adaptation to Low Oxygen in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death in Ontario. Cardiac arrest and stroke are the result of clots that block the flow of blood (ischemia) to portions of the heart and brain. During ischemia, cells sense a decrease in oxygen (hypoxia) through a process called protein hydroxylation. Dr. William Willmore leads a team researchers at Carleton University who will examine the role of hydroxylation in ischemic cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Understanding this cellular response to hypoxia will provide insight into how cells recover from ischemic stress. Over the longer term, this will lead to new therapies for patient recovery from cardiac arrest and stroke. Dr. Willmore received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Carleton, and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Carleton University.

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Dr. Robert A. Screaton

Identification of Novel Genes that Promote Pancreatic Beta Cell Survival

The incidence of Type I (juvenile) and Type II (adult onset) diabetes is increasing in Canada. Both forms can have complications such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease or blindness. Currently, the main limitation of transplanting pancreatic islet cells as a treatment for diabetes is the premature death of the transplanted islet cells. Dr. Robert Screaton of the University of Ottawa, and his research team at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, will identify genes that encode proteins called kinases that are involved in initiating cell death. The results of this research are expected to lead to the development of new drugs to treat diabetes, and other diseases including Alzheimer's and cancer. Dr. Screaton received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from McGill University, and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa's Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's Apoptosis Research Centre.