summer research projects at lakehead

july 4, 2011

research projects at 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 orillia contribute to environmental solutions and student experience

this summer, a group of 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 orillia 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 , along with their professors, are busy conducting innovative research to find solutions to environmental problems. a number of the university's current research projects are focused on improving the health of lake simcoe and the surrounding watershed. the summer work experience is also providing valuable benefits to the student researchers.

lakehead student kayla snyder, enrolled in the honours bachelor of arts and science/bachelor of education (hbasc/bed) program, is working on a project with assistant professor of science, dr. chris murray. in collaboration with an industry partner, their project will help improve a system that removes harmful nutrients from stormwater runoff. the results of this project will have a direct result on the effectiveness of the product, which will ultimately help reduce phosphorous levels in lake simcoe.

assistant professor of chemistry, dr. thamara laredo, and student researcher lindsey jaanusson, also in the hbasc/bed program, are studying the chemical pollution of water and soil. their research is focused on chemical compounds that are carcinogenic and commonly referred to as "endocrine disruptors." jaanusson and laredo are investigating the development of bacteria that may be capable of breaking down and degrading these compounds.

"i feel lucky to have a summer job doing something that is related to what i am learning at school," says jaanusson. "we both want to be science teachers," adds snyder, "and this is the kind of experience that will be great to have on our resumes and help us find jobs."

justin lewis, also an arts and science student, is working with dr. chris murray on a research project that examines biodegradable plastics. lewis is investigating the use of plastics derived from animal and plant sources. "this type of research helps to find solutions to our overflowing landfills and dependence on oil," notes dr. murray.

lewis says he appreciates having the summer research assistant position, especially after coming from a larger university in the u.s. "the small class sizes provide a lot more opportunities; it's easier to get involved in research projects like this."

jaanusson, who also came to lakehead from a larger institution, says that she's discovered how much easier it is to learn in small classes compared to large lecture halls. "our professors here at lakehead are very dedicated to their 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 . they go above and beyond to help us get the kind of experiences we are looking for," says jaanusson.

lakehead professors and student researchers in the lab at lakehead university orillia (l to r): dr. chris murray, kayla snyder, justin lewis, lindsey jaanusson, and dr. thamara laredo.

other research projects taking place at lakehead's orillia campus over the summer involve 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 studying biology and environmental sustainability.
biology professors, dr.nandakumar kanavillil and dr. sreekumari kurissery, along with a team of 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 , are continuing to study the levels of phosphorus in lake simcoe to come up with solutions for controlling and reducing the influx of this nutrient into the lake. the findings will help the researchers identify the source of the phosphorus and could represent a significant scientific advancement.

in another study, local wetlands are being extensively sampled to monitor their roles in controlling nutrient flow into lake simcoe. part of this research includes the cultivation of wild rice plants to determine their ability to reduce nutrient concentration, especially phosphorus, in the water.

dr. florin pendea, assistant professor of environmental sustainability, along with student researcher rebecca fraser, are studying a seven-metre-long sediment core from siberia in order to better understand the effects of carbon pollution on ecosystems. the core sample, collected by pendea, contains more than 10,000 years of preserved ecological data. by understanding the effects of carbon on climates of the past, pendea believes the research will help other scientists make more accurate environmental predictions for the future.

"our 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 are unique," says dr. murray. "lakehead's interdisciplinary inquiry approach immerses 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 in real life challenges." he adds that, "it would be difficult to find another school where professors are right there on a daily basis working with the student."

with such innovative research taking place at 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 's orillia campus, the stage seems to be set for the development of the campus as a centre of research focused on sustainable communities, something the university aims to pursue, and something that will certainly benefit current and prospective 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 .

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