Microbial genomics for de-risking offshore oil and gas exploration in Nova Scotia

The proposed project fits within a broad initiative in offshore oil and gas exploration geoscience mapping led by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy (NSDoE), the project’s End User. The province has partnered with Dr. Casey Hubert (University of Calgary) to develop, validate, and deploy three new genomics-based bioassay tools for offshore prospecting on the Scotian Slope. Genomics results will be integrated into mapping petroleum potential with the overall aim to attract and maintain large-scale investments by the O&G industry, in Nova Scotia. Results will be integrated with other geoscience data in a broader work program at NSDoE. Atlas maps resulting from this work will be shared with prospective bidders to promote offshore leases and attendant spending commitments in the Province. By integrating genomics with extensive geoscience mapping approaches (seismic data, geophysical methods, geochemical tools, satellite oil slick data, etc) the new bioassays will be validated within a comprehensive effort comprising the NSDoE’s petroleum source rock program. The intern will enhance the capability of the Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA) to provide project management and scientific consulting for the project.

Faculty Supervisor:

Todd Ventura

Student:

Partner:

Offshore Energy Research Association of Nova Scotia

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Saint Mary's University

Program: