MALDI mass spectrometry technologies for investigating tumor metabolism

Cancer treatments that stimulate the immune system, called immunotherapies, have shown promise in fighting cancer. However, the success of immunotherapy depends on many factors, including tumor’s metabolism and the surrounding environment—the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is a complex mix of different cell types, including those that support the tumor’s growth and others that fight […]

Read More
Assessing threats to salmon and Tla-o-qui-aht priorities for restoration in the ha?ukmin (Kennedy) Watershed

The ha?ukmin (Kennedy) Watershed is vital to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation as a source of food and culture. The goal of this research, led by a Tla-o-qui-aht member and under Tla-o-qui-aht guidance, is to support the Nation’s fisheries and restoration decision-making for ha?ukmin. Specifically, the research will investigate two factors: the diet of Peamouth Chub (who […]

Read More
Exploring Progressive Solutions: Innovating within the Regional Cannabis Sector

Prior to cannabis legalization the regional cannabis industry in the Central Kootenay Boundary Region was flourishing with an estimated 2,500 small grey-market producers who were an integral part of the socioeconomic fabric. Legalization offered the potential to transition the regional cannabis economy from an illicit to a legal sector, bringing with it potential for economic […]

Read More
Learning from the river: improving the resilience and ecological value of tidal marsh creation projects in Pacific Northwest estuaries

The tidal marshes of the Fraser River Estuary support numerous species, including juvenile salmon, and offer benefits to nearby communities. To counteract marsh losses, over 100 tidal marshes have been constructed in the estuary from the 1980s to present. Yet after 40 years, key knowledge gaps still limit our confidence in their ability to support […]

Read More
Causes and consequences of vateritic otoliths in hatchery-reared Coho Salmon

Coho Salmon use their ear bones, called otoliths, for hearing and balance. Sometimes, these ear bones can develop a deformity called vaterite, which results in severe hearing impairment. This deformity is significantly more common in salmon raised in hatcheries than those in the wild. Our project aims to determine what causes vateritic otoliths to form […]

Read More
Novel Prediction of Watershed Peak Flow Across Logging and Climate Change Scenarios in the Redfish Creek Watershed

Recent findings expose the concerning sensitivity of hydrologic and geomorphic function to clearcut logging. Water quality, fish habitat, downstream infrastructure, and human lives are all suffering due to clearcut practices and climate change. This study will explore for the first time the differences between the effect of clearcut logging and more ecosystem friendly logging practices […]

Read More
Optimizing precision oncology at BC Children’s Hospital

Precision medicine, where treatment is tailored to the individual patient, offers much potential to improve outcomes for children with cancer. However, selecting the right drug for each child remains challenging and new approaches to identify the most effective therapy are needed. In this project, interns will work directly with staff at BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) […]

Read More
Automated Low-Cost Change Detection of Road Infrastructure Assets Using Remote Sensing and AI

Highway infrastructure across Canada is a key national asset that is critical to the mobility and economic prosperity of Canadians. Unfortunately, maintaining highway infrastructure is is a costly and resource draining endeavour. Provincial transportation agencies dedicate billions of dollars to the process on an annual basis. In current practice inspecting the conditions of highway infrastructure […]

Read More
Developing Rapid Battery Charging infrastructure in Kelowna for Transit: A Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment

Electric Vehicles (EVs), which have zero tailpipe emissions, are an innovative and proven alternative transportation solution for regions with a low-emission electricity grid mix. However, most studies to date are motivated by increasing market penetration of private EVs, and they generally focus on the distribution of charging points across the transportation network. Battery-electric buses (e-buses) […]

Read More