Conservation of the Oregon forestsnail through translocation and habitat enhancement efforts

Land snails are important ecological components of ecosystems, providing multiple services that maintain the health of ecosystems in which they occur. The Oregon forestsnail (Allogona townsendiana), currently designated as Endangered under the Species at Risk Act, is found only in southwestern British Columbia in Canada at the northernmost extent of its known range. Trans Mountain […]

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Spatiotemporal analysis of emerging contaminants of concern for salmonids by direct mass spectrometry

This project will develop and optimize high throughput, rapid screening analytical methods for twoclasses of aquatic toxins that threaten salmonid populations on Vancouver Island. These include UV filter sunscreen products associated with recreational activities and tire preservative compounds associated with roadway run-off. Working with project partners, community groups, and First Nations communities on Vancouver Island, […]

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Smart Greenhouse Initiative

The use of a modern greenhouse is considered an efficient way of maintaining favourable growing conditions to enhance the productivity of agriculture and horticulture. However, the high production cost is associated with the greenhouse operation due to the high energy demand that results in significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental impact. It is important […]

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Evaluating the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Risk Assessment Method in Supporting Decisions for Loan Approval by Financial Institutions

Financial institutions ensure borrowers’ ability to repay the loan before lending them for the pursuing projects. The ESSAFIN Logic 1.0 software tool is available for evaluating loan proposals based on the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. The tool has a potential for improvement to account for the lack of critical practical application and evidence-based […]

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Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors: Phosphor Deposition and Processing Improvements

Photon Control Inc. is a Burnaby, British Columbia company that designs and manufactures a wide range of optical sensors & instruments to measure temperature, pressure, position, and flow in the semiconductor, oil and gas, power, life science, and manufacturing industries. The operating principle of many of their products is based on the optical response of […]

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Leveraging native species restoration and remote sensing techniques for large-scale dust mitigation enhancement

This proposal aims to advance large-scale dust mitigation strategies in hydroelectric reservoir sites through improved revegetation outcomes, and through leveraging revegetation efforts to additionally enhance local biodiversity and cultural values. Our team has developed a strategic partnership between university researchers, BC Hydro, environmental industry partners, and the local First Nations community to provide an interdisciplinary […]

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The potential role of vertical agriculture in sustainable and resilient community food systems

Vertical agriculture could play a strong role in sustainable food systems, as it can be used to produce year-round supplies of nutritious foods with low environmental footprints. Vertical farming could be a valuable strategy for developing urban agriculture and local food systems, thereby contributing to sustainable community development and resilience. This research explores this potential […]

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Building Capacity for Campus Suicide Prevention: A Policy Practice Partnership

Post-secondary student mental health is of great concern, with increased rates of anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, and suicidality observed. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health stressors and concerns about campus suicides, already on the rise. In response, the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has funded the BC Campus Suicide Prevention Initiative […]

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Building Capacity for Campus Suicide Prevention: A Policy Practice Partnership – Year two

Post-secondary student mental health is of great concern, with increased rates of anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, and suicidality observed. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health stressors and concerns about campus suicides, already on the rise. In response, the BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has funded the BC Campus Suicide Prevention Initiative […]

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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) […]

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Replacing Legacy Materials of Aquatic Play Structures with Flexible, Durable and Low-Footprint Alternatives

The advancement in flexible high-performance plastics has stimulated worldwide research and development to expand the use of these materials in versatile products. In particular, their flexibility offers more comfort and ease of handling and installation, as compared to alternative hard materials. On the other hand, rising global concerns over plastic pollution, along with known chemical […]

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