Respiratory viruses exploit the biological activity of human proteins present at the surface of airway cells to allow viruses to penetrate that physical barrier and subsequently replicate in infected cells. It has been established that a family of human proteins, the type 2 transmembrane serine proteases, are directly responsible for this viral entry, but they […]

Experiencing and accessing nature has been shown to promote individual and communal physical and mental well-being. However, these benefits are not universally enjoyed due to social inequities. There are limited tools and strategies to ensure that greenspace programs and policies have positive social and health equity impacts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the confluence […]

Norethindrone, the first oral contraceptive, is noted as one of the most pivotal molecules to be introduced into society. When introduced in 1960, norethindrone caused a societal paradigm shift by allowing for family planning and providing women with more agency over their reproductive system. Unsurprisingly, the women’s liberation movement, rise of feminism, and the increased […]

The increased energy prices and effects of climate change are severely impacting the day-to-day lives of Canadians. Moreover, essential sectors such as agriculture release substantial amounts of greenhouse gases, adding to climate change challenges. Hence, investing in local and sustainable energy sources is more critical now than ever to reduce these burdens. Therefore, biogas generation […]

Augmented reality (AR) is poised to transform human interactions. This project aims to explore the use of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for the development of compact and high-performance image projectors, also called “light engines”, for AR glasses. PICs are a type of integrated circuit that uses light instead of electricity to perform various functions, such […]

Conventional Li-ion batteries using liquid electrolytes (LEs) are suffering from insufficient energy density and safety issues when used for the flourishing market of electric vehicles (EVs). Replacing LEs with solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) to fabricate all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) has been regarded as an essential route to improve energy density and safety. Basically, a qualified SSE […]

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, with long-term hand function impairments being the most common symptom among stroke survivors. As hand function plays a vital role in performing everyday activities, individuals with stroke face a significant impact in their quality of life including their ability to maintain independence, employment, and socially connectedness. To […]

Millions of animals are used in research each year. This practice is justified by the expectation that the benefits of such research will be significant, outweighing the harms imposed on animals during experiments. Indeed, animal research has led to countless improvements in human health and quality of life. However, there is growing concern that current […]

Mice and rats are commonly used in biomedical research to model human diseases. Usually, we house them in “shoebox-sized” cages in small same-sex groups. Since they are social species, we know having social contact is important for their well-being. For example, rodents will choose to spend time with other rodents rather than live alone, and […]

This research project will examine how precarious work conditions (e.g., casual, temporary, contract-based, and normally poorly paid work) impact women workers, particularly those who are historically marginalized, including racialized women, Indigenous women, women with disabilities, and GLBTTQ women. It will also examine the impacts of precarious employment on women as users of public programs and […]

Students learning within challenging contexts often feel disempowered and may not see the relevance of their learning. The proposed research project will assess the extent to which an educational experience that enhances coding skills while also exercising students’ core “skills of success” increases their feelings of empowerment. This assessment will take place within a number […]

When introduced to a region, non-native invasive species often have negative consequences for native plants, animals, and humans. When introduced to North America, the invasive zebra and quagga mussels altered the structure and function of native aquatic ecosystems. This caused ecological and economic damage by reducing biodiversity and human uses of local surface waters, respectively. […]