Eight Carleton University research projects received $504,780 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to conduct research on important areas such as water treatment, diabetes, 5G wireless connectivity and obesity.
“Carleton researchers are paving the way in innovative and important fields that will directly improve the lives of Canadians,” said Rafik Goubran, vice-president (Research and International). “We are extremely grateful for CFI’s ongoing support of this vital research.”
The CFI funds, part of the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), covers 40 per cent of the costs and is matched by the Ontario Research Fund. The remainder is provided by the university and/or partners.
Projects receiving CFI funds include:
- Sustainable Water Treatment Lab
Onita Basu, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Clean water is critical for public health. Climate change is linked to unpredictable rainfall and weather patterns means there can be atypical variations in water quality. Basu’s research will help mitigate climate change challenges by investigating and optimizing sustainable advanced water treatment methods, such as biofiltration, which improve water quality and significantly reduce chemical and energy requirements in drinking water facilities.
- Contribution of Environmental Chemicals to Beta Cell Dysfunction and Death in Diabetes
Jennifer Bruin, Biology
Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from a lack of insulin production by pancreatic beta cells. Bruin’s research investigates the contribution of environmental chemicals to beta cell dysfunction and death in diabetes. This will help reveal the root causes of diabetes and may lead to strategies to prevent or limit progression of the disease.
- Neurobiology of Energy Balance
Melissa Chee, Neuroscience
Obesity has dire consequences for the health of Canadians because it is tied to other medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, psychiatric disorders and even some forms of cancer. Besides lifestyle coaching and intervention, there are few effective treatments for obesity.
Chee’s research focuses on a hormone called melanin-concentrating hormone (MHC) as a potential target for obesity therapeutics. MCH is made in the brain and stimulates appetite. Chee’s research will reveal the key players and their mechanisms underlying the neurobiology of obesity.
- Next Generation Millimetre-Wave Wireless Networks
Shulabh Gupta, Electronics
Gupta’s research program is developing a low-cost millimetre-wave wireless technology based on smart, reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterials (MTMs). Located strategically, MTMs route electromagnetic signals to desired areas. As a result, the environment will act as a dynamic network entity, co-operating with the smart electronic devices it contains. The MTMs will provide superior network connectivity, on top of existing connections, making our surroundings more responsive and providing a richer and affordable technological experience for Canadians.
About Carleton Research
Carleton is a dynamic, interdisciplinary research-intensive institution with a creative international approach to research that has led to many significant discoveries and works in science and engineering, business, public affairs and the arts. Home to many noted award-winning researchers, Carleton is uniquely committed to discovery, knowledge, and understanding of the world around us.
Carleton’s location in Ottawa—the nation’s capital allows unique access for our researchers across many disciplines to such places as Canada’s national labs and museums, Library and Archives Canada, federal government departments and of course, Parliament Hill.
Through the building of sustainable communities, we foster new ideas to create a more prosperous future for Canada and the world.
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Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in News Releases
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