Carleton University’s Hongyu Sun, assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience, has been named a Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Developmental Neuroscience.
Carleton’s Jacques Albert has also been renewed as a CRC. Albert, a professor in the Department of Electronics, holds the CRC in Advanced Photonic Components.
Sun’s Research
During early life, cellular connections in the brain develop constantly and quickly, influenced by information from experiences. This process affects how the brain develops, and how it will think and learn later in life. Using state-of-the-art technologies, Sun will study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain development under early-life experiences, especially under negative experiences like seizures and stress. The knowledge gained will contribute to understanding early-life human brain development and finding ways to promote the brain’s best functioning.
Albert’s Research
Albert’s research focuses on developing better sensor systems based on optical fibres. Novel light-matter interaction will also be studied by taking advantage of recent advances in laser technology and nanoscale thin film deposition processes. New high-power ultrashort pulsed lasers used in conjunction with specially coated optical fibres will enable improved detection thresholds for sensing. Sensors developed in partnership with private-sector companies will find widespread use in environmental protection, infrastructure monitoring, aerospace technology and biomedical instrumentation.
About the Canada Research Chairs Program
The Canada Research Chairs Program is designed to attract the best talent from Canada and around the world, helping universities achieve research excellence in a wide variety of fields. Chairholders improve Canadians’ depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen the country’s international competitiveness, and help train the next generation of highly skilled people.
Quotes
“Carleton is a leading research university and the cutting-edge advances being made by Sun and Albert demonstrate our dedication to innovative, collaborative solutions to solving real-world problems and advancing Canada’s place in the global research community.”
– Rafik Goubran, vice-president (Research and International).
“During the critical period of development from pregnancy through early childhood, the brain is extremely plastic and sensitive to early-life experiences. Our research will show how early experiences shape the brain development and lead to new strategies to prevent long-term consequences of early adverse experiences.”
-Sun
“The research carried out by the team of the Canada Research Chair in Advanced Photonic Components focusses on using light beams in optical fibres as sensors for many important applications in human health and safety, such as the detection of trace amounts of chemicals in liquids and in air, and monitoring vibrations and deformations in vehicles. In addition to being transferred to the private sector for product development, our research has attracted worldwide attention and is being pursued in several laboratories in Asia and Europe.”
-Albert
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Thursday, November 23, 2017 in News Releases
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