Cape Breton University researchers were recognized by the Government of Canada with the recent award of funding through the 鈥檚 (CFI) esteemed (JELF). These awards will support the development of research spaces at CBU, including the purchase of state-of-the-art lab equipment, as well as an accessible space for 福利免费在线看-engaged research. Two projects at CBU were awarded a total of $324,812, announced by the Honourable Fran莽ois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in Ottawa on August 11, 2021.
Dr. Xu Zhang, Water Treatment and Environmental Remediation Laboratory
As the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Healthy Environments and Communities and Industrial Research Chair in Applied Nanotechnology, Dr. Xu Zhang is a leader in water research as it relates to healthy communities, extending well beyond the CBU campus. He is also a Professor of Chemistry in the School of Science and Technology. JELF funding will be directed toward the purchase of critical equipment for a multi-disciplinary Water Treatment and Environmental Remediation (WaTER) Research Laboratory.
The WaTER Research Lab will build on CBU鈥檚 research strengths, contributing to the work of researchers in the areas of environmental toxicology and remediation, sustainable energy and materials, environmental toxicology, health and Indigenous 福利免费在线看 studies.
Dr. Zhang says this funding will contribute to efficiencies in his research program. He currently uses off-site lab equipment for certain processes, so he says the investment from JELF will streamline the schedule and build CBU鈥檚 research capabilities.
鈥淭his funding will make a significant impact on our work related to technology development and energy efficient solutions to water treatment, including the ongoing research in water quality in First Nation communities,鈥� says Dr. Zhang. 鈥淭he new equipment we are planning to add to our lab space will support new research pursuits and innovations in environmental health sciences.鈥�
Dr. Catherine Leviten-Reid, Community-University Housing Research Lab
The study of affordable rental housing in Canada is an important research pursuit for Dr. Catherine Leviten-Reid, researcher and Associate Professor in CBU鈥檚 MBA in Community Economic Development in the Shannon School of Business. With a focus on the local experience, she has become a national voice in the conversation about affordable housing for all. With the award of JELF funding, Dr. Leviten-Reid will work toward developing a space to support the 福利免费在线看-engaged and 福利免费在线看-led research that is the core of her research agenda.
The new lab space will be developed in the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation, located in Sydney鈥檚 downtown. Dr. Leviten-Reid says a dedicated lab space in an accessible off-campus location is key to reaching the target population, as transportation can be a barrier that would prevent them from sharing their experiences to inform this research.
鈥淭his CFI funding will allow us to work within the heart of the 福利免费在线看, providing a welcoming space for those living in rental housing of different kinds, those experiencing homelessness, as well as the service providers that we are collaborating with on this project,鈥� says Dr. Leviten-Reid.
Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett, Vice-President Academic and Research, says the award of JELF funds is an important contribution to CBU鈥檚 research portfolio. 鈥淲e are so proud of our researchers who continue to seek opportunities to develop research spaces. This funding will not only support their own research priorities, but will also build CBU鈥檚 research capacity for years to come.鈥�
Congratulations to Dr. Zhang and Dr. Leviten-Reid for receiving these awards!