Eleven scientists at the University of Ottawa have received Early Researcher Awards. The awards, worth approximately $100,000 each, are part of the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund.
The recipients are as follows:
Jeffrey Dilworth, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, is developing an effective treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by gaining a better understanding of how muscle tissue is established in the body and how it could be reproduced using stem cells.
David Doloreux, Telfer School of Management, is examining regional clustering of industries and the links among innovation, entrepreneurship, business performance and regional economic development.
Daniel Figeys, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, is developing a technology that will find and identify “tags” or special protein biomarkers in plasma, for use in diagnostic tests.
Dr. Michael Gollob, Department of Medicine, is investigating the molecular mechanisms behind abnormal heart rhythm with the goal of developing better medications for its management.
Jeremy Kerr, Department of Biology, is studying advances and retreats in the locations of butterflies, which are known to indicate early impacts of global change.
Frithjof Lutscher, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, is developing mathematical models to study our river ecosystems and determine how natural and human disturbances affect them over time.
Lora Ramunno, Department of Physics, is developing her understanding of how powerful lasers can be used to restructure materials to make microscopic devices.
Howard Rundle, Department of Biology, is exploring animal mate preferences with the goal of providing a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of biodiversity.
Lisheng Wang, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, is developing a novel technology for generating transplantable stem cells that are compatible with a person’s own immune system.
Stewart Whitman, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, is focusing on the role of chronic bacterial infections and the immune system in cases where high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking and obesity are not present in atherosclerosis.
Jason (Zisheng) Zhang, Department of Chemical Engineering, is developing a technology for the cost-competitive production of phytase with microalgae, sunlight and carbon dioxide. Phytase is an enzyme that promotes the growth of plants.
