From left to right: Professors Wolfgang Alschner, Yannick Benoit, Kin Chan, Michael De Lisio, Pascal Fallavollita, Stuart M. Fogel, Ryan Graham, Nafissa Ismail, Ebrahim Karimi, Jacob Krich, Benoît Lessard, Stephen G. Newman, Matthew Pamenter and Amy Salyzyn
The University of Ottawa has received an unprecedented number of Early Researcher Awards, presented by the Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science. Fourteen professors out of 25 submitted for consideration by the University were chosen, a success rate of 56%.
“The number of recipients honoured this year speaks for itself,” said Sylvain Charbonneau, vice-president, research. “It shows the phenomenal talent of the rising generation of researchers who are making significant strides in their respective fields while in the early years of their academic career.”
The Early Researcher Awards provide funding to help new professors build a research team.
This year’s recipients are:
Wolfgang Alschner, Faculty of Law (Common Law Section)
How artificial intelligence can assist tomorrow’s lawyers in automatic legal document production and analysis
Yannick Benoit, Faculty of Medicine
Identifying new bioactive molecules that selectively alter the DNA pattern in human cancer stem cells
Kin Chan, Faculty of Medicine
Investigating the origins of DNA damage in cancers to develop better cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment
Michael De Lisio, Faculty of Health Sciences
How exercise affects blood-forming stem cells within bone marrow
Pascal Fallavollita, Faculty of Health Sciences
Designing 3D augmented reality technology for optimal precision surgery in the operating rooms of tomorrow
Stuart M. Fogel, Faculty of Social Sciences
Impact of aging on sleep and memory for cognitively complex problem solving
Ryan Graham, Faculty of Health Sciences
Creating a technology-based framework for improving the understanding, prevention and rehabilitation of low back pain, a leading cause of disability
Nafissa Ismail, Faculty of Social Sciences
Understanding the role of gut microbiome in stress-induced depression and anxiety during puberty
Ebrahim Karimi, Faculty of Science
Developing structured massive particle beams for improved electron and ion microscopy that could help answer unsolved puzzles in quantum physics
Jacob Krich, Faculty of Science
Devising a new material system for high-efficiency intermediate band solar cells
Benoît Lessard, Faculty of Engineering
Synthesizing smart polymers for the next generation of sophisticated electronic sensors
Stephen G. Newman, Faculty of Science
Using renewable feedstocks to develop more sustainable chemical reactions and processes
Matthew Pamenter, Faculty of Science
Gaining new insights into the evolution of low oxygen tolerance (hypoxia) in African mole rats to aid in the development of treatment for diseases such as stroke
Amy Salyzyn, Faculty of Law (Common Law Section)
Using mobile and web-based apps to improve access to justice for Ontarians