Two Trent researchers get project funding of more than $1.1-million

Two Trent researchers have received more than $1.1-million in project funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

President Bonnie Patterson described the CFI funding as "more great news for research at Trent University. Our research record continues to grow and demonstrate innovation. These newly-funded projects will allow Trent researchers and students to expand our contribution to environmental insight."

Dr. Brad White, director of the Trent-Natural Resources Wildlife DNA and Forensic Laboratory, and Dr. Peter Dillon, professor in the Environmental and Resource Studies program and Department of Chemistry and holder of a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Chair, have had their projects approved.

Dr. White's is the Establishment of a Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre, funded by CFI for $440,000, and Dr. Dillon's is an Isotope Ratio Laboratory for Environmental Biogeochemistry Studies, funded with $670,000.

Dr. White's project is to establish a Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre (NRDPFC) on Trent's campus in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the private sector. The NRDPFC's objective will be to use DNA profiling systems to develop DNA data banks for the long-term monitoring of natural animal and plant populations using automated robotic systems.

Dr. Dillon's project will be an integral part of Trent's new Water Quality Centre (WQC). The establishment of an Isotope Ratio Laboratory for Environmental Biogeochemistry Studies will provide equipment complementary to that now available at the WQC. The new instrumentation will enable Trent researchers to analyze different isotopic forms of elements with greater sensitivity and precision. This leading edge technology will enable the Centre to determine the sources of atmospheric contaminants such as mercury and other pollutants. This is very important information for utilities that use oil and coal for energy production.

CFI is an independent organization established in 1997 by the federal government and it invests in the areas of health, science, engineering and the environment. The Trent awards were announced under a Canada-wide competition aimed at investing more than $350-million in specialized equipment and infrastructure at universities and research institutions across Canada.

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