Gagnon
My lab examines how the gut endocrine system regulates energy metabolism. Areas of interest are:Hormone Dysregulation, Glucose Metabolism (Type 2 Diabetes), Metabolic Inflammation, Gastrointestinal microbes (microflora). These areas are examined by various techniques including: Mammalian cell culture (endocrine cell lines and primary cell culture), Rodent models of weight gain (both genetic and diet induced).
Gauthier
My research team and I are interested in the molecular and cellular events involved in the initiation, execution and regulation of cell death in mammalian cells. We focus on two main facets of this problem:1) a fundamental aspect, where we investigate the intracellular signals triggered by the amino acid L-glutamine, and which lead to cell survival. This research has recently found immediate application to medicine, since glutamine is an important amino acid for the survival of several types of cancers. 2) a more applied focus, where the impact of the modulation of cell death on the behaviour of cells of biotechnological interest is investigated.
Gray-Munro
My main area of research is the characterization and modification of the surface of materials. Some current projects include: Surface modification of biodegradable metallic implant materials for improved biocompatibility, Development of biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces for corrosion control, Characterization of crude oil/mineral interfaces.
Gunn
My research focuses on trying to understand the basic processes by which severely damaged lakes and stream ecosystems repair themselves, and how management actions can be improved to aid the recovery process in the face of multiple stressors (e.g. climate change, invasive species, urbanization, acidification, metal contamination). Much of our work is concentrated in the Sudbury, Ontario area, home to one of the largest mining complexes on earth, and a UN award winning land reclamation program. Here we are engaged with national and international collaborators and work closely with the large local mining companies to assess the effectiveness of massive investments in air pollution control programs and in novel land management practices, tracing through laboratory and in-situ experiments, and long term monitoring studies (30 years +), the benefits of environmental improvements to whole aquatic ecosystems through studies of water chemistry, microbes, invertebrates and fish. Recently we have also begun extensive surveys (including Hg studies) and pre-disturbance biodiversity assessment studies in the remote and pristine watersheds of the Far North of Ontario (includes Hudson Bay Lowlands). These studies are designed to provide science information to First Nation communities, government and other stakeholders, that is needed to aid in the protection of this globally significant area in the face of rapid climate changes and industrial development.
Leclair
My research is in the realm of breast cancer. Particular focus is on the analysis of the x-ray scatter signals from breast biopsies. Such signals are captured with a CdTe semiconductor crystal x-ray detector. Pulse-height spectra are acquired and do provide quantitative information. The research tools used are modeling, simulations, and experimental measurements. As a member of Compute Canada, I am able to perform simulations via C++ on SHARCNET (Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Network). MATLAB, a programming and numeric computing platform, is used to analyze x ray data, develop algorithms, and create models. Current focus is on modelling breast tissue in terms of stroma, fat tissue and epithelial cells. A cell model has been devised and improvements will be accomplished via experimental x-ray measurements. X-ray imaging of the biopsies with a digital specimen radiography is also a tool used.
Litzgus
My research program combines field and lab-based approaches, and basic and applied science. Projects in my lab address questions in the fields of population ecology and conservation biology of reptiles, and the application of ecological data to tests of mitigation and recovery actions. My work focuses on demography, maternal investment, road ecology, spatial ecology and habitat selection. Physiological research examines questions about bioenergetic, fitness, and thermoregulatory consequences of certain behaviours, particularly summer and winter dormancy, in reptiles.