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Research Excellence Award Winners Announced

Research Excellence Award Winners Announced

Dr. Linda Ambrose and Dr. John Ashley Scott selected as 2024 recipients

June 4, 2024 - The selection committee for the 2023-2024 Research Excellence Award has completed its deliberations and selected this year’s recipients. With many exceptional researchers to choose from, the committee determined that Dr. Linda Ambrose and Dr. John Ashley Scott would be awarded the honour for 2024.

The annual award recognizes Laurentian faculty who have made outstanding and original contributions to their fields, particularly in the past five years, spanning applied, artistic, professional, and/or scientific domains. They have successfully secured external research funding, are recognized by the national or international academic community, and have notably advanced Laurentian University's research.

“We are very proud of the world-class research taking place here at Laurentian University. Drs. Scott and Ambrose are great examples of the excellence in research that is being carried out across a breadth of fields and disciplines within our institution. We congratulate them, as well as their collaborators, students, and staff who continue to support their research efforts,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University.

“I am thrilled to be named as a recipient of the Laurentian Research Excellence Award! Sharing my passion for gender studies and women's history with graduate students and travelling the world to participate in academic conferences is such a privilege. To be recognized in this way by my own university is most definitely a highlight of my 30 years in Sudbury. Reading the letters of support, I feel so honoured and humbled for this recognition. It's such a joy to reflect on the colleagues, collaborators, and former students who have shaped my research career! I am deeply grateful,” said Dr. Linda Ambrose, Full Professor of History in the Faculty of Arts.

“The success of my research at Laurentian is an outcome of 12 years of tremendous support and collaborations with industry and government that have helped me obtain $4 million in research grants. I am particularly grateful to, and proud of, the over 20 PhD and Masters’ research students that have graduated, and their indispensable contributions to developing these highly collaborative programs. Programs that have also enhanced their training and personal experiences leading to very relevant and productive employment in the north. I am also grateful for my colleagues and excellent existing graduates that further support our collaborations and Canada’s economy through sustainable use of our resources,” said Dr. John Ashley Scott, Full Professor of Bioprocess Engineering in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture.

The recipients will be honoured at a convocation ceremony of their choosing (spring or fall) and will be invited to speak at the 2025 Research Week, followed by a reception in their honour.

About Dr. Ambrose’s Research

Award-winning historian Linda M. Ambrose has earned an international reputation for her explorations of rural women and women and religion. Her investigation of feminism in contexts like Women’s Institutes in Ontario and the United Kingdom, has resulted in publications including For Home and Country with its revelations about ubiquitous grassroots feminism. Her publications about North American Pentecostalism expose the gendered ambiguities women navigate within patriarchal institutions that espouse egalitarian rhetoric.

About Dr. Scott’s Research

Dr. Scott has specialized in turning the unexplored, underutilized, and even problematic into opportunities and resources that enhance sustainability. Many of the discoveries from his research have generated exciting and valuable opportunities that have in turn led to diverse and often surprising research directions in Canada and internationally. One example of his innovative research is the capture and reuse of CO2 emissions from Canada’s beer and wine fermentation industry to create a wide range of novel and effective natural disease fighting compounds.

Honorary Doctorates to be Awarded at Laurentian University Convocation

Honorary Doctorates to be Awarded at Laurentian University Convocation

Justice Michelle O'Bonsawin, Dr. Catharine Farrow, and Dr. Dan Andreae to be recognized

June 3, 2024 - Laurentian University is awarding three honorary doctorate degrees during this week’s convocation ceremonies. The honorary degree recipients will be in attendance to be recognized alongside graduating students.

“We are very pleased to be joined this week by these three inspirational leaders. Each of them has reached the top of their respective disciplines and their presence at convocation will signal to graduates that truly anything is possible. Their contributions to the common good are exceptional and worthy of the highest honour we can bestow,” said Dr. Lynn Wells, President & Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University.

The convocation ceremonies will be streamed live via YouTube and are available from laurentian.ca.

Award Dates

  • June 4, 10:00am: Justice Michelle O'Bonsawin - Honorary Doctorate of Law

  • June 5, 2:30pm: Dr. Catharine Farrow - Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration

  • June 6, 10:00am: Dr. Daniel Andreae - Honorary Doctorate of Letters

Justice Michelle O'Bonsawin

The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin became the first Indigenous person to serve on Canada's highest court, when she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada on September 1, 2022. She is a widely respected member of Canada’s legal community with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years. Born in Hanmer, Ontario, and a fluently bilingual Franco-Ontarian, Justice O’Bonsawin is an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation. Justice O’Bonsawin was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2017. She is a graduate of Laurentian University’s Bachelor of Arts.

Dr. Catharine Farrow

Dr. Farrow is a professional geoscientist with more than 25 years of mining industry experience. She currently serves as a Director of Franco-Nevada, Centamin PLC, Eldorado Gold Corporation and Aclara Resources, and is Chair of the Board of Exiro Minerals Corp. Chair of the Advisory Board, ReThink Mining Ventures, which is part of Canada Mining Innovation Council. Member of The Capital Oversight Committee of Metrolinx. Catharine is also the President of FarExGeoMine, consulting with mining companies and legal organizations.. Previously, she was Founding CEO, Director and Co-Founder of TMAC Resources Inc (now part of Agnico Eagle Mines) as well as Chief Operating Officer of KGHM International. She has been honoured as one of the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining (2015 and 2018) and is a past recipient of the William Harvey Gross Medal of the Geological Association of Canada (2000). In 2020 was awarded distinguished Alumni at Acadia University.

Dr. Dan Andreae

With over twenty years of professional experience in the education sector, Dr. Andreae has established himself as a highly distinguished and esteemed expert in several areas, health, neuroscience, psychology, advocacy, and community organization. He has committed a considerable part of his career to studying, supporting, and advocating for those with brain issues, especially Alzheimer’s serving as an insightful and dynamic leader. He has been recognized by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Service award for Leadership, an award presented by the Chair of the international Alzheimer Society Princess Yasmin Khan and later a Pioneer Award. He was the first Executive Director of the Society and Chair of the Patrons Council.

Laurentian appoints Dr. Parvinder Arora as new Dean of the Faculty of Management

Laurentian appoints Dr. Parvinder Arora as new Dean of the Faculty of Management

June 3, 2024 - Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Parvinder Arora as the University’s next Dean of the Faculty of Management.

Dr. Arora brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Laurentian University having served more than 25 years in the field of management, in both corporate and academic sectors in Canada, Asia, and Australia. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Panjab University and his doctorate from Punjabi University in India.

Most recently, Dr. Arora has been the Dean of the Schools of Business, Creative Industries, and Information Technology at Cambrian College. There, he led several key growth initiatives, including the launch of new programs, introduction of innovative delivery methods, and embedding Indigenous content in the curriculum of business programs.

Dr. Arora was a professor at Seneca College in Toronto (2015-19) and took a one year leave to serve as Dean of the Institute of Management Technology in Dubai. Prior to that, he served as a professor and assistant Dean at the SP Jain School of Global Management, a multinational institution ranked globally as a top business school.

He is student focused and has been actively engaged in mentoring graduate students in their research work, often with corporate partners. He values interdisciplinarity and deeply appreciates the importance of partnerships to create opportunities, build community, and elevate impact.

Dr. Arora has proven himself to be a collaborative and accountable leader whose focus lies on the student experience, global mindset and cultivating relationships.

Dr. Arora will begin his new role with Laurentian University on August 1, 2024.

Voyageurs Summer Camps Open for Registration

Voyageurs Summer Camps Open for Registration

Kids aged 4 to 12 will have a blast with sports and adventure activities at weekly summer camp sessions, running from July 2nd to August 30th.

May 31, 2024 - Voyageurs Summer Camps are now open for registration. The camps run weekly from July 2nd to August 30th for kids aged 4 to 12 years old.

Every summer, Voyageurs Summer Camps welcome hundreds of Greater Sudbury youth to Laurentian University’s campus to learn new skills, make new friends, and have tons of fun.

Three themes will guide the games and free-play activities this year, Carnival, Colour Wars, and Amazing Race. Campers will develop leadership skills, communication skills, and confidence as they play on the campus sports facilities, including four full sized gymnasiums, squash courts, a beach volleyball court, soccer fields, tennis courts, and the Tango Tower.

The Tango Tower is a challenge course with a 50' tower, low-rope activities, 13 different climbing routes, and a giant swing. With encouragement from team mates, and guidance from counselors, campers are encouraged to choose the level of challenge that’s right for them.

Outdoor adventure activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wilderness survival training (building a shelter, starting a campfire, tying knots, etc).

Indoor and outdoor sports, including floor hockey, basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, badminton, volleyball, and squash.

Camp counselors are Laurentian students, with certification in several skilled activities. “The counselors are students from all different programs like education, arts, business, and sciences,” says Jean Benoit, Campus Recreation Coordinator. “They love what this campus has to offer and are dedicated to making the Voyageur Camp a fun, unique, and safe experience for every camper. They are patient, hard-working, and great role models.”

To add to the fun, every camper is given a camp T-shirt, and Fridays are always a pizza day. Drop off is as early as 8:00 am and pick up is as late as 5:00 pm. Camp activities run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The cost per week is $260.

To learn more about Voyageurs Summer Camps, email the Campus Recreation Coordinator at campusrec@laurentian.ca or visit the Laurentian University Voyageurs website, or Facebook page. To register, please call (705) 673-6573.

Graduate Spotlight: Emily Benedicic

Graduate Spotlight: Emily Benedicic

She may be carrying on the family legacy, but this third generation Bachelor of Education Graduate is taking the degree to the next level.

May 31, 2024 - Both Emily’s mother and grandmother are Laurentian alumnae and French teachers in Northern Ontario so it might not be a surprise to you that Emily is about to graduate from Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Education degree. But it was, in a way, a surprise to Emily.

“I never saw myself as a teacher. I had dreams of working in a museum one day,” Emily says. “I am interested in fine art and I love working with kids but teaching has never been part of my plan.”

Like many, Emily’s academic journey was not linear. After high school at École catholic la Renaissance in Espanola, Emily moved back to her hometown of Foleyet to spend some time working and planning for her future. Eight years after graduating high school, Emily’s mom and grandma encouraged her to look into attending Laurentian University for her studies. They suggested she follow in their footsteps and get a Bachelor of Education but Emily was not sure it was a good fit for her long term goals.

That’s when Emily reached out to the late Dr. Ali Reguigui for some guidance. Dr. Reguigui, who was a prominent figure at the University and in the French community, offered Emily guidance that helped her get to where she is today.

“I told him about my interest in art, my hope to one day work in a museum, my love for kids, and my passion for Franco-Ontarian culture,” Emily recalls. “He encouraged me to go into the teaching program because the dual degree could open doors in ways I might not expect.”

Dr. Reguigui explained that the French Consecutive degree option would give her the chance to study in French, get a general arts degree, and she would finish with a Bachelor of Education as well. Plus with the option to study online, she could continue to live and work in Foleyet while working on her French Bachelor of Arts.

Emily had previously completed the Early Childhood Education Program at Collège Boréal and with her new trajectory at Laurentian, she would be able to transfer many of those credits to the B.Ed program.

Emily’s patience and perseverance over the years has paid off and she is now about to graduate from Laurentian with both degrees and complete her term as the Delegate of the Faculty of Education with the Association des Études Francophone.

“I took my time figuring out what I wanted to do and I feel proud of that. Even during the pandemic, I took a year off and came back again. I studied in-person and online,”Emily says, reflecting on her academic journey. “I went to college and university. I represented my program through the French student association. I asked for guidance and grace when I needed it. The process made me a more resilient and confident person.”

Fourteen years after graduating high school, Emily will start her Master’s in Études Français in the fall. You might be wondering if Emily has decided to take on teaching. The answer to that is still “not right now” but Emily says the French B.Ed. was the right choice for her and teaching may be something she does in the future.

“I have found a way to connect all the dots - creativity, culture, and education can all work together,” Emily says emphatically. “I can make an impact in education without being a front line educator. My future plan is to create Franco-Ontarian teaching resources. I’m so excited to help teachers and students enrich their classrooms with teaching tools that are relevant and local.”

Emily will graduate on June 4th at 2:30pm.

Graduate Spotlight: Bradleigh Trudeau

Graduate Spotlight: Bradleigh Trudeau

A student embodying Indigenous culture and the science of environmental restoration

May 28, 2024 - Bradleigh Trudeau is not only about to be a new graduate, he is also a new parent. The convergence of these big life events only makes Bradleigh more confident as he pursues his dreams. Although a lot is happening at the same time, Bradleigh sees this time as an opportunity to pause and enjoy family life before diving into a career.

Bradleigh grew up in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. An upbringing rooted in Annishanaabe culture, learning from his dad and his grandmother with whom he lived, Bradleigh spent a lot of time playing in the woods and developing a love for nature. His home community’s close proximity to Sudbury meant that Bradleigh’s family would often travel into the city for groceries and shopping.

“I remember how the hills around the smoke stack were black and rocky and now they’re green and full of plants,” Trudeau recalls. “Seeing that development over my life, made a huge impression on me. I knew I wanted to be a part of something like that.”

Now reflecting on his time as a Laurentian student in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture, Bradleigh feels a sense of accomplishment. There is no better institution to learn about the world renowned regreening efforts in the Sudbury basin than Laurentian University. No better playground to immerse oneself in nature than Laurentian’s vast campus. No better postsecondary setting for students to stay connected to Indigenous culture than the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC). On June 5th, Bradleigh will graduate having reached his goal to be a part of environmental conservation in Sudbury and prepared for a career in the field.

His journey to this moment has not been easy. Bradleigh says joining the ISLC in his first year helped him feel a sense of home on campus. “It’s not only a place to study when you want quiet but also a place to access support from peers or mentors when facing personal or academic challenges. There’s a real sense of community there.”

That sense of community made such an impression on Bradleigh that he started working with the Centre.

“I took a couple of years off between high school and university so I am considered a mature student. The Peer Wellness Centre on campus was looking for a mature student to join their team. I applied and it led to also working at the ISLC in peer support.”

He says that the opportunity to support other students the way he had been supported earlier on in his studies was fulfilling for him.

“It was pretty cool getting to help students with the challenges they faced,” he said. “I took the job seriously and understood the positive impact that I could have on students by making them feel supported and connecting them with resources.”

Bradleigh’s son was born in the middle of his final year at Laurentian. His partner is also a Laurentian student in the Criminology program. While starting their family in his final year of studies was challenging, Bradleigh is proud of where he is now. He says he is ready to take a break and enjoy some family time before deciding on a career path or if he wants to continue on to a masters program.

Taking the time to pause is a value in action for Bradleigh. He is adhering to his own advice for other students which is: “Find balance in your studies and personal life. Take breaks and get help when you need it. Disconnect when you need to and you’ll feel so much more equipped to take on challenges.”

Bradleigh will graduate on June 5th at 2:30pm.

Graduate Spotlight: Tharusha Wijewardena

Graduate Spotlight: Tharusha Wijewardena

Creating a life dedicated to urban turtle conservation

May 24, 2024 - Growing up in Sri Lanka, Tharusha Wijewardena, was surrounded by oceans and several species of marine turtles that inhabit them. Fast-forward to 2024 and she is about to walk across the stage as Dr. Tharusha Wijewardena at Laurentian University’s June 4th convocation ceremony with a PhD and a plan to spend the rest of her life dedicated to turtle conservation.

“I have always had an affinity for turtles and transitioned to freshwater turtles once I moved to Canada,” Tharusha said. She developed her interest in freshwater turtles and aquatic ecosystems during her undergraduate degree at University of Toronto where she studied with Dr. Nicholas Mandrak. This is also when the work of Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Litzgus caught her attention.

Pursuing her PhD at Laurentian in the Boreal Ecology Program was motivated by a desire to work with Dr. Litzgus, says Tharusha. “I was interested in herpetology and when you look at the kind of work Dr. Litzgus does, she focuses a lot on conservation. She is one of the leading researchers in Canada, maybe even in North America and she had an incredible reputation so I was inspired to get on her research team and work under her supervision.”

She started thinking about working with Dr. Litzgus while completing her undergraduate studies, but wasn’t able to make it happen for her Master’s. Instead, she studied at U of T again, with Dr. Nicholas Mandrak, developing what would later become a long-term relationship with the Toronto Zoo. In this field work, the team headstarted (a conservation technique for endangered species) Blanding's turtles, taking hatchlings from the wild and bringing them into a rearing facility for a couple of years until they were large enough to release into the wild.

In 2019, when she was ready to start her PhD, Tharusha heard about NSERC funding for the ReNewZoo program that was to be led by Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde and co-applicants including Dr. Litzgus. Tharusha applied to be a part of the research team. “I was honored to get the opportunity. Working on this team, I learned so much more than just academic skills but things like collaboration, critical thinking, leadership, and virtues like patience and kindness. My advisors were a tremendous support and encouraged me to strive for more,” said Tharusha.

Tharusha’s work with Dr. Litzgus made an impression on the conservation of blanding’s turtles but also on the scope of ecology research in Ontario. In May 2023, Tharusha was awarded Laurentian’s first ever Jane Goodall Student Scholarship for her exceptional dedication to biodiversity conservation. Along with Dr. Litzgus (who received the Jane Goodall Research Fellowship in Conservation Biology), Tharusha’s work was recognized by Dr. Jane Goodall during a visit to Sudbury.

Tharusha credits her PhD advisors for pushing her to apply for her postdoctoral position. “It’s a fairly competitive position that is awarded once annually. I was nervous to apply and unsure if I would get it but I got it and I was so amazed. My advisors were the reason I felt confident enough to apply. They truly encouraged me. Doing my PhD with them was one of the best experiences of my life.”

In her postdoctoral fellowship with the Centre for Urban Environments at University of Toronto Mississauga, Tharusha will collaborate with other researchers and community conservation organizations to observe the nesting ecology of snapping turtles and painted turtles in the Peel and Halton regions.

For Tharusha, this is just the next step in what she hopes will be a career dedicated to reptile and amphibian conservation in urban areas.

Graduate Spotlight: Mia Tucker

Graduate Spotlight: Mia Tucker

My journey at Laurentian University, in my own words

May 22, 2024 - If you’ve ever wondered who writes these Student Spotlights, here I am, it’s me! I am Mia Tucker, Communications Assistant at Laurentian’s Communications Office, but today, I’m writing as both your subject and author.

I am an alumna and current student at Laurentian University with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and soon-to-be graduate of Concurrent Education. Throughout my two degrees and five years here, Laurentian has become my home and the Laurentian community has become my second family. I’d like to share a few experiences with you before my time with this pen comes to an end.

I was born in Sudbury and raised in Toronto. Growing up I visited Sudbury often, giving the city a special place in my heart. As the end of high school approached, I started looking at Concurrent Education programs in Ontario. I discovered that Laurentian’s program was the most condensed in the whole province. The chance to spend more time in Sudbury, and the appeal of the fast program are why I chose to attend Laurentian. Over the years, my love for this community has continued to grow and I now plan to stay in Sudbury as I pursue my teaching career.

I knew since I was young that I wanted to become a teacher. I have always been passionate about learning, growing, and working with kids. Having two younger siblings inspired me, as I have always loved being a big sister and teaching them things I know. I believe that every child has unique capabilities and ideas that should be celebrated. Each child has the ability to become something amazing. That is what inspired me to want to teach - I want to bring that out in my students. My time at Laurentian has prepared me for the future I have always dreamed of.

Over the past five years, I have gained invaluable teaching experience in different classrooms and grade-levels. My placements complimented my course work and instilled within me confidence and professionalism in my teaching practices. Laurentian’s small class sizes and connections I made with professors made me feel supported and like I was never on my own. I met like-minded individuals who valued education like I do. The past year was especially impactful getting to apply my comprehension in my last two placements at Sudbury elementary schools.

I moved into Residence when I was 17 years old for first-year of university. Going from living at home with my mom to living in residence in a new city was a huge transition for me. As I grew more comfortable on my own, I began taking on many leadership roles within residence and Laurentian. It was fulfilling to be able to help other students in my roles as a Residence Assistant, leader on student council, and peer mentor. I value community, inclusivity, and I wanted to be a support for other new students who may have had similar uneasy feelings during their transition to university life.

My involvement in the Laurentian community is what led me to the unique opportunity to write this Student Spotlight. As a student employee, I worked on campus part time with flexible hours while studying. I was tasked with interviewing and writing stories (like this one!) about interesting people within the Laurentian community for the news section of the website. I have developed administrative skills and understanding of professional communications that I can now use throughout my career as a teacher.

As I walk across the stage to accept my second degree at my convocation ceremony on June 4th, 2024, I will look back on my journey at Laurentian with gratitude. I will envision my exciting future and all that I can accomplish with my abilities, relationships, and education that grew here at Laurentian.

Local Business Born from Industrious Beginnings

Local Business Born from Industrious Beginnings

Business grad, Jean-François Démoré, shares his cheat code to life

May 15, 2024 - For Jean-François (JF) Démoré, having a strong business sense came naturally. A Laurentian University alumnus from École secondaire catholique Champlain in Chelmsford, Ontario, not only did JF pursue his academics at Laurentian, but it’s where he also got started in entrepreneurship.

Choosing Laurentian for his postsecondary education was simple for JF. He was familiar with Laurentian because his mother was a professor at the University. He felt that choosing to study at a smaller university would actually mean more opportunities would be available to him. And that’s exactly what JF says shaped his university experience.

Never afraid to say yes to any and all opportunities available, JF fully immersed himself in the student experience. “I was on so many committees and participated in multiple sports. At a smaller school, there are many unique experiences and opportunities that aren’t possible for students at bigger schools.”

As an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Management, JF worked in the Liaison department giving tours to prospective students and their families. “I really enjoyed working in Liaison because I had and still have so much pride in this community,” JF recalls. “I always loved showing prospective students around campus and seeing their reaction to the beautiful views and the access to nature all around us.”

When JF was completing his dual Bachelor Degree in Computer Science and Commerce, small class sizes and close relationships with professors were two of the most impactful tenants of his undergraduate experience. “The small class sizes were, and still are, the most appealing part of studying at Laurentian. Anyone who goes to Laurentian knows this,” said JF. “Every one of my professors still knows who I am if I run into them in the community, all these years later. These relationships are why I stayed at Laurentian for my Masters (MBA). I had a favourite professor during my undergrad and then I was lucky to get to have him as my supervisor for my thesis.”

An opportunist and natural entrepreneur, JF started making websites as a small business venture while working on his undergraduate degree. Through this small business, he was able to save enough money to travel through Europe the summer after graduating. For a tenacious and vivacious person like JF, this presented another opportunity – he began regularly writing about his travels for a local newspaper.

Despite his eagerness to take on new projects and travel to new places, JF never faltered in his love of his home town. “Sudbury has a lot of cool things to offer. I had opportunities to leave but Sudbury continues to offer the best quality of life for my family,” he reflects. “Camp, family, and friends are all close by. No commute. Within a 30 minute radius, we have 330 lakes. What more could you want?”

Now the owner of Innova Wealth Partners, JF prioritizes local in his business. “When I was a kid, whenever I would go into stores with my dad, he would talk to shop owners and get to know them. That’s the approach I bring to my business. At my firm we have a good roster of Laurentian grads. We believe in building deep connections with clients and I have found that students who come out of Laurentian are well-rounded, and have great interpersonal skills. I again credit the small class sizes and social opportunities available at Laurentian versus other universities for that culture. We have had much success bringing Laurentian grads into our firm and we will keep doing that.”

JF is a big proponent of traveling and taking your time with getting into the working world.

His advice to young people who are just getting started is to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. He says to pick a country you’ve always been interested in and save money for a few weeks of travel. Once there, JF suggests diving into the culture, saying, “don’t set rigid agendas, just try to absorb the world and come back a changed person. As a student , your goal is to become a better human, a better member of society, and to focus on personal growth. Alongside travel, ask professionals in your community if you can shadow them for a few hours, or keep in touch with them as a mentor or as a sounding board for your career choices. This is the time to experiment, so don't get stuck in one path without exploring what's out there. Along the way, continue to ask yourself if you are happy on your current path, and readjust! That’s a cheat code for life.”

Sudbury Researchers Awarded NSERC Grants Totaling $1.1M to Advance Mining-Related Projects

Sudbury Researchers Awarded NSERC Grants Totaling $1.1M to Advance Mining-Related Projects

May 13, 2024 - Two researchers at NOSM University and Laurentian University are celebrating major investments in their research today as their projects were successfully awarded funding from grants administered through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Alliance Missions program. One project studies how Gallium, a critical mineral, can be mined more efficiently while the second project focuses on the extraction of critical minerals from tailings ponds.

“Investing in research is directly supporting the advancement of technology, innovation, and economic prosperity. The work of both Dr.Tharmalingam and Dr. Scott are vital to ensuring Canada plays a leading role in a net-zero world, while supporting economic growth, environmental rehabilitation, and job creation. Critical minerals represent a generational opportunity for Sudbury and our net-zero future. Investing in research is the best path forward to ensuring we are seizing this opportunity.” – Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament Sudbury.

Extracting Gallium

Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam, Assistant Professor at NOSM University, was awarded $600,000 by NSERC to support his research project, A microbial sponge to mine the critical mineral gallium.

Gallium is a vital element in the production of semiconductors, which are used in all kinds of electronic devices. Recently, a global semiconductor shortage has highlighted the need for alternative sources of gallium. China currently controls approximately 80% of the world's supply.

While gallium isn't found naturally as a mineral, it exists in trace amounts in tailings ponds—the waste products from mining processes. However, current methods for extracting gallium from these sources are expensive and inefficient.

Dr. Tharmalingam's project, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Vasu Appanna, co-founder of Biomine LTD and Professor at Laurentian University, aims to develop a new and eco-friendly solution for gallium extraction. Building off their previous work, the research team will focus on more efficiently mining gallium using microbes.

The NSERC Alliance grant will help develop a new microbial-based technology to collect gallium from tailings ponds in a clean and cost-effective manner. The project brings together Dr. Tharmalingam's expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, and gene editing with Biomine LTD's experience in developing custom-tailored eco-friendly microbial solutions.

This research has the potential to revolutionize gallium mining by developing a sustainable process that provides a steady supply of this critical mineral.

"The significance of gallium in electronics manufacturing is underscored by the recent semiconductor shortage. Our main objective is to pioneer an innovative microbial-based method to extract gallium from mining tailings, providing an environmentally friendly and economically viable solution to satisfy the increasing global need for this vital semiconductor material. We are grateful for the generous support from NSERC and Biomine LTD as we embark on this endeavor," says Dr. Suji Tharmalingam

Making the Most of Tailings Ponds

Dr. John Ashley Scott, Full Professor at Laurentian University’s Bharti School of Engineering leads the project entitled: Microalgal biosorption of critical minerals from mining related tailing ponds - recovering key metals to better protect aquatic systems and water supplies. This project will receive $530,990 from NSERC and substantial in-kind contributions from critical industry partner Glencore’s Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations (Sudbury INO). Dr. Corey Laamanen serves as the project’s co-investigator.

The project will use naturally occurring microalgae bioprospected from mining sites in Northern Canada to remove critical minerals such as copper, nickel and cobalt from mining effluents using natural biosorption processes. It will also investigate methods for metals recovery from the biomass and beneficial uses of the remaining biomass, such as a soil ameliorant to aid in land rehabilitation.

The value to the critical minerals industry is that this low-cost approach will help with managing operational ponds and maximizing recovery of critical mineral resources. It can also act as a sustainable safeguard for protecting of water supplies for regional communities, by continuing to “mop up” metals and maintain post-closure legacy ponds to high standards to ensure long-term environmental protection, not just now, but for future generations.

“This project may open up new opportunities for industry and environmental protection that simply haven’t been developed yet. We are grateful for the contributions of both NSERC and Sudbury INO, without whom this project would not be possible,” says Dr. John Ashley Scott.

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