Tritium, the only radioactive isotope of hydrogen, is routinely released to the air by nuclear industry. It can later be deposited in soils or taken up by plants, usually in the form of water. Though current levels are not inherently dangerous to humans, understanding how tritium evolves once emitted is critical to generating effective regulatory […]

The proposed research project will study processes which took place during formation of the copper-silver-gold deposit in the southern part of the Marshall Lake property, western Ontario. The study will focus on deciphering primary and metamorphic mineral assemblages and conditions of their origin. Studying mineral textures and their chemical and isotopic compositions will allow characterization […]

  Environmental quality criteria (EQCs) for soils are not designed to protect ecosystems from multiple contaminants that co-occur. EQCs are overwhelmingly based on dose-response studies of single contaminants, and lack mechanisms for scaling EQCs to accurately predict metal mixtures toxicity. The inability to predict risk for metal mixtures in soils at Canada's many current and […]

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry is a highly sensitive technique for measuring the concentration of certain long-lived isotopes, such as carbon-14. Recently, the use of an ion-gas reaction cell before the accelerator has been shown to enhance this sensitivity, particularly for smaller accelerators, and to extend the application of this technique to more isotopes. Isobarex Corporation has […]

Through the use of a community-based social marketing strategy that focuses on perceived benefits and barriers to urban cycling for transportation, the research project will serve to expand the services and usage of BikeChain: the University of Toronto’s not for profit bicycle repair shop. The work will increase the reach of BikeChain’s services within the […]

This study will assess the behaviour, physiology and reproduction of individual birds breeding on reclaimed mine tailings, and will provide a robust measure of the effectiveness of reclamation efforts on the Highland Valley Copper operating area. By examining a range of life-history traits in two ecologically distinct species, and comparing birds breeding on reclaimed mine […]

All new infrastructure and natural resource projects being developed in Canada are required to undergo an Environmental Assessment. A key aspect of this regulatory process is the need to demonstrate that the activity will not adversely affect human or ecosystem health. It is through the science of human health and ecological risk assessment (HHERA) that […]

Volatile organic Compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) belong to the group of anthropogenic chemicals, meaning their effects are a result of human activity. VOCs are commonly found in the manufacturing process of paints, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. Additionally VOCs can be used as gasoline additives, solvents and dry-cleaning agents. SVOCs are common […]

This project will involve the monitoring and assessment of newly implemented vegetation management processes at Spectrum Resource Group. The efficacy and consistency of herbicide application in forestry and industrially-related environments will be observed, and notes and recommendations will be made on how new procedures compare to traditional methods. Specifically, the intern will: collect information about […]

My research examines the role of private funding as it increasingly shapes international aid. Despite trillions of dollars spent worldwide on government funded official aid, poverty is anything but a thing of the past. From a recipient perspective, is private aid any better? More Canadians are setting up private family foundations, and globally more private […]

This research project aims to investigate the potential of a Vancouver Island Model Forest. A model forest is a partnership-based process for working towards sustainable development of a forested landscape. We will arrange a stakeholder meeting to establish a common understanding of the concept and see if there is commitment from stakeholder groups to procees […]

This research is aimed at better characterizing the exposure associated with three particular natural hazards – earthquake, flood and wind. The work represents an unprecedented collaboration between three leaders in the field of natural hazards at Western University and the insurance industry through the efforts of individual interns and the associated projects aimed at evaluating […]