Invasive species can have major effects on the landscape, but sometimes their effects are assumed to be negative before they are scientifically tested. The common reed is an extremely tall and robust grass that is moving rapidly into wetlands across Canada. Common reed is believed to threaten some reptiles by reducing their access to suitable […]

Advanced Chemical Technologies has developed a unique combination of existing processes to create a new method of making methanol. This proposed method actually consumes the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, or CO2, meaning it could help reduce the environmental impact of Ontario’s manufacturing. This internship would involve the simulation of this proposed process using advanced chemical […]

The Great Lakes St Lawrence (GLSL) Basin is central to Canada’s economy and culture, and a primary water source. Several stressors are deteriorating these critical ecosystems. This proposed project aims to lay the foundations for efforts to improve coordination related to the restoration of the GLSL region. The proposed project consists of mapping stakeholders, issues, and […]

Liquefaction is a destructive phenomenon which usually takes place after an earthquake in areas with water-saturated soil or sand. During the liquefaction process, soil loses its strength and can no longer support structures and buildings which often leads to their destruction. To prevent damages associated with liquefaction, it is critical to study this phenomenon and […]

In order to assist the successful implementation of the Alberta Climate Leadership Plan (ACLP), a study aimed at the viability of energy storage technology will be conducted. The ACLP has set forth plans to completely phase out coal power generation, and achieve 30 percent renewable power by 2030. This new, made in Alberta, energy plan […]

Recent studies demonstrated that biochar produced from the thermochemical decomposition of biomass at high temperatures without oxygen (pyrolysis) can be used as a soil amendment to improve soil properties, sequester carbon and reduce soil greenhouse gas emissions. However, uniform and safe application of biochar in field is a drawback, due to the low density and […]

The intern’s study builds on an international survey previously completed in partnership with ICLEI. The study aims to test key structural features in the partnerships for implementing community sustainability plans and how these features are related to plan outcomes (i.e., sustainability progress). To study structure features, the intern will test key factors, such as partner […]

Lithium batteries, developed during 80’s, are used more and more as energy sources for electronic devices, hybrid or electric vehicles or other uses. Another application currently in development is the use of lithium batteries to stabilize the energy grid system and energy fluctuations from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Hydro-Québec is […]

To develop ‘green’ cities and to assess environmental impacts in cities, it is essential to understand the spatial distribution of sensitive species, such as migrating birds. Migration is a costly and dangerous time for songbirds, with up to 80% mortality during their first migration. As migratory birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Act, […]

Climate change continues to shrink the sea ice in the Arctic. Consequently, there is an ever-increasing trend of industrial and shipping activities in the Canadian Arctic. This results into a high risk of accidental or deliberate release of oil-related pollutants in the Arctic waters. Satellite remote sensing is a key component in spill detection as […]

A coal mine operating on the Snuneymuxw First Nation reserve lands between 1913 and 1939 has left mine waste that has contaminated the soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water with metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Human health and ecological assessments are being conducted in the area to determine how best to deal with the […]

Salmon are inarguably one of the most culturally, ecologically, and economically important fish in British Columbia, however, their stocks have been declining since the 1990’s. The Cohen Commission of Enquiry expert panel emphasized that juvenile mortality during the first months at sea was the most likely cause of fishery declines. The two leading agents of […]