From learners to knowledge creators
At Vancouver Island University, we believe in transforming learning through knowledge creation. Engaging in research is a well-established, high-impact practice in education. It deepens understanding and the development of problem solving, critical thinking, time management, teamwork, leadership and communication skills. For this reason, we embed scholarship, research and creative activity into the learning journey at all levels and in various ways including:
- completing a senior thesis or capstone project
- working with a VIU professor on an externally funded research project
- classroom projects
- conducting field research
- participating in a community-engaged research project
- presenting the outcomes of research and creative activity at the annual CREATE conference
Research-based learning transforms students from passive recipients of information into active participants in the generation of knowledge, leading to more meaningful and impactful educational experiences. Beyond their own learning, students at VIU can be proud knowing that as contributors of new knowledge, they are having a positive impact on the region, coastal communities and society.
Dr. Eve Stringham
Interim Associate Vice-President,
Research and Graduate Studies
$7.4 million
in funding from government, non-profit and industry funding sources for VIU research projects.
120+
community partners provided cash and in-kind contributions to the projects.
11
research and innovation chairs
150+
VIU research projects supported by external partners.
39
research work op positions
483
students participated in VIU’s CREATE conference celebrating student research and scholarly activity.
$257,500
in external student research funding
$203,500
for major graduate scholarships
$54,000
for major undergraduate research awards
9 NSERC undergraduate student
Research stories
Algae bloom toxins: A threat to human and animal health
VIU researchers Dr. Chris Gill and Lucas Abruzzi are developing revolutionary measurement techniques using paper spray mass spectrometry to detect algae toxins. They are developing techniques for faster detection of cyanobacteria, an emerging threat to human and animal health.
VIU joins Canada-wide agri-food innovation project
VIU is a partner institution in the Sustainable Food Systems for Canada Innovation Platform. The project, led by the University of Guelph, aims to make Canada a global leader in developing agri-food innovation. VIU will lead the seafood aspect of the project, focusing on training and education initiatives to help boost seafood production and innovation.
Read more about the Canada-wide agri-food innovation project.
Re-examining the toxic drug crisis through stories
VIU professor Dr. Sharon Karsten’s Walk With Me project emphasizes community connection to combat addiction. The project includes “Story Walks,” where participants listen to curated stories of those affected by toxic drugs while walking. The initiative aims to reduce stigma and foster understanding through shared human experiences.
Learn more about this community-engaged approach to the toxic drug crisis.
Growing up AI: Protecting youth privacy in the digital realm
Dr. Ajay Shrestha, a Computer Science Professor, is exploring the complexities of AI’s privacy impacts. He focuses on understanding the perspectives of young digital users and protecting children’s privacy rights.
Learn more about his work safeguarding the next generation in the age of AI.
VIU leads ecosystem protection efforts in Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region
Eastern Vancouver Island is one of nine eco-crisis regions in Canada. Only about three per cent of the land in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is protected, and private land ownership is the biggest obstacle. Researchers with VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) are working to protect and register land in the biosphere region.
Learn more about the VIU-led project to protect Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region.
Growing stronger oysters
An oyster breeding research collaboration between VIU, the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the BC Shellfish Growers Association aims to address the deadly effects of ocean acidification.
Dr. Timothy Green, VIU’s Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics, and his research team have spent the past few years making shellfish more resilient to environmental stressors and disease.
Learn how oyster breeding research aims to address ocean acidification.
Preserving feminist health history to empower future activism and work
Dr. Whitney Wood, VIU’s Canada Research Chair in Historical Dimensions of Women’s Health, led a team that digitized Vancouver Women’s Health Collective documents. The project aims to preserve feminist health activism for future study.
Learn more about this work to empower future activism and work
Finding balance in foot and ankle research
Jakob Tortorelli received a Canada Summer Jobs grant in the summer of 2024 to work as student research assistant under Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Dr. Michael Asmussen. Asmussen’s biomechanics research at VIU is focused on how the foot and ankle and its 26 bones, 33 joints and hundreds of tendons, ligaments and muscles work together to help us move.
Learn more about the foot and ankle research.
Tackling hunger on campus
An increasing number of students are being forced to choose between achieving their educational goals and basic living essentials due to the rising costs of living.
Thanks to a $400,000 investment from the Embark Student Foundation Major Grant program, VIU community members are addressing the issue through a multi-pronged approach:
- initiatives aimed at meeting immediate needs such as food pantries, breakfast bars and meal vouchers,
- student-driven research,
- and cross-campus coordination to seek sustainable solutions, including wraparound supports and access funds for students in need.
Student innovation has already led to action.
The Hunger Hack Challenge, also supported by First West (Island Savings), saw a dozen students coming up with concepts to tackle food insecurity. Over five weeks, three teams piloted their solutions across campus. One group operated a pop-up market with items that could be bought on a sliding scale by students. Another group focused on supporting students living in VIU Housing to pool resources, budget shop and develop a cooking tool lending program. The third group developed a website to increase awareness of food resources.
Students in the Community-Based Applied Interdisciplinary Research program also researched student hunger. The year-long project investigated the state of food security amongst the student body at the Nanaimo, Cowichan and tiwšεmawtxw campuses.
The team launched a survey completed by more than 300 students.
- 35% of those respondents identified as food insecure.
- 77% reported the cost of food on campus as a barrier.
- 47% of those identifying as food-insecure reported skipping meals, 42% rely on discounted products and 8% said they have resorted to stealing food or even dumpster diving.
Some of the team presented their findings at the Canadian Sociological Association Conference in Toronto last June.
The work continues across campuses this year.
Unravelling the parasite mystery in barred owls
Bachelor of Science student Ian Oliphant presented his research findings at the 46th annual Pacific Evolution and Ecology Conference. His study of the parasites of Vancouver Island barred owls was part of his degree capstone project.
Learn more about what’s hitchhiking on the Vancouver Island birdof prey.
Vancouver Island University Undergraduate Student Research Awards
Each Undergraduate Student Research Award financially supports undergraduate students to work on a faculty-based research project for the summer. These awards are made possible thanks to funding provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. In 2025-26, eight VIU students received funding:
Fletcher Falk | Biology
Whole-genome sequencing of vibrio pathogens for preventing Pacific oyster disease with microbe interactions.
Mentored by Dr. Andrew Loudon.
Owen Dyck | Chemistry
Developing fit-for-purpose passive samplers for trace organic contaminants in air and water.
Mentored by Dr. Erik Krogh.
Emily Mahony | Chemistry
Absolute quantification of metabolites in tissue with nanospray desorption electrospray ionization.
Mentored by Dr. Kyle Duncan.
Katie Raw | Chemistry
Mass spectrometry imaging of thiols containing metabolites with online reactive chemistries.
Mentored by Dr. Kyle Duncan.
Marcel Du Plessis | Biology
Genomic selection in the Pacific oyster.
Mentored by Dr. Timothy Green.
Rama Altaleb | Biology
The influence of environmental stressors such as temperature and salinity on Tenacibaculum gene.
Mentored by Dr. Spencer Russell.
Jane Chung | Chemistry
Investigation of catalytic mechanisms of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) using QM/MM simulations.
Mentored by Dr. Heather Wiebe
Emma Richardson | Biology
Molecular ecology of Pacific marten (Martes caurina).
Mentored by Dr. Jamie Gorrell.
CREATE 2025
Nearly 500 VIU students shared their research and creative activity during CREATE 2025. The annual conference aims to recognize and celebrate student scholarship, research, innovation and creative activity from all areas at VIU, from archaeology to nursing, horticulture to marine sciences. Throughout the week in April, more than 120 student groups presented their research on posters and more than 90 student groups delivered oral presentations. Almost 50 awards were given out totalling $16,000.
Special events
Urchin Tank
30 students from Microbiology, Culinary Arts and Media Studies teamed up to develop innovative seafood creations and pitch them to a panel of industry experts.
Pop-up Bakery
Baking and Pastry Arts students showcased their delicious products in the cafeteria.
Three-minute thesis (3MT)
10 graduate students shared their research in three minutes or less with a panel of judges.
Hunger Hack finale
Students presented their innovative food security solutions, with teams in the running to win $30,000 to continue their idea. Funded by Embark Foundation and Island Savings – a division of First West.
A heartfelt thank you to community donors and CREATE sponsor Coastal Community Credit Union. Your generous contributions help recognize student talent and have a great impact on their academic journeys.
