VIU Researchers Examining Genetics of Canada Lynx
December 14, 2020
Data could help governments and wildlife conservation groups understand how climate change might impact the life cycles of the Canada lynx and other species in the boreal forest.The lynx-hare predator-prey cycle that has existed for thousands of years in North America is increasingly under threat from climate change.“The lynx are specialist predators that rely almost exclusively on snowshoe hare... Read more
VIU Researchers Investigating Effects of Heat Waves on Marine Animals
December 8, 2020
Three VIU Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture researchers are leading an investigation on the effects of heat waves, due to climate change, on marine animals.Climate change is causing more extreme temperature events, such as heat waves, in marine environments. Researchers at Vancouver Island University (VIU) are studying how these changes are affecting the health of fish and shellfish thanks... Read more
Researchers Developing "Game-Changing" Methods to Measure Contaminants
December 3, 2020
VIU acquiring first high-resolution mass spectrometry instrument of its kind in the central Vancouver Island region thanks to grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and BC Knowledge Development Fund.Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers are striving for faster, better and more economical mass spectrometry methods to measure environmental and biological samples in the field to... Read more
Researchers Developing a Better User Interface for Historical Archive
December 2, 2020
VIU researchers are mapping historical data contained in the Canadian Letters and Images Project and creating a sophisticated interface so scholars, students and the public can gain better access to information contained in the archive.Researchers at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) MeTA Digital Humanities Lab are using advanced computer software to help map large quantities of historical... Read more
Women’s History Month: Healing and Caring
October 28, 2020
Vancouver Island University researchers are shining a spotlight on the ways in which gender has played a consistent role in determining what forms of healing and caring are recognized, institutionalized and rewarded.VIU’s Dr. Cheryl Krasnick Warsh, Dr. Cathryn Spence, Dr. Katharine Rollwagen and Dr. Whitney Wood worked with Dr. Kristin Burnett from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario; Dr... Read more
Biology Professor Investigating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Genes in Nanaimo Region
September 1, 2020
VIU’s Dr. Mercedes Hernandez is researching how common antibiotic-resistant genes are among bacteria from urban environments. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a worldwide problem and where previously these bacteria were more commonly found in hospitals, now they can be found in everything from the food we consume to the soil beneath our feet, says Dr. Mercedes Hernandez, a Vancouver... Read more
VIU Researcher Investigates Eco-Evolutionary Process of Bog Orchids
August 11, 2020
VIU Biology Professor Jasmine Janes has received a Discovery Grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to help her research bog orchid hybridization.Bog orchids are hybridizing naturally in the wild even though there are multiple barriers that should prevent this process from occurring, says Jasmine Janes, a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Biology Professor, who... Read more
VIU Provides Special Funding for COVID-19 Research Projects
July 6, 2020
The University’s Research Award Committee funds nine faculty coronavirus projects for a total of $40,782.Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Research Award Committee is supporting nine COVID-19 research projects that will help gain a better understanding of the virus’s impact on society and how to improve responses for potential future pandemics.The pandemic has impacted every sector of society... Read more
Supporting Health-Care Professionals Suffering From Emotional Distress
June 12, 2020
VIU professor receives federal government grant to aid in the development of an innovative psychedelic medicine-assisted therapy program for the treatment of mental health issues experienced by first responders.A Vancouver Island University (VIU) Nursing professor developing a psychedelic medicine-assisted therapy and resilience training program has received a sizeable federal government grant.... Read more
Gender Symposium Shines Light on the History of Healing and Caring
June 11, 2020
VIU researchers received a $19,050 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Connection Grant to host symposium.Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers are shining a spotlight on the ways in which gender has played a consistent role in determining what forms of healing and caring are recognized, institutionalized and rewarded.VIU’s Dr. Cheryl Krasnick Warsh, Dr. Cathryn Spence, Dr.... Read more