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
Air Quality Improves Across the Province During the COVID-19 Crisis
May 26, 2020
Vancouver Island University (VIU) student researchers see a dramatic decrease in air pollution levels due to reduced car and plane traffic.Restrictions imposed to help save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to less people driving and flying, which has created a rare opportunity for Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers and students to study the impacts of automobile and plane... Read more
Research Project Studies Impacts of Climate Change on Local Plant Species
May 14, 2020
Researchers are examining how plant life cycles are impacted by climate change in an effort to better inform land, resource and conservation management decisions.Many animal and insect species rely on the life cycles of plants budding, blooming, bearing fruit and seeding at specific times of the year for survival, and if the natural cycle changes it can have devastating effects.To determine if... Read more
VIU Receives $300,000 to Research Norovirus Contamination of Oysters
January 17, 2020
Research project focuses on helping the BC shellfish industry to forecast, manage and prevent risks to human health and multi-million-dollar losses associated with outbreaks.Dr. Tim Green, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics, is developing new tools to help forecast and prevent norovirus contamination of farmed oysters thanks to $300,000 in... Read more
VIU Biology Professor Pens Paper About Insect Apocalypse Myth
January 9, 2020
Scientific paper sheds light on the damage sensationalist language can have on public opinion and conservation efforts of insect populations.Insectageddon. The insect apocalypse. A global crisis of insect extinction. These sensationalist words and phrases used in media coverage can lead to public apathy and hinder conservation efforts and research about insect populations worldwide, says Dr.... Read more
Assessing Creative Tourism in Rural BC and Yukon
November 21, 2019
Two Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers are heading north to analyze a relatively new economic driver ̶̶ creative tourism and its impact on rural communities.Two Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers are leading a study into the role the cultural sector and creative tourism play in the sustainability of smaller, rural cities and towns in northern British Columbia and... Read more