Research

Headshot of Dr. Melissa Huggan.

5 Questions with Melissa Huggan

May 31, 2023

Dr. Melissa Huggan, a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Math Professor, received the 2022 Kirkman Medal from the Institute of Combinatorics and its Applications (ICA). The award recognizes excellent research by fellows or associate fellows of the ICA early in their research careers.  “She is a... Read more


Dr. Michael Asmussen sitting in a tree and smiling at the camera.

Vancouver Island University welcomes award-winning foot and ankle researcher

May 24, 2023

Dr. Michael Asmussen received a Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar award to bring his research to VIU. “You need to improve your stability” is one of the most common pieces of advice offered by clinicians to people recovering from an injury resulting from a fall. Despite this, researchers are... Read more


Beach scene with a waterfall

VIU experts on tourism, wildfires and snowpacks

May 17, 2023

Just in time for the long weekend, we have experts who can weigh in on the start of the Island tourism season, wildfire season, the status of spring snowpacks and more. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with requests for experts. Featured experts Island tourism - are visitors coming back?  The May... Read more


Dave Paul, owner of Love Shack Libations, leans against a wooden counter. Beer bottles and a glass is on his right.

VIU partners with brewery to raise awareness about ocean research

May 4, 2023

The special-made brew has a unique ingredient, algae, that sets it apart and pays homage to research at Deep Bay. Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Deep Bay Marine Field Station and Love Shack Libations are brewing up awareness about climate change research. They’ve partnered to create a gose-... Read more


Caroline Josefsson, left, and VIU student Megan Kollman, sit on a hill weeding a section with several small green plants.

VIU biology professor restoring one of Canada’s most threatened ecosystems on Nanaimo campus

May 1, 2023

The Garry oak ecosystem is home to many species at risk in British Columbia. One of Canada’s most threatened ecosystems – the Garry oak – is coming to life on VIU’s Nanaimo campus. VIU employees, students and community volunteers have maintained a Garry oak ecosystem restoration plot since 2021.... Read more


Slide with VIU Experts List written on it

VIU News & Experts: April 13, 2023

April 13, 2023

The Communications and External Relations department is pleased to introduce the VIU Experts List. This searchable list will help you find experts for your stories and it will help our instructors and faculty share their expertise with the world. Each expert profile includes searchable expertise,... Read more


Jacob Frankel holds up his phone to a sala bush. The green leaves appear on his phone screen.

Nature lovers asked to head outdoors and become citizen scientists during BioBlitz

April 4, 2023

Volunteers can help contribute to biodiversity research by collecting information on flora and fauna. Nature lovers are invited to head outdoors for science during the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) BioBlitz this April. “We’re grateful to everyone who volunteers! Each observation improves... Read more


Planetary alignment

VIU News & Experts: March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Featured in this issue:  Planetary alignment expert What's in store for Island tourism? How honeybees are affected by climate change VIU's largest student research conference Reach out to us for experts for your stories!  Featured experts Dr. Gregory Arkos on planetary alignment Five planets –... Read more


Joseph Nowlan, Scott Britney and Dr. Spencer Russell, wear white lab coats, while looking at a Petri dish.

VIU researcher developing better tools to detect and manage bacterial infections in salmon

March 27, 2023

Dr. Spencer Russell is pursuing his research with the help of NSERC and Mitacs grants. Dr. Spencer Russell is working to understand and manage bacterial infections in salmon.  Russell, a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Fisheries and Aquaculture Associate Professor, is researching Tenacibaculum.... Read more


Image of marsh

VIU News & Experts: March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023

Featured in this issue:  World Water Day experts Planning for more age-friendly communities Tuition waiver program for former youth in care expanded Indigenous Speakers Series Reach out to us for experts for your stories!  Featured experts World Water Day on March 22 is about accelerating change... Read more