PhD candidates studying in the fields of integrative biology and human and animal health are the recipients of Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, one of the most prestigious doctoral awards in Canada.
Five researchers will receive 2024 Vanier scholarships, which provide each researcher $50,000 annually for up to three years, a record number of Vanier honours for U of G in one year.
"I am delighted to see a record number of our doctoral students awarded Vanier scholarships," said Dr. Ben Bradshaw, assistant vice-president (graduate studies). "This announcement is wonderful recognition of the work of these emerging scholars and the faculty at the University of Guelph with whom they are working to advance knowledge."
Alexandria Cosby, PhD student in the Department of Integrative Biology, is studying how environmental changes, predator-prey interactions, reproduction and social behaviours influence the foraging of an endangered species. Cosby's research will focus on little brown bats, endangered since 2014, to understand how their foraging behaviour changes over time and space during the reproductive season, ultimately addressing the urgent need for conservation of the species.
Catherine Hall, PhD student in the Department of Psychology, is exploring the diversity that exists within the disability community, focusing on the experiences of using mobility aids such as canes and wheelchairs. Hall's research aims to challenge and expand the current understanding of what mobility aids mean for the people who use them by sharing the lived experiences of the disability community. Her research also has the potential to examine how society is designed in ways that support and restrict people who use mobility aids.
In her research on predator movement, Shayla Jackson, PhD candidate in the Department of Integrative Biology, is investigating the relationship between predator size and movement across Ontario, and how this is influenced by latitude and breeding status. Jackson will also deploy the use of GPS collars to track coyotes on Fogo Island, N.L., to question variation in movement and ultimately help the conservation of remaining large predator and at-risk prey populations.
Sujani Rathnayake, PhD candidate in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, will research mechanisms of mycotoxin detoxification in Canadian wheat. Studying a set of proteins produced in wheat in response to vomitoxin, a mycotoxin produced by a fungal group called fusarium that infects wheat heads, Rathnayake aims to investigate their capacity to detoxify vomitoxin and detect the genes responsible. Identifying wheat genes that can detoxify mycotoxins could help develop Canadian wheat varieties resistant to fusarium mycotoxins, making them safe for human and livestock consumption.
What helps children develop strong emotion regulation skills? That is the focus of PhD student Linda-Paola Sosa Hernandez's research in the Department of Psychology. Sosa Hernandez will examine the behavioural, physiological, and experiential emotion dynamics within relationships, such as the family unit, that impact children's ability to manage their emotions. Understanding these dynamics will help identify supports for families, foster healthy emotional development in children and ultimately, improve mental health and relationships.
"Congratulations to this year's Vanier Canada Graduate Scholars, to continue to represent Guelph as members of this elite national research group," says Lloyd Longfield, MP for Guelph.
"It is especially gratifying to see a record number of Guelph researchers representing excellence in integrative biology and human and animal health," Longfield adds. "Congratulations also go out to the University of Guelph for continuing to attract and develop leading scientists to our community."
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are funded by Canada's three main granting agencies, the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
