Trent University Professors Awarded More Than $1 Million in Strategic Project Grants for Environmental Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council funds research into changes in phosphorus levels in lakes and impacts of nanosilver on lake ecosystems 

February 13, 2012, Peterborough

Two Trent University environmental researchers were awarded Strategic Project Grants totalling $1,192,950 by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to pursue research related to the health of lake ecosystems.

In an announcement in Ottawa today by The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Catherine Eimers and Dr. Chris Metcalfe were among 70 scientific teams selected for new NSERC grants in the Environmental Science and Technology category.

Professor Eimers was awarded $433,950 for her project looking into the causes and implications of changes in phosphorus delivery to Precambrian Shield lakes during the critical spring melt period. Prof. Eimers’ team will look at the puzzling question of why phosphorus levels are going down in lakes, despite population growth around the lakes popular with cottagers from the Greater Toronto Area.

Professor Metcalfe was awarded $759,000 to investigate the impacts of nanosilver on a lake ecosystem. Nanosilver is used to prevent the growth of bacteria in consumer products such as slippers, socks, underwear, shoe-liners and even washing machines; however the ecological risks are not well understood. Prof. Metcalfe’s study could eventually influence regulatory policy to limit the risks from the release of nanomaterials into the environment.

“These projects speak to Trent’s leadership in the realm of environmental research, particularly lake ecosystems,” said Dr. Neil Emery, vice-president, Research at Trent University. “It is important that we understand the human-made impacts on our environment so that we can minimize risk to our important water resources. Professors Eimers and Metcalfe will produce very important work that could influence policy and the future of our lake systems.”

NSERC is a federal agency that helps make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for all Canadians. The agency supports some 30,000 post-secondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. NSERC promotes discovery by funding more than 12,000 professors every year and fosters innovation by encouraging about 2,000 Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects.

One of Canada’s top universities, Trent University is renowned for encouraging the dynamic interplay of research, teaching and learning, which enhance and energize each other in the classroom and beyond. The University is consistently recognized nationally for faculty who maintain a high level of innovative research activity and a commitment to the individual student. Trent distinguishes itself through excellence in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences as well as professional and graduate programs. Trent is dedicated to preparing students to make significant contributions to an increasingly complex world by providing them with a distinctive liberal arts, science or professionally- focused education, which is enhanced by global perspectives, experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches to personal and professional development. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto. Together with Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus, Trent draws excellent students from throughout the country and around the world.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Professor Neil Emery, Vice-President, Research 705-748-1011 ext. 7312

or

Professor Catherine Eimers, Department of Geography at 705-748-1011 ext. 7225