Eight University of Guelph researchers who explore subjects ranging from cybersecurity to hip-hop music and culture have received the 2022 U of G Research Excellence Awards.
These awards highlight the achievements of recently tenured faculty members and help to raise their profile among external funding agencies. The $5,000 awards are sponsored by the Office of Research and the Office of the Provost.
“With their scholarly pursuits already advancing knowledge and improving life across diverse fields, these outstanding faculty members exemplify research excellence at the University of Guelph,” said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research). “We applaud their innovation in technology, practice and thought and look forward to the continued vitality and imagination they bring to our institution.”
Dr. Ali Dehghantanha
School of Computer Science
Dr. Dehghantanha develops new technologies to model the tactics of cyber threat actors and protect critical systems from cyberattacks. His innovations make our vital infrastructure, healthcare records, and digital banking safer.
Dr. Sonja Fonfara
Department of Clinical Studies
Dr. Fonfara studies cardiac remodeling. She aims to characterize the factors involved in heart changes that occur with cardiac disease as well as the potential influences of sex and age on this process. While her work aims to improve the diagnosis, management and treatment of cats with cardiac disease, her findings might also help improve human health.
Dr. Hong Li
Department of Economics and Finance
Dr. Li develops and applies cutting-edge statistics and machine learning algorithms to the measurement, pricing and management of financial and insurance risk, especially in agriculture, automobile, climate, health and longevity.
Dr. Heather Murphy
Department of Pathobiology
Using a One Health approach, Dr. Murphy maps the transmission of waterborne pathogens through the environment in developed and developing countries. Her research aims to identify and evaluate interventions, including water and sanitation control measures, to reduce disease.
Dr. Melissa Perreault
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Perreault studies sexual dimorphisms — traits that differ consistently between males and females — in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. She has linked sex-specific brain wave patterns to stress susceptibility and resilience. Her research will contribute to new diagnostic approaches and treatment options.
Dr. Ryan Prosser
School of Environmental Sciences
Ecotoxicologist Dr. Prosser studies the effect of chemicals including pesticides, industrial contaminants and microplastics on terrestrial and aquatic environments. His research quantifies the risks of these chemicals to Canada’s ecosystems to propose measures that reduce or eliminate risk.
Dr. Kristel Thomassin
Department of Psychology
Dr. Thomassin studies children’s emotional and psychological functioning. Used in clinical care, her research improves existing psychotherapies for children and youth and contributes to the development of new treatment approaches.
Dr. Alyssa Woods
School of Fine Art and Music
Dr. Woods studies issues of race, gender, politics and religion in hip-hop music and culture. Her interdisciplinary, collaborative, and creative research to analyze popular music and its socio-cultural context.
Contact:
Kimberly Moser
kmoser@uoguelph.ca