Seven University of Guelph researchers who explore subjects ranging from sustainable rural development to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostic imaging have received the 2023 U of G Research Excellence Awards.
These awards celebrate the research, training and knowledge mobilization 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.
“The University of Guelph is proud to celebrate seven exceptional faculty members who have already had a profound impact on our academic community and beyond,” said Dr. Rene Van Acker, interim vice-president (research). “Their remarkable commitment to research, teaching and service inspires all of us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do.”
Dr. Ataharul Chowdhury
School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Dr. Chowdhury‘s research focuses on the impact of food, agriculture, and the environment on the well-being of communities, especially those that are resource-poor or disadvantaged and affected by climate change. He leads an interdisciplinary research platform to mobilize knowledge and skills to counteract misinformation in agri-food, rural and climate change domains and help improve the well-being of agri-food and rural communities worldwide.
Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Dr. Geddes-McAlister uses mass spectrometry to study proteins involved in plant and human interactions with disease-causing pathogens. By understanding how microbes adapt and survive, she aims to provide fast and effective treatment for microbial infections, reduce the costs of treating them and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Yuanfang Lin
Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies
Dr. Lin specializes in quantitative marketing research. He develops analytical models to study firms’ competitive strategies in pricing, product innovation and distribution. He also investigates consumer uncertainty when making purchases. His research generates critical insights for business managers and important policy recommendations for government and industry associations.
Dr. Jennifer Murray
Department of Psychology
Dr. Murray is an expert in the behavioural neuroscience of addiction. She investigates how experiences with drugs of abuse, including opioids, nicotine, and cocaine, alter a person’s behaviours and priorities, conditioning the brain to seek them out. Murray aims to reduce the appeal of these substances by manipulating these learning processes.
Dr. David Renaud
Department of Population Medicine
Dr. Renaud improves the well-being of calves. His research focuses on reducing antimicrobial use and using new technologies to improve calf health and welfare. He is recognized among researchers, veterinarians and producers as an expert in calf health management.
Dr. Gus Skorburg
Department of Philosophy
Dr. Skorburg studies emerging technology. His recent work explores the ethical, legal, and social implications of artificial intelligence, especially the impact of Large Language Models in healthcare.
Dr. Eranga Ukwatta
School of Engineering
Dr. Ukwatta develops AI-based tools that can automatically detect irregularities in medical images, improving how quickly and accurately a clinician can diagnose disease and illness. His research has the potential to impact both human and veterinary medicine