Convergent Research Themes
Exploratory Phase - 2025
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Did biodiversity change? Automating data processing pipelines into a user-friendly software tool to assess power in biodiversity monitoring programs.
Overview: Detecting biodiversity change in natural systems with confidence is a critical challenge for reaching the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Power analyses for biodiversity change detection are possible but require complex subsampling simulations. We are developing a software tool that will allow users to conduct our simulation-based power analysis for detecting differences in species richness in any custom (user-supplied) biodiversity monitoring dataset. This will increase the impact of our research and better inform ongoing efforts for monitoring and interpreting changes in biodiversity.
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Jennifer Sunday
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Dr. Eden Tekwa
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Jake Lawlor
PhD Candidate, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science
Emily Rubidge
DFO Pacific, Science Branch
Ryan Stanley
DFO Atlantic, Science Branch
Matt Lemay
Hakai Institute
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Building a Canadian Machine Learning-Assisted PFAS Inventory to Guide Public Health, Mitigation, and Remediation Strategies
Overview: We will develop a framework to automatically estimate a PFAS inventory for Canada, providing a baseline to compare with public health data, and potentially efficiently guide remediation strategies. The reconstructed flows will provide estimates of PFAS emission locations and magnitudes.
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Prof. Sidney Omelon
Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Dr. Edgar MartÃn Hernández
Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
Dr. Gerardo Ruiz Mercado
Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER), US Environmental Protection Agency (United States)
Prof. Mariano Martin
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Salamanca (Spain)
Ms. Faezeh Pazoki
Civil Engineering Ph.D. student, Faculty of Engineering
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Lights Out: Examining Power Outages and Vulnerability Across Quebec
Overview: This project examines power outages across Quebec to uncover patterns of energy vulnerability and inequity. By analyzing high-resolution data on outages alongside socio-economic and demographic factors, we aim to identify communities most at risk. Our findings will provide critical insights to inform policies and interventions that enhance resilience and ensure equitable access to reliable energy. Ultimately, this work addresses the growing challenge of energy insecurity in a changing climate, benefiting vulnerable populations and strengthening societal preparedness.
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Grant McKenzie
Department of Geography, Faculty of Science
Mylène Riva
Department of Geography, Faculty of Science
Two undergraduate students - TBD
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