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Student Research Talks

PAB Room 100: 15-Min Research Talks

9:15

Interplay of Environment, Health, and Development in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Faithwin Gbadamosi

University at Buffalo, New York

Despite its abundance of oil resources and multiple remediation interventions, the Nigerian Niger Delta region is still faced with underdevelopment and environmental degradation. The contamination of the environment by oil exploitation activities has affected land quality, water sources, and air quality, hence influencing the livelihood, health, and nutritional habits of the local population. This presentation examines the impacts of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region, focusing on its effects on the environment, food systems, economy, and human health. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), a first review synthesizes findings from 28 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2024 to examine the multifaceted impacts of oil exploitation in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The findings reveal significant negative consequences, including food insecurity, economic disempowerment, environmental degradation, and various health concerns among the residents. These impacts are interconnected, and they create a complex web of challenges for the region. Subsequently, a detailed analysis of the prevalence of specific health issues related to food insecurity, including malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related diseases, such as obesity and diabetes will be conducted. The study will also examine the strategies communities utilize to cope with nutritional problems caused by oil-polluted land, such as shifting to alternative crops, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, or diversifying livelihoods.

9:30

Exploring spiritual agency of nonhumans: The case of the Fukushima triple disaster

Wei Chieh (Jeremy) Tsai

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In this paper I examined how Fukushima disaster survivors pursue justice by analyzing injustice claims across economic, sociocultural, political dimensions in English language Japanese news articles between 2011 and 2021. Missing is the consideration of nonhuman injustices seen through the Shinto-animistic belief system. It is a central belief system in Japan where humans and nonhumans collaboratively inhabit the world, but exploitation of the latter and how collaborative partnership are renewed in folk Shinto stories are not well researched. In my content analysis I coded 84 news articles and economic and political issues appeared in 83 articles, but none mentioned nonhuman injustice and folk Shinto stories. I conclude from this finding that framing disaster recovery through economic and political lens will only exclude from public dialogues about exploitation of nonhumans. To better understand how folk Shinto stories of ancestors and animal deity can challenge traditional categories of control and mastery of nonhumans, I build on the utopian framework from Mathia Thaler's (2022) No Other Planets: Utopian Visions for a Climate-Changed World to discuss how environmental disaster recovery such as the Fukushima triple disaster also depend on the spiritual agency of nonhumans from the past, present, and the future.

9:45

Chantal Maillard and the Myth of Hainuwele: a Geopoetics of Harmony with the Forest’s Vibrations

Celia Carrasco Gil

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In this talk I analyze the poetry book Hainuwele (2009), by Chantal Maillard, as a contemplative geopoetics (White) in which the author rewrites the Indonesian myth of “The Coconut girl” and understands the forest as a place of deep initiation in the connection and interdependence between the various forms of life of planet Earth. Chantal Maillard, a Belgian poet and philosopher who writes in Spanish, approaches the Anthropocene by looking back to Taoist Wisdom and paying attention to “the networks of distributed agencies that include animals, plants, substances and objects” (Heine). On her poems, the literary wor(l)d becomes a tool to embrace environmental ideas such as “land democracy” (Shiva) and to neutralize the oppositions human/non-human, culture/nature, thought/feeling, and ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾/Eastern cultures. By listening to the vibrations, resonances and multiplicity of languages of the different life forms of the forest, Hainuwele transcends her individuality and dissolves into the harmony of the complex living system of life and nature. Her tongue then stops functioning as a symbol of human speech when she transcends otherness and recognizes a form of “making kin” (Haraway). This happens in a poem in which Hainuwele joins her tongue to that of a female puma in order to lick the blood from both her newborn puma cub and the wound of the male puma who is dying next to them. As she listens to the silenced sensorial and sensual voices of the animal world of which she is also a part, Hainuwele recognizes the blood, wounds, life and death of previous otherness as her own. Chantal Maillard writes: “The blood tastes like mud, like an inextinguishable labor, like an eternal birth. / The universe multiplies in my mouth”. Therefore, through this geopoetics of the contemplative forest, Hainuwele transcends otherness and enters the harmony and multiplicity of nature.

10:00

Wildfire smoke changes the detectability of breeding birds in New York State

Festus Adegbola

University at Buffalo, New York

Wildfires are a common natural disturbance, forging and reshaping ecosystems around the world. However, direct impacts of wildfires extend far beyond the burn perimeter. Smoke from wildfires can be transported hundreds of miles, exposing birds to toxic air across a large geographic area. Yet, research on the impacts of wildfire smoke on wild birds is extremely limited. In this study, we assess how fine particulate matter (PM2.5),  a well-established marker of wildfire smoke and important pollutant, influences the probability of observing birds in New York, USA, during the 2021–2023 wildfire seasons. We used generalized linear mixed models to model bird observations from 98,960 eBird checklists to local measurements using daily mean concentration of PM2.5. After accounting for habitat, time of day, weather, seasonality, and survey effort, we found that PM2.5 affected the probability of observing 70% (55 of 84) study species. Of the total 84 study species, 18% (15 species) had a positive interaction with increased PM2.5 concentration, while 48% (40 species) had a negative interaction with PM2.5 concentration. Our findings demonstrate that wildfire smoke influences the probabilty of observing birds, likely due to species-specific behavioral responses to smoke pollution. Furthermore, our results support previous research suggesting that wildfire smoke (and air pollution in general) is an important and underexplored component of the detection process; failing to account for the effect air quality may bias models of species distributions and abundance. As climate change continues to escalate global wildfire activity, it is critical to understand how birds will be impacted by more frequent and intense smoke pollution. Our study provides insights into which species may be most vulnerable to acute smoke exposure and guide conservation action in the Pyrocene.

10:15

** Application of Advanced Bioinformatics to Discern How Climate Change Influenced Amaranth Production Under Agrivoltaics

Jarvinia Rowe-Ibekwe

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Food security is a major national and global challenge. Recent reports suggest that approximately 8.69M Canadians live in food‐insecure households, which includes 1.4M children, 422,000 indigenous people and 3M visible minorities. Furthermore, climate change is expected to exacerbate these food insecurity trends in the future. As extreme weather events become more frequent, innovative agricultural practices that are both adaptive and climate resilient will be essential, while also prioritizing environmental and economic sustainability. Thus, the development of a climate resilient food system that produces renewable energy from solar photovoltaics while also enabling food production (agrivoltaics) is of great interest as a solution. This study explores amaranth, a fast-growing crop rich in fibre, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, in combination with photovoltaics as a resilient food production system for current and future climates in Canada. It also examines how advanced bioinformatics can be applied to better understand potential co-benefits. Climatic conditions for the present (2024) and future (2050) were simulated using Biomes at the Biotron Experimental Climate Change Research Centre at ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾. Amaranth physiological and growth responses were recorded with and without cultivation under various transparencies and types of photovoltaic modules. The findings demonstrate how different multivariate approaches were investigated to determine the best techniques to further study this production system response based on the structure of the data. Factorial and principal component analyses were observed to best capture the structure of the data and showed how climate change influenced the crop physiological and agronomic performance in agrivoltaics systems. These findings provide insights of how bioinformatics could be used as a tool to guide the innovation and assessment of climate resilient food systems in the Canadian context using super-crops such as amaranth in conjunction with agrivoltaics as a potential solution to improve nutrient, food and sustainable energy.

PAB Room 117: 15-Min Research Talks

9:15

Motherhood as Methodology: How Maori Knowledge Supports the Fight Against Climate Change

Meghan Robinson

University of British Columbia

Rights of nature is gathering traction across the world as a potentially effective cross-cultural, collaborative avenue for legal pluralism and environmental protection. As divergent lifeworlds and legal orders weave together, exploring how knowledge and value is acquired becomes a vital safeguard to the protection of Indigenous knowledges. Indigenous methodologies encompass the interrelatedness of all life forms through understanding relationships with the natural order. Anishinaabe kwe scholar Kathleen Absolon describes the process of re-search as a method of re-writing and re-storying ourselves. My own unique re-storying as a mother researcher has become foundational to the acquisition of knowledge in the rights of nature space. For Maori, the land is intimately connected to childbirth and motherhood. The Maori word hapu means both Maori sub-tribe and pregnancy. The Maori word whenua means both land and placenta. All life and therefore all knowledge derived from the womb of Papatuanuku, Earth Mother. I left for my field work in Aotearoa four months pregnant with my daughter, and the parallels I discovered between research, the natural world and motherhood were staggering. Understanding the Earth as a mother herself, who has the agency and consciousness to love, protect and communicate with her environmental descendents has the power to facilitate significant legal discourse regarding how to work alongside the environment and the legal orders that have spoken to and with the natural world for millennia. This paper explores how motherhood as a methodology can inform the legal recognition of place not as an object or property, but rather as an active participant in the mobilization, creation and dissemination of legal orders.

9:30

Echoes of the Delta: Mangroves, Memory, and Climate Justice in Pakistan

Ashar Mobeen

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Mangroves, often referred to as the ‘green shields’ of coastal ecosystems, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon, protecting shorelines, and sustaining biodiversity. In Pakistan, the mangrove forests of the Indus Delta serve as both ecological lifelines and cultural keystones for coastal communities, offering not only environmental protection but also livelihoods and spiritual significance. This paper explores the intersection of Indigenous environmental knowledge and contemporary conservation efforts, emphasizing how local communities have long maintained reciprocal relationships with these vital ecosystems. Drawing from decolonial environmental frameworks, oral histories, and participatory fieldwork, this study examines how traditional ecological knowledge—rooted in centuries-old practices of fishing, land stewardship, and water management—offers critical insights into climate adaptation strategies that are often overlooked in top-down conservation models. Despite their resilience, Pakistan's mangroves face mounting threats from industrial encroachment, rising sea levels, and unsustainable development policies that sideline local voices in favour of profit-driven agendas. Globalization and poor environmental management exacerbate these problems by undermining traditional ecological knowledge. This is why community-driven solutions are so important. This study calls for a change in policy that truly combines Indigenous ecological practices with scientific conservation methods. It does this by focusing on the lived experiences of coastal communities and their ongoing resistance to environmental degradation. It argues that a more holistic, community-led approach—one that values place-based knowledge, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational learning—is essential for safeguarding these ecosystems while ensuring ecological justice for marginalized populations. As a Canadian-Pakistani researcher, I approach this work with a commitment to challenge extractive conservation models and push for collaborative strategies that recognize the deep entanglements between culture, ecology, and climate resilience, urging policymakers to adopt frameworks that honour the voices and agencies of those who have nurtured these landscapes for generations.

9:45

Promoting Environmental Stewardship Among Young People: A Critical Review

Jessica L. Campbell

York University & Toronto Metropolitan University

Despite considerable scholarship on the benefits of outdoor experiences, children’s outdoor time has decreased in recent decades, while sedentary activities and technology use have increased (Louv, 2008; Omidvar et al., 2019). This shift has led to what scholars refer to as nature-deficit disorder (Louv, 2008). Researchers have also identified children's biophobia, or fear of the natural environment, as a potential threat to environmental sustainability (Soga et al., 2020). To foster environmental stewardship, young people need opportunities to emotionally connect with nature (Upitis et al., 2013). Environmental stewardship involves caring for and preserving the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. It emphasizes interconnectedness with nature and the shared responsibility for pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours (Fisher-Maltese, 2016; Goodale et al., 2024; Upitis et al., 2013). This presentation critically reviews the literature on initiatives that promote environmental stewardship in young people. Educational philosophers Rousseau (1792) and Fröbel (1892) believed that children should learn in and from nature. Recent scholarship has found that school gardens (Jagger & Hayward, 2024; Upitis et al., 2013), environmental literacy curricula (Breunig et al., 2014; Fisher-Maltese, 2016; Goodale et al., 2024), and nature play (Omidvar et al., 2019; Wight et al., 2016) foster a sense of care and responsibility towards nature. The aim of this presentation is to critically evaluate the current literature while furthering the discussion on environmental knowledge sharing with children and youth. This presentation draws on a children’s rights perspective that emphasizes the right to an education that fosters respect for the natural environment (UNCRC, 1989). It is theoretically underpinned by a critical childhood studies perspective that recognizes young people as environmental actors (James & James, 2012; Biswas & Hylland Eriksen, 2023) and an intersectional socio-ecological framework (Ergas et al., 2021).

10:00

Stocking of threatened fish species within their native range: consequences for ecosystems, fisheries and science

Kiran Hazra

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The negative impacts of non-native species introductions have been well documented. As an alternative tool to increase the biodiversity and economic productivity of ecosystems, habitats can instead be supplemented with native species that have become extirpated or endangered. For example, in addition to stocking Pacific salmon in the Great Lakes, Ontario now stocks the formerly extirpated Atlantic salmon. In the United Kingdom, Scottish Forestry is under pressure to replace Sitka spruce plantations with native Scots pine. Native species reintroductions are a powerful tool for ecosystem restoration programs. However, the stocking of even native species can have consequences for ecological stability and can impede conservation research. While conservation efforts frequently focus on increasing genetic diversity and population size in target populations, they often ignore the vital role of population substructure in maintaining distinct morphologies, genetics and life histories between organisms from different localities. Our research has found that introduced strains of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) in the Great Lakes underwent rapid morphological and dietary changes following their introduction, and now occupy a very different niche from their ancestral populations. These introduced strains now threaten the native smelt of the St. Lawrence River, with the potential of disrupting the river’s ecological balance and its fisheries. Introduced strains also interfere with biogeographic studies in the region. The genetic structure of native smelt populations allows for phylogenetic studies that can infer the palaeoecology and geological history of eastern North America. Through the spread of non-indigenous strains of freshwater fish, the signal of early Holocene dispersal of aquatic species is being overwhelmed, and may soon be uninterpretable. This talk will discuss the importance of raising awareness for cryptic population structure amongst fisheries managers, anglers and the general public, and the necessity of binational communication, regulation and community involvement in decisions regarding the Great Lakes.

10:15

How do Mid sized cities in Ontario integrate green roofs for climate change adaptation

Thelma Adu Akyea

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Mid-sized cities like London, Ontario, are increasingly facing the challenges posed by climate change, including extreme weather events, intensified urban heat islands, and devastating flooding risks. In response to these pressing issues, the City of London declared a climate emergency in 2019, emphasizing an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the city's resilience. Green roofs emerge as a vital solution in this context supported by research to offer benefits such reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the benefits associated with green roofs, the adoption of green roofs in London remains relatively low, and limited research has yet to uncover these issues. This study employs in-depth interviews and thematic analysis to explore the perceptions of key stakeholders, including municipal staff, green roof practitioners, developers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), on the implementation of green roofs in the city. The research findings indicate that certain stakeholders recognize the significant benefits of green roofs, particularly in reducing occupational hazards in their facilities. Additionally, some perceive that green roofs provide therapeutic effects for individuals viewing them from windows in close proximity to hospitals or Condos. However, some actors are of the view that the implementation of supportive policies (i.e by-laws), together with creating awareness for community members as well as incentivizing potential adopters promotes the widespread implementation of green roofs in the City. The study concludes that integrating the stakeholders' recommendations into urban planning in the City of London can ensure progress towards a more resilient and sustainable environment. These findings hold significant implications for scholars and urban planning policies on a local scale.

PAB Room 100: 5-Min Lightning Talks

10:45

Quantifying Patterns of Mercury Exposure to Double-crested Cormorants and Ring-billed Gulls Breeding on the Great Lakes

Madison Robinson

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Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal that is found in many molecular forms, the most concerning being methylmercury (MeHg). Methylmercury can bioaccumulate (build up in a single organism) and biomagnify (accumulate in successive trophic levels). Many studies use total mercury (THg) as a proxy for MeHg without testing the relationship between the forms. This leads to inaccurate communication of MeHg contamination. The Great Lakes are a large freshwater system that as a whole are not a Hg concern, but rather have local “hotspots” of Hg that are a result of historical contamination. The Great Lakes host many colonial waterbirds that aggregate in large colonies; this makes these waterbird species potential bioindicators of local Hg contamination in the areas surrounding their breeding ground. Double-crested cormorants (DCCO) and ring-billed gulls (RBGU) are two colonial waterbirds subject to Hg toxicity via biomagnification. Mercury toxicity can affect birds' reproduction and can cause behavioral, neurochemical, and hormonal changes within individuals. Both DCCO and RBGU are migrants, and thus, accumulate and transfer Hg between systems. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate spatial differences of Hg exposure to fish-eating birds among the five Great Lakes, and (2) test the hypothesis that different feeding ecology and space use by gulls and cormorants results in higher Hg levels in cormorants versus gulls in areas of sympatry. Samples were collected from 10 islands around the Great Lakes and their THg and MeHg were analyzed. Results show that DCCO had significantly more THg than RBGU. A regression comparing THg to MeHg showed a near-perfect relationship between the two variables; this indicates that all the Hg measured was in the methylated form.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of At-Home Water Test Strips in Detecting Mercury in Ontario Water Sources

Anna Noorenberghe, Kyleigh Hilton

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Mercury pollution in water poses significant risks to human and wildlife health as it bioaccumulates and magnifies in marine organisms. This manifests as neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms in humans, particularly in communities reliant on fish as a dietary staple. In Chemistry 2272F (Introductory Analytical Chemistry), we found excessive cadmium levels in the water from ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾’s Chemistry building. As cadmium is chemically analogous to mercury, this motivated our investigation into mercury pollution for our Integrated Science 2001G (Sustainability and the Environment) project. We evaluated the effectiveness of Payotte drinking water test strips in detecting mercury, highlighting the need for accessible and adequate water testing methods in vulnerable communities. We tested water samples from the Thames River, tap water, well water, and purified sources using Payotte strips against 1000 ppm heavy metal standards to assess the strips' sensitivity. Even with high concentration standards, the strips failed to detect mercury, showing no or minimal colour change. In alignment with the conference theme of Sharing Environmental Knowledge, we contacted Payotte and the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks to address our concerns regarding the accuracy of Payotte test strips. However, Payotte failed to respond, and the Minister dismissed our findings. The inability of Payotte test strips to identify mercury and other heavy metals raises significant concerns for public health, especially in First Nation communities. This research emphasizes the need for enhanced water quality testing tools that are effective and accessible to ensure the safety of communities affected by mercury pollution.

Europium toxicity in Lemna minor is not related to phosphorus deficiency.

Simon Maturana

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Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are critical to the advancement of green technology and will be mined heavily. There are 24 REE projects under development in Canada. REEs are emerging aquatic contaminants, thus research into their mechanism(s) of toxicity is required to help combat the effects of contamination. A few mechanisms of REE toxicity in plants have been proposed, but the true mechanism of toxicity has yet to be determined. To narrow down the possibilities, I am investigating one of these proposed mechanisms: REE-induced phosphorus deficiency. This claim stems from the fact that REEs, including europium, are known to form insoluble complexes with phosphate, potentially preventing the plant from absorbing the nutrient. Lemna minor, a model aquatic plant, will be used to investigate the hypothesis that europium toxicity is due to complexation with phosphate. To distinguish europium-induced phosphate deficiency from other potential mechanisms of toxicity, four treatment groups will be prepared and compared: a control, one spiked with Eu(NO3)3, one with reduced KH2PO4, and the final group will have both Eu(NO3)3 and additional KH2PO4. The extent of the europium-induced phosphorus deficiency, hence the amount of KH2PO4 reduction and addition to be used, will be estimated using a chemical equilibrium model. After 15 days of treatment, ICP-MS will be used to confirm the uptake of europium as well as total phosphorus content in the plants. To quantify the stress resulting from each treatment, the following variables will be measured: biomass, frond (leaf) count, frond area, chlorophyll content, and both alkaline and acidic phosphatase activity. By comparing the magnitude of responses to europium and phosphorus deficiency, I will determine the extent to which europium toxicity can be explained by phosphorus deficiency.

WISC Against Fast Fashion: Educating & Empowering our Community

Kiera Sammut, Sheila Bull, Rachel Northwoodtorrens, Malavika Nair

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A well-known negative environmental consequence of the fashion industry is the accumulation of inorganic waste and microplastics that end up in our environment. To help counteract the consequences of the fashion industry, responsibility falls on consumers and businesses to change their habits. Consumers can limit their clothing consumption by extending product-use time and supporting brands with good environmental practices. Businesses need to prevent the production of mass amounts of waste, the improper disposal of waste, and the manufacture of surplus clothing. While these solutions seem feasible, the reality is that many individuals do not prioritize sustainability, particularly in the context of their fashion choices. We hypothesized that a lack of environmentally conscious fashion choices stem from a lack of knowledge about brands, fabrics and the environmental impact of consumer decisions. To address this issue for a sustainability group project for INTEGSCI 2001G, we created an Instagram page (@SustainablyStylishStangs) dedicated to educating ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾ students, staff, and the broader community about the impacts and consequences of fast fashion. Our Instagram page features posts on topics such as the history of fast fashion, greenwashing, brand accountability, types of fabrics, proper clothing care and inspiration for upcycling garments that are no longer used, and much more. By raising awareness, we hope that our Instagram page will inspire and empower individuals to fight against fast fashion through their consumer choices. Additionally, by exposing brands that falsely advertise their environmental impact and contribute to excessive amounts of textile waste, we hope to encourage consumer pushback and boycotts of these brands. In response, brands will be forced to take accountability and revise their manufacturing processes with the environment in mind. Through education and collective action, we strive to foster a shift toward a more responsible fashion industry.

Thermal response to climate conditions of a pond in southern Ontario

Cameron Stewart

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Thermal stability, a measure of a lake’s resistance to mixing, is a common indicator of lake ecosystem health and is greatly influenced by climate change. Small lakes make up a significant proportion of Earth’s total lacustrine surface area and play an important role in the climate system. Despite this, the climate sensitivity of small lakes’ thermal regimes is understudied in recent literature due to the lack of available primary data. The relationships between thermal stability and non-temperature meteorological forcings, such as precipitation and wind, are also poorly understood. I will examine what meteorological phenomena significantly impact the thermal stability and oxygen distribution of a small pond in Southern Ontario. I will use meteorological data collected by UWO’s weather station and collect primary water temperature and dissolved oxygen data at Tumbleson Pond, part of the Westminster Ponds / Pond Mills ESA. I will calculate the pond’s total Schmidt stability to relate the pond’s temperature profile to thermal stability. I will use time series regression analysis to determine the statistical relationships between Schmidt stability, DO concentration, and various meteorological signals. Preliminary results using 2023 pond temperature data indicate that changes in thermal stability are dominated by air temperature signals and secondarily driven by wind speed. This project will contribute to the growing body of research on the climate sensitivity of small lakes. It will bolster the understanding of non-temperature meteorologic signals’ impacts on lakes, which has implications for the climate resilience of aquatic ecosystems. This study will shed light on how small lakes may respond to climate change.

Small Modular Reactors: A Potential Path to Affordable and Sustainable Energy

Joshua McIntosh

McMaster University

The emerging technology of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the nuclear power industry presents a promising solution to the growing global energy demand. Energy accessibility is becoming a significant issue that needs to be addressed and taken seriously. For my presentation, I will create a poster that outlines the benefits of small modular reactors, such as lower costs and how they are more sustainable than nuclear reactors. My poster will also outline Canada’s SMR action plan and how McMaster University is actively involved in feasibility studies, research, and stakeholder consultations. I want to present my findings from my research assignment on small modular reactors and whether they should be required to undergo a full environmental assessment. I want to emphasize the positive benefits SMRs have but also inform people of some of the risks and explain how we can mitigate that by making a full environmental assessment mandatory before installing a new SMR plant. My poster presentation lightning talk will align with the ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾ EnviroCon theme of making sustainability knowledge accessible by exploring how SMRs contribute to a sustainable energy future while addressing safety, waste, and affordability concerns. There are environmental benefits to implementing SMRs with other renewable sources and creating a hybrid energy grid. The development and research of SMRs have the potential to drive economic growth in Canada and become a leader in the SMR market. McMaster University’s role in this development is to take a holistic approach to investigating the most appropriate SMR technology, site selection's safety and environmental impacts. My poster presentation, lightning talk on Small Modular Reactors, will provide insights into how SMRs can address global energy challenges while ensuring sustainability and accessibility for all. I would love this opportunity to open up the discussion on transitioning to cleaner and more efficient nuclear energy!

Impacts of Forest Structure on American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) Disease Severity

Matthew Palarchio

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American Beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) is a dominant and keystone tree species in the forests of southwestern Ontario, highly important for wildlife. Beech bark disease (Cryptococcus fagisuga and Neonectria sp. disease complex) and beech leaf disease (associated with foliar nematode Litylenchus crenatae) are two introduced diseases inducing widespread dieback and mortality in American Beech populations, with substantial impacts on forest composition, ecosystem structure and function. Two questions were addressed: (1) Does forest structure impact the severity of beech diseases? (2) Which species will replace American beech in the forests of southwestern Ontario? Field sampling measurements, geospatial analysis, and statistical tests (PCA and hypothesis testing) were utilized to generate the results. It was found that crown class, which is related to this size of a tree, had the most significant impact on beech disease severity. Larger diameter trees were most susceptible to beech bark disease, while saplings were most impacted by beech leaf disease. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) are anticipated to increase in dominance as a result of disease-induced beech morality, though the magnitude of change is dependent on the impact beech diseases have on their host trees. Further study is needed to determine the compounded impacts of interactions between the diseases on American beech, and the extent of naturally occurring disease resistance in host beeches.

PAB Room 117: 5-Min Lightning Talks

10:45

Addressing the Root Causes of Food Waste to Support Environmental Sustainability and Food Security

Taby LaFlair

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Food waste is a pressing environmental and social issue, contributing to climate change, food insecurity, and economic hardship. Globally, over 30% of food is wasted, producing methane emissions that are 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. This wasteful cycle exacerbates agricultural overproduction, increases the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and strains energy resources, all while millions face food insecurity. Our research explores sustainable solutions to mitigate food waste through reduction, recovery, and policy interventions. Change in general is very hard to enforce, so we reached out to our local MPP, Terence Kernaghan, and asked him if the government has any plans to aid this situation, and if not, if we could work with him to help create a solution. Through discussions with Mr. Kernaghan, we explored legislative gaps in food waste accountability and affordability. The Ontario NDP’s Grocery Code of Conduct presents a foundation for regulating food pricing and reducing waste but lacks strict enforcement on corporate transparency. We advocate for mandatory reporting on food waste by grocery retailers, encouraging a policy shift toward environmental responsibility. Additionally, governmental incentives for food donations and liability protections for businesses could significantly enhance participation in food recovery programs. To complement these policies, we propose localized solutions such as expanding green bin programs on university campuses, creating student discount initiatives for surplus food, and developing a "Best Before" mobile app to connect consumers with discounted soon-to-expire food. By strengthening partnerships between grocery stores, food banks, and non-profit organizations like 519 Pursuit, we can improve food accessibility while minimizing waste. A sustainable food system requires a multi-level approach, integrating government intervention with corporate responsibility and public engagement. We can combat food waste while promoting environmental sustainability and food security. Our research underscores the need for legislative action and collective responsibility to drive meaningful change.

Ottawa-Gatineau Commuting Shifts in Response to the Federal Return-to-Office Policy

Haorui Zhou

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The transition to remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reshaped urban dynamics. This study employs de-identified and aggregated mobile phone network mobility data to evaluate the effects of Ottawa’s federal public service policy requiring a return to the office for three days a week. We quantified commuting patterns during the week before and the week after the policy implementation. Our results indicate a significant increase in the number of individuals commuting to Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area where the Canadian federal government offices are located. Additionally, our results show that commuters are leaving their homes approximately 15 minutes earlier than before the mandate, likely in response to heightened traffic congestion during peak hours. The federal government’s policy has sparked considerable debate regarding its implications for employee well-being and urban infrastructure. Concerns about heightened stress and longer commutes have been voiced by public servants. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the geographic and socioeconomic implications of home-based work by providing empirical evidence on changes in commuting behavior in response to employer policies. By focusing on the Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area, this study offers valuable insights into the regional impacts of remote work policies, informing strategies that balance workforce flexibility with the sustainability of urban environment.

Sustainable Approaches to Cognitive Enhancement Using Plant-Based Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Anita Fuambi

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The global prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders is rapidly increasing, with dementia cases projected to triple by 2050. This calls for innovative, sustainable dietary strategies to support and promote long-term neurological well-being. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those rich in stearidonic acid, have long been recognized for their neuroprotective benefits, playing roles in brain structure and function while offering cognitive support comparable to traditional marine sources. In the search for sustainable alternatives to fish oil, plant-based omega-3 sources, such as Ahiflower (Buglossoides arvensis) oil, have emerged as promising candidates. This innovative plant oil offers a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids with enhanced bioconversion efficiency. Cultivated through regenerative agricultural practices, Ahiflower oil production minimizes environmental impact by eschewing irrigation, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides. Remarkably, one acre of Ahiflower cultivation can yield the omega-3 equivalent of 500,000 anchovies which could significantly reduce pressures on overexploited marine ecosystems. This approach aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly modules 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Our research investigates Ahiflower oil's neuroprotective properties, integration into dietary strategies, and synergistic potential with other brain-healthy nutrients to determine its potential in enhancing brain cellular function and health outcomes, contributing to a more sustainable and healthier future.

Climate Adaption Strategies; a Cross Country Comparison of Research Institutions in Kenya and Canada

Daniel Musembi Mbithi

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Climate change presents profound challenges for institutions worldwide, particularly research universities, which play a pivotal role in driving adaptation and sustainability efforts. This study explores climate change adaptation strategies within two distinct contexts: Kenyatta University (KU) in Kenya and the University of ÉîÒ¹¸£ÀûÕ¾ Ontario (UWO) in Canada. By examining these institutions, the research seeks to identify existing practices, analyze barriers to implementation, and uncover opportunities for innovation in climate resilience. Focusing on the perspectives of faculty, staff, and students, this research captures diverse insights across different academic and administrative units. By comparing the adaptation practices of KU and UWO, the study reveals how unique geographical, institutional, and cultural contexts shape climate responses. The findings aim to provide actionable recommendations tailored to each university while also offering a roadmap for enhancing resilience across higher education institutions globally. By bridging knowledge gaps and fostering collaboration, this research emphasizes the critical role of universities as catalysts for climate action. It aspires to empower institutions to lead by example in tackling climate challenges, advancing sustainable development, and building a resilient future.

Soil organic carbon and microbial community variation under historical and current land use

Paige Ferguson

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Globally, soils store more carbon than vegetation and the atmosphere, combined, mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. In addition to the direct effects of climate change, human activity through land use has caused a massive quantity of soil carbon to be liberated and released into the atmosphere. Forest ecosystems in Canada are important global carbon stores that are especially vulnerable to human activity through land use changes. There remains uncertainty surrounding soil carbon modelling due to the dynamic and complex nature of soil carbon cycling. Furthermore, recent shifts in theory recast microbial communities as a leading factor in organic carbon stabilization. This research will use field and laboratory methods to analyze variation in soil organic carbon and microbial communities across a 1110-km2 landscape in central New Brunswick, Canada, with a variable and well-documented land use history. I will measure soil organic carbon content and microbial community structure (fungal:bacterial ratios and biomass) with a 2-way full factorial design of historical (1954) and current land use (open vs forested) stratified across forest stand type and other influential control variables. Preliminary analyses of existing forest inventory, earthworm, and soil carbon, texture, and pH data will inform site selection (N=24) from existing Continuous Landscape Inventory plots where the same variables will be measured with the addition of microbial community data. I will measure two important effects: the legacy produced by a history of land use, and whether additional information on microbial communities is necessary for interpreting current soil organic carbon distribution. My work has important implications for soil organic carbon modelling and land management, especially related to the long-term effects of land use on soil carbon and the importance of using microbial-explicit carbon models.

Disconnected: How Urbanization in North America is Straining Our Relationship with the Environment

Madeline Politeski

Lakehead University

Urbanization in North America has created a disconnect between humans and the natural environment. The disconnect can be attributed to the decline in outdoor recreation humans partake in due to the physical distance between urbanites and rural land as well as the disinterest in being outdoors. In urban areas, food sourcing typically involves visiting the grocery store, leaving many people unaware of the true process of food production. Many urban dwellers are not aware of the environmental, ethical, and human health concerns that arise from livestock farming, which is the source of their meat. The ethical aspect of livestock production is often overlooked, as there is a disconnect between the death of the animal and the packaged meat in the store. Individuals living in rural areas tend to have a closer connection to the sources of their meat since hunting and fishing are more common and accepted activities in rural areas. Additionally, children growing up in cities are missing out on vital experiences with nature and wildlife, it becomes increasingly inconvenient for parents to take their children to see real wildlife; instead, they may only encounter squirrels in park trees. With this new generation being disconnected from nature so early in life, we risk having an entire generation with no environmentalists. Urbanization also raises significant health concerns, including the effects of extreme weather (such as the heat island effect) and pollution hotspots. Government regulations closely monitor urban development through various laws, including zoning bylaws and the amount of land dedicated to nature and wildlife within cities. Has urbanization created a disconnect between humans and the natural world? The answer to that is yes.

Investigating Landlords’ Willingness to Install Solar Photovoltaic and Heat Pump Systems in Rental Properties

Shay Pokharel

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Residential housing accounts for a substantial percentage of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, largely because of fossil fuel combustion for space and water heating. Research shows that combining solar photovoltaic (PV) technology with heat pumps (HP) can immediately reduce a building’s GHG emissions by 50%. A solar PV and HP system can also help reduce utility expenses by lowering electricity and heating costs, increasing energy efficiency, and making energy more affordable. However, the up-front costs associated with renewable energy technologies can be high, and incentive programs to offset these costs often apply only to homeowners. With one-third of Canadians living in rental accommodations, this creates a challenge for renters interested in adopting this technology as they may lack the authority to install it. This research will examine landlords’ attitudes towards solar PV and HP systems and what factors influence their willingness to install them in their rental units. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with landlords. Currently, there is a limited understanding of the factors influencing the uptake of energy-efficient technology in rental homes, and this research aims to address this knowledge gap. The findings from this research could also provide policymakers with recommendations to help strengthen efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the housing sector.