University of Saskatchewan CFI Leaders Opportunity Fund recipients:

• Francisco Cayabyab (physiology) was awarded $163,122 for a powerful imaging microscope that will help reveal the inner workings of the brain. This work will focus on biochemical pathways involved in normal communications between nerve cells in the brain and how these processes are affected by diseases. Ultimately, this research will help provide appropriate targets for new drugs designed to combat strokes and brain diseases.
• David Cooper (anatomy and cell biology) was granted $120,000 to investigate how bones adapt, age, and deteriorate on different levels. Using cutting-edge 3D imaging technology, this work will improve understanding of biological processes underpinning osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
• Linda Ferguson (nursing) was awarded $136,800 to research cost-effective means to educate nurses and other professional healthcare students. This research will investigate lab simulation and other strategies that prepare students for clinical experiences, including mentoring and field placements.
• Janet Hill (veterinary microbiology) was granted $25,842 to investigate complex microbial communities that inhabit the digestive and reproductive tracts of humans and other animals, causing inflammatory bowel disease, post-weaning diarrhea in pigs, and bacterial vaginosis in humans. This work will help identify new genes and biotechnology tools to counter these problems.
• Regan Mandryk (computer science) was awarded $150,000 to develop computer systems and applications that adapt to users' contexts, such as their location, expertise and emotional state. The research is intended to create smarter computers that do not interrupt users when they are busy, offer help based on users’ expertise, and allow users to express emotions through instant messaging, email, or natural cues, such as typing harder.
• Allison Muri (English) was granted $40,610 to develop a computing and media studies research lab that uses digitized maps and database information to visualize the history of print communications, particularly in 18th century London.
• Scott Noble (agricultural and bioresource engineering) was awarded $60,000 to improve agricultural and agriculture machinery sensor research using automated tools for field scouting and evaluating cultivated crops. This project will focus on spectral imaging and “machine vision” that provide industry and researchers with improved methods to observe plants, machinery systems, and insect pests.
• Joyce Wilson (microbiology and immunology) was granted $54,936 to research how the hepatitis C virus hijacks liver cells to promote its own replication. This research is expected to identify new virus-host interactions as potential targets for inhibition by antiviral drugs.