By Vanessa Parks
Internal Communications and Engagement Specialist
Dr. Germán Sciaini from Chemistry and Dr. Tonya DelSontro from Earth and Environmental Sciences are both recent recipients of funding delivered through the Ontario Research Fund-Research Infrastructure (ORF-RI). This funding supports ground-breaking research that will advance knowledge, drive innovation and create a better future for the people of Ontario.
“When we invest in research, we invest in our province’s future,” says Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “These critical investments will ensure Ontario’s researchers can continue making discoveries that drive key sectors, create good-paying jobs, and improve the lives of all Ontarians.”
Electron microscope enables ground-breaking research
Sciaini is a world expert in the field of ultrafast electron imaging. Sciaini’s group develops atomic-level cameras and nanofluidic methods to enable the observation of molecules and dynamical phenomena with atomic resolution.
This ORF-RI funding has allowed the team, which includes co-principal investigators Dr. Michaela Devries-Aboud (Kinesiology) and Dr. Jenine McCutcheon (Earth and Environmental Sciences), to acquire a workhorse biological transmission electron microscope for their core facility at Waterloo. The microscope enables ground-breaking research into new technology and strategies for addressing pressing challenges in Canada, including obesity, type-2 diabetes and sustainable management of mine waste. It has recently been installed in the Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre and will be available to users this winter.