Ontario Research Fund supports cutting-edge research projects at Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, ON –  Through the Ontario Research Fund - Research Infrastructure Program, Lakehead University will receive over $800,000 to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for new research projects. These projects range from developing innovative photonic devices to the design and development of powertrain technologies, to climate change mitigation and air pollution control systems.

Gautam DasDr. Gautam Das, Professor in the Department of Physics, has been awarded $166,892 to enhance Lakehead’s photonics and bio-photonics research facilities. His project will develop innovative photonic devices with transformative applications including a portable Raman spectroscopy tool for early detection of cervical cancer and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as well as a real-time analyzer for greenhouse gases emitted from agricultural fields. According to Dr. Das, these technologies promise to significantly advance public health and environmental monitoring, supporting Canada’s leadership in high-tech industries and sustainability.

“This funding enables us to expand the scope of our research and develop accessible, cost-effective solutions for both medical diagnostics and environmental challenges,” he said. 

Apparao DekkaDr. Apparao Dekka, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, received $100,017 to support his research on the design and development of powertrain technologies for heavy-duty electric vehicles. By addressing the high costs associated with electric vehicle production, Dr. Dekka’s work creates energy-efficient and affordable solutions that will strengthen Canada’s electric vehicle industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His research also focuses on training highly qualified personnel to support the future growth of this sector.

“Electric vehicles are critical in combating climate change, and this project is a step toward making them more accessible to Canadians,” said Dr. Dekka. “By developing cost-effective technologies, we hope to encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles and foster a more sustainable economy.”

Ebrahim RezaeiDr. Ebrahim Rezaei, Department of Chemical Engineering, has been awarded $124,986 to establish the Laboratory for Climate Change Mitigation and Air Pollution Control. This facility will lead two key research programs, the catalytic reforming of carbon dioxide into syngas and the treatment of industrial air pollutants using catalytic ozonation. Dr. Rezaei’s work will support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality while training students in cutting-edge environmental technologies.

“The infrastructure funded through the ORF will allow us to address critical challenges in energy sustainability and air quality,” said Dr. Rezaei. “This research will not only reduce Canada’s atmospheric emissions but also enhance our country’s economic growth and technological leadership.”

These researchers in the departments of physics, electrical and computer engineering, and chemical engineering have received $391,895 in funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Ontario Research Fund (ORF) for this work. 

“Lakehead University celebrates the remarkable contributions of these researchers and the impact their work will have on global and local communities,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation at Lakehead University. “Through ORF support, Lakehead continues to advance innovative research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

For more information about Lakehead’s research initiatives, visit lakeheadu.ca/research.

Total funding: $811,056

  • Dr. Adam Algar, Department of Biology, "Laboratory for Physiological Macroecology", $119,591

  • Drs. Nathan Basiliko, Seung-Il Lee and Ashley Thomson, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, "Research Infrastructure for Multitrophic Studies of Boreal Forest Landscapes", $174,996

  • Dr. Gautam Das, Department of Physics, "Microscope, and Trace Gas Analyzers (Nitrous Oxide and Ammonia) for Photonics and Bio-Photonics Research Facilities", $166,892

  • Dr. Apparao Dekka, Department of Electrical Engineering, "Design and Development of Powertrain Technologies for Heavy-duty Electric Transportation Applications", $100,017

  • Dr. Ebrahim Rezaei, Department of Chemical Engineering, "Laboratory for Climate Change Mitigation and Air Pollution Control", $124,986

  • Dr. Alla Reznik, Department of Physics and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Physics of Radiation Medical Imaging, Scientist, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, "Low-dose Direct Conversion Radiation Medical Imaging Detectors", $124,574