Barrie STEM Hub

CIHR & SSHRC Undergraduate Student Research Awards

CIHR & SSHRC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) are meant to nurture your interest and fully develop your potential for a research career in health or social sciences and humanities. These awards are also meant to encourage you to undertake graduate studies by providing research work experience that complements your studies in an academic setting.

At the present time, CIHR and SSHRC USRAs are exclusively for student researchers who self-identify as Black.

Lakehead Leader Winner Kylee Henson Takes it to the Mat

This Judo Athlete and Kinesiology Student Strengthens Communities

If the idea of meeting a black belt martial artist seems intimidating, Kylee Henson will put you at ease.

Kylee Henson Stands Outside the University Centre on Lakehead's Thunder Bay Campus

Kylee received her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology, with a minor in Health and Aging, in 2023, and will complete her Master of Science in Kinesiology in December 2025.

Kylee—a judo athlete and Lakehead kinesiology student—is an active community volunteer and one of the friendliest people you'll meet on the Thunder Bay campus.

"For me, volunteering is about respect and giving back," says Kylee, who received a 2025 Lakehead Leader Award for Community Engagement from the university.

"There's a golden rule in judo: People invest in you, so you invest in others."

She's been practicing judo since she was five years old, and competed nationally and internationally until 2022.

"My signature move was an arm bar. I would grab hold of my opponent's arm to lock and hyperextend it when we were grappling on the ground."

A Black Belt with a Keen Research Mind

Kylee's passion for judo has carried over into her academic studies.

"My knee and ankle injuries got me interested in kinesiology and biomechanics," Kylee says.

"Biomechanics is about applying forces to the body and studying how the body reacts. It's physics for your joints."

Kylee is currently finishing a master's thesis focused on reducing judo athletes' risk of concussion.

"Beginners are at the biggest risk of concussion," Kylee says. "More experienced athletes know how to fall."

Kylee Henson demonstrates judo moves to children during a judo class

Above, Kylee (wearing a blue judo gi) teaches a children's judo class at Thunder Bay's Mountainside Judo Club.

She wants her research to spur the development of a standardized judo under-mat system—also called a sub-floor—that will diminish the blunt-force impact when athletes' heads hit the judo mat.

"There's no regulated under-mat system anywhere in the world," Kylee explains. "I'm comparing the systems I've played on to see if some are better than others."

Kylee Henson, wearing a judo gi, stands between her father and her uncle in a judo studio

Kylee was a highly ranked judo athlete, and she still practices judo recreationally. It's a sport that's a family tradition. "My dad and my uncle were both big martial artists," she says. Left, Kylee celebrates the day she earned her black belt with her father (left) and uncle (right).

Judo clubs use everything from wall insulation and rubber hockey pucks to pool noodles as cushioning beneath judo mats.

Kylee's interest in keeping people healthy extends well beyond judo. As a master's student, she was hired by the City of Thunder in 2023 to create its Keep Moving Toolkit.

"It helps people dealing with complicated health issues—like stroke, cerebral palsy, and diabetes—build social connections and engage in physical exercise," Kylee says. The toolkit has been adopted across northern Ontario since it was released in February 2025.

Mentoring the Next Generation

It was Kylee's work on and off campus that earned her a Lakehead Leader Award. The Student Success Centre presents these awards to students who embody the spirit of excellence, innovation, and dedication.

Kylee Henson stands with members of Lakehead's women's varsity wrestling team at an OUA event

Kylee (far right) with the Lakehead women’s varsity wrestling team. Kylee initially planned to become an occupational therapist. “I wanted to adapt elderly people’s homes to keep them independent, but I changed my focus after I began doing postsurgery rehab with Lakehead varsity wrestlers.”

Some of the initiatives that earned Kylee her award include getting Lakehead involved in National Biomechanics Day—an annual worldwide event that introduces this STEM field to high school students and teachers.

"With the support of my supervisor, Dr. Carlos Zerpa, I invited Grade 11 students to campus to learn about biomechanics through different activities and exercises." Kylee's enthusiasm not only got students excited about biomechanics—it boosted enrollment to Lakehead's kinesiology program.

She also mentored St. Ignatius High School students in the fundamentals of kinematics research, showing them how to analyze sport performances using Kinovea video software.

Self-Defence Skills Nurture Self-Confidence

Kylee is a certified judo instructor, and she draws upon her skills to empower community members. "I've adapted what I've learned to teach women and police officers self-defence."

Kylee Henson teaches a self-defence class to Lakehead students at a gym on campus

Kylee (third from left) teaches a self-defence class to Lakehead students.

More recently, she volunteered with the Elizabeth Fry Society to offer self-defence classes to at-risk female inmates about to be released from prison. "The purpose was to help them feel safe on the street after being incarcerated."

Kylee is now busily planning for the future. She already has her own kinesiology business—called Boreal Health, Bodies in Motion—that provides in-home fascia stretching services. Her long-term goal, however, is to provide health programming at the municipal level to create flourishing communities.

"I always encourage people to stay active throughout their lives—it will keep you strong and independent."

Keywords:

Kylee Henson

Lakehead Leader Award

Kinesiology

Co-op Work Permit Workshop

Have you recently been accepted into a co-op work term for Spring 2026? If so, you will require a co-op work permit to complete this work in Canada. This is separate from your study permit. If you don't already have one, we recommend applying online right away. Work permit processing is very delayed in Canada so please apply early. You can join this workshop to go over the online application with your International Student Advisor (RCIC).

Add to Calendar

Darla Oja Left a Distinguished Military Career to Return to School

Darla Oja This Lakehead Student’s Commitment to Serve Others Remains Strong

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Darla Oja’s journey—from small-town Saskatchewan to international deployments—reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others. Now a Lakehead University student, she transforms decades of military leadership into service rooted in education, empathy, and community impact.

Oja joined the military at the age of seventeen. She grew up in a Métis community in northern Saskatchewan. “It’s a town of about 350 people, and I was related to most of them,” she says with a laugh. “A recruiter came to our school and picked up four of us in Grade 11. We all went to basic training that year. That was an option—and I chose it.”

Her decision launched a career that spanned positions ranging from Mobile Support and Equipment Operator to Lieutenant Colonel, culminating in her command of the 38 Service Battalion, which oversaw units across three provinces. She also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, held numerous training and leadership roles, and spent decades living and serving in Thunder Bay.

“Decide what you want to be, and do it. If that’s what your heart tells you, then become that. Don’t let people tell you you can’t.”

“I’ve always loved learning,” Oja says. “To progress through the ranks, there was always training involved—it was like being in school all the time. I think that’s part of why I enjoyed it so much.”

When she reflects on her career, Oja speaks most about the people she has met. “Leadership isn’t just about example,” she says. “It’s about leading how you would like to have been led—helping others become their best possible selves.”

Oja was commissioned as an officer after a Thunder Bay commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Groves, recognized her potential. “If you’re looking for someone who shaped my approach, it was him,” she says. “He helped me understand what an officer should exude in command and leadership.”

Over time, she found her own style. “The military forms people into a certain way of thinking and doing,” she explains. “As I matured into my leadership role, I became more of my authentic self. Who I was was able to emerge more as I went up in rank.”
Honouring Indigenous Veterans

Each year on November 8, Canadians observe National Indigenous Veterans Day—a day of remembrance, reflection, and recognition. It honours the thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in peacekeeping missions worldwide. It also acknowledges the families and communities who carried the burden of absence and loss with strength, pride, and love.

For Oja, the day underscores the importance of awareness and education. “Canada has a long history of Indigenous people serving, but for many decades that service wasn’t widely recognized,” she says. “This day helps make sure those stories are seen and heard—not only by Indigenous communities, but by all Canadians.”

That recognition, she adds, is also about progress. “It’s about understanding the sacrifices that were made and the stories that weren’t told for so long,” she says. “And it’s about asking what more we can do today to ensure they’re never forgotten.”

Helping Young People Understand and Embrace Our History
These days, Oja channels that commitment to remembrance and learning into classrooms across Thunder Bay. By sharing her dog tags, uniforms, and grandfather’s service medals, she helps students connect personally to history. “The kids under ten are my favourite,” she says. “They’re just curious—there’s no hesitation. They just want to touch everything.” Her visits spark discussions about Indigenous contributions and foster respect in students who might not otherwise learn these stories firsthand.

She believes postsecondary institutions play an essential role in carrying these stories forward and shaping student perspectives. “As an academic institution, Lakehead has an important responsibility,” she says. “Ceremonies like National Indigenous Veterans Day remind students that this is part of our shared history, and that it’s inclusive of everyone. But students should also be encouraged to stay curious—to expand their knowledge beyond what’s in a textbook.” Oja views her academic contributions as a means to raise awareness and foster meaningful dialogue about Indigenous experiences.

From Command to the Classroom

Returning to school herself, Oja is now in her third year at Lakehead, where she is completing concurrent degrees in social work and Indigenous learning, as well as a Certificate in Expressive Arts. “People are surprised when they find out I went back to school,” she says. “But it fits. I’ve always been drawn to education—now it’s about how I give back in a different way.”

Since retiring from the military, Oja has received notes from colleagues and former soldiers thanking her for her leadership and support. “I didn’t realize how much people felt that until after I retired,” she says. “They thanked me for believing in them, for contributing to their careers. These are things anybody can do—you just have to be a good person.”

Her advice to others is simple: “Decide what you want to be, and do it. If that’s what your heart tells you, then become that. Don’t let people tell you you can’t.”

After thirty years of service and a lifetime of learning, Oja remains focused on what’s next. “There are so many amazing Indigenous veteran stories out there,” she says. “Part of why I agreed to this interview was to open that up—to encourage those other stories to be told.”

Oja’s journey, in and out of uniform, is defined by learning, service, and connection. Every chapter of her life—in the field or in the classroom—builds toward her central goal: making a difference. National Indigenous Veterans Day, for Oja, is about honouring the past and inspiring others to serve, learn, and lead with purpose.

Everyone is invited to attend the Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10 at 9:30 am in the Agora on the Thunder Bay campus. You can also watch the ceremony online by clicking here to register.

Visit the Indigenous Veterans Day exhibit on display from November 10-14 in the Agora to learn more about the service and the sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers and veterans.

Common Year in Applied Science

The new Common Year in Applied Science offers a one-year pathway for students who do not currently meet the admissions requirements to enter any of Lakehead’s Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs.

This includes students without the prerequisites from high school, and students without access to Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors or Grade 12 U Physics at their educational institution. The Common Year is open to students from a variety of backgrounds, including high schools in Ontario and across Canada, international students, and mature students.

This program made up of eight courses provides a broad understanding of the foundations of engineering including mathematics, physics, chemistry and design, and offers students the opportunity to decide which field of engineering they wish to enter when they enrol in their BEng program. The Common Year includes two specific courses (with no lectures, only labs and tutorials) designed to help students discover the best engineering discipline for them when they enter their BEng following completion of the Common Year.

The online program is delivered synchronously via Zoom through D2L sites with classes taking place in the evenings (Eastern Standard Time).

A certificate of completion of the Common Year of Applied Science will be awarded to students upon completing the program with a grade of at least 60% in each course. With their certificate of completion of the Common Year of Applied Science, students will be eligible to be admitted to Year 1 of a Bachelor of Engineering in the program of their choice at Lakehead University.

Please note that in consultation with the Undergraduate Admissions team, students can also pick specific courses from this program to meet missing requirements in order to enter specific Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) program at Lakehead University.

Fall Term Courses

Engineering 1138- Introduction to Engineering Math I
Radians and elementary trigonometry, complex numbers via quadratic equations and their manipulation, Euler’s exp(i*theta) definition and its use in obtaining trigonometric identities, sets, functions – domain, range, one to one and onto functions, inverse functions, composition of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, inequalities, elementary combinatorics, polynomials, binomial theorem, rational functions.

Engineering 1139- Introduction to Engineering Math II
Vectors – dot and cross products with application to equations of planes and simple geometry, cosine and sine rules for triangles, linear equations, matrices, elementary matrix algebra and matrix inversion, the definition of Euler's number. Derivatives. Elementary application of derivatives in engineering as rate of change. Simple integrals. Elementary probability: Mean, variance, standard deviation concepts on data sets. Logarithms and exponential functions revisited.

Engineering 1153 - Taste of Engineering Design I
Mathematical and Laboratory explorations in Engineering Design. Students to choose 3 design problems approved by the faculty facilitator. The explorations are to be completed in groups, aided by the faculty facilitator with a technical report and audio-visual presentation. The problems students will choose will be from a list from the six major Engineering disciplines offered at Lakehead University: Civil, Chemical, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical, Mechatronics, and Software Engineering.

Engineering 1155 - Introduction to Engineering Science I
Elementary statics and particle dynamics relevant to engineering; energy – kinetic, potential; basics of heat.

Winter Term Courses

Engineering 1152- Introduction to Computer Programming
Introduction to computer programming in Python. Programming exercises are related to computation in the areas of mathematics covered in Engineering 1150 and Engineering 1151.

Engineering 1154 - Taste of Engineering Design II
Mathematical and laboratory explorations in Engineering Design. Students to choose 3 design problems to be approved by the faculty facilitator. The explorations are to be completed in groups aided by the faculty facilitator with a technical report and audio-visual presentation. Problems from which students will choose will be from a list from our six major Engineering disciplines: Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical and Computer, and/or Software.

Engineering 1156 - Introduction to Engineering Science II
Gas laws, reaction balancing, basic stoichiometry calculations in engineering and concepts of rates of reactions, equilibrium; pH scale, basic electrochemistry. The chemistry of elements such as Aluminum and Lithium. Basic ideas of organic chemistry – classification of the basic organic compounds including simple isomeric compounds, basic organic chemistry reactions, physical properties of organic compounds within some classes of organic compounds.

Engineering 1157 - Introduction to Engineering Science III
Simple harmonic motion, sound, electromagnetics and light for engineering; modern physics - wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle.

Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University offers professional engineering education that’s designed to be open and accessible to everyone.

We are proud of our commitment to expanding opportunities and building more pathways for people from a variety of academic backgrounds to study engineering.

With around 800 undergraduates and 300 graduate students, we provide a learning environment where students can achieve their ambitions and earn the credentials they need surrounded by a strong and supportive community.

All our programs are offered at our campus in Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario, and we now offer selected programs at Lakehead University’s STEM Hub in Barrie, Central Ontario.

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Lakehead University Named Ontario’s Top Primarily Undergraduate University in 2026 Maclean’s Ranking

As Lakehead celebrates its 60th anniversary, the university continues to lead in student awards, student-to-faculty ratios, scholarships, and research excellence.

Lakehead University maintained its position as Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university in the 2026 Maclean’s University Rankings.

The university continues to be recognized for its exceptional education, research excellence, and outstanding student outcomes. Among Ontario universities in the primarily undergraduate category, Lakehead ranked first in student awards and student-to-faculty ratio, second in scholarships and bursaries, and third in total research dollars.

"Lakehead has always been a place where students achieve their full potential through transformative, world-class education," said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. "Our rising rankings and the success of our graduates reflect the quality and impact of the learning experiences we offer. Equally important, we provide unique pathways and supports for students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that everyone with potential has the opportunity to thrive. This recognition in Maclean's celebrates the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners in creating an environment where excellence and inclusion go hand in hand."

As Lakehead marks its 60th anniversary, students continue to benefit from hands-on learning and collaborative research experiences that contribute to strong retention, high graduation rates, and employment outcomes that exceed the provincial average.

The annual Maclean’s rankings categorize Canada’s universities into three groups — primarily undergraduate, comprehensive, and medical/doctoral — and Lakehead stands out in its primarily undergraduate category, shining a light on its deep commitment to student success.

“This recognition also reflects the strength and scope of the research happening across Lakehead,” said Dr. Siddall. “Our researchers and students are tackling issues that matter — from sustainability and health to social equity and innovation — work that continues to raise the university’s national and global profile.”

According to the Ontario University Graduate Survey (OUGS 2021), 93 per cent of Lakehead graduates find employment within six months of graduation. Within two years, that figure rises to 96 per cent, and 93 per cent report working in roles directly related to the skills gained through their undergraduate studies. These results demonstrate how Lakehead’s distinctive educational approach helps graduates transition successfully into the workforce.

Lakehead’s growing reputation for excellence continues to gain international attention. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, released last week, Lakehead placed second in Ontario and second in Canada among primarily undergraduate universities. Together, the Maclean’s and Times Higher Education results reaffirm Lakehead’s position as one of Canada’s top primarily undergraduate universities.

Building on six decades of innovation and community engagement, Lakehead continues to shape the next generation of changemakers who will strengthen the north, Canada, and the world. Prospective students can learn more by joining one of our upcoming fall recruitment events, such as the Orillia Open House on Nov. 8, 2025, or the Explore the North VIP Experience in Thunder Bay on Nov. 14, 2025. Details are available at lakeheadu.ca/admissions/events

Ingenuity Ascend Accelerator-Up to $5000 in Funding for Your Business Idea

Important Dates

Application close: December 2,2025
Interviews to be held during the Week of December 8, 2025
Program starts: January 26, 2025 (8-10 week duration)
Application Link: https://forms.gle/ZXUNtZdzFhf5aMRw7

The Ingenuity Ascend Accelerator is a 10-week business development program designed for entrepreneurial-minded Lakehead University students and recent alumni. Whether you're in the idea stage or working on an early-stage startup, Ascend helps you transition from concept to viable business.

Each cohort accepts up to four business ideas, and selected ventures are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in funding to support business development activities.

The program is designed to:

Support the launch and growth of student-led ventures
Offer hands-on business training and mentorship
Provide a collaborative, resource-rich environment

What We Offer:

Weekly mentorship and milestone meetings
Business workshops covering marketing, IP, revenue models, business structure, and more
Access to Ingenuity's Makerspace, Media Room, and co-working space
Connections to community partners and local entrepreneurs

What to Expect as a Participant

Throughout the 10-week program, early-stage companies can expect to:

Participate in networking events
Attend business development workshops
Connect with experienced entrepreneurial mentors
Join milestone meetings with Ingenuity staff to track progress
Access up to $5,000 in non-repayable funding (restrictions apply)

Eligibility Requirements:

At least one founder must be a current Lakehead student or alumni (within one year post-graduation)
Must be willing to commit to the program for 10 weeks
Must participate in all workshops, events, and pitch competitions
Must have decision-making authority for the venture
Must meet the legal requirements to start and run a business in Canada

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does it cost anything to join the program?
A: No. The Ascend Accelerator is completely free for eligible Lakehead students and recent graduates.

Q: Do I need to have a business already running to apply?
A: No. We welcome applications from all stages, including early idea development.

Q: What is the time commitment like?
A: The program includes one milestone meeting per week (up to 1 hour), plus several scheduled workshops. Ingenuity works with participants to find mutually agreeable times that respect academic and work obligations.

Q: Is this program only for business students?
A: Not at all! Ingenuity supports students from all academic backgrounds.

Q: Does Ingenuity take equity in my company?
A: No. Ingenuity does not take equity or royalties from any participant.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: Please reach out to info.ingenuity@lakeheadu.ca for all general inquiries.

Apply today and take the next step in turning your idea into a business!

Lakehead launches President’s Public Lecture Series celebrating 60 years of learning and community

Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. – Lakehead University thought leaders and changemakers are headlining a free public lecture series celebrating learning, discovery, and community.

Launching later this month in honour of Lakehead’s 60th anniversary, the President’s Public Lecture Series brings timely, thought-provoking conversations to the university’s campuses and communities in northwestern and central Ontario, supporting access and encouraging broad participation.

The series also invites community members to reconnect with Lakehead in person — to visit campus, engage with faculty and ideas, and celebrate the spirit of discovery that defines our university.

The six-part series will run from October through June and will feature world-renowned speakers, including Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Chair on Truth and Reconciliation, and Faculty of Education professors Dr. Gerald Walton and Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo, with more to be announced. Events will alternate between Lakehead’s Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, with all lectures available via live stream and posted online for on-demand viewing. Most lectures will be held outside of regular business hours to encourage broad community participation.

Gerald Walton “We’re marking our 60-year history in a way that centres and celebrates those who have supported us from the beginning—by opening our doors, sharing ideas and knowledge, and most importantly, saying thank you to the communities who built us,” stated Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Lakehead’s story has always been one of partnership –– of what’s possible when people come together to imagine a brighter future. This series is an open invitation to the communities we serve to re-engage, reconnect, and imagine what’s possible when knowledge is shared freely and widely.”

Since 1965, Lakehead University has been deeply rooted in the belief that education should uplift communities. Over the past six decades, Lakehead has grown into a university known for research excellence, student success, and meaningful engagement with the regions it serves.

Sonia Mastrangelo While an estimated 95 per cent of Lakehead’s domestic students face barriers to attending university, such as financial need, coming from a rural or remote community, or being the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education, Lakehead’s strong graduation rate — the second highest among Ontario’s primarily undergraduate universities — changes the life trajectory of its graduates.

“Last year, Lakehead was recognized by Maclean’s as Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university — an honour that reflects the outstanding teaching and learning led by our dedicated and talented faculty,” explained Dr. Siddall. “Through this lecture series, I’m delighted to introduce the public to some of those individuals. I’m confident you will enjoy these talks — may they spark new ideas, inspiration, and conversation.”

The President’s Public Lecture Series is open to anyone interested in learning, challenging, and exploring. Attend in person or virtually.

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux will host our inaugural lecture live from Lakehead Orillia on Friday, Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. Then, on Thursday, Nov. 20, Dr. Gerald Walton will untangle the roots of bullying and offer advice on addressing these behaviours live from The Agora at Lakehead Thunder Bay.

For more information or to register, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/presidentslectureseries.

Keywords:

President's Lecture Series

Public Lecture Series

60th Anniversary Lectures

Public Lectures

A Voyage to a Secret Underwater Everest

OVERVIEW:

Lakehead University biologist Dr. Michael Rennie was the chief scientist on a recent expedition of the Blue Heron research vessel
Dr. Rennie is doing critical research into the Superior Shoal—a 300-metre-high mountain in Lake Superior nicknamed the "Freshwater Everest"
Data from the Superior Shoal expedition will be used to develop strategies to conserve Lake Superior and other threatened large-lake environments

Behind the Scenes on Dr. Michael Rennie's Unprecedented Expedition

Dr. Michael Rennie has just returned from the nautical adventure of a lifetime.

In early September, he was the chief scientist on a mission to explore a hidden ecosystem. He and a research crew set sail across Lake Superior on the Blue Heron research vessel owned by the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD).

The research crew of the Blue Heron stand on the deck of the ship

During the week the research crew (above) was at the Superior Shoal, its ROV submersible did two to three dives per day. Left to right: Zach Melnick (Inspired Planet), Yvonne Drebert (Inspired Planet), Lisa Sundberg (UMD), Tom Frantti (UMD), Jason Agnich (UMD), Gwen Phillips (U Vermont), Dr. Bianca Possamai (U Vermont), Rual Lee (UMD), Ted Gephart (UMD), Lydia Paulic (U Windsor), Dr. Michael Rennie (Lakehead). Photo Credit: Zach Melnick

This voyage was the culmination of over a year of planning for Dr. Rennie, who is a Lakehead University professor in the Department of Biology.

It took a day to load the equipment on the boat and a full day to sail to their destination, 70 kilometres from the Canadian shore.

View of the Superior Shoal

The Superior Shoal is part of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area and was formed from the lava of a long-ago volcanic eruption. Photo Credit: Zach Melnick

A Soaring Mountain Rises from the Abyss

The Superior Shoal, nicknamed the "Freshwater Everest," reaches 300 metres upward from the lake floor and is rumoured to have caused shipwrecks like the infamous 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

"It's this strange cryptic environment," Dr. Rennie says. "If you were sailing near it on a freighter, you'd never know it was there, even though its highest peak is just six metres below the surface.

It's swarming with fish, and it's a hotspot of biological activity. This kind of biodiversity can also be found on seamounts in oceans."

Dr. Michael Rennie

Dr. Michael Rennie says that Lakehead has an important role to play as the only research-intensive university on the Canadian side of Lake Superior.

A key goal of Dr. Rennie's expedition was to test his hypothesis that the same conditions that create abundant life on seamounts—geological features combined with currents, light, and water columns—are also responsible for the Superior Shoal's biodiversity.

"It's probable that the algae covering the shoal supports an extensive food web, and the shoals act as a spawning ground for fish."

The expedition was a collaboration between Dr. Rennie and researchers from the University of Minnesota Duluth, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the University of Vermont, and the University of Windsor. Other partners included the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Parks Canada.

"It takes a village," Dr. Rennie says.

A Filmmaking Odyssey

To view the Superior Shoal, the Blue Heron used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)—a small submersible equipped with a high-resolution camera—capable of diving among the shoal's perilous peaks and canyons.

Dr. Michael Rennie helps prepare the submersible on the deck of the Blue Heron

Although Dr. Rennie is a certified scuba diver, regulations make the cost of research dives prohibitive. "This means the ROV footage we shot is even more crucial." Above, Dr. Rennie helps prepare a stationary up-looking hydroacoustic submersible to detect concentrations of fish above the shoal. Photo Credit: Yvonne Drebert

The ROV was operated by Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert, the filmmakers behind Inspired Planet Productions. "They were absolutely fantastic to work with," Dr. Rennie says.

The filmmakers—with the sponsorship of Parks Canada, Science North, and Canadian Geographic—produced the first-ever livestream of the Superior Shoal during Dr. Rennie's expedition.

A Haven for Lake Trout

Two redfin trout swim past the Superior Shoal

The research crew dropped off acoustic receivers at the Superior Shoal. These receivers detect tags that have been surgically implanted in lake trout, enabling scientists to see where fish like the redfin trout (above) travel, and learn more about their behaviour. Photo Credit: Zach Melnick

Dr. Rennie is investigating whether the Superior Shoal ecosystem is crucial to the well-being of the entire lake.

"We know that the shoal is filled with many species of lake trout. This is encouraging since Lake Superior's lake trout fishery collapsed in the 1960s and has only recently rebounded."

On the expedition, the researchers collected genetic material from lake trout to test how similar or different they are to near-shore lake trout populations, and to determine if these lake trout can help repopulate other areas of Lake Superior.

The Mysteries of the Deep

"Seeing the multitude of fish on the shoal, including sculpins, burbot, and rare redfin, siscowet, and humper lake trout species was amazing," Dr Rennie says.

"The most astounding sight for me, though, was pinky-orange hydras pulsing like a vast garden on the shoal," he says of the tiny anemone-like creatures.

A cliff face of the Superior Shoal covered with luminescent hydra

Above, carnivorous hydra cover one of the shoal's cliff faces. Award-winning filmmakers and Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellows Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick hope to make a film about Dr. Rennie's Superior Shoal expedition. Photo Credit: Zach Melnick

The research crew was also transfixed by a never-before-seen hunting behaviour of the redfin lake trout.

"They dragged their fins through the algae to chase out organisms so that they could eat them. Until now, no one knew they used this ingenious hunting method."

Dr. Rennie's work has laid the groundwork for future expeditions that will yield unique insights.

"Our research has the potential to create scientific strategies to successfully conserve Lake Superior and other large-lake environments that face threats such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing."

Watch the historic livestream of the Superior Shoal dive.

Dr. Michael Rennie's Superior Shoal research and expedition was made possible by funding from the University of Minnesota Duluth, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, and a Discovery Grant and Ship Time grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Keywords:

Dr. Michael Rennie

Superior Shoal Expedition

Lake Superior

lake trout