Graduate student stories

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Vision impairments are on the rise, propelling the global ocular implants market to unprecedented growth, from $14.1 billion in 2022 to a monumental $22.1 billion by 2030. Yet, many potential breakthroughs stumble in clinical trials, often due to unforeseen toxicity and efficacy in preliminary research studies. Megala Ramasamy is developing a low-cost fabrication method for silicone polymers used to create advanced in-vitro eye models that simulate features of the human eye.

 

Have you ever noticed green scum on the surface of a lake? Cyanobacteria are a type of algae that can cause harmful blooms. Harshina Brijlall, a PhD in Biology student, is working to identify potential algal toxin-producing markers and understudied bacterial communities to aid in lake management.

Jane Ye’s research interests lie in how contaminants and nutrients move around and interact in soils, sediments, surface water, and groundwater. Her master’s research project focusses on petroleum hydrocarbons and how they naturally biodegrade into carbon dioxide and methane in soils under different temperature and moisture conditions.