Nipissing University is receiving federal funding for two research projects.
Over $290,000 is going towards a project titled, “Together Toward A Shared Sense of ‘Us’: Unlocking the Power of Groups in Youth Sport,” and will be headed by Dr. Mark Bruner, a professor with the Faculty of Education and Professional Studies – Schulich School of Education – Physical and Health Education.
“Our area of interest is how the identities that youth form through sport team membership (i.e., their social identities) impacts their moral behaviors toward teammates, mental health, and continued sport participation,” says Bruner.
The funding will permit the team of international scholars to: (a) evaluate the effects of a peer-led social identity intervention on study outcomes; and (b) adapt, translate, and evaluate the effectiveness of the peer-led social identity intervention across international youth sport contexts.”
Another $120,000 is awarded to a project titled, “Development of synthetic methodologies to access novel fused polycyclic frameworks,” and will be headed by Dr. Mukund Jha, a Professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry.
“The primary focus of my NSERC funded project is to develop innovative metal-catalyzed synthetic reaction methodologies to access new and complex organic compounds of biological importance,” says Jha. “The funding will enable us to create molecules critical for the development of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and other materials for commercial applications, ultimately impacting the health of Canadians. To feed the demands of the current marketplace, training of highly qualified personnel will also be of utmost importance during the course of this project.”
Anthony Rota, MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming, announced the funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canada Research Chairs program.
“It is inspiring to see the ingenuity and dedication local researchers embrace in exploring big ideas that will fuel the discoveries and innovations of tomorrow to make our world a better place.” says Rota.
