Immigrant families settling the land, quilting bees, and ploughing matches are examples of some of the social and economic topics of early Ontario that link my work to the larger expertise of this University concerning agriculture and rural communities.
Our research is mainly focused on studying ultrafine biopolymeric and synthetic fibres produced by electrostatic spinning techniques. These versatile materials are being exploited in our laboratory for the encapsulation and triggered release of bioactive compounds.
The ultimate goal of our research is to develop technology that helps to enable a shift of our carbon resource from fossil non-renewables (crude oil, natural gas and coal) to renewable biomass in form of agricultural and forestry byproducts such as corn stover, straws, wood chips and bark, etc.
My community-engaged research collaborations focus on the interplay between citizens – particularly young women and women in northern communities – and the framing and development of public policy.
