Research

Biologist, Ally Badger, kneels in a river surrounded by rocks and water while collecting samples.

VIU researchers investigating origins of toxic tire chemical that can kill salmon

March 12, 2024

VIU research lab at the centre of a large-scale project to detect toxic chemical in Vancouver Island streams. As rain and atmospheric rivers fall on Vancouver Island the seasonal weather also brings the possibility of a toxic chemical entering urban streams from nearby roadways. Vehicle tires... Read more


Headshot of Dr. Marla Morden

Unravelling the mystery of “mommy brain”

March 1, 2024

VIU Psychology Professor Dr. Marla Morden is using innovative eye-tracking technology to conduct her research. Dr. Marla Morden, a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Psychology Professor, is researching the phenomenon commonly called “mommy brain” or “baby brain.” It is typically viewed as a time of... Read more


Headshot of Dr. Yoichi Mukai

VIU researcher exploring the cognitive effort behind achieving second-language fluency

February 28, 2024

Modern Languages Studies Professor Dr. Yoichi Mukai is using eye-tracking technology to explore second-language acquisition. Newcomers to Canada often face challenges in developing fluency in the nation’s official languages and attaining these language skills can have impacts on their future. Dr.... Read more


Andrew Loudon portrait

VIU’s Science and Technology lecture series explores diverse research topics

February 15, 2024

The lecture series kicks off with a talk by Dr. Andrew Loudon about how scientists can harness microbes for our benefit. Explore cutting-edge research during Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Science and Technology Community Lecture Series this spring. “This year promises to be another exciting... Read more


Farhad Moghimefar paddling a kayak and smiling off into the distance

VIU researcher exploring tourism resilience in rural BC communities

February 14, 2024

Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar named new BC Regional Innovation Chair for Tourism and Sustainable Rural Development. A Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher is exploring the ability of rural and remote communities to become more resilient through tourism opportunities. Dr. Farhad Moghimehfar is VIU’... Read more


Headshot of Dr. Melissa Huggan.

VIU professor researching adversarial situations on networks

February 9, 2024

Dr. Melissa Huggan received $147,500 in NSERC grants to pursue her research. Dr. Melissa Huggan, a VIU Math Professor, is studying two-player adversarial games that can be used to model real-life problems. Huggan’s research is in the field of graph theory, which is the study of abstract networks.... Read more


10 actors raise their hands in gratitude on a stage.

Dr. Laura Cranmer reawakens Indigenous languages through powerful play

February 8, 2024

The VIU Honorary Research Associate’s play urges reflection on Canada’s collective history and colonial impacts. Warning: Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital: Reawakening Hul’q’umin’um’, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwak’wala Languages contains scenes, imagery and language that can be intense and... Read more


signing

The Re-VIU: Top 20 stories of 2023

December 21, 2023

From climate anxiety to cheese rolling, psychedelic research and a big moment for mushrooms, these were VIU’s top stories of 2023. #1: Say cheese Our most unusual mention comes courtesy of VIU Theatre student Delaney Irving, who won a unique global contest – in a very unique way. Irving made... Read more


Headshot of Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa.

Study sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of Coast Salish woolly dogs

December 18, 2023

VIU honorary research associate part of Smithsonian study on woolly dogs published in the journal Science. A study from researchers at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) sheds new light on the ancestry and genetics of woolly dogs. The now-extinct breed was a fixture of... Read more


Dr. Serene Kerpan standing outside against a backdrop of greenery and smiling at the camera.

VIU professor researching impacts of prenatal opioid exposure with First Nations communities

December 13, 2023

Dr. Serene Kerpan is the lead author of a nationally funded report. Vancouver Island University (VIU) Kinesiology Professor Dr. Serene Kerpan is studying the impact of prenatal exposure to opioids and neonatal abstinence syndrome with First Nations communities. Kerpan co-leads a research project... Read more