Canada Research Chairs
The Canada Research Chair (CRC) program was established to build Canada’s international competitiveness in research and development. Each year, the Government of Canada awards almost $300 million to post-secondary institutions countrywide through this program.
Tier I Chairs are recognized as world leaders in their field. They hold their appointments and receive accompanying funding at $200,000 annually for seven years. Tier II Chairs are emerging researchers who demonstrate high standards and potential to become world leaders in their field. Their appointments hold for five years, with funding $100,000 annually.
Within the Faculty of Science, we’re proud to have among us the following CRCs:
Dr. Michael Olson
Molecular Cell Biology, Tier I
Department of Chemistry and Biology
Michael Olson is a leading researcher of cytoskeleton function in cells of the human body. These internal structures shape cells, and Olson’s work focuses heavily on identifying and understanding the characteristics of metastatic cancer cells. His lab aims to improve the effectiveness of targeted drug therapies to help achieve better patient outcomes. Olson is also editor-in-chief of Small GTPases (external link) .
Dr. Miranda Kirby
Quantitative Imaging, Tier II
Department of Physics
Miranda Kirby is an early-career researcher who studies how medical imaging can be used to better understand lung disease. Her lab combines medical imaging tools, such as CT and MRI, with image processing and machine learning to extract quantitative information, which can be used to improve management and treatment of lung disease. Kirby also serves as Theme Lead, Biomedical Imaging & Therapy for the Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (iBEST) at St. Michael's Hospital.
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Dr. Roberto Botelho
Organelle Function and Adaptation, Tier II
Department of Chemistry and Biology
Roberto Botelho is a cell biologist that investigates the molecular processes responsible for establishing, maintaining and adapting the cell's organelles to stresses like infection. Organelles are very much like the cell's organs, each with their own responsibility. Botelho focuses particularly on lysosomes and phagosomes, organelles responsible for degrading unwanted/damaged material and killing foreign microbes. Some microbes, such as tuberculosis and salmonella, have evolved mechanisms to stop these processes. Thus, Botelho's research aims to better understand these organelles and identify new targets for drug development.