Grants and Contributions

This project will use JWST to conduct the first deep infrared census of YSOs in the massive protoclusters NGC 6334I(N) and 6334I, identifying over 1,000 sources down to 0.1 L☉. Combined with ALMA disk observations, it will measure dust masses, radii and substructures to reveal how circumstellar disks evolve in dense cluster environments and how such regions shape star and planet formation.

This project will use JWST/MIRI and NIRSpec to measure the atmospheric abundances of the first known intact planet orbiting a white dwarf (WD 1856+534). The spectra will also be used to obtain a better estimate of the white dwarf’s cooling age which will be compared with simulations of hydrogen-helium convective mixing in white dwarfs using stellar hydrodynamics code.

This VLA+JWST project aims to study the gas-rich protocluster J08 (z = 2.66), hosting 11 dusty star-forming galaxies with a total SFR > 5000 M☉/yr. VLA CO(1-0) and JWST/NIRCam data will trace molecular gas and stellar populations to examine how dense environments drive galaxy evolution at Cosmic Noon, completing a full CO and [CI] line analysis when combined with existing ALMA observations.

This project will use JWST/MIRI and NIRCam to map the edge-on galaxy NGC 4565, resolving its vertical PAH, dust and star formation structure at <20 pc resolution. Covering the full disk out to 30 kpc, the study will test models of galactic self-regulation and reveal whether giant interstellar filaments and vertical ISM structures seen in the Milky Way are common in other galaxies.

This project will use JWST/NIRSpec and MIRI to obtain high-precision spectra of 14 cold (250 – 500 K) brown dwarfs, creating the first comprehensive “cold world spectral library”. Combined with archival data, it will establish benchmark atmospheric properties – tracing clouds, chemistry, mixing, and auroral processes. This will help guide interpretation of upcoming JWST detections of cold, directly imaged exoplanets and advance comparative planetology across planets and brown dwarfs.

This project will use JWST/MIRI to study six nebulae that are transiforming into perfect crystals and analyze organic molecules called PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) that reveal the environmental conditions in these stellar nebulae. By comparing the location of the crystals with the PAH-measured conditions, we can finally determine how cosmic crystals form, improving our understanding of planetary formation building blocks.

This project will advance a made-in-Canada handheld bioprinting system (INSITE), engineered to treat severe skin injuries in space and in remote environments where conventional surgical care is unavailable. The device enables the operator to print thin, bioactive layers directly onto wounds, accelerating healing while reducing scarring, pain, and donor-site morbidity. The project includes the validation of INSITE’s performance in microgravity aboard Virgin Galactic’s Delta spacecraft flight and will involve developing direct-use cryopreserved bioinks that eliminate the need for on-orbit culture. Deliverables include a flight-tested handheld bioprinter, validated cryopreserved bioinks, and standard operating procedures for suborbital use.

This project aims to develop a new type of flexible, lightweight sensor network that can monitor people’s health in space and in remote areas. By using laser-induced graphene (LIG) as a sensing layer within sensor patches, the resulting network can track moisture, strain, and temperature across the body, generating a comprehensive physiological body map. The developed sensing network will advance health monitoring from local or torso-based monitoring to comprehensive full-body monitoring. Beyond space exploration, the lightweight sensing network can benefit health monitoring in rural communities.

The primary objective of this project is to develop and validate laser-thermal propulsion for spacecraft, leveraging affordable fibre optic lasers and a phased-array system to achieve faster and safe travel to Mars and deep space. Key deliverables include designing and testing a fully integrated thruster system—enhanced by recent breakthroughs in propellant absorption—within a space simulation chamber, engineering a novel inflatable optical concentrator for precise laser energy focusing, and employing high-performance computing to model energy transfer and thrust generation. The project also aims to demonstrate readiness for in-space deployment, with immediate applications in orbit transfer, station-keeping, and debris remediation, while providing hands-on training to students in collaboration with aerospace experts to ensure graduates are proficient in modern spaceflight engineering practices.

Since these clouds play a crucial role in trapping heat during the long polar night, learning more about them will help improve climate predictions for the Arctic and beyond.