SRCA Research Seminar Series
Chris Gill, Chemistry Professor, and Taelor Zarkovic, PhD student
Research topic: Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry for Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Diagnostics: Faster, Better and Cheaper Answers to Important Questions
Date: January 21, 2026
Location: Building 356, Room 109, Nanaimo Campus
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Research theme: Health, Resilience and Well-being
This session focuses on the study of human and environmental health, aiming to enhance the adaptive capacity of humans and systems, thereby achieving greater levels of resilience and well-being.
Join us at 5 p.m. for pizza and networking before the session begins.
Christine Tong, Brian Dick, and Sarah Carruthers
Research topic: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Moderator: Kathleen Bortolin
Date: January 28, 2026
Location: Building 356, Room 109, Nanaimo Campus
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Research theme: Teaching and Learning
VIU has developed considerable expertise in innovative teaching and learning practices. This inquiry has practical value in that it enhances students' learning experiences while enabling faculty to improve their teaching practices. Engaging in this process also allows faculty members to reflect on their practice, gather evidence of their impact on student learning, and make informed decisions about next steps for enhancing learning experiences.
Join us at 5 p.m. for pizza and networking before the session begins.
Michael MacKenzie, Political Studies Professor and Jarislowsky Chair, and Nikki Hearns, student and co-author
Research topic: Trust and Distrust in Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Date: February 4, 2026
Location: Building 356, Room 109, Nanaimo Campus
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Research theme: Equity, Diversity and Social Justice
VIU is committed to respecting diversity and promoting respectful, informed discourse about reciprocity and reconciliation as identified by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action. Issues of equity, diversity, and social justice have gained increased importance and urgency in recent years, ensuring that access to social and economic resources is provided to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality or social class.
Join us at 5 p.m. for pizza and networking before the session begins.
Amanda Wager, Education Professor and Canada Research Chair, Ḵ̓ix̱tłala, Laura Cranmer, Professor Emeritus, Daisy Elliott, and students Ann Woodward and Keavy McAbee
Research topic: Scenes from the Nanaimo Indian Hospital: Reawakening Language and Community Through Theatre
Date: February 25, 2026
Location: Building 356, Room 109, Nanaimo Campus
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Research theme: Cultural, Heritage and Creative Expression
This thematic area deepens inquiry and creative activity to explore the various ways a culture, or cultures, use or have used literary, political, social, and artistic forms of creative expression.
Join us at 5 p.m. for pizza and networking before the session begins.
Erik Krogh, Chemistry Professor, and Angelina Jaeger
Research topic: Where the Rubber Hits the Road: Characterizing the Fate and Distribution of Tire-Derived Toxicants in Urban Waters
Date: March 4, 2026
Location: Building 356, Room 109, Nanaimo Campus
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Research theme: Integrated Sciences, Technology and Environment
This session focuses on the contributions that VIU scientists and technologists from different disciplines take to identify new and impactful approaches to tackle complex issues related to sustainability, climate change and the environment.
Join us at 5 p.m. for pizza and networking before the session begins.
Timothy Green, Fisheries and Aquaculture Professor and Canada Research Chair, Andrew Loudon, Biology Professor, and students Tess Weaver and Marcel DuPlessis
Research topic: Shellfish Aquaculture and Public Health: How Will Climate Change Affect Seafood Safety?
Date: March 7, 2026
Location: Deep Bay Marine Field Station – 370 Crome Point Road, Bowser, BC
Time: 1 - 4 p.m. (Doors open at 12:45 a.m.)
Research theme: Resilience of Island, Coastal and Rural Regions
VIU is located in an island and coastal region, comprised mostly of rural communities, which have faced numerous and significant shifts due to globalization, climate change, demographic shifts, and population migration. These shifts have presented opportunities and challenges for the region, pressuring it to adapt and remain resilient. This theme captures VIU studies that profile the realities, adaptive responses and challenges of people, communities, and organizations in island, coastal and rural regions.
Farhad Moghimehfar, Management Professor and BC Regional Innovation Chair, and students Aviva Fialkow, Kinjal Patel, and Nicci Leen
Research topic: Building a Longitudinal Evidence Base for Mountain Biking Tourism in British Columbia
Date: March 11, 2026
Location: Building 700, Room 140 - 2011 University Way, Cowichan Campus, North Cowichan
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)
Research theme: Innovation, entrepreneurship and social change
The rapid and widespread changes taking place in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to innovate, create economy, and better society provide significant opportunities for VIU. This theme profiles the work being done to identify and monitor changes in the business and management models used across sectors, as well as the associated outcomes of innovation and social change.
Join us at 5 p.m. for pizza and networking before the session begins.