OVC Researcher Receives Federal Project Funding

Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) professor Dr. Mauricio Seguel is one of four University of Guelph researchers awarded project funding from the federal New Frontiers in Research Fund, (NFRF) which supports interdisciplinary projects and encourages inventive approaches to research. 

The four U of G-led projects received a total of $997,000.  

NFRF is a tri-agency program supported by Canada’s three federal research funding agencies — the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. 

A professor in OVC’s Department of Pathobiology, Seguel will receive $247,000 to study how transferring microbiomes — the body’s community of resident microorganisms — from one body to another might influence immunity. He and his collaborators will study the development of immunity in newborn South American fur seals by measuring changes in the pups’ microbiomes as their social network grows. The team hopes the research will provide evidence that social interactions can lead to immunity and bring about novel interventions for boosting immune health. 

Sequel received funding along with Dr. Jennifer Geddes-McAlister, a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, Dr. Shoshanah Jacobs, a professor in the Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, and Dr. Sheng Yang, a professor in the School of Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. 

Geddes-McAlister will receive $250,000 to improve the diagnosis and treatment of microbial infections. Jacobs will receive $250,000 to create an exhibition, repository and anthology that will allow visitors to imagine and interact with a climate-changed future and Yang will receive $250,000 to improve virtual environments used to test and refine manufacturing processes and systems. 

“This generous support is a testament to the trailblazing potential of these projects and to the originality and commitment of these incredible researchers, who are pushing the frontiers of their disciplines to improve life through imagination and innovation,” said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, vice-president (research).  

“From climate change, health research and the science of the workplace, U of G researchers are continuing to improve life,” said Lloyd Longfield, MP for Guelph. “This funding from the Government of Canada-NFRF continues to transform research and provide opportunities for innovation in Canada and internationally.” 

Read the entire news release on the University of Guelph website.