Algoma University is the recipient of funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for a research project that may provide clues into the environmental impact of alternative energy strategies such as solar power and wind turbines on Canadian wildlife.
Dr. Jennifer Foote, assistant professor in the department of biology, will receive $26,460 towards the purchase of an innovative new wireless acoustic-location system, specialized night-call microphones, and playback technology for studying avian communication networks and monitoring migration of birds along the shores of Lake Superior.
"Without this funding, I would be unable to study communication behaviour on this large a scale, so I am really excited to have this opportunity to grow my research program," commented Dr. Foote in a news release. "I am grateful to CFI for enabling me to do cutting-edge research in animal communication; to place Canada at the forefront of new high-technology research approaches to the study of network dynamics."
Foote said her research may also help researchers to better understand the environmental impact of alternative energy strategies such as solar and wind turbines on Canadian wildlife. She expects the project to begin this coming spring and continue for five to 10 years.
Canada Foundation for Innovation funding, which includes $25 million through the Leaders Opportunity Fund and $8 million through the Infrastructure Operating Fund, is awarded through a rigorous, objective and merit-based competition process.
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