By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

U of L professor chosen as Canada Research Chair

Dec 2, 2016 | 2:35 PM

LETHBRIDGE – One University of Lethbridge biology professor, Dr. Steve Wiseman, will now be able to develop a world-class research program as a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Aquatic and Mechanistic Toxicology.
 
Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, says more than $173-million is available for 203 new and renewed Chair positions at 48 post-secondary schools across Canada.
 
“The Government of Canada is proud to support talented researchers whose hard work will improve our scientific understanding and strengthen Canada’s reputation for research excellence,” she noted.
 
“The Chairs’ efforts will also provide us with the evidence needed to inform decisions that help us build a vibrant society and a strong middle class.”
 
Dr. Wiseman’s primary research focuses what risks chemical stressors pose on aquatic organisms. He also studies other animals’ responses after being exposed to both synthetic and natural chemicals.
 
“As populations grow and as industrial activity increases, more chemicals end up in aquatic environments. We’ve got new chemicals and we’ve got lots of old chemicals. For the vast majority of them, we have no idea what they do,” he said.
 
While he tries to tackle national and global issues, Dr. Wiseman is also looking at the water safety across Alberta, particularly in the oil sands.
 
“No industry in my mind is worth more than our natural resources and our ecosystems, but there’s always a balance there. Most industrial activity is sustainable if it’s done in the right way and done responsibly.”
 
Dr. Wiseman is originally from Newfoundland. He earned his undergraduate degree at Mount Allison University, and his graduate degrees at the University of Waterloo. He then moved on to the University of Saskatchewan to complete a postdoctoral fellowship.
 
He remained at the U of S as a research associate before making the move to Lethbridge.