Two McMaster research projects have received $227,000 in federal funding for labs and equipment to better conduct research that will improve health outcomes for older adults and better understand pollution and other climate issues arising out of particulate matter in the atmosphere.

The funding comes through the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), which supports world-class research and technology development in universities across Canada.

Sarah Styler, an assistant professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, is receiving $120,000 for her research that focuses on four aspects of the chemistry at atmospheric interfaces, where chemical reactions occur on the surface of atmospheric particulate matter, affecting climate, air quality and pollutant gases.

“This funding will support and facilitate all aspects of our research program, from the most fundamental to the most complex,” Styler says.

“This infrastructure will complement CFI-funded infrastructure already present in my group’s laboratory, which continues to play a critical role in our studies of the air quality, climate, and cultural impacts of chemistry at atmospheric interfaces.”

Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald, an assistant professor of Rehabilitation Science, will receive $107,500 for her project for laboratory infrastructure for her research on treating swallowing impairments in people living with dementia.

Namasivayam-MacDonald’s research focuses on understanding dysphagia — impairments in swallowing — which affects 93 per cent of older adults with dementia.

She is also looking into developing multidisciplinary interventions to prevent impairment and maintain swallowing function in older adults; and understanding dysphagia-related caregiver burden in caregivers of older adults.

“I am deeply honoured to be a recipient of CFI funding,” says Namasyivayam-MacDonald. “It will truly revolutionize the swallowing-related research carried out at McMaster through the ability to purchase state of the art equipment.

“This will ultimately allow my lab and our collaborators to improve the health and well-being of thousands of people around the world through our research findings that will translate directly to clinical practice.”

François-Philippe Champagne, federal minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced the funding Tuesday, part of of nearly $45 million being invested through CFI to 150 research projects at 43 Canadian institutions.

“Today’s investments will ensure that researchers at our colleges and universities have the equipment and spaces they need to flourish and tackle our most pressing challenges, like climate change, health care and economic security,” Champagne said at the announcement.

“I’m eager to see where these researchers’ bold and visionary ideas will take us in the years to come.”

The JELF awards were designed to ensure universities are able to attract and retain the best researchers, and they’re doing exactly that, said Karen Mossman, McMaster’s vice-president, research.

“Congratulations to our newest recipients and to CFI for ensuring Canada remains competitive on the world’s research stage.”