Research from the departments of chemistry at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of Washington (UW) has uncovered an overlooked physical process that allows optical energy to move more efficiently within a nanosystem. The findings could pave the way for of the invention of new devices for optical sensing, optical communications and more.

The research was led by SFU chemistry professor Byron Gates and carried out by graduate students Rana Faryad Ali (SFU), and Jacob A. Busche (UW), along with Saeid Kamal from the Laboratory for Advanced Spectroscopy and Imaging Research and professor David J. Masiello (UW).

Biological sciences professor Leithen M’Gonigle and his research team studied postfire areas in British Columbia to better understand how forest fires affect bee populations. Their work provides insights into the study of pollinators in areas affected by climate change. 

How can academics advance their field and mobilize knowledge to benefit society? Academic openness—a collaborative research orientation—is key to advancing scholarly impact, according to SFU business professor Ian McCarthy.

McCarthy’s recent article, The open academic: Why and how business academics should use social media to be more ‘open’ and impactful, with Marcel Bogers from Eindhoven University of Technology, discusses how academics can use social media to help bridge the research-practice gap and put their good ideas to work.

Who controls online data and algorithms and why does it matter? SFU School of Interactive Arts and Technology lecturer Michael Filimowicz’ book series explores critical issues of the information age, including how governments, corporations and conspiracy theorists control and manipulate information. 

Algorithms and Society aims to stay abreast of new controversies and social issues that come with the development of new technologies. The first five volumes, Systemic Bias, Democratic Frontiers, Privacy, Deep Fakes and Digital Totalitarianism, were published last year and five more books are forthcoming in May 2023. 

SFU engineering science professor Michael Adachi and a multidisciplinary team are collaborating to develop sensors that detect disease using cytokine biomarkers. Their work could lead to diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease, COVID-19 and other diseases at the earliest stages.

The project, Ultrasensitive rapid cytokine sensors based on asymmetric geometry two-dimensional MoS2 diodes, led by Adachi, physics professor Karen Kavanagh and biomedical physiology and kinesiology professor Miriam Rosin, with graduate students Thushani De Silva and Mirette Fawzy  was recently published in Nature Communications. 

Wind, rain and other forces move vast quantities of sediments across the planet, shaping mountains, riverbeds, farmlands and coasts. Understanding these mechanisms has important applications in numerous contexts—from the way infrastructure is designed to natural hazard mitigation, to pollutant transport and the restoration of coasts and river deltas.

Environmental science professor Jeremy Venditti has developed new models that can better predict the impact of landslides and flooding in a changing climate—research that applies to understanding sediment transport on Earth, and other planets too.   

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT that can generate text, images and computer code has everyone asking questions about AI efficacy and ethics. At the same time, augmented reality and virtual reality have endless applications beyond design and gaming, including construction, healthcare, logistics and education.

SFU innovation and entrepreneurship professor Terri Griffith says it's best to thoughtfully embrace rather than shy away from tech that can enhance our academic and professional lives. Regarding technology, she recognises that we are all—including the AIs—learning as we go.

Deanna Reder, professor of Indigenous studies and English, collaborates with colleagues at SFU and across the country to help emerging Indigenous writers to find their voice, and help long-forgotten authors find an audience. 

Her latest work, Autobiography as Indigenous Intellectual Tradition calls attention to longstanding autobiographical practices that are engrained in Cree and Métis culture. Using examples of Indigenous life writing, including âcimisowina—sharing personal and often humorous anecdotes—Reder’s book explores over 200 years of Indigenous storytelling.  

Why was the 2021 snowmelt runoff in California 60 per cent lower than predicted? New models by SFU geography professor Jesse Hahm and postdoctoral fellow Dana Lapides show how prolonged drought can affect spring streamflow, even in years of abundant snowfall. 

Their study, Causes of Missing Snowmelt Following Drought, a collaboration between researchers at Simon Fraser University, the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and the University of Texas at Austin was published in Geophysical Research Letters.

What can be done to prevent violence in close relationships? Professor of gender, sexuality and women's studies Jennifer Marchbank works closely with communities on issues of social justice. She recently collaborated with BCIT, KPU and SFU colleagues on a book exploring the complexities of violence in relationships. Making Sense of a Global Pandemic: Relationship Violence & Working Together Towards a Violence Free Society is a free, open-access resource offering insights and tools for educators, service providers and the public.