New research chairs promote scholarly excellence in marine additive manufacturing and housing security
Author: UNB Newsroom
Posted on Jan 13, 2022
Category: UNB Saint John , UNB Fredericton
The University of New Brunswick is officially home to two new Canada Research Chairs (CRC), recognizing and bolstering the institution’s research excellence. The chairs were announced as part of a larger research funding announcement by the Government of Canada on Jan. 12, which included $151 million in funding for 188 new and renewed chairs at 43 institutions across Canada.
“UNB’s research leadership, excellence and impact is one of the most significant ways we contribute to the wellbeing and success of our communities and our future,” says Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, president and vice-chancellor of UNB. “Thanks to this support from our federal partners, our scholars will be better able to advance new ideas and solutions that create healthier and safer communities, and contribute to a more sustainable ocean and environment.”
Dr. Mohsen Mohammadi, an associate professor of mechanical engineering and director of UNB’s Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, has been named Canada Research Chair in Marine Additive Manufacturing. Dr. Mohammadi’s CRC research program will bring together a multidisciplinary team with world-recognized expertise in materials characterization, additive manufacturing, and simulation to develop new materials, techniques and procedures for marine applications.
Dr. Julia Woodhall-Melnik, an associate professor of social science and principal investigator of the Housing, Mobilization and Engagement Research Lab (HOME-RL), has been named the Canada Research Chair in Resilient Communities. Dr. Woodhall-Melnik’s research as chair will focus on the impact of housing affordability, poverty and locational inequality on social wellbeing, exploring both public housing affordability programs and community-driven programs to improve access. As a community-engaged scholar, Dr. Woodhall-Melnik’s research will be conducted in collaboration and partnership with residents of priority neighbourhoods, government and non-profits.
“Dr. Mohammadi and Dr. Woodhall-Melnik are both recognized experts and rising stars in their respective fields, poised to advance their innovative and important contributions to our world,” says Dr. David MaGee, UNB vice-president (research). “I am proud to see their potential recognized by the Canada Research Chairs Program, and I look forward to seeing what they are able to achieve over their tenure. A heartfelt and well-deserved congratulations to them both.”
Each of these Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs awards includes $120,000 per year in funding for five years, enabling scholars to focus their efforts on their research program and significantly advance our knowledge in those areas.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation, through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund, provides additional monies for the infrastructure associated with establishing a chair. Dr. Woodhall-Melnik will receive $52,542 in support for HOME-RL, and Dr. Mohammadi will receive $150,000 for marine additive manufacturing.
Media contact: Jeremy Elder-Jubelin
Photo: Dr. Mohsen Mohammadi and Dr. Julia Woodhall-Melnik