Malaspina gets second Canada Research Chair appointment

Nanaimo research scientist Dr. Craig Stephen - who studies the link between animal health and human disease - has been named as Malaspina University-College’s second Canada Research Chair.

The announcement was made recently by federal Minister of Industry, David L. Emerson.

"The Canada Research Chairs program is a significant gain for universities and colleges across the country," said Emerson. "It ensures Canadian research excellence for years to come and gives our students - the next generation of leaders and thinkers - the opportunity to learn from the best and brightest minds in the world."

"I’m absolutely delighted," said Stephen, director of Canada’s Centre for Coastal Health (CCH), which is located at Malaspina University-College's Nanaimo campus. Malaspina University-College nominated Stephen for the Canada Research Chair position last year. The research appointment comes with a commitment of $100,000 per year for five years, renewable for five more years.

Stephen's appointment demonstrates that Malaspina is gaining national prominence as a well-respected teaching, learning and research institution, said Malaspina University-College president Rich Johnston.

"This appointment helps Malaspina build research capacity," he said. "It’s very positive news for Dr. Stephen, for faculty and students; Craig’s strong research experience is invaluable to Malaspina. His demonstrated ability to attract and train students in a research area that is unique in Canada will be an important addition to our capacity to train highly qualified personnel in the field of environmental health. In addition, his past experience supervising graduate students and managing graduate programs will be an important asset to our institution."

Stephen’s research program aims to monitor and prevent emerging environmental diseases, a national priority because of their toll on humans and the economy. He is spearheading efforts to increase our understanding of the link between animal and human health "so that we can predict and hopefully prevent emerging environmental diseases."

"Diseases acquired from animals have had a wide ranging effect on the health of individual Canadians, as well as on the well being of rural communities and the nation’s economy," said Stephen.

"Mad cow, avian influenza, SARS and West Nile disease in particular have all made it clear that we need to learn more about animal health if we are going to reduce the risks to human health."

Stephen’s research focuses on animals as sources of potential health hazards and on the effects of animal disease on food security and safety. Stephen is also looking into the effects of wildlife management on water quality and safety.

Stephen was instrumental in establishing the CCH, a non-profit organization that serves as the hub for a national network of investigators who study relationships between human, animal and environmental health. Within the CCH, Stephen is leading the Animal Determinants of Emerging Diseases national research unit, a team of scientists from nine agencies in four provinces.

"With their help, he is creating a first-rate research program for the protection of human health," said Dr. David Thomas, Malaspina’s vice-president, research and instruction.

Dr. Penny Barnes became Malaspina's first Canada Research Chair in November 2004. Her research focuses on Ecologically Sustainable Shellfish Aquaculture, and she works out of the Centre for Shellfish Research located on Malaspina's Nanaimo campus.