NBIF Doubles Funding For Student Lab Assistants

NBIF today announced $900,000 in funding to support 34 undergraduate and 73 graduate student research assistants at the province’s universities. The funding was awarded in partnership with the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training & Labour (PETL).

One of the projects will allow three students to work with Dr. Sean McGrady at the University of New Brunswick on the development of new high capacity materials for lithium ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer the highest energy density (energy per weight) of any battery technology, and the most often used in high performance systems. The demand for high power applications, such as electric and hybrid vehicles is driving a quest for safe, environmentally friendly, long-life rechargeable batteries that can hold more power, while being smaller and lighter in weight. McGrady’s materials will also replace the use of hazardous metals with a light, abundant, environmentally friendly and benign aluminum based materials.

Under his project, two undergraduate research assistants will receive training, advice and assistance from the senior research team to assist in the development of a new anode system. One graduate student research asstant will focus on developing targeted alloys through the use of aluminum amalgams.

“To build an innovation-based economy for the province, organizations need more than funding, they need a cultural change as well,” says NBIF Chair Bob Hatheway, “putting students to work in their professors’ labs allows them to earn while they learn, and be inspired by the innovations being developed. It opens their minds to the possibility of a career in applied research or entrepreneurship right here in New Brunswick.”

Working with one of the Foundation’s funded applied researchers, each student will earn wages while they learn valuable experience in the lab.

“Our government is focused on putting our resources to work by investing in people, skills and jobs,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. “The province's contribution to NBIF's Research Assistantship Initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation and ensures that students with an interest in applied research get the training they need to find work in their field or go onto higher levels of study.”

Since 2003, NBIF and PETL have worked together to award over $8 million to create 1,054 research assistantships in New Brunswick.

Awards by institution: