October 25, 2005 Source: Carleton University: http://www.carleton.ca/duc/News/news10250501.html Carleton University Professor of Biology and Biochemistry Wins 2005 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award (Ottawa) Dr. Feridun Hamdullahpur, Vice-President (Research and International) at Carleton University today announced that Carleton University Biology and Biochemistry Professor, Susan Aitken, is this year’s recipient of the 2005 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award. The award is valued at $10,000. "We had a number of outstanding applications from Carleton’s research community so it was a tough decision," says Dr. Hamdullahpur. "We selected Dr. Aitken because of her brilliant research in the area of environmental science." Dr. Aitken’s research focuses on enhancing our basic understanding of how plants can be used to decontaminate soils that are polluted with toxic heavy-metals. Other applications of her research include the production of varieties of crop plants with improved nutritional quality and an improved understanding of sulfur amino acid metabolism in humans that will lead to the development of treatments for diseases including homocystinuria, atherosclerosis and Down syndrome. "I am delighted to be awarded this year’s Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award," says Dr. Aitken. "The funds from this award will allow me to purchase equipment that will significantly assist my research team, including graduate students at Carleton, in their work on this project." The Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award program has funded over 110 research projects across Canada. The program was created in 1995 and has been established in more than 20 academic centres across Canada. To date, Carleton University has awarded seven awards to outstanding young faculty researchers. Research Works At Carleton University Carleton University is a dynamic, interdisciplinary research institution located in Ottawa-Canada's capital. Carleton provides leadership to the conduct of research, scholarship, and creative activity. It has innovative programs in sciences, engineering, arts, and public administration and has realized partnerships with numerous public and private sector organizations. Its strengths have led to international recognition for its faculty, as well as an ability to attract outstanding students. -30- For more information: Lin Moody Media Relations Carleton University 613-520-2600 ext. 8705
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