Four students have been offered funding through Innovation PEI’s Graduate Student and Post Doctoral Fellowship program, to support research projects which align with government’s strategic sectors for economic growth, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allen Roach.

“Investing in Islanders who are working to strengthen our innovative sectors is essential to the development of new products and services,” said Minister Roach. “Our government is working to build up and diversify the Island economy and we are pleased to support the research projects of these students.”

The Graduate Student and Post Doctoral Fellowship provides support to students conducting industry-relevant research in Prince Edward Island. This research could lead to advancements in our primary industries or assist in new product development within the province’s strategic sectors.

“I want to congratulate all of the recipients for displaying such strong academic vigor and ambition to drive innovation in this province,” said Minister Roach. “I have always been impressed at the high-calibre research being conducted right here in Prince Edward Island, and I am proud to support our students at such a critical time in their career development.”

The following projects were approved under the program.

• Michelle MacDonald – Masters Student UPEI ~ Immunostimulation effects on sea lice induced lesions of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

• Ibrahim Elsohaby – PhD Student UPEI ~ Biomedical infrared technologies for assessment of bovine immunoglobulin-based therapeutic products

• Zhe Yang – Post Doctorate UPEI ~ An advanced patient monitoring system

• Tiago Hori – Post Doctorate Centre for Aquaculture Technologies Canada ~ Commercialization of trait-associated genetic biomarkers for aquaculture

The awards are based on the students’ term of study and their level of education. Masters students are eligible to receive $20,000 per year for up to two years and PhD students are eligible to receive $20,000 per year for up to three years. Post doctoral fellows are eligible to receive $40,000 per year for a period of up to two years.

For more information on Innovation PEI and the Graduate Student and Post-Doctoral Fellowship program, visit www.innovationpei.com