Two Brock University students are competing in a national video competition that showcases graduate research across Canada.

Amanda Longo and Xiaolong Yang join 31 other graduate students across the country as they compete in the Science, Action! competition sponsored by one of Brock’s major funders, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

“With this short video, it is my goal to help to translate my knowledge of nutrition and its effect on our health to help others to make informed decisions in the kitchen,” says Longo of her video Diet for Strong Bones. 

“I hope this video of 3-D Nanorobot for disease diagnostic can draw public attention to how disease diagnostic techniques could change our lives or save our lives,” says Yang of his video 3D Nanorobot for Disease diagnosis.

NSERC announced the competition earlier this year. Contestants submitted a 60-second video and a 100-word summary of their research. Thirty-three contestants were deemed qualified to enter.

All videos are posted on the Science, Action! site. The 15 videos with the most views between now and Friday, March 18 will proceed to the final round, where a panel of judges will choose the top winners.

“It would be wonderful for the Brock community to get behind Amanda and Xiaolong,” says Mike Plyley, Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies. “This is truly research in action by two outstanding Brock students who are making a difference in their fields. I encourage everyone to support them — watch the videos and share them with others.”

Longo is a PhD student in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. Her supervisor is Wendy Ward, Professor of Kinesiology. Yang is a Master student in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. His supervisor is Assistant Professor of Chemistry Feng Li.

“I’m so thrilled to see two Brock grad students advance in this national research storytelling challenge,” says Karin Perry, coordinator of the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Development and Training program.

“Video is a powerful tool for translating research knowledge. This competition will really help grad students extend their professional academic network across the country,” says Perry, who coordinates, and coaches, several Brock communication challenges, including the Vitae series.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council is a Canadian government agency that supports faculty and student research in post-secondary institutions across the country as well as encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects.

“NSERC researchers are on the vanguard of science, building on Canada’s long tradition of scientific excellence,” says its website.

Brock researchers benefit from NSERC funding. For instance, 15 Brock University researchers received NSERC Discovery Grant awards totaling $1.98 million for the 2015-2020 funding period. Seven students also received a variety of NSERC student awards for that time period.