Articles from:July 2025

• Ontario wetland research among Brock projects given NSERC boost

  Wednesday, July 09, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – JULY 9, 2025 – R0077

  Wetlands save the economy billions of dollars by controlling floods, improving water quality and storing carbon that would otherwise go into the atmosphere, says Brock University hydrologist Kelly Biagi.

  Ontario is among jurisdictions around the world striving to reclaim wetlands lost to agricultural development and expanding cities. But largely missing from bylaws and plans guiding that process are ways to determine whether restoration efforts have been effective, she says.

  “The current metrics are mostly based on the net gain of a wetland area rather than how the wetlands are functioning and providing ecosystem services,” says the Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences.

  With her Discovery Grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Biagi is studying biogeochemical and hydrological systems in pristine and human-impacted wetlands.

  Biagi is one of 16 Brock University faculty researchers awarded NSERC funding, totalling $1.9 million, that was announced Wednesday, July 9 by Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

  “Advancing science and technology in Canada and beyond is a key priority of the Canadian government,” says Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines. “I’m pleased to see this funding support the vibrant contributions Brock University researchers are making in the fields of mathematics, earth sciences, chemistry, psychology, health and biology.”

  Biagi and her team are examining how reclaimed wetlands in southern Ontario store, transport and release water and nutrients, which provides insight into the ability to perform wetland services.

  Climate change complicates this issue, as warmer temperatures with more intense rain and snowmelt events “are undoubtedly impacting the hydrology and biogeochemistry within these reclaimed wetlands,” she says.

  Biogeochemistry refers to how nitrogen, phosphorous and other elements essential to supporting life circulate throughout the ecosystem.

  “The need for effective wetland reclamation that can mimic the function of undisturbed wetlands is crucial to preserving the ecological integrity of the Canadian landscape,” says Biagi. “Understanding how the hydrology in reclaimed wetlands differs from undisturbed wetlands will help establish scientific metrics to evaluate reclamation success and will highlight how remedial effects need to be changed, which can also impact current provincial policies regarding standards for wetlands reclamation.”

  Acting Vice-President Research Michelle McGinn says Biagi’s work is one of many Brock projects making a big impact.

  “Brock researchers will continue to make outstanding contributions, from fundamental science to applied problem solving while supporting and mentoring the next generation of experts in their fields,” she says. “We truly appreciate the support from NSERC in advancing research and research careers.”

  A full list of Brock University NSERC grant recipients announced Wednesday, July 9 is available online.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• Therapy dog videos shown to press ‘paws’ on stress: Brock co-led research

  Friday, July 04, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – JULY 4, 2025 – R0076

  Watching a therapy dog video for as little as five minutes can significantly reduce stress, according to a study co-led by Brock University researcher Christine Tardif-Williams.

  The study, published in Human-Animal Interactions, involved more than 1,000 participants worldwide and tested the effects of short, guided canine comfort videos on perceived stress levels.

  “What we intuitively think to be the case is actually the case,” said Tardif-Williams, a Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies. “Spending just five minutes watching one of these videos helps ease stress in the moment.

  The research was conducted in partnership with John-Tyler Binfet, a Professor at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus and Director of the Building Academic Retention Through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program, which provides in-person and virtual animal-assisted interventions to support mental health.

  While previous research has focused on students in post-secondary settings, the new study is the first to examine the effects of virtual canine-assisted interventions on the broader community. Participants in the study included university students and non-student adults from a variety of countries.

  Both groups reported significant reductions in stress after watching brief pre-recorded video modules, which were carefully designed to mirror in-person therapy dog sessions.

  Each video included a land acknowledgment, an introduction to the therapy dog and handler, and guided reflection prompts. Viewers were encouraged to imagine petting the dog while listening to the handler describe the dog’s temperament and behaviour.

  “People who find human interaction stressful told us they preferred the virtual format,” Tardif-Williams said. “They liked that they didn’t have to leave their home or navigate a social setting. For some, it was the first step in thinking differently about mental health.”

  The researchers chose to make the videos five minutes long because the “short duration is critical for reaching people who may not otherwise seek support,” she said.

  The researchers describe the videos as a “foot-in-the-door” approach, particularly for individuals who might avoid traditional therapy due to stigma, cost or anxiety. The flexibility of asynchronous delivery also means the sessions are accessible at any time, from anywhere.

  “These modules can support people at 3 a.m. when no one is around,” Tardif-Williams said. “It’s about making mental health care accessible in the moments people need it most.”

  Tardif-Williams also emphasized the importance of animal welfare in the design of the study. The virtual format eliminates stressors that therapy dogs may experience during live sessions.

  “That’s something I care about deeply,” she said. “This model helps protect the well-being of the therapy dogs while still providing comfort to people.”

  The research team sees further potential in using virtual canine modules in educational settings or with children. Tardif-Williams said future applications could include “mind breaks” during challenging lessons or emotional learning activities, for example.

  She also highlighted the growing potential for the use of AI-generated therapy animals.

  Overall, virtual canines may assist in delivering customized content for specific audiences, including those with animal allergies, phobias or social anxieties.

  “There’s huge potential to create inclusive and trauma-informed content,” she said. “Especially for groups who don’t feel represented or safe in traditional mental health services.”

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases