A Langara First for Research
Kelly Sveinson and Ryan Cawsey win Funding for Applied Research Projects
Congratulations to kinesiology instructor Ryan Cawsey and chemistry instructor Kelly Sveinson, who have successfully secured funding for their applied research projects.
Ryan secured a $3000 grant from the British Columbia Applied Research and Innovation Network (BCARIN) to begin a project measuring the importance of torsion adapters in lower leg prostheses. The adapters allow for the prosthetic ankle joint to twist along the longitudinal axis of the limb, affecting the comfort and walking ability of the amputee wearing the device. The project will be conducted in partnership with the Vancouver-based Barber Prosthetics Clinic, with the assistance of prosthetist David Moe.
“We hope this project will have a direct impact on the quality of life for people wearing lower leg prostheses,” said Cawsey. “This research will better inform patients, prosthetists, and insurance providers in BC, and elsewhere in Canada.“
The project is entitled “Investigating the Functional and Physiological Importance of Torsion Adapters in Prosthetic Limbs for Transtibial Amputees.”
Kelly Sveinson, whose work was highlighted in the last issue of the Idealogue, has also received a $3000 grant from BCARIN for his work exploring the science of biochar production and use. Kelly uses an experimental reactor on campus at Langara to convert specific solid wastes into biochar, a form of carbon that is removed from the atmosphere that has climate change potential. Biochar has also been shown to have soil benefits, and so may be a valuable amendment for agriculture or forestry applications. His project is called “Development of High Performance Plant Growth Media Enhanced with Biochar and Fungi.”
Ryan Cawsey works with a student volunteer on a
project investigating postural control.
