Year: 2026, 2026
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The diversification of mammals has been shaped by climatic fluctuations and geological changes over millions of years. Among them, shrews (Soricidae) stand out as one of the most diverse mammalian lineages. Shrews are found on most continents and have evolved remarkable adaptations at the species and population levels. Although evolutionary studies of shrews have been limited by a lack… more
Year: 2026, 2026
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The ᐃᓕᓕᐗᔅᑭᔾ | Ililiwaskiy (Moose Cree First Nation Territory) in Ontario's James Bay region has long faced industrial impacts on its ecosystems. Community concerns about mercury in culturally important fish prompted an interdisciplinary study bringing together chemical analysis and community knowledge. Researchers partnered with Moose Cree members through workshops, training, and… more
Year: 2026, 2026
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Diversified agroecosystems supporting greater genetic, structural, and functional diversity improve soil health and ecosystem function. However, there is limited understanding of how multiple forms of diversification, such as mixing cover crop species and adding arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), alter belowground carbon supply to soil. In a controlled environment experiment using… more
Year: 2026, 2026
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Kaszecki, Emma, Thesis advisor (ths): Saville, Barry J, Thesis advisor (ths): Emery, R. J. Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Morrsion, Erin N, Degree committee member (dgc): Thompson, Karen A, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Acid mine drainage (AMD) and metal-contaminated tailings represent some of the most inhospitable aquatic environments on Earth, characterized by low pH, elevated metal concentrations, and chronic carbon limitation. Yet these systems support microbial consortia with remarkable resilience. Among the most conspicuous inhabitants is Euglena mutabilis, an acidophilic protist traditionally… more
Year: 2026, 2026
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Kim, William David, Thesis advisor (ths): Huber, Robert J, Degree committee member (dgc): Donaldson, Michael, Degree committee member (dgc): Shafer, Aaron, Degree committee member (dgc): Saville, Barry, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), collectively referred to as Batten disease, are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that affect all ages, primarily children. Batten disease is caused by mutations in 1 of the 13 ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal (CLN) genes (CLN1-CLN8, CLN10-CLN14), each of which causes an NCL subtype when mutated. One of the NCL subtypes, CLN5 disease, is… more
Year: 2026, 2026
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Lopez Aleman, Jose Alberto, Thesis advisor (ths): Dorken, Marcel E, Thesis advisor (ths): Freeland, Joanna R, Degree committee member (dgc): Shafer, Aaron AB, Degree committee member (dgc): DiLeo, Michelle F, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Hybridisation is an important evolutionary mechanism with diverse outcomes, including the formation of new lineages, the exchange of alleles between species, or their extinction through genetic swamping. In some cases, hybrids exhibit higher fitness than their parental species, which can lead to hybrid invasions that threaten ecosystems. In North America, hybridisation between the native… more
Year: 2026, 2026
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Seneviratne, Dev, Thesis advisor (ths): Martic, Sanela, Thesis advisor (ths): Emery, Neil, Degree committee member (dgc): Oleschuk, Richard, Degree committee member (dgc): Moorthy, Arun, Degree committee member (dgc): Burr, Wesley, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Amyloid fibrils are fibrous protein aggregates that arise from misfolding and self-assembly processes, collectively referred to as amyloidosis. These aggregates are strongly associated with incurable neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Elevated levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and… more