Meet our Scientists

Scientists listing

Robyn Fiori

Name: Robyn Fiori
Field of Expertise: Space Weather
Education: Ph.D. in Ionospheric Physics, University of Saskatchewan
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s Geomagnetic Laboratory in Ottawa, Ontario (part of the Canadian Hazards Information Service)

What she studies

Dr. Fiori is part of a team that monitors and researches space weather caused by solar eruptions and its effects on human activities and technologies. They monitor, analyze, and forecast space weather and dispatch warnings and alerts across Canada during periods of increased solar activity. Their work includes tracking solar disturbances from the Sun to the Earth and monitoring the Earth’s magnetic field using a network of magnetometers distributed throughout Canada. 

What is the importance of her research?

Due to its northerly location and wide latitudinal extent, Canada is affected by space weather more than any other country in the world. Dr. Fiori’s research is applied to the development and improvement of space weather tools and forecasts to be used by operators of power systems and other critical infrastructures and technologies in Canada.

Interesting fact

The Sun follows a regular cycle, alternating between high and low levels of activity over a period of ~11 years. Scientists are predicting more severe space weather in 2013 and 2014 as these are the peak years of the solar cycle.

Current research projects

Dr. Fiori is studying the characteristics of geomagnetic disturbances that can lead to currents being induced in power systems and pipelines. These induced currents cause problems with the proper operation of power systems and reduce the pipeline lifespan. Dr. Fiori is also involved in a project to map ionospheric plasma flows in the ionosphere using the Swarm satellite constellation, set to launch in 2013.

Key publications:

Fiori, R. A. D., D. H. Boteler, D. Knudsen, J. Burchill, A. V. Koustov, E. D. P. Cousins, C. Blais (2012), Potential impact of Swarm electric field data on global 2D convection mapping in combination with SuperDARN radar data, Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, vol. 93, p. 87-99. doi: 10.1016/j.jastp.2012.11.013.

Fiori, R. A. D., D. Boteler, and A. V. Koustov (2012), Response of ionospheric convection to sharp southward IMF turnings inferred from magnetometer and radar data, Journal of Geophysical Research, 117 (A09302), doi:10.1029/2012JA017755.

Fiori, R. A. D., D. H. Boteler, A. V. Koustov, G. V. Haines, J. M. Ruohoniemi, (2010) Spherical cap harmonic analysis of SuperDARN observations for generating maps of ionospheric convection, Journal of Geophysical Research, 115, (A07307), doi:10.1029/2009JA015055.

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Vern Singhroy

Name: Vern Singhroy
Field of Expertise: Remote Sensing for geohazard monitoring, geological mapping and exploration.
Education: Ph.D. in Environmental Resources Engineering, State University of New York
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s Canada Centre for Remote Sensing in Ottawa, Ontario. 

What he studies

Dr. Singhroy develops and interprets satellite image maps used to monitor landslides affecting Canada’s strategic energy and transportation corridors. These interferometric radar imaging techniques (InSAR) are also used to monitor the mining practices of the Alberta Oil Sands. He also integrates the Canadian RADARSAT images with other optical satellite images to map the surficial geology and rock types in northern Canada.

What is the importance of his research?

Land motion related to subsurface fluid injection for oil and gas exploration needs to be carefully monitored by the regulators and exploration companies. Land uplift ranging from a few millimetres to tens of centimetres over a time period of a few months to several years can occur when steam is injected to extract the oil. Working with the Alberta regulators, Dr. Singhroy is using satellite radar interferometric technique (InSAR) to monitor heaving (uplift) to maximize the oil recovery process and ensure safe steam injection technology. The InSAR techniques are also used to monitor small land motion on landslides next to highways, railways and pipelines for safety purposes.

Interesting fact

Canada is a world leader in earth observation (EO) technologies and applications. RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2 are two sophisticated EO satellites used to monitor environmental changes and the planet's natural resources. The new RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) consisting of three smaller satellites will be launched in 2018. Dr. Singhroy is the principal scientist of the RCM and is currently developing image interpretation techniques for RADARSAT rapid revisit monitoring for resource extraction and geohazards.

Current research projects

InSAR monitoring techniques for oil sands mining activities.
InSAR landslide monitoring along Canada’s strategic energy and transportation corridors.
Principal Scientist Canada’s Radarsat Constellation Mission to be launched 2018.

Key publications

Njoku, E.G., Abrams, M.J., Asrar, G., Marzano, F.S., Minnett, P., Salomonson, V.V., Singhroy, V., Turk, J. (Eds.) (2012). Encyclopedia of Remote Sensing 1000, p. 350 illus., 50 in color, Springer.

Singhroy, V. (2009). Remote Sensing Techniques for Geological Mapping and Exploration (Chapter 15) pp 333-349 in Geoinformatics for Natural Resource Management. Eds Joshi, Pani, Mohapatra and Singh. (634 pages) Nova Science Publishers, Inc, NY.

Singhroy, V. (2008) Satellite remote sensing applications for landslide detection and monitoring (Chapter 7) pp 143-158 in Book Landslide Disaster Risk Reduction Ed Kioji Sassa and Paolo Canuti. (633 pages) Springer, Berlin.

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Wojciech Kasprzak

Name: Wojciech Kasprzak
Field of expertise: Physical Metallurgy/Manufacturing Technologies
Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s CanmetMATERIALS Laboratory, Hamilton, Ontario

What he studies

Dr. Kasprzak’s research focuses on the development of complex lightweight alloys destined for use in vehicle parts. He studies the corresponding processes for manufacturing these parts such as casting and heat treatment. These technologies will be used in the manufacture of powertrain components such as engine blocks and cylinder heads. Dr. Kasprzak also develops novel testing and evaluation methodologies for materials such as aluminum- and magnesium-based alloys.

What is the importance of his research?

Making vehicles more lightweight is a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase fuel economy and enhance passenger safety. This will help the automobile industry meet more stringent energy efficiency targets aimed at leaving a smaller environmental footprint. Findings could significantly reduce the weight of next-generation vehicles (plug-in, hybrid, fuel cell, bio-diesel, etc.), improving fuel economy. For every 10 percent reduction in weight, the fuel efficiency of combustion-powered vehicles can improve by 6 to 8 percent.

Interesting fact

Using lightweight alloys allows the engine to withstand higher combustion temperatures and pressures, which can contribute to higher combustion efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. For example, a small passenger vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine could reduce fuel consumption even further if its engine could withstand operating temperatures beyond the range of 150 to 200°C.

Current research project

Development of the Heat Resistant Al based Alloys for Light Weight Diesel Engine Applications. Development of manufacturing routes for the production of cost-effective automotive cylinder heads by shape casting.

Key publications

W. Kasprzak, M. Niewczas, 2012. Evaluation of Structure and Properties of Cast Al-Si based Alloy with Zr-V-Ti Additions for High-Temperature Applications, Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, (in press).

W. Kasprzak, J. H. Sokolowski, H. Yamagata, M. Aniolek, H. Kurita, 2011. Energy-Efficient Heat Treatments for Hypereutectic Al-Si Engine Blocks Made Using Vacuum High-Pressure Die-Casting, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, Volume 20, Issue 1, p. 120.

W. Kasprzak, D. Sediako, M. Walker, M. Sahoo, I. Swainson, 2011. Solidification Analysis of an Al-19 Pct Si Alloy Using In-Situ Neutron Diffraction, Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, Volume 42, Issue 7, pages 1854-1862.

Please note that the preceding links are provided for readers' convenience. Where NRCan does not hold the copyright, there may be a cost for downloading or purchasing the material.

Gwyn Lintern

Name: Gwyn Lintern
Field of Expertise: Marine Geoscience
Education: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (geotechnical), Oxford University, United Kingdom.
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s Geological Survey of Canada in Sidney, British Columbia

What he studies

Dr. Lintern researches sediment hazards in the marine environment. He has worked on issues on all three coasts, including submarine slope stability, dredging and port expansion, coastal erosion, and storm surge modelling. The sediment issues Dr. Lintern studies often arise in infrastructure and development projects. Sediment transport can cause damaging scour around structures (e.g. pipelines, undersea cables), coastline erosion, and infill of navigation channels. He also advises on activities such as dredging and trawling which can have damaging siltation effects.

What is the importance of his research?

Dr. Lintern is developing techniques for determining the causes of hazards such as submarine slope failures. His work could ultimately lead to detection and early warning of these damaging events which can cause tsunamis. In the Arctic, Dr. Lintern models storms and coastal erosion under conditions of present day ice, and future receded ice, to understand how future climate scenarios could affect issues such as port maintenance.

Interesting fact

Dr. Lintern is conducting research using the University of Victoria’s VENUS cabled underwater observatory, which delivers power and retrieves data from scientific instruments. This new tool allows the collection of samples at a higher rate and for longer period than techniques which use batteries and dataloggers. This is a significant improvement for research on submarine landslides, given that these events must be captured in mere seconds and only once per year. With the help of VENUS, Dr. Lintern’s instruments have indicated at least two ‘slide-like’ events on the delta.

Current research projects

Dr. Lintern leads the VENUS/Natural Resources Canada collaboration to understand the causes of slope failure on deltas, and the National Submarine Landslide Assessment Activity. Dr. Lintern also provides expertise to large infrastructure projects ranging from port expansion to renewable energy projects.

Key publications

Ayranci, K., Lintern, D.G., Hill, P.R., and Dashtgard, S.E., 2012. Tide-supported gravity flows on the upper delta front, Fraser River delta, Canada. Marine Geology, (in press).

Lintern, D.G., Jakes, H., Macdonald, R., Grant, J., 2012. Beaufort Sea storm and resuspension modeling, Journal of Marine Systems, (in press).

Lintern, D.G., and Hill, P.R., 2010. An Underwater Laboratory at the Fraser River Delta. Eos Transactions American Geophysical Union, vol. 91, no 38, p. 333.

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Alfonso Rivera

Name: Alfonso Rivera
Field of expertise: Groundwater Modelling / Aquifer assessment
Education: Ph.D. in Quantitative Hydrogeology, École Nationale Supérieures des Mines de Paris
Works at: Natural Resources Canada’s Geological Survey of Canada in Quebec, QC.

What he studies

Dr. Rivera studies the nature, the dynamics and the extent of aquifer systems in Canada to inventory its groundwater resources. Dr. Rivera and his team are mapping Canada’s most significant aquifers to determine their size, location, natural groundwater quality and sustainability. Mapping is being done through remote sensing technologies such as gravity measurements to interpret changes in groundwater, geological characterization and geophysical methods to define an aquifer’s geometry (i.e. porous or fractured aquifer) and hydro-geochemistry to characterize the quality of groundwater.

What is the importance of his research?

Dr. Rivera’s research will help to better manage groundwater resources and prevent their depletion and contamination. Understanding the scale and hydrodynamics of aquifers is key to the sustainable management of groundwater. His research activities include defining the three-dimensional nature of aquifers, building conceptual models, using remote sensing to estimate regional-scale water budgets, and simulating the sustainable yields of the aquifers.

Interesting fact

Using detailed measurements of the Earth’s gravity field from space, it is now possible to detect changes to water storage in rivers, lakes, glaciers and aquifers. Combining these measurements with a river’s base flow and aquifer modelling, Dr. Rivera and his team will soon be able to determine whether Canada’s groundwater reserves are declining, rising, or stable over time.

Current research project

Dr. Rivera is currently preparing a standardized assessment of the Milk River transboundary aquifer system using a 3D model. This study will serve as a basis to a joint transboundary groundwater management plan between the province of Alberta in Canada and the state of Montana in the USA following the United Nations Resolution on the Law of Transboundary Aquifers. The research will inform decisions about using the aquifer natural boundaries rather than jurisdictional borders.

Key publications

Rivera, A. (2012). Groundwater Resources in Canada, Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited,(in press).

Rivera, A. et al. (2012). Regional Strategy for the Management of the Transboundary Aquifer Systems in the Americas. A UNESCO Publication, (in press).

Rivera, A. (2008). Groundwater Sustainable Development in Canada – Emerging Issues. Canadian National Committee International Year of Planet Earth CNC-IYPE. Geoscience Canada, vol. 35, no. 2, p. 73-87.

Please note that the preceding links are provided for readers' convenience. Where NRCan does not hold the copyright, there may be a cost for downloading or purchasing the material.