Uncovering novel biofilm-associated virulence factors and exploring Indigenous remedies to target bacterial wound infections

Name of Project:
Uncovering novel biofilm-associated virulence factors and exploring Indigenous remedies to target bacterial wound infections.

Name of Researcher/Research Team Members/Community Partners:
Dr. Omar El-Halfawy (UofR Chemistry and Biochemistry), Dr. Fidji Gendron and Dr. Vincent Ziffle.

Funding institution/Grant (if applicable):
New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) grant through the SSHRC worth $250,000.00,

Summary or Abstract of the Project:
FNUniv contributions to the project, aimed at eradicating one the most challenging, costly infectious diseases, will involve working with Elders and other Traditional Knowledge Keepers to access Medicinal Plants and Remedies which so far have been supplanted by Western medicines that clearly have limited usefulness in this context.
This is particularly exciting as we are now rounding the corner with respect to the pandemic, and it will be possible to work in surrounding communities and build stronger relationships with the Elders that support our Indigenous Knowledge and Science program. We also have three Mitacs Globalink students (India and Mexico) lined up to take part in three ongoing FNUniv research projects that may assist with the first phases of this high-risk/high-reward research project this summer. Other undergraduate and graduate students will be involved in this research as well, and we thank Dr. El-Halfawy for the opportunity to assist with this initiative.