Faculty of Science - Memorial University

Exposure to environmental pollutants affects all of us in many ways — some that are well understood, and some that researchers are just beginning to explore.

One understudied area is the impact of pollutants like micro and nanoplastics – but don't worry, student researchers in the Faculty of Science are on it. ⚗

Thanks to $914,176 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, our researchers will explore sex-specific vulnerability to these pollutants in depth.

Read more about the research here: https://gazette.mun.ca/research/cause-and-effect/

Sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of cancer care, yet poor sleep affects the majority of people living with cancer and can persist for years after treatment ends.

Dr. Sheila Garland, a professor of Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland and oncology at Memorial University, has spent the past decade focusing on addressing sleep disturbances in people living with and beyond cancer. She recently received the Canadian Cancer Society’s William E. Rawls Prize for outstanding contributions to cancer control research.

Congratulations Dr. Garland! 🎉

Read more here: https://gazette.mun.ca/research/national-honours/

Congratulations to Dr. Sheila Garland on receiving the Canadian Cancer Society’s William E. Rawls Prize for her outstanding contributions to cancer research.

Her work is helping improve the lives of cancer survivors by making effective insomnia treatment more accessible through the iCANSleep app.

Read more in the Gazette: https://gazette.mun.ca/research/national-honours/

Congratulations to Regine Ines Piyou Kamadeu and Somtochukwu Ezearigo, who were the recipients of the 2026 Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Data Science!

This award recognizes a student enrolled in the Master of Data Science program on their exemplary performance in the core data science courses.

Read more about our SciQuest Summer Camp, The Trips to Experience Real (FOSTER) Science and Professional Learning Days Program, and the Scientific Endeavours in Academia (SEA) Interdisciplinary Conference – initiatives that continue to expand opportunities for young learners and innovators across Newfoundland and Labrador, thanks to significant funding from the Hebron Project.

https://gazette.mun.ca/student-life/curiosity-confidence-connection/

A $1.4-million investment from the Hebron Project is helping Memorial University expand STEM opportunities for K–12 students across Newfoundland and Labrador.

The funding will support hands-on camps, workshops and outreach initiatives and help young people explore future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Read more in the Gazette: https://gazette.mun.ca/student-life/curiosity-confide

Researchers at Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador are advancing innovative approaches to carbon capture, environmental monitoring and subsurface analysis through a series of newly funded research initiatives – thanks to a $7.4-million investment by the Hebron Project and the Hibernia Project

In addition to generating new knowledge and expertise, the funding will support experiential learning opportunities for students, particularly in Memorial’s Faculty of Science. 🧠

Learn more about the new research initiatives here: https://gazette.mun.ca/research/transformative-talent-investment/

It's ALIVE!!! Well, sort of.

A study led by PhD student Sara Jobson of our Ocean Sciences, Memorial University has documented what may be the first known case of long-term tissue survival and growth outside a living organism under natural conditions — a discovery that raises new questions about life, death and the boundaries in between.

Read more about zombie sea cucumbers here: https://gazette.mun.ca/research/zombie-sea-cucumbers/

Incoming Science students – learn more about Memorial before you join us in September! ⤵

Begin your university journey strong with MUN 101, Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador's early orientation and transition program.

✅ Designed to help you feel prepared and connected, MUN 101 gives you the knowledge, tools and support you need for university success.
✅ You’ll automatically have access to MUN 101 through Brightspace after you register for your first course. 💻📝

Log in to Brightspace to get started! ✨

Learn more: https://www.mun.ca/student/new-students/learn-the-ropes-with-mun-101/

Drs. Alison Malcolm and Colin Farquharson, professors in our Department of Earth Sciences, are leading the development of a customized Minecraft designed to help Newfoundland and Labrador students learn about mining, mineral exploration and geophysical surveying – built on a geologic map of the province, complete with roads and realistic features.

If you like building things and video games, this is for you! ⛏🪨

Read more here: https://gazette.mun.ca/research/mining-for-curiosity/

What if learning about mining and geology felt more like playing a game? ⛏️🎮

Researchers at Memorial University are using Minecraft to spark curiosity in earth sciences among students across Newfoundland and Labrador. By building a virtual version of the province’s geology, complete with realistic features, students can explore, mine, and learn how scientists use tools like gravity and magnetic surveys to locate underground resources.

The project blends gaming and education to make complex topics like geophysics more interactive and easier to understand — helping inspire the next generation of scientists.
Read more on the Gazette: https://gazette.mun.ca/research/mining-for-curiosity/

Congratulations to Mikhailey Wheeler and Olivia Wyper, graduate students at Memorial University of Newfoundland, on winning third place at the Women in Science and Engineering Graduate Student Society - WISE GSS International Women's Day Conference 2025! 🎉

Their poster highlighted the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC), Beyond Benign, and the steps Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador is taking to adopt more sustainable practices. Students play an integral role in advancing green chemistry education, and this is an excellent example of that work in action. 🧪

There are limited spots available for SCIQUEST!!