College launches new research initiative

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on September 7, 2023.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The Lethbridge College announced Wednesday its Centre for Technology, Environment and Design has launched a new research initiative offering fee-for-service cementum analysis of wildlife teeth to determine the age, reproductive history, and even migratory patterns of wildlife species.
Cementum analysis is a technique that involves examining the layers of cementum (a hard tissue covering the roots of teeth) and this research initiative will be taking place in the college’s Wildlife Analytics Lab (WAL).
Thanks to more than $145,000 in funds provided by the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS) along with gifts from its Wildlife Management Fund (WMF), the college’s WAL was able to purchase new analytical equipment from Leica and to hire a dedicated lab technician.
APOS President Corey Jarvis, said in the release the society is proud to help support the lab, for the benefit of all who use and appreciate wildlife in Alberta.
 “Strong and reliable data needs to be the foundation for wildlife management in our province. The lab provides an innovative and affordable ‘made-in-Alberta’ solution to data procurement that meaningfully engages stakeholders,” said Jarvis.
School of Environmental Sciences instructor and WAL scientific lead Everett Hanna said in a release Wednesday, they are excited to have support from APOS as they work toward improving wildlife conservation and management in Canada.
“We also look forward to the opportunities the WAL will create for students and employees at Lethbridge College, growing our presence on the national and international research stages,” said Hanna.
Joining Hanna on the WAL team are chemical engineer Rhys Hakstol, logistics manager Jonathan Friesen, and lab technician Kelsey Gourlie.
 The release states that the group completed a preliminary comparative analysis for Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and is receiving tooth analysis contracts from agencies and researchers across the country to improve wildlife management decisions and conservation efforts.
 Tens of thousands of teeth are collected from wild animals in Canada every year for age estimates.
 Centre for Technology, Environment and Design Dean Terry Kowalchuk said in the release that in addition to providing a unique service, this lab will also create training, research and employment opportunities for current students.
 “It’s an innovative way to satisfy the work-integrated-learning focus of post-secondary institutions and we are very thankful to APOS for supporting us in this endeavour,” said Kowalchuk.

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