Research Interests:
I am currently focusing on several research topics, the first of which is exercise physiology of free-swimming smallmouth bass. I tend to study fish physiology in a field setting under conditions that allow the animals to use their full range of behavioural and kinematic strategies to minimize energy expenditure and maximize locomotory efficiency. I also conduct research in relation to conservation of lake sturgeon in Manitoba, with ecology and aquaculture being my main points of interest. I am currently developing methods to rear these animals on natural prey items, which will reduce hatchery costs considerably and make it possible for local First Nation bands to rear their own fish (on a small scale) for stocking purposes. I am also interested in ecological problems related to hydroelectric activities, including fish passage and sedimentation.
Dr. Peake has a long history with Pinawa, and has provided opportunities for research involvement to high school, post-secondary and graduate students. He was presented with an award at the 2007 Graduation Ceremony in gratitude for his long standing with the academy and for playing a vital role in the success of our alumni. Dr. Peake will be acting as the Senior Scientific Consultant for the three Sturgeon projects being supervised by his Graduate students with MSA for the 2008 summer term.
Cam Barth, PhD Candidate, University of Manitoba
Mr. Barth is currently working on his thesis and will be joining MSA with a study involving Lake Sturgeon. He is a colleague of Dr. Steve Peake, and will be conducting his work with the University of New Brunswick. Mr. Barth was involved with summer research in Pinawa in 2006 and 2007 and MSA welcomes him as a Project Supervisor for a third consecutive year.
Laura Henderson, Masters Candidate, University of New Brunswick
Ms. Henderson conducted research in Pinawa in the summer of 2006 following completion of her Bachelor's degree. She has since accepted a Masters Candidacy to study under Dr. Peake, and has returned to Pinawa for the 2008 term to conduct research on Lake Sturgeon as a Project Supervisor.
Claire Hrenchuk, Masters Candidate, University of New Brunswick
Ms. Hrenchuk conducted research in Pinawa in the summer of 2007 following completion of her Bachelor's degree. She has since accepted a Masters Candidacy to study under Dr. Peake, and returns to Pinawa for the 2008 term as a Project Supervisor.
Dr. J. (Jitendra) Paliwal, P.Eng.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biosystems Engineering
E1-342 EITC
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg MB Canada R3T 5V6
Phone: (204) 474-8429
Fax: (204) 474-7512
E-mail: Jitendra Paliwal
Dr. Paliwal's homepage.
David A. Prystupa, Ph.D.(Physics)
Dr. Prystupa has a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Waterloo, where he
studied molecular spectroscopy and crystallography. He held a post-doctoral position
at Cavendish Laboratory (Physics Department, Cambridge University), where he was
cross-appointed to the UK Agriculture and Food Research Council (AFRC). Dr. Prystupa's
expertise in vibrational spectroscopy provides the technical foundation for
Spectrum Scientific. 
Dr. Brian Ikeda
Dr. Brian Ikeda, an associate professor with the School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, has been awarded the Research Chair in Nuclear Fuel at its campus in Oshawa, Ontario. He will focus extensive research on nuclear fuel and the material properties of components critical to the manufacture of fuel bundles - an environment-friendly energy source with tremendous commercial potential in Durham Region and beyond.
The chair will form a key component of the research direction of the university in general and the School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science in particular. Part of a multi-disciplinary research team at UOIT, Dr. Ikeda will be working with researchers in areas including nuclear-electric generation, process automation, health and safety, and complementary aspects of various branches of science and engineering. New technologies resulting from this research will be shared between UOIT and Cameco.
UOIT's Nuclear Engineering program is Canada's only honours degree dedicated to nuclear engineering, providing students with unique access to current and relevant research, outstanding faculty and the opportunity to work alongside their professors on leading-edge projects.
Aliaksei Shkarupin
This past summer, Alaiksei Shkarupin was awarded UOIT summer undergraduate research assistantship with the Faculty of Science which enabled him to do research on the anti-tumor drug Paclitaxel with Dr. Paal acting as his supervisor. His research project entitled: Paclitaxel (Taxol) binding to human serum albumin, was the basis for a presentation at the Undergraduate Student Chemistry Conference (SOUSCC) hosted by York University. "The conference's main purpose is to give a forum to fourth-year honours Chemistry students to present their thesis research results to their peers and professors. It is a great opportunity for students to get a taste of participating in a scientific conference, learn about on-going chemistry research projects at other universities, meet their future colleagues and make friends," said Dr. Paal. Alaiksei will be working with Dr. Ikeda for the 2008 term to supervise a project with the Manitoba Science Academy.