JASON SETNYK
The River Institute celebrated the grand opening of its new environmental DNA (eDNA) laboratory May 27, marking the organization’s largest expansion since its original building opened more than two decades ago.
Located on the St. Lawrence College campus in Cornwall, the independent freshwater research institute will use the new facility to expand access to emerging genetic technologies that help monitor biodiversity and ecosystem health. Environmental DNA research allows scientists to analyze genetic material naturally released by organisms into water and other environments, providing a more efficient way to detect species, study ecosystems, and monitor environmental changes.
Dr. Jeff Ridal, Executive Director of the River Institute, said the expansion represents years of planning. “It definitely marks a milestone in terms of our growth, and it is very exciting. It feels like we’ve been working towards this for many years,” said Ridal. “This is a significant expansion to our capabilities with new laboratories that gives us a lot of capacity with cutting-edge environmental DNA methods.”
The new space includes expanded laboratory areas and equipment that will support research involving eDNA, mercury analysis, drone technology, water monitoring, and microscopic identification.
Dr. Brian Hickey, Senior Research Scientist and Education Program Leader at the Institute, said the new tools will allow researchers to complete more work locally. “Other than the initial building, this is the biggest expansion,” said Hickey. “We’ve expanded our lab square footage, but we’ve also got some really cutting-edge work. We’ve got the ability now to do environmental DNA work.” Hickey explained that researchers previously relied on partner laboratories for some specialized testing, including mercury analysis. Having equipment on-site will create more flexibility while strengthening partnerships with other organizations. “Science is always a collaborative thing, but now we’ll be able to be the collaborator with the equipment and help groups like the Mohawks, for example,” Hickey said.
Matt Windle, Program Leader of Research and Technical Services and Research Scientist at the Institute, said the investment represents a major technological advancement. “This is sort of a new landmark date for us where we’re pivoting and expanding so much capacity at the River Institute,” said Windle. “We’re really excited to share that with the community.” Windle said eDNA technology can allow researchers to take small water samples and examine the genetic material present to better understand the species living in an ecosystem. The expansion also includes new drone survey tools, water quality equipment, and microscopes. “It’s just a huge jump in technological capacity for us,” Windle said. “We’re going to be a hub for innovation in Cornwall. It’s going to be a training centre for young scientists and students to come here and learn all these new technologies.” He reflected on how much environmental monitoring has advanced since he started his career. “When I first started here, we were using ping pong balls and floating them down the river to measure water flow,” said Windle. “Now we have acoustic Doppler and electromagnetic sensors, and we have drones that measure thermal patterns in the water.”
Dr. Stephen Lougheed, a Queen’s University biology professor cross-appointed with environmental studies, said the project developed from years of collaboration. “This is part of a collaboration that began many years ago,” said Lougheed. “We decided that we would like to put together a Canada Foundation for Innovation grant that would look at cutting-edge science technologies for biomonitoring and environmental assessment.” He said the overall partnership represents nearly $12 million in investment across several organizations, including Queen’s University, the River Institute, Akwesasne, Carleton University, and the University of Toronto.
Francis Henry Lickers, a retired Haudenosaunee environmental scientist from Akwesasne who spent 45 years working as a biologist, said the advancement is significant. “I’m hopeful that the people standing here realize just how momentous this is,” said Lickers. “When I first started, to do identifications of this type in the river would take probably a month. With this new lab they can probably do it in a day or two.” Lickers said the technology will improve the ability of researchers and communities to understand and protect natural systems. “This whole movement of the sciences is showing environmental people how they can better describe the environment around us,” he said.
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