Past Winner
2021 NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowships

Dr. Emily Cranston is a world-leading nanoscientist at The University of British Columbia whose research advancements are expanding the use of nanocellulose derived from wood pulp. Cranston is developing new methods to produce nanocellulose microstructures that can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to petrochemical-based components used in products such as packaging, cosmetics, oil and gas extraction fluids, paints/coatings, electronic components, and biomedical devices.

Cranston’s lab also focuses on devising novel strategies to apply her green nanotechnology to a range of commercial materials and manufacturing processes. As availability of commodities like newsprint and lumber declines from past highs, her advancements are enabling Canada’s forestry sector to expand its scope and provide a game-changing product that can fundamentally improve quality and safety for a wide variety of industries. Cranston’s innovations are already being used in applications as varied as supercapacitors, water purification systems, adhesives, construction materials and 3D tissue engineering scaffolds for regenerative medicine. Ultimately, Cranston’s tiny technology from trees will allow many important Canadian industries to harness nature’s nanoscale building blocks to create more sustainable products and procedures that benefit the environment, economy and well-being of Canadians.

In recognition of innovative contributions to the fields of wood science, chemical and biological engineering, Dr. Emily Cranston is awarded a 2021 NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Prize.

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