Cindy Dumais is a doctoral researcher at the Department of Biochemistry, microbiology, and bioinformatics at University Laval (Québec, Canada). She did an accelerated passage to PhD after her M.Sc. in microbiology at University Laval under the supervision of Pr. Caroline Duchaine (Canada Research Chair on Bioaerosols). Cindy is involved in research related to bioaerosols, indoor air quality and indoor mould growth in Nordic housing.
Her PhD title is :
Impact of Fungal Growth on Indoor Air Quality and Building Performance
Brief description of the project :
Indoor air pollution, driven by building materials, outdoor conditions, occupant activities, biological and chemical contaminants is a growing concern across the world. Moulds are a major contributor to respiratory issues and other chronic health conditions transmitted by bioaerosols. In Nordic regions, such as Nunavik, climatic conditions, overcrowded living situations, and infrastructural problems exacerbate the risk of mould growth in homes.
The project focuses on describing indoor air quality (IAQ) and fungal diversity in dwellings across Nunavik and investigating mycotoxin-producing moulds. Through experimental process, environmental factors influencing mould proliferation will be monitored, with a focus on the properties and performance of building materials, as well as fungal colonization on materials.
This research aims to address the critical issue of mould growth and its impact on IAQ and building performance. Ultimately, this project may provide essential data about mould-related problems in housing and could eventually develop risk management strategies to mould exposure to improve the living conditions in northern communities.
Supervisors : Caroline Duchaine (ULaval) and Yasemin Didem Aktas (UCL)