外流影片

外流影片 researcher Dr. Nicoletta Faraone (Chemistry) has been recognized with a national for her groundbreaking work developing Canada鈥檚 first all-natural, long-lasting fabric spray tick repellent. 

Dr. Faraone鈥檚 lab in Acadia鈥檚 Chemistry department leads a research program to better understand how ticks interact with their environment鈥攁nd how we can safely protect ourselves against them. The award, presented last night at a ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, celebrates Canadian researchers whose discoveries are driving innovation and improving lives across the country. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 truly important that we have access to funding and support from organizations like Mitacs that invest in ideas and students, and support new discoveries that will help humanity,鈥� said Dr. Faraone. 鈥淢itacs really opened up possibilities for research that I didn鈥檛 know were possible.  As researchers, we need that strong belief in what we are doing in order to answer important questions.鈥� 

Leading tick research in Atlantic Canada 

Earlier this year, Acadia announced the founding of the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre (CTRIC), which is slated to open in 2026, under Dr. Faraone鈥檚 direction. The Centre brings together researchers with expertise in chemistry, entomology and climate science; students; and industry partners. Together, they will tackle the growing challenge of tick-borne diseases, which are on the rise across Nova Scotia and across the country. 

Working with Nova Scotia鈥揵ased Repellent Products, Dr. Faraone鈥檚 team discovered that certain essential oils impair ticks鈥� ability to smell, effectively blocking them from locating hosts such as humans and pets. This finding led to the development of a first-of-its-kind fabric spray repellent, which will be available ahead of the 2026 tick season. 

鈥淥ur best protection against Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases comes from first understanding how ticks respond to repellents and then discovering the formulations that work best to reduce the likelihood of a human encounter,鈥� said Dr. Faraone. 

The all-natural spray repels ticks for up to a week and offers an alternative to synthetic chemical repellents, reducing health and environmental concerns. 

Building a foundation for future innovation 

In addition to repellent development, Dr. Faraone鈥檚 team is exploring potential of naturally occurring Nova Scotian fungi to act as biocontrol agents against ticks. These projects form the foundation of CTRIC鈥檚 mission to create sustainable, evidence-based solutions that protect human and animal health. 

Mitacs, in a press release announcing the national winners, praised researchers like Dr. Faraone for 鈥渄emonstrating what鈥檚 possible when we invest in ideas, talent, and innovation,鈥� said Mitacs CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas. 

Dr. Faraone is one of 11 researchers across Canada to receive a 2025 Mitacs Award, selected from thousands of projects for their potential to create real-world social and economic impact.