Science | Local student can't wait to share what he's learning in B.C.

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By JENNIFER DUNVILLE
dunville.jennifer@dailygleaner.com

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One of the world's leading subatomic physics laboratories has recognized the accomplishments of a Fredericton student.

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The right stuff: UNB student Greg Morris, a native of Fredericton, was recently recognized nationally by the Tri-University Meson Facility (Triumf) for academic achievement and strong leadership qualities. He's working at Triumf's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics in Vancouver as part of the undergraduate summer research award.

Greg Morris, an electrical engineering student from the University of New Brunswick, was given an undergraduate summer research award from the Tri-University Meson Facility (Triumf) in Vancouver.

The national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics has hired Morris for the summer to analyze software used by its physicists.

"This is such a great opportunity for Greg, and he really deserves it," said Chris Diduch, chairman of UNB's department of electrical and computer engineering.

"He's one of the top students in his class, if not the top, and he has very strong leadership qualities. The fact that it's national recognition really speaks to the quality of his work."

Morris was born and raised in Fredericton.

He graduated from Fredericton High School and will enter his final year of a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering at UNB this fall.

He has served as president of UNB's robotics competition, and will be one of the executive members of the engineering undergraduate society next year.

Morris said he learned of the Triumf award from a poster on campus.

"I've always had an interest in particle physics and particle accelerators, so I applied right away," he said. "I was ecstatic when I found out I was selected."

Morris left for Vancouver in May. He'll live there with other students until August.

His work focuses on software used with the laboratory's particle accelerator, which is basically a large magnet and coils that move atoms and ions at a rapid pace.

Particle accelerators were traditionally found in tube televisions, and are now used in a number of applications, including medical research.

"This is being used for studying and treating cancers of the eye, and there's a hope that they will soon be able to produce medical isotopes, which are used in the imaging and treatment of diseases," Morris said. "It's all really interesting and exciting and I'm having a lot of fun, but at the same time, it's incredibly complex work."

Morris said the research he's been doing in Vancouver has inspired him to reconsider his career choices.

He said he may obtain a graduate degree in physics or in an area of engineering closely tied to physics, such as medical imaging.

"Science like this stretches across national and international boundaries, so it's amazing to be part of that," Morris said. "I can imagine myself becoming a professor or researcher like this full time. I'm just thankful I was given the opportunity for it. I can't wait to share what I've learned."