Research and innovation in the fields of forensic entomology and chemical ecology.
The LeBlanc Entomology Lab is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to research and development in the fields of forensic entomology and chemical ecology. Under the direction of Hélène LeBlanc, the lab is composed of a team of accomplished graduate and undergraduate students.
Dr. LeBlanc and her research team use electroantennography (EAG) to isolate active compounds from air samples to identify specific behaviour modifying compounds for pest flies, capable of being used in bated traps. These specially designed traps can be used as part of integrated pest management strategies to reduce stress to cattle.
The team also extensively research decomposition volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carrion insect attraction to these VOCs, and insect development. The research aims to enhance the understanding of the behaviour of insects on a decomposing body and help determine a more accurate minimum post-mortem interval.
Biting insects associated with cattle are a nuisance and cause severe discomfort to the animals. Dr. LeBlanc and her team work to identify potential attractants and repellents for use in integrated pest management strategies, while helping to reduce the use of pesticides.
Dr. Hélène LeBlanc is a Board-Certified Forensic Entomologist with the America Board of Forensic Entomology (ABFE) As a Diplomat with the ABFE, only one of three in Canada, Dr. LeBlanc assists as a consultant with police agencies and forensic pathology. She uses her expertise in forensic entomology to help estimate a minimum post-mortem interval in cases where the remains are in advanced stages of decay. Dr. LeBlanc is also an instructor at the Ontario Police College on three senior level courses.
Forensic Entomology: Isolating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with human decomposition, using electroantennography (EAG), to identify specific semiochemicals responsible for attracting blow flies, to determine a more accurate postmortem interval (PMI).
Low atmosphere climate modeling for forensic investigations: Developing a model to predict the temperature of decomposing remains prior to discovery, in collaboration with Dr. Sean Bohun, Ontario Tech’s Mathematics program.
Integrated Pest Management: Integrated pest management techniques targeting biting flies of livestock in Ontario Dairy Facilities using natural repellents and attractants identified using coupled GC-MS-EAG. Development of new, synthesized products as natural repellents and attractants, in collaboration with Dr. Yuri Bolshan, Ontario Tech’s Chemistry program.
Entomotoxicology: Detection of illicit drugs and biomolecules in non-traditional forensic toxicology samples. Dr. LeBlanc’s research team are working to validate a technique to identify opioids and other substances of abuse from larvae feeding on decomposing remains. This is meant to assist when traditional forensic toxicology tests cannot be performed on decomposing remains.
- Agriculture, animal science and food
- Chemical industries
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Professional and technical services (including legal services, architecture, engineering)
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Entomology Lab | CARON Diurnal Incubators (2) | Rearing fly colonies and development research. |
| Entomology Lab | Leica S8 APO Microscope | Identification of immature and adult insects. |
| Entomology Lab | Hybrid Y tube/wind tunnel | Conducting bioassay experiments. |
| Instrument Lab | Agilent GC-MS system with a 8890 Series Gas Chromatograph and a 5977B Series GC/MSD Mass Selective Detector | Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) system for the separation and detection of air samples, specifically from dairy farms or decomposing remains. |
| Instrument Lab | Syntech Electroantennogram Detector | Electroantennography (EAG) is used to record depolarizations in an insect’s antenna, hence detecting behavior modifying compounds. Used with GC-MS to create coupled GC-MS/EAG. |
| Forensic Ecology Research Facility | Environmental station, time-lapse cameras and specialized hoods | Large outdoor fenced-in facility to conduct vertebrate decomposition research. |
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| The Cutting Edge: Feature of forensic science research labs. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RSrDE30e0k |