A first-of-its-kind robot goes where no human should ever have to go: into the murky, muddy sludge of industrial mine tailing ponds and other hazardous terrains that need to be continually monitored.

“During my internship, I became very comfortable speaking to businesses and explaining the benefits of my expertise. I learned about the kinds of things industry was interested in and how my research could address them.” she said. “It gave me the boost of confidence that I needed.”

Stephen Dugdale, a PhD student from INRS–Centre Eau Terre Environnement, was the recipient of the 2014 Mitacs PhD Award for Outstanding Innovation.