Development of protein and carbohydrate complexation delivery systems for improving the transport, stability, and efficacy of plant immune aids

While modern pesticides have dramatically improved crop yields and food security, the challenges of emerging pest resistance, environmental run-off, and the need to help crops better cope with weather-related stresses like drought and extreme heat all demand new solutions. Our partner, Suncor, has recently developed a new class of plant immune aids that activate a plant’s native immune system to induce a range of beneficial responses to both pest and weather-related stresses while avoiding some of the downstream challenges associated with existing pesticide and fertilizer use. Intern Dr.

Evaluating the Societal Effects of Participatory Processes

Over the past 5 years, Suncor Energy has invested in the Energy Futures Lab, the Engineering Change Lab, the Getting to Maybe social innovation program, the Suncor Energy Foundation Gathering, and most recently, the Turtle Island Institute. All of these initiatives are designed to transform whole systems in rapidly changing environments in partnership with diverse groups of partners, particularly Indigenous communities. As Suncor is itself deeply embedded in the changing energy environment, these investments hold the potential to transform the funding organization alongside the system.

Large-scale production and photostabilization of microparticle and nanoparticle-based delivery vehicles for plant immune aids

New approaches are required to secure our food supply in response to the growing world population, rapid diversification of pests, and accelerating weather-related impacts of climate change. Suncor has recently developed a new category of plant immune aids that activate a plant?s native immune system to induce a range of beneficial responses, including greater resistance to both pest-based and weather-based environmental stresses, while avoiding some of the downstream challenges associated with existing pesticide and fertilizer use. Through this collaboration with Dr.

Sound localization for acoustic monitoring of bird populations in response to fire and oil extraction in Alberta’s oil sands region

Sound localization involves the triangulation of the location of a sound source by recording it on multiple microphones. One potential application of sound localization technology is to monitor the movements of vocalizing animals passively, without the need for a human observer. This project aims to further develop and test sound localization technology, then to apply the technology to monitor the movements and behaviours of birds in Alberta’s oilsands region in the vicinity of inactive well pads in burned and unburned areas.

Validating and improving predictive models using spectral reflectance measurements for the estimation of Methylene Blue Index of soft tailings

Annually, large number of tailings samples are collected by operators and sent to laboratories for measurement of Methylene Blue Index (MBI). This procedure is costly, time-consuming, and results are a function of the methods used and personnel expertise. In prior research we developed predictive models for the quick and consistent estimation of tailings MBI from hyperspectral measurements using a limited number of dry samples.

Optimization of Novel Microparticle and Nanoparticle-Based Controlled Release Formulations for Agriculture

Increasing the productivity of agricultural fields is essential to secure our existing food supplies and provide for the growing world population. In this context, pesticides and fertilizers play an essential role in both increasing crop yields, as well as enhancing crop defenses against environmental stresses such as drought, pests, or diseases. However, the application of existing chemical pesticides and fertilizers can lead to potential downstream environmental issues.

Quantifying the effects of the Green Energy Act and the determinants of resistance to wind turbine development in Ontario

In 2009 the Government of Ontario enacted the Green Energy Act (GEA) to promote the development of renewable energy projects. Subsequently, the importance of wind generation both for electricity generation and in public debate has grown dramatically in Ontario. While the GEA simplified the regulatory process for developing renewable energy projects, wing turbine siting has become increasingly contentious in many Ontario communities.

Direct Contact Steam Generator Flue Gas Subsurface Modeling and Application

Direct Contact Steam Generators (DCSGs) for use in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage generate flue gas containing steam and C02 which can be injected into reservoirs to aid bitumen recovery with part of the C02 remaining underground. The objectives of this project are to understand mechanisms of C02-stearn bitumen rate enhancement and determine the amount of C02 stored during the recovery process. Reservoir simulation modeling of C02 and steam injection will be done in parallel to Suncor's steam-C02 co-injection field pilot.

Reservoir Souring Work - Understanding the Cycling and Conversion of Sulfur in Offshore Petroleum Reservoirs

The chemistry, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena of sulfur compounds in upstream petroleum operations is important as it impacts materials used in the production and processing systems, health and safety plans, treatment processes, and transport of petroleum. In offshore operations these impacts are magnified due to the remoteness of the operations and infrastructure limitations on the platform. Sulfur is introduced into offshore reservoirs through the injection of seawater containing sulfate and/or existing organic sulfur compounds in the reservoir.

Optimization of the Design of Coke Drum Support Structure

Delayed coking is an integral process in upgrading heavy, unusable crude oil to lighter, usable products such as gasoline. Coke drums are insulated, vertically oriented cylindrical pressure vessels that facilitate such a process. Due to the process of delayed coking, these drums are subjected to cyclic thermal-mechanical loading and episodes of thermal shock. One of the potential areas of failure is the shell-to-skirt junction. A skirt assembly is used to support the vessel while allowing for the drum to transition from cylindrical to conical in geometry at the bottom of the coke drum.

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