Innovative Projects Realized

User-friendly and robust paper-based device for in-fielddiagnostic of infectious diseases

Early detection of infectious diseases requires rapid, portable and highly sensitive molecular diagnostic platforms. This project aims at creating a point-of-care (POC) device that simplifies the efforts in monitoring and eliminating infectious diseases in rural
low-resource areas. Low-cost, paper-based devices based on microfluidics have been developed but none currently meet the “ASSURED” criteria for effective POC testing provided by World Health Organisation (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and robust, Equipment-free and Deliverable to end-users). Even if current tests Page 5 of 8 can detect very low concentrations of infectious organisms, their limited robustness restricts their practical use in the clinics and in communities, due to the degradation of essential reagents (such as enzymes) in challenging field conditions, outside of the laboratory environment. In this project, we will develop new enzyme-free detection methods and integrate them onto paper substrates to deliver “ASSURED” devices

Understanding membrane curvature-induced lipid sorting through molecular simulation

Lipids are biological molecules that have hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic headgroups. Along with proteins, lipids constitute the complex fluid mixture of biological cell membranes. There are hundreds of types of lipids in cell membranes, each with a different combination of tail and headgroup, and many serving important biological functions. The lateral organization of lipids – the way in which different lipid types mix with one another – also serves important but poorly understood biological roles, including providing platforms for transmitting signals across the membrane.
Physics-based computer simulations offer a unique opportunity to study biological structures at sub-nanometer resolution. We will use computer simulations to systematically study the effect of curvature on lipid mixing and the local physical properties of the membrane. This will both add to our general understanding of membrane biophysics as well as allow us to better model the behavior of complex biological structures like red blood cells.

Determining the carbon footprint and lifecycle assessment of magnesium oxychloride cement building materials

The proposed research will involve studying the carbon footprint (i.e. the carbon emissions) involved in the preparation of magnesium oxychloride (MOC) cement materials. MOC cement has been proposed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditionally used Portland cement (PC), however many discrepancies arise as there is no work directly comparing their carbon footprints. In addition, the work will determine the lifecycle assessment of MOC cement and PC. The research will provide a comparison between MOC cement and PC which will provide a better understanding of the applications in which MOC can replace PC, allowing for a lower environmental impact material to be more widely used. This will directly benefit the partner organization, MgO Systems, as their current research department is developing sustainable and environmentally friendly made in Canada MOC cement formulations for use in the Canadian market and abroad.

BC Pulp and Paper Bioproducts Alliance: Development and demonstration of forest residues to renewable natural gas technologies

This proposed project will support our ongoing efforts in scanning and screening existing technologies and de-bottlenecking key technology barriers in converting low-cost biomass residues to renewable natural gas in British Columbia pulp, paper and lumber mills. Specifically, we will focus on developing a bauxite residue (f.k.a., red mud) based catalyst for the removal of tar from gasification syngas to yield clean syngas for methanation to biomethane, and evaluating and improving the commercial methanation catalyst. Over the past 5 years, we have accumulated extensive experience in biomass gasification and catalytic conversion of syngas to liquid biofuels including higher alcohols and biodiesel. For the clean-up of syngas, we have developed a unique low-cost iron-based catalyst derived from bauxite residue, a waste from bauxite processing, which shows promising performance based on the tests in a bench scale fixed bed reactor using naphthalene as the simulated tar. In the proposed project we will team up with FPInnovations to develop an integrated biomass gasification and methanation process for the production of renewable natural gas using abundantly available forest residues in BC.

Land-based learning: Facilitating reconciliation & advancing the integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) (2015) report calls for the integration of Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into educational curriculum. Critical to decolonizing education is reinserting people into relationships with the land as a mode of education, referred to as ‘land-based learning’. This proposed research project will establish best practices for the establishment of land-based learning centres and will coordinate the development of a transformative ‘Two-Eyed Seeing’ environmental curriculum that combines Indigenous knowledge systems with Western Science, as per TRC recommendations. The proposed project expands on a proven model of Indigenous-led, land-based learning, such as the Dechinta Centre in Yellowknife, providing researchers, faculty and teachers an interdisciplinary field station base, offering workshops and supporting them in aspects of course delivery or field research training. The proposed research project will provide Plenty Canada (not-for-profit partner organization) with a model for consistent funding, helping them move beyond grant-to-grant uncertainty, allowing opportunities for the employment of elders as teachers and the hiring of a full-time project manager and part-time students to assist with program delivery.

Machine Learning for Default Prediction of Private Pension Administrator

In this research project, we will partner with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) to enhance its default prediction model for private companies administering pension plans in Ontario. Our goal is to enhance the current model’s timeliness in predicting default of private companies by addressing the lack of publicly accessible information from these private entities. We will bridge the existing gap using unsupervised machine learning algorithms to identify look-alike public companies and using natural language processing techniques to extract relevant information from alternative data sources such as websites and social media. The enhanced model will provide FSRA better insights into the plans’ funding adequacy and foresights on any potential solvency issues to better protect the pension plans’ beneficiaries.

Prompt

Le projet ENCQOR (Évolution des services en nuage dans le corridor Québec-Ontario pour la recherche et l’innovation) consiste en un partenariat transformateur entre le Canada, le Québec et l’Ontario axé sur la recherche et l’innovation dans le secteur des technologies de rupture 5G ainsi que sur leur appropriation. Le projet ENCQOR met en place le premier corridor pré-commercial d’infrastructure numérique de télécommunications sans fils à large bande 5G au pays. C’est une clé essentielle pour faire de l’économie numérique une réalité.

JanAlta Internship

I have been offered an intership at Janalta as Business Development Consultant with following roles and responsibilities.
Refine inside sales strategy and system, including email outreach, follow up communications from non-responders, passing on meetings to Partnerships Manager.
o Research unique business categories and other market opportunities that could appeal to JanAlta audience
o Think of creative new ways to reach out to unresponsive verticals
o A/B testing outreach methods
• Optimize various areas of direct sales
• Identify new inbound sales strategies
• Audit and improve of JanAlta sales processes
• Research unique, high impact networking opportunities
• Audit and optimize 2021 pricing for all products and sites
• Sales communication across all channels
• Research and identify customer segments for each site

Golf Avenue

La mission première de la stagiaire sera de déterminer le degré d’opportunité pour lancer de nouveaux segments d’activités pour l’entreprise, mais aussi, identifier les meilleurs endroits, dans le monde, ou lancer ces activités.
Plusieurs options ont été identifiées par l’entreprise. Maintenant, il faut analyser chacune de ces options, quantifier leur potentiel (basée sur l’analyse de marché, la concurrence, la réceptivité de la population, etc.) et prioriser les prochains déploiements.
De plus, les segments existants, et notamment le vélo, ont un très fort potentiel de pénétration dans d’autres marchés mondiaux. Mais, lesquels ? quels sont nos compétiteurs ? le potentiel ? etc.
Voici toutes les questions auxquelles la stagiaire pourra aider.

UNBGSA Business Strategy Internship

The Mitacs Business Strategy Internship program enabled UNB Graduate Student Association, a non-profit representing over 1500 graduate students to develop new business strategies for responding to challenges affecting its retail operations due to significant changes in revenue and marketing situations as a result of the pandemic crisis. The project assisted in developing business models, marketing strategy, and customer experience strategy that would increase revenue while operating with restrictions imposed by public health authorities in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

CP Business Solutions Inc. Strategy Internship

CP Business Solutions Inc. is a privately held, female-founded, Canadian company dedicated to delivering marketing solutions. The company has clients primarily in Ontario and Nunavut. While COVID-19 has impacted the volume and type of project work at CP Business Solutions Inc., the company has adapted well and pursed several new lines of business, identified a novel business opportunity, and is transitioning to focus on larger client projects. The company is weathering the challenges of COVID-19 and has opportunities for growth.

Three main projects have been identified to support the learning goals of the program and contribute to the growth of CP Business Solutions Inc.:
1. Corporate Social Responsibility: this project involves researching, writing and publishing a Corporate Social Responsibility Plan for CP Business Solutions and additional effort in this field for their clients.
2. Market Research for KleenShield Solutions Inc.: This project involves conducting market analysis and industry research for a newly incorporated company. The research presented may support decision-making and market entry opportunities.
3. Financial Planning: This project involves providing budget projections and creating other reports and visualization tools to support company decision-making. This will also involve business opportunity exploration and new market entry.

Foodiepages Mitacs BSI Submission

Foodiepages is an online gift delivery business that works with Canada’s best food makers, bakers and chefs to create modern and locally-focused gift boxes. The business has been focused on growing in the personal gifting segment. They are looking for strategic consultation in the identification, analysis and strategy development of new growth areas within the corporate gifting segment.