Innovative Projects Realized

Spread and impact of an eruptive herbivore in a novel habitat: consequences of climate change – induced range expansion

In BC, the mountain pine beetle (MPB) has significantly expanded its range to more northerly
latitudes and higher elevations due to climate change. Within newly invaded habitats, it has
been shown that the productivity of the beetle is several times greater than that associated
with its historic range, prompting speculation that unusually high rates of tree mortality and
population expansion in the northern portions of the recent epidemic were a consequence of
the beetle’s occupation of new habitats.
Using forest inventory data and GIS/remote sensing techniques this project will (i) compare
the rate of spread and impact by mountain pine beetle populations in historically climatically
suitable and unsuitable habitats, (ii) quantify the relationship between stand mensurational
characteristics and resultant tree mortality within recently invaded habitats, and (iii) construct
an index of stand susceptibility relevant to novel pine forests to facilitate projections of future
mountain pine beetle spread.

A computer-aided decision-making tool for Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing (PBF-AM) process selection using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)

Precision ADM is a global engineering and manufacturing solutions provider who uses Additive Manufacturing as a core technology, complemented by multi-axis machining to manufacture high value components and devices for the medical, aerospace, energy, and industrial sectors. Precision ADM specializes in PBF based additive manufacturing. For that reason, Precision ADM wants to design and develop a cost-effective and customized computer-aided decision-making tool for the AM process selection, particularly for powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (PBF-AM) processes. The tool would consider the manufacturability of parts by additive manufacturing, and the selection of an optimal method based on capabilities of PBF-AM processes.

Understanding Toronto’s Historical Watercourses

Today almost 3 million people live in Toronto (almost 6 million in the Greater Toronto Area). As the city’s population continues to grow, people are increasingly seeking connection to the natural landscape within the city limits. This project will illuminate and re-invigorate understanding and appreciation of the natural history of the area and the importance of connected waterways. It will inform future planning related to the connection between natural and engineered water resources in an urban environment.

Business Development Intern

With the economic slowdown due to COVID-19, the construction industry which is Deformance Design Lab’s main clientele has shifted. As a result, Deformance Design Labs Inc. will need pivot their business strategy to address these changes. As an intern with a focus on business technology and experience in business strategy, I would bring the skills and experience to perform a thorough market analysis and build on Deformance Design Lab’s current market research. I will be assessing their current strategy and business plan in light of the information gathered in the market analysis of the current business environment affected by COVID-19. Together with the leadership team, I will be developing a new strategy and business model for Deformance Design Labs. This internship will help to provide a clear picture of the conditions businesses face in COVID-10, and will result in a plan of action that directly addresses the current issues and opportunities faced in launching and growing a company in a pandemic.

Mi5 Print & Digital Summer Intern

As part of the Mitacs / Ivey Business School Internship Program Mi5 is looking for an energetic and passionate problem-solver to lead an important transition for our business – this will be an opportunity to drive change and make a real difference for the business.

Mi5 is planning a business transition to advance production and financial processes with the objective of enhancing the data and information captured.
• For production, Mi5 utilizes Avanti’s Slingshot – this has been rolled out to the Mi5 team, however, we need to improve and expand the adoption of this tool across Mi5
• For finance and accounting, Mi5 is moving to the MS Dynamics GP platform – this will modernize our financial processes at Mi5 leading to important efficiencies

Strategy Intern – Waterstone Human Capital

The intern will help complete the strategy and business planning for Waterstone Culture Institute by working with Waterstone’s chief executive officer, marketing leader and a third party consultant to help refine the proprietary process, assess the technology required (through off the shelf learning management system and digital analytics tools) and help define the marketing strategy, pricing and competitive landscape to support this new business (and leader/executive director) towards an expected launch in the fall of 2020.

Susgrainable Health Foods Inc. Internship

Susgrainable is in the midst of a business pivot away from food service and into consumer-packaged goods. This has involved the team creating an online shop amongst other initiatives. The team has recently lost 2 founding members due to a massive economic contraction within the food service space. The team is looking for students to assist with helping re-organize the company for both investment and onboarding of new team members in the future.

Financial Analyst

As one of the market leaders in the eCommerce space in the US, Cymax Group has experienced elevated growth, and more recently a step-change increase in volume that can be attributed to COVID-19. As part of the company’s strategy to drive sustainable growth in this new industry dynamics, the engagement of an intern will contribute to ensuring proper triangulation of thought leadership, building of Latest Estimate (LE) models, as well as playing an integral role in collaborating with stakeholders in building out the 3-5 year financial plan.

Marketing & UXUI Assistant Internship

Excelar Technologies is a product development consultancy with expertise in big data privacy, and web applications. We are currently preparing for a product launch for Chatnels, an AI-supported chat platform, working with other companies to help reduce waiting room contact in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With my interest in both marketing and UXUI design, I’m fascinated by the perspectives and skill-sets required to communicate effectively to bring products to life. Building on top of previous experiences in product development, a fast-paced startup environment is the ideal place to further my skills on meaningful projects that will make an impact.

Élaboration du plan opérationnel de Dialogue NB.

Élaboration et rédaction du plan d’affaires :
S’appuyant sur le nouveau plan stratégique de Dialogue NB adopté en février dernier, l’étudiant sera demandé de rédiger un plan d’affaires pour opérationnaliser les axes stratégiques et pour permettre à l’organisation d’atteindre une viabilité financière d’ici 3 ans. L’équipe de Dialogue détient déjà des informations ainsi que des idées de produits commercialisables et des différents marchés à desservir, ce qui orientera le travail de l’étudiant. Ce plan permettra à l’organisme de se positionner pour des octrois qui seront disponibles à l’automne et de procéder à quelques tests dans le marché. Il sera attendu à la fin du stage que l’étudiant livrera un plan d’affaires adressant l’atteinte de la viabilité financière de l’organisation

Élaboration et rédaction d’un plan opérationnel pour adresser la situation
Avec l’appui de l’équipe, l’étudiant sera demandé de dresser une analyse des besoins et des écarts afin d’assurer la livraison de nos programmes clés dans le contexte causé par la Covid-19 (ou toute autres futures situations d’urgence) et détaillerait entre autres comment assurer la livraison des services lorsque la province est en phase rouge, orange et jaune. Au-delà de notre capacité à migrer la livraison de nos services virtuellement.

Modeling Aerosol Dispersion in Dental Offices

The Ontario Dental Association requires the time of three hours between two clients in a dental office to prevent the transmission of COVID-19; however, this strict guideline poses a great challenge to the economics of dental business and the recovery of Ontario economy. The results of this study will help understand the COVID-19 transmission in dental offices and help develop technologies for the proper control of aerosols and splatters generated during the dental procedures. Dispersion and removal of aerosols generated from a specific dental operation will be modelled to understand how aerosol disperses and transports in the facility. The partner organization provides consultancy and professional training in filtration and separation technologies, clean air technologies. The proposed CFD modeling work will provide relevant guidance on product development for occupational health protection during pandemics, and help the company sustain its technical consulting services to dental office industry, in and out of Ontario.

Investigation of adverse effects and healing factor properties of a novel formulation from Blue-O Medical Technology

The appearance of multidrug resistance of pathogens is
challenging the researcher and industrial communities to develop more efficacious
antimicrobial treatments. Blue-O Technology Incorporation (Blue-O Tech) has developed
a novel formulation of medicine that accelerates the wound healing, while having an
excellent antimicrobial strength over a broad spectrum of pathogens. The objectives of
this study are to evaluate the cytotoxic effects, the immunological response, and the
healing properties of this novel medicine prior to its marketing and commercialization.