Projets novateurs réalisés

Psychophysiological dynamic networks for co-regulation in parent-child dyads: A novel approach toward personalized intervention

This project explores how conflict between parents impacts how children and caregivers manage their emotions in real time. In collaboration with East China Normal University, we will observe emotion regulation patterns in parent-child pairs during structured play tasks designed to simulate both everyday and high-conflict situations. Unresolved parental conflict is a known gateway to intimate partner violence, child maltreatment, and chronic mental health issues across the lifespan. By using physiological measures to track emotional responses, this study will help identify when and how children’s emotional development is most disrupted—and how parents’ reactions may either buffer or worsen these effects. The results will inform family-based interventions that prevent long-term psychological challenges and support healthy child development. In addition, the project will provide advanced statistical training that the lead researcher (KA) will bring back to Canada to enhance local research capacity and apply to ongoing child health and development studies.

High-Fidelity 3D Simulation of Soft Tissue Cutting via Adaptive Cohesive Zone Modeling: Toward Digital Surgery

This project aims to improve surgical simulations by developing advanced computer models to simulate how soft tissues behave during surgeries. It will focus on modeling tissue fracture and how surgical tools interact with tissue, considering factors such as tissue anisotropy, residual stresses, and complex tool geometries. Current finite element (FE) models developed at UBC assume material isotropy and rely on a pre-defined path for tissue cracks, limiting their ability to simulate puncture mechanics with complex tool geometries like those found in real surgical procedures. To overcome these limitations, this project will implement an adaptive cohesive zone model (CZM), which allows the crack path to be determined in real-time based on tissue behavior. In collaboration with experts from TU Graz, the project will refine and validate these models using their specialized expertise and advanced testing equipment, which are unavailable at UBC. This collaboration will benefit both UBC and TU Graz by connecting complementary expertise and fostering long-term partnerships, leading to student exchanges and future research funding opportunities. The outcomes of this project will be transformative for digital surgery, positioning Canada as a global leader in digital and medical technologies.

TRLUP – Scaling the ROAR Tool: A Data-Driven Climate Resilience Platform for Canada’s Built Environment

The project advances the commercialization and scalability of the Resiliency Opportunity Assessment and Response (ROAR) Tool—a data-driven decision-support platform for assessing and mitigating physical climate risks in the built environment. The ROAR Tool is positioned to serve building owners, property managers, and ESG-driven institutions by providing actionable insights aligned with the Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS). With over 8 million vulnerable occupants in residential and commercial buildings, the ROAR Tool empowers property owners and public-sector organizations to make informed, low-cost, and low-carbon adaptation decisions.

TRLUP – Smart Integrated System for Air Disinfection

Airborne viruses spread most readily in closed rooms where people share the same air. The usual defence is to crank up the ventilation system, so more outdoor air dilutes the germs. Unfortunately, higher airflow drives up energy bills and works against carbon-reduction targets. Installing Far-UVC lamps (222 nm) is another promising option because this light can kill viruses in real time without chemicals. We propose an integrated control platform that turns Far-UVC into a smart, energy-aware clean-air layer. Ceiling-mounted krypton-chloride lamps are paired with inexpensive sensors that track UV intensity, room-temperature, and CO2 and, Ozone concentrations. A reinforcement-learning algorithm continuously reads those sensors, simulates how air and light operate the room, and adjusts lamp brightness and airflow in real time. The goal is simple: deliver the germ-killing dose only where and when it is needed, never exceed safe exposure limits, and dial back ventilation whenever the lamps can shoulder more of the disinfection load. Making this work draws on four skill sets—UV physics to model light, indoor fluid mechanics to map airflow, hands-on electronics to prototype sensor networks, and machine-learning control to teach the system how to balance health protection with energy savings automatically.

TRLUP – Rootsy Marketplace: Advancing Local E-Commerce in Canada

Rootsy Marketplace is building a scalable, tech-enabled local e-commerce platform to connect Canadian small businesses with local buyers. The project focuses on optimizing platform logistics, digital operations, and market reach using third-party delivery partners.

La fabrication de la catégorie fille-s aux Nations Unies : une autre histoire des droits de l’enfant (1989-aujourd’hui)

Le projet de recherche proposé s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une thèse doctorale intitulée « La fabrication de la catégorie fille-s aux Nations Unies : une autre histoire des droits de l’enfant (1989 – aujourd’hui) ». Il vise à analyser la construction de la catégorie « fille-s » dans le champ onusien des droits de l’enfant, en mobilisant une approche croisée en sociologie des organisations internationales, études de genre et droits humains.

Partant du constat que les filles, situées à l’intersection des catégories « femmes » et « enfants », sont souvent invisibilisées dans les cadres juridiques internationaux, ce projet cherche à comprendre les dynamiques discursives, normatives et institutionnelles qui ont conduit à leur reconnaissance en tant que sujet spécifique au sein du système onusien, et plus particulièrement dans le champ des droits de l’enfant. L’analyse repose sur un corpus qualitatif de documents produits par les Nations Unies (rapports, archives).

Le stage permettra de finaliser un chapitre central de la thèse, qui pourrait également donner lieu à une publication scientifique. Ce chapitre mobilise le concept de « champ » pour analyser les acteurs et les pratiques à l’égard de la catégorie filles dans le « champ des droits de l’enfant ».

TRLUP-Developing kits for self-monitoring of steroid hormone at home (Estrogens, Androgens, and Glucocorticoids)

Our project is focused on developing portable biosensors that let anyone measure steroid hormones—like androgens, estrogens, and glucocorticoids—without needing to send samples to a lab. These tools were first designed to help monitor wildlife health, especially for caribou populations important to Indigenous communities, but they also have huge potential for human health. As scientists, we’re focused on the research and development side, but we need partners who can handle the business aspects—commercialization, intellectual property, and market strategy. By building strong partnerships and clearly defining our roles, we can bring this technology to market in a way that benefits both public health and supports our ongoing work with Indigenous partners, ensuring they have lasting access to these tools.

TRLUP – QoinRing

QoinRing is a 3d printed QR-coded promotional keychain which was created in response to dissatisfaction with aggressive traditional marketing, and appeals to students and creators who want to broadcast what they do, without interrupting others’ daily real-life experiences. Its compactness, customizable form, and use of recycled materials made of plastic bottles make it particularly appealing to Gen Z audiences who value sustainability, innovation, and design mixed with functionality. The partner organization will help us to revolutionize modern advertising, help to recycle a lot of Ontario’s waste Plastic bottles and help to advance their own research through info symbiotically gained from my research hopefully.

TRLUP – Automotive Hand Controls for Disabled Drivers

For disabled people to be enabled to drive they need the use of assistive technology. Between Canada and the US there are 47.3 million people who have disabilities related to lost leg functioning. 60% of these people use adaptive devices to drive. The technology that exists in North America requires the driver to have one hand off of the steering wheel at all times. The product I am currently working on is an acceleration and braking system that allows the driver to maintain two hands on the steering wheel at almost all times. My product places the accelerator control either on the back or the front of the wheel, based on space in the vehicle as well as the consumer’s personal preference. The brake is placed very close to the steering wheel in a position that allows the driver to interact with it while having both hands on the wheel during normal braking situations, with one hand having to come off the wheel only during emergency braking. This technology will allow for better vehicle control, a more enjoyable and less taxing driving experience, as well as most importantly improved safety for the driver, passengers and other road occupants. The stage of the product is currently a proof of concept prototype that can display how the device will function and the ergonomic benefits of the design. My primary goal through this internship would be to create a fully functioning prototype that can be attached to a vehicle and used to drive. Alongside the development of the technology I would like to focus on intellectual property, and a plan to have the devices manufactured.

TRLUP – Conserve Tree

This project will support the business and market development of Conserve Tree, an innovative retrofit medical device designed to optimize oxygen therapy management in hospitals. The intern will help the company identify its target market, gather feedback from hospitals, and develop a business plan to support product launch across Canada and internationally. This work will help advance the device from early prototype to a market-ready solution that improves patient safety, reduces healthcare costs, and promotes environmental sustainability. The project also contributes to Canada’s broader goals of innovation and climate resilience, while building skills and leadership capacity in health technology innovation.

TRLUP – Sharefric

A platform focused on making high-quality products more affordable and accessible to consumers by promoting a sense of community. The platform’s goal is to support smart buying decisions and empower users to achieve greater value in their shopping experiences. Our platform is committed to transforming the way people shop by making affordability a reality for more consumers.

Optimisation de la gestion de la qualité des fournisseurs par la simplification des processus et la mise en place d’outils efficaces

Mon projet de stage consiste à optimiser et simplifier les processus liés à la mise en place des ententes qualité avec les fournisseurs de Sandoz. L’objectif est d’améliorer l’efficacité de la gestion des fournisseurs en identifiant un outil adapté pour suivre les étapes clés telles que les ententes qualité, les audits et l’évaluation des risques. Je suis également chargé de revoir le format des ententes qualité en fonction des différents types de fournisseurs et d’assurer un suivi précis du statut de qualification de chacun. Ce projet s’inscrit dans un contexte stratégique important, notamment depuis la séparation de Sandoz d’avec Novartis. La mise en place d’ententes qualité robustes est essentielle pour garantir la conformité aux réglementations canadiennes et aux exigences globales de Sandoz, tout en prévenant les risques lors des inspections et audits. Ce travail contribue à renforcer la qualité et la fiabilité de la chaîne d’approvisionnement de l’entreprise.