Projets novateurs réalisés

Le soutien scolaire à distance: quels dispositifs et pratiques pertinentes pour les élèves ?

Les retards scolaires et décrochages constituent des défis majeurs pour le milieu de l’éducation. Offrir un soutien scolaire adapté à l’ensemble des élèves est donc nécessaire. Alors qu’Alloprof propose plusieurs manières de recevoir de l’aide à distance, notamment par téléphone, clavardage avec un humain ou un robot, nous souhaitons étudier les choix et la satisfaction des élèves concernant ces différentes formes de soutien scolaire. Plus précisément, nous souhaitons savoir comment les élèves en viennent à recourir à l’un ou l’autre service de soutien scolaire, à comprendre pourquoi ils persévèrent ou non dans cette démarche, à identifier les avantages et inconvénients perçus de l’usage de différents moyens de communication et la satisfaction éprouvée concernant le soutien scolaire reçu. Pour ce, nous proposons de faire une revue de la littérature et de mener des entretiens auprès d’une vingtaine d’élèves de secondaire utilisant les services d’Alloprof. À l’issue de cette recherche exploratoire, nous pensons avoir un premier état des lieux concernant les motivations, l’engagement, les usages, pratiques et préférences des élèves de secondaire concernant le soutien scolaire à distance. Ceci nous permettra de formuler certaines recommandations et de partager ces nouvelles connaissances dans les milieux de pratiques et de recherche.

Long-term high-resolution projection of extreme hydrological events

This research focuses on understanding and predicting extreme hydrological events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. It aims to improve long-term flood risk assessment by analyzing precipitation patterns, developing better climate projections, and refining flood modeling techniques. The study will use statistical analysis, climate models, and hydrological simulations to project future precipitation and flood risks under different climate scenarios. The key goal is to quantify uncertainties in these projections, providing more reliable data for disaster prevention and risk management.

Mechanical strength of 3D printed composite panels made of wood waste and recycled PET

The purpose of this work is to investigate the strength of composite panels made from waste wood and recycled PET, subjected to mechanical stress and 3D printed, which could be used in construction or in secondary products such as furniture, packaging and decoration. Working with wood waste is an alternative to disposing of this material in the environment, while at the same time helping to rationalize the use of forest resources. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic polymer, a type of plastic that is widely discarded in the environment. Widely used as packaging for drinks and food, plastic bags, mechanical components, etc., its improper disposal contributes to environmental impact and raises concerns about sustainability. PET is the most recycled plastic in the world. The use of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, provides elements with complex and optimized geometries, through the superimposition of filaments arranged in successive layers as the structures are formed.

Monitoring the mental health of Canadians

The COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the mental health of Canadians. Surprisingly, as of April 2022, self-rated levels of anxiety and depression were comparable to the ones observed during the worst periods of the pandemic, according to data collected by MHRC. Therefore, it is important that we continue to monitor the mental health needs and strengths of the general population in Canada. The goal of this project is to establish population-based mental health metrics within a long-term mental health surveillance system to monitor the mental health needs of the population and to identify indicators critical for expanding service delivery in Canada. In addition to risk factors of symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychological distress, this project will explore substance use, post-traumatic stress disorders, social determinants of mental health, and house and food insecurity, which have not been a focus of prior MHRC analytics and reporting. Moreover, we will conduct a detailed analysis of the use of mental health services and initiate qualitative surveys to better understand the impact of the pandemic among equity-deserving populations. Data collection will be conducted on an ongoing basis by MHRC through online surveys every three months for the next three years.

Disease management strategies for potato black dot in Canadian potatoes.

Potato diseases remain a major limiting factor in profitable potato production. The aim of this study is to conduct fundamental studies of potato black dot disease, caused by the soil-borne fungus Colletotrichum coccodes, and to evaluate management strategies to reduce the incidence of black dot in potato fields of Alberta. The study involves assessment of commercial potato fields for the presence and quantity of C. coccodes, evaluation of the efficacy of active ingredients, developed by Syngenta, to control disease development, and testing and characterization of C. coccodes isolates for sensitivity to azoxystrobin. Molecular quantification of the pathogen(s) will help determine a region-specific threshold(s) for initial inoculum of the pathogens in soils at which disease can develop. The findings of this study will help the industry identify specific strategies for effective control of black dot of potato.

Application of artificial intelligence to improve career profile to job opportunity matching

Gigsup, a career matching service, plans to improve how job opportunities are suggested using artificial intelligence. The project will be carried out by interns who will work on a new system that uses up-to-date job market data. This system will compare a person’s skills, work style, and values with current job openings to offer better career suggestions. The goal is to help job seekers make choices that match their personal and work needs, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and steady income growth. Employers will also benefit as they find more suitable candidates, reducing the risk of hiring mismatches. Overall, this work will make the job market clearer and more efficient for both job seekers and employers, adding value to Gigsup by offering a simple and effective way to match people with jobs.

Development of a state-of-the art approach for the cyanotoxin detection and quantification in water resources under the light intensity, nutrients and climate effects on the proliferation of Toxic Algal Blooms

Massive cyanobacterial blooms have been observed in several provinces of Canada including Nova Scotia and New Brunswick over the past few decades which is a significant environmental and public health concern. These blooms are a serious threat to human lives and the environment as the cyanotoxin released are deleterious for the human life and the livestock. The recurrent cyanobacterial blooms detected have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive studies to understand their patterns and impacts. The key objectives of this project are: i) To develop new thresholds for cyanotoxins like anatoxin-a and microcystins in freshwater bodies by improving identification techniques. ii) To study the relationship between the spectral quality of light, the growth of Microcystis, and the production of microcystins and iii) to establish new criteria for anatoxin-a and microcystins in drinking and recreational water. As a part of this project, water samples from NS and NB will be taken to the lab in France to use LC-MS and the new developed methodology to test for the cyanotoxins present in the water, measure nutrient levels, and other relevant parameters. The new methodologies and criteria established will contribute significantly to decision-making processes for water resources management and public health protection.

Catalytic Hydroreforming Gasification of Low-Value Forest Biomass to Novel High-Value Biofuels (Hythane and Hydrochar)

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Development of Paper-Based Microfluidic Electrochemical Biosensor for Early Detection of Acute Myocardial Infarction

The project’s goal is to investigate the use of a 2D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based microfluidic channel driven electrochemical biosensor to detect AMI biomarkers. The device could be able to identify heart attacks before they happen. Therefore, it may be beneficial to reduce the enormous number of deaths brought on by this illness worldwide. Experts from the Universities of Waterloo in Canada and Jadavpur University in Kolkata will supervise this study. The researcher intends to work with top scientists and make use of cutting-edge resources by enrolling in the Mitacs Globalink program in order to gain a deeper understanding of this process. The results may result in important breakthroughs in medical technology and research. Shared resources, expertise, and the possibility of ground-breaking medical advancements are anticipated to be advantageous to both educational institutions.

Impression 3D des biocomposites à base de lignine

Le projet de recherche porte sur l’impression 3D de bio composites à base de lignine, un matériau biosourcé issu de la biomasse. L’objectif est de développer des matériaux écologiques et performants pour l’impression 3D en intégrant la lignine dans des composites innovants. Le stagiaire étudiera la formulation de ces bio composites, leurs propriétés rhéologiques et leur compatibilité avec l’impression 3D. Ce projet permettra de valoriser un sous-produit de l’industrie du bois, de réduire l’utilisation de plastiques d’origine fossile et de favoriser des alternatives durables dans le domaine de la fabrication additive.

Using environmental nucleic acids to monitor fish diversity in the main tributaries of the St Lawrence River

This project investigates how human pressure affects fish communities in the St. Lawrence River tributaries through a collaboration between the Comité Zone d’Intervention Prioritaire du Haut St-Laurent (ZIP) and PhD student Simone Miklosi. Together, ZIP and Simone developed research questions, selected sampling sites, and identified key environmental variables to assess.

To support the collaboration a member of ZIP will act as an advisor on Simone’s PhD thesis project. In April, June, and September 2025, Simone will collect DNA and RNA from water samples, a non-invasive method, at 18 sites along a gradient of human impact. ZIP will simultaneously collect water quality data, while both partners will collaborate to evaluate habitat conditions. The team will examine how riparian zones, water quality, and land use influence fish diversity using statistical models and analyses. The study will also compare the effectiveness of DNA and RNA for detecting shifts in community composition over time.

After data collection, Simone and ZIP will co-develop reports and presentations to share findings with government agencies and conservation groups. This collaborative, non-invasive research will provide essential insights into how fish communities respond to human pressures, supporting ZIP’s efforts to identify and protect critical tributaries for at-risk fish species.

Feasibility study on the use of metallurgical slag in the production of thermophosphates

This study investigates the feasibility of reducing metallurgical slag to obtain reactive oxides which, when combined with hydroxyapatite, can form a thermophosphate of high agronomic value. Metallurgical slag is an industrial waste product rich in calcium, iron, and silica, which can be reused in fertilizers. Hydroxyapatite, on the other hand, is a stable source of phosphorus, and its interaction with slag oxides can promote the solubilization of the nutrients in the soil. The process involves the thermal reduction of slag, followed by controlled mixing with hydroxyapatite to promote the formation of phosphate compounds with greater availability for plants. The analysis includes chemical and structural characterization of the products formed to assess their effectiveness as a fertilizer. The expected results include a controlled-release material that is environmentally sustainable and economically viable, contributing to the reuse of industrial waste and efficiency in crop nutrition.