Projets novateurs réalisés

L2M: AI-assisted marine ecosystem monitoring

This project aims to turn raw underwater video into decision-ready science. Our software automatically detects, classifies, and counts marine species, then delivers results in a simple web dashboard with linked video clips, maps, and exportable reports. Instead of annotating from scratch, ecologists just review and correct AI suggestions—cutting review time by more than half. Built for real-world conditions, it flags unknown species, handles uncertain IDs with genus- or family-level counts, and works across different cameras, habitats, and seasons. Backed by peer-reviewed methods and expert-annotated Atlantic datasets, and led by my PhD research in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, this solution combines scientific rigor with deployable AI. Whether regulators, operators, or researchers, our users can ask: “How many cod were at Site 12 in June?” and get traceable, audit-ready answers in minutes instead of months.

L2M – Contactless InfraRed Sleep System

For this proposed project we aim to collaborate with the University of Toronto, Mitacs, and the partnered organization to further develop, refine, and bring to market our novel Contactless Infrared Sleep System (CIRSS). Our novel invention uses advanced specialized infrared imaging to measure key psychophysiological signals including heart rate, heart rate variability, stress, breathing rate, emotion, and more. To date, sleep, sleep health, and sleep pathology remain a growing area of research and public health with over 30% of adults reporting sleep problems. Our innovation addresses significant challenges current clinical monitoring system pose (e.g., accessibility, disruptive to natural sleep, often limited to clinical settings). Through this internship, I aim to improve our current prototype models based on stakeholder and expert feedback, apply for patents, commence large scale studies, and establish a startup company centred around our novel invention. Through this internship, we aim to establish a collaborative relationship with our partnered organization(s) to advance this novel, ground breaking, evidence based invention which has immense commercial and public potential.

L2M-A Triboelectric Nanogenerator-Based Strategy to Minimize Battery Dependence in Ocean Sensing

We are developing a self-powered ocean-energy system that reduces reliance on conventional batteries by using triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to harvest energy from ocean waves, currents, and wind. Unlike many existing technologies that struggle with low-frequency and unpredictable motion, TENGs are lightweight, low-cost, and highly efficient at capturing irregular, low-frequency energy. With nearly 70 % of Earth’s surface covered by oceans, this vast and underused resource can power marine sensors, weather buoys, and environmental monitoring equipment where frequent battery replacement is costly and logistically difficult.

Self-Efficacy for Creative Innovators in Canada

The research project involves studying how incubator programs help artists become successful entrepreneurs in the music industry. Incubators are places where artists get training, support, and resources to build their careers. The interns will collect and analyze data to understand how these programs impact artists’ growth, creativity, and business skills. By examining these effects, the interns will learn about the music industry and gain hands-on experience in research. The expected benefit for the partner organization is to better understand what makes these incubator programs effective. This can lead to improved support for artists and help shape future programs to ensure they meet artists’ needs. Ultimately, the research aims to boost artists’ success and foster a more vibrant and inclusive music industry.

L2M – AI-Driven Cybersecurity for Ocean Critical Infrastructure

This project will develop an AI-powered cybersecurity system to help protect important ocean infrastructure, starting with offshore energy systems such as oil and gas, wind and tidal farms. These facilities are becoming a key part of Canada’s clean energy future but are also vulnerable to cyberattacks that could cause costly shutdowns or disruptions. The project will create tools that can detect unusual activity, test different attack scenarios in a safe digital environment, and suggest quick responses to keep systems running securely. For the partner organization, this work will provide a clear business model, a prototype system, and direct input from industry stakeholders, helping them move closer to offering a unique product that improves the safety, reliability, and trust in Canada’s offshore energy and ocean infrastructure.

L2M – Clean Hydrogen and Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement through Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis

This project aims to advance a clean technology that uses an electrodialysis process to remove acidity from seawater while producing green hydrogen. Using seawater and renewable electricity, the system removes excess acidity, encouraging ocean carbon uptake. The result is de-acidified seawater capable of absorbing more carbon dioxide, while simultaneously producing green hydrogen as a valuable co-product. This approach addresses ocean acidification, accelerates the natural carbon cycle, and generates a carbon-free fuel. Our modular, cost-effective system can integrate with existing ocean infrastructure for scalable climate and energy impact. It has potential applications in hydrogen-intensive industries such as coastal refineries, desalination plants, green steel, and shipping. With Canada’s vast coastline, renewable energy potential, and leadership in clean technology, this project aligns with national priorities by combining climate restoration with clean energy production, supporting Canada’s net-zero ambitions.

L2M-COASTAIR

Coastal and marine pollution is draining ecosystems and budgets across Canada and beyond, yet we still check shorelines with clipboards or wait for low-resolution satellite passes. The result: blind spots, slow responses, and costly cleanups. COASTAIR flips that script. Our AI-enabled aerial platform pairs agile drones with RGB and hyperspectral cameras to spot, classify, and measure pollution, i.e. floating plastics, oil sheens, and even harmful algal blooms, in real time. Each flight streams geo-tagged imagery to an onboard/edge model that flags anomalies, while a cloud dashboard turns detections into clear maps, trends, and alerts the inspection team immediately. Built as a simple subscription, COASTAIR gives coastal municipalities, port authorities, and environmental agencies continuous, decision-ready intelligence at a fraction of traditional costs. Schedule automated routes, track hotspots over time, and export reports for compliance. For partners, the payoff is direct: faster, safer monitoring and earlier interventions that prevent small spills from becoming headlines. Furthermore, a validated rollout plan for pilots and partnerships, including training, regulatory guidance, and shared metrics for success. In short, COASTAIR transforms the coastal monitoring of the coastal region. One can protect water, wildlife, and communities with speed and confidence.

Design and Implementation of a Generalized, Secure, and Scalable API

DiamondAI and McMaster University are working together to create a secure and scalable software interface, called an API, that connects DiamondAI’s career guidance platform with the online systems used by schools and colleges. DiamondAI helps students and newcomers understand their strengths and interests through personalized assessments powered by artificial intelligence. Right now, most schools use platforms such as Moodle, Brightspace, or Google Classroom. Because DiamondAI operates separately, students need to leave their school systems to use it, which reduces engagement and raises privacy concerns. This project will build a solution that allows schools to offer DiamondAI’s assessments directly inside their existing systems. It will support safe data sharing, single sign-on, and compliance with Canadian privacy rules. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how applied AI and software engineering can combine to strengthen Canada’s digital innovation ecosystem, bridge the gap between education and employment, and create meaningful social and economic impact. The new integration will make DiamondAI easier for schools to adopt, improve student access, and protect personal data. For DiamondAI, this project will create a strong foundation for scaling its services across Canada and help build partnerships with educational institutions, advancing both innovation and social impact.

Maggie’s Place Cumberland Evaluation

This project aims to evaluate the food security programs delivered by Maggie’s Place Cumberland as part of the Cumberland County Collaborative Food Network (CFN) initiative. Maggie’s Place, a trusted family resource centre serving communities across the region, is the backbone organization for the CFN in Cumberland County. Building on two years of CFN-funded activities, this evaluation will assess programming outcomes from April 2025 to March 2026, focusing on how these initiatives address food insecurity, support social inclusion, and promote dignity and choice for participants.
Since launching the CFN in 2023, Maggie’s Place has supported and facilitated a wide array of initiatives including the Maggie’s Place Free Store and Social Food Pantry, community cooking workshops, seasonal food kits, Seedy Saturdays, youth meal programs, community gardens, and monthly community suppers in Amherst and Wentworth. These programs are delivered in collaboration with numerous community organizations and partners across a geographically large and rural county.

The evaluation will assess both the reach and impact of CFN-funded programming by collecting quantitative data (e.g., number of meals served, food kits distributed, demographics reached) and qualitative insights (e.g., participant experiences, barriers encountered, and community perceptions). It will also explore how CFN activities help reduce stigma, build social connections, and respond to community-identified needs, especially among rural residents, families with young children, and populations experiencing systemic barriers.

A key objective of this project is to strengthen Maggie’s Place’s capacity for ongoing monitoring and learning. The intern will work closely with the CFN Coordinator and program staff to improve data collection and feedback tools—such as post-activity surveys, tracking templates, and interview guides—ensuring they are practical, inclusive, and responsive to community needs. These tools will support routine evaluation and inform real-time program adjustments while improving reporting to the province and community partners.

Towards Sustainable Hydrovoltaic Energy: Self-Healing, Recycling, and Wettability Engineering Approaches

This project aims to create new types of hydrovoltaic generators, which are devices that produce electricity from small amounts of moisture in the air or water. While these generators are promising for clean energy and water treatment, current versions are not durable enough and cannot adapt well to changing environments. By combining my expertise in cost-effective, cellulose-based hydrovoltaic systems with Professor Ning Yan’s research on recyclable polymers, surface design for water control, and bio-based functional gels, we will develop generators that are stronger, longer-lasting, and able to perform additional functions such as sensing humidity or water flow. The expected benefits include advancing clean water and energy solutions, opening new opportunities for eco-friendly materials and energy technologies in Canada, and strengthening long-term research collaboration between Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) in Korea and the University of Toronto in Canada.

Hybrid PAN–Tannin Fibers as Precursors for Eco-Friendly Carbon Fibers

This project aims to develop sustainable precursors for carbon fibers by combining polyacrylonitrile (PAN), the main industrial raw material, with natural tannin derivatives. Fibers will be produced using solution blow spinning (SBS), a simple and scalable technique compared to electrospinning. Tannins, renewable plant-based polyphenols, can improve fiber stability and performance while reducing reliance on fossil-derived inputs, creating hybrid precursors with a lower environmental footprint. The research will focus on four steps: (1) preparing and optimizing PAN/tannin solutions to obtain uniform fibers by SBS, (2) characterizing morphology, size, and thermal stability, (3) testing stabilization and carbonization to assess feasibility of conversion into carbon fibers, and (4) evaluating mechanical properties and structural integrity. These results will provide insights into integrating renewable compounds into advanced carbon materials for lightweight composites, energy storage, and environmental technologies. The collaboration between Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) and Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) combines expertise in biomass valorization, polymer processing, and nanostructured systems. UQAT contributes knowledge and infrastructure for carbon-based materials, while UFF adds experience in fiber fabrication. This partnership will foster international cooperation, train students in advanced techniques, and support Canada’s and Brazil’s shared goals of sustainable innovation and low-carbon technologies.

Interaction des superplastifiants et des entraîneurs d’air sur les mortiers avec agents compensateurs de retrait

L’enjeu de cette recherche est double : approfondir la compréhension scientifique des mortiers intégrant des sables recyclés et identifier les conditions (type et dosage d’adjuvants) permettant d’obtenir des performances comparables aux mortiers traditionnels. Le manque actuel de connaissances, combiné à la sévérité des normes en vigueur, freine encore la commercialisation de tels matériaux. Une des retombées attendues de ce projet serait de contribuer à l’intégration progressive des sables recyclés dans les référentiels normatifs, au Canada, en Europe et ailleurs dans le monde.