Projets novateurs réalisés

Design and Development of an AI-Assisted Robotic System for Precision Hydroponic Ginseng Cultivation: Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Agriculture-Phase #1

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Fit Optimization for Chairs using AI

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Cyclic-AMP dynamics and heterogeneity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Insights into host-pathogen interactions

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide with more than 1.3 million deaths reported in 2023. With the increase in multidrug resistant cases of TB, it is important for us to develop newer and faster acting drugs to treat TB. In addition, one-quarter of the world’s population carries a latent form of TB. During latency, M. tuberculosis has the capacity to reactivate depending upon the host immune state. As cAMP is an important secondary messenger involved in cell-cell signaling in both mycobacteria and in the host, this could play an important role in persistence and latency of TB infections. This information will guide us on designing therapeutics that target these specific pathways, offering novel therapeutics in the fight against tuberculosis. Bovine tuberculosis poses unique challenges to the one-health paradigm since it not only affects bovine animals, thereby affecting ecological health, biodiversity, dairy and meat industries, but can also be transmitted to and infect humans in the form of zoonotic tuberculosis. A one-health approach is therefore paramount due to potentially vast bovine reservoir for tuberculosis. This research, therefore, aims to be an inclusive one-health approach to potentially develop better treatments for both human and bovine tuberculosis.

HomePorter Encoder/Classifier

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Empowering K-12 students and teachers to navigate negative eco-emotions effectively

The escalating environmental challenges of recent years underscore the critical need for proactive action on climate change and sustainability. However, the mental health impacts, particularly negative eco-emotions (e.g., eco-anxiety, eco-anger, eco-grief), experienced by children and youth due to climate-related concerns pose significant barriers to climate action engagement, resilience and wellbeing. This study aims to address this gap by empowering K-12 students and teachers with knowledge, skills, and coping mechanisms to navigate these challenges effectively. Objectives include reviewing existing approaches to negative eco-emotions, developing resources for educators, and piloting these resources in K-12 classrooms. The study includes a review of the relevant literature on existing approaches to and research on managing eco-emotions with K-12 students and co-development of evidence-based resources by the academic and non-academic research partners. An explorative pilot evaluation study will assess the usefulness and effectiveness of these resources, utilizing surveys and focus groups. Findings will inform recommendations for fostering resilience and engagement among young people in the face of climate-related mental health challenges, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainability education and youth empowerment.

Feasibility study of analyzing the semantic content of satellite images using Quantum kernels

The rapid advancement in satellite technology has led to an exponential increase in the volume of satellite images. Analyzing the semantic content of these images is a challenging task due to the high dimensionality and complexity of the data. Traditional kernel methods, while effective, suffer from quadratic algorithmic complexity and significant time overhead in kernel computation. This proposal aims to explore the feasibility of using quantum kernels to overcome these challenges. By harnessing the quantum technology, we hope to improve our understanding of Earth from space, leading to better environmental monitoring and disaster response.

Fraser Health Authority – Communication & Knowledge Exchange and Workforce Development Initiative Internship

Fraser Health Authority is the largest regional health authority in British Columbia and is dedicated to delivering top-quality healthcare services to over 1.9 million people across 20 diverse communities. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are enhancing our workforce development and communication strategies. The Workforce Development Initiative Intern will support the integration of a structured project framework, ensuring alignment with the Mental Health and Substance Use strategy and standards. This includes developing clear terms of reference, work plans, and evaluation processes. Meanwhile, the Communication & Knowledge Exchange Intern will focus on enhancing internal communication processes and expanding the capacity to effectively communicate information about services. Both roles are pivotal in driving innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery while prioritizing the well-being of patients, families, and communities.

Discovery & optimisation of bacterial lignin degradation pathways for the manufacture of value-added chemicals

The design of sustainable manufacturing processes that convert renewable feedstocks into valuable products under clean and ‘green’ operating conditions is essential to ensuring continued economic development and stewardship of the environment. To this end, the use of engineered biological systems to convert biomass into useful chemicals could greatly diminish society’s dependence on petroleum and improve its environmental footprint. Accordingly, we propose to leverage recent developments in biotechnology to unearth novel bacterial enzymes that can efficiently degrade lignin into the value-added molecule, vanilla, and subsequently genetically engineer the simple bacterium E. coli to express these vanilla-producing enzymes, thereby developing a microbial-based vanilla production process. We will achieve our aims in collaboration with our partner organization, MetaMixis Inc., a Canadian corporation that aspires for world leadership in the flavours and fragrances market. Saliently, our proposal to produce vanilla using engineered microorganisms is vastly more efficient than the current manufacturing practice. By assuring reliable and sustainable production of the world’s most popular flavour, this project greatly advances the commercial interests of MetaMixis, Inc.

Correa Equity Partners Ltd – Brand & Social Media Coordinator Internship

Correa Equity Partners is a real estate investment firm committed to investing with purpose, creating safe, beautiful living spaces, and positively impacting Canada’s rental landscape. Despite our success, we face challenges in managing social media, brand development, and content creation due to time constraints. To address this, we are interested in bring a Brand and Social Media Coordinator on board, who will play a vital role in shaping our company’s narrative, enhancing online visibility, and building credibility with the audience. The intern will work closely with Michele Correa, the founder, and will also collaborate with a virtual assistant to execute various tasks, gaining valuable experience in marketing, real estate investing, and wealth building.

Evaluation of an Automated Tooth Segmentation Tool

In dentistry, communication between dentists to plan treatment is very important. Originally, treatment planning involved communicating information by speaking or writing, often resulting in communication errors and misaligned expectations. The partner organization is involved in the development and provision of solutions for treatment planning and the development of software that can be used in dental specialties. Their ultimate goal is to allow dentists to communicate with each other through a web application that displays 3D results and can also produce treatment tools based on the created treatment plan.
The preparation of data for use in orthodontic dentistry is complex and has a high probability of error. It also takes time to prepare the data, including learning how to use the program. The developers, therefore, saw that if the complexity and time required to prepare the data could be reduced, it would be beneficial both for treatment and for learning. To address this need, the partner organization has developed an AI for tooth segmentation to work on complex parts and reduce the working time. The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the tooth segmentation algorithm through the use of 3D imaging collected at the School of Dentistry at the University of Alberta. The supervisors are experienced in developing similar ML algorithms for image segmentation tasks. They will supervise the task for a graduate student who will benefit from the learning experience in validating an external and commercially developed algorithm.

GELP Global Virtual Summit

Global Emerging Leadership Programs (GELP) focuses on developing leadership and practical skills for students and young professionals through educational initiatives and opportunities abroad (Bisht, 2023). They host workshops, conferences, and provide mentorship and guidance, allowing participants to earn micro-credentials and expand their professional network. GELP also has campus chapters that promote leadership and skill development, aligning with UN sustainability goals. Participants benefit from extensive workshops, professional events, digital badges, and personalized guidance meetings. This internship project enhances GELP’s ability to deliver these programs and expand their reach.

The internship project will focus on the GELP Global Virtual Summit 2024 on June 9 which will include 1) Summit Coordination and 2) University Outreach. Summit coordination will entail orchestrating the event, curating the theme, ensuring the participation of global thought leaders in over 15 participating countries, and facilitate the contributions of more than 30 global speakers. This includes designing social media campaigns across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, as well as directly engaging with panelists and moderators, and overseeing the selection and recognition of delegate research papers as part of the awards process. University Outreach includes extending GELP’s network by connecting with universities in Mexico and the UAE. This role will highlight the value of experiential learning opportunities that GELP provides, such as work-integrated learning and professional development workshops.

COO

The project will focus on using AI to make better credit decisions for businesses. By looking closely at lots of company data, like financial records, the intern will help create smart computer programs that can quickly tell which businesses are good to lend to. This will make NetNow’s process of deciding who gets credit faster and more accurate. The aim is to help NetNow trust the right businesses more easily, leading to smoother and safer business deals. This is not just about building new tools; it’s about making sure they work well in the real world, improving how businesses work with each other.