Projets novateurs réalisés

AC Solar photovoltaic module testing for residential applications

The project’s purpose is to integrate Heliene’s solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with power electronics to create an integrated, high-performance solar module product for residential applications. The resulting AC solar module removes the need for external electronic components such as DC optimizers, inverters, diodes, and rapid shutdown devices. By integrating the external components, overall system reliability is improved, as well as reducing installation time and maintenance costs. Equally important, the integrated solar module harvests more solar energy under typical lighting conditions and challenging light situations, such as panel soiling and heavy shading. Prototype AC modules, along with the conventional modules, need to be installed in a field for a pilot test run to determine the impact of partial shading on both systems. This project will provide that basic pilot testing. Heliene can leverage this data to commercialize their new innovation.

Implémentation de la planification stratégique pour le Réseau des Grandes Cultures du Québec (RGCQ)

Implémentation de la planification stratégique pour le Réseau des Grandes Cultures du Québec (RGCQ)

Cannabidiol (CBD) as a neuroprotectant in Parkinson’s disease (PD) through the Nrf2 pathway

Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects movement, much like an orchestra losing its conductor; signals become uncoordinated, leading to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty moving. This happens when dopamine-producing cells in the brain’s substantia nigra die. A major cause of this cell death is oxidative stress, an imbalance between harmful molecules called free radicals and the body’s protective antioxidants. One of the body’s main defenders against oxidative stress is a protein called Nrf2, which activates antioxidant enzymes to protect brain cells. However, under prolonged stress, Nrf2 itself can become damaged and lose its protective function.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound from Cannabis sativa, is a strong antioxidant that can cross into the brain. It may help restore the function of Nrf2 and shield brain cells from damage. In this study, I will examine how Nrf2 behaves in PD patient brain tissue and explore how CBD may restore Nrf2 in both human brain samples and an experimental mouse model of PD. By restoring this antioxidant defense system, CBD could potentially slow or prevent further brain cell loss. This research may lead to new, targeted therapies using CBD to address one of the root causes of PD progression.

Processus d’implantation d’AToM – prolongement

Le Centre d’archives régional de Portneuf (CARP) a pour mission de préserver et de faire connaître les archives liées à la région. En 2024, il a franchi une étape importante en se dotant d’une plateforme numérique (appelée AToM) pour mieux gérer, protéger et partager ses collections.

Ce nouvel outil a nécessité une adaptation importante pour l’équipe du CARP. Grâce au soutien de Mitacs, un stagiaire a pu développer une procédure claire pour accompagner cette transition. Cela a permis de mieux organiser les archives numériques, de moderniser les méthodes de travail et d’assurer un traitement plus efficace des documents.

Même si le transfert complet des archives vers AToM est toujours en cours, le travail réalisé a déjà permis d’avancer rapidement. Le CARP prévoit que toutes ses données seront disponibles sur la plateforme d’ici l’été 2026. En attendant, AToM est déjà accessible à l’interne pour les employés, bénévoles et chercheurs.

Des tests ont révélé certains défis à venir, notamment pour rendre la plateforme plus conviviale pour le grand public, qui pourrait être dérouté par le langage spécialisé des archivistes. Le CARP devra aussi réfléchir avec soin aux enjeux juridiques et éthiques liés à la mise en ligne de documents sensibles, comme des photos ou des vidéos.

Pour poursuivre ce virage numérique de façon responsable, le CARP souhaite s’entourer d’expertise en archivistique et en diffusion d’archives, afin d’assurer une représentation juste, respectueuse et accessible du patrimoine régional.

Quantum Machine learning for medical imaging – radiology, ophthalmology and diabetes prediction

This project explores how quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) can work together to improve how we detect diseases using medical images. Medical imaging, like X-rays, clinical photos, and eye scans, are essential for diagnosing many health conditions. However, analyzing these images quickly and accurately remains a challenge, especially as the amount of data continues to grow.

By combining the power of AI with the emerging capabilities of quantum computing, this research aims to develop Quantum Machine Learning algorithms in order to create smarter, faster, and more reliable tools for identifying diseases. The project focuses on three key areas: detecting lung conditions from chest X-rays, identifying diabetic foot ulcers from clinical images, and spotting retinal diseases from eye scans.

Ultimately, this project supports the development of next-generation healthcare tools that could lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatment decisions, and improved patient outcomes. It also helps build Canada’s leadership in digital health and quantum innovation by training future experts in these fast-growing fields.

Machine Learning-Based Air Gap Prediction for Safe Vessel Passage Under Bridge

The Halifax MacKay Bridge is a critical passage for maritime traffic, requiring accurate air gap predictions to ensure safe vessel clearance. This project will develop a machine learning-based forecasting model that estimates air gap values at 30-minute, 90-minute, and 72–96-hour intervals. Using data from the Port of Halifax, including tide levels, weather conditions, and traffic loads, the project will create an AI model to assist port authorities in decision-making.

DeepSense will provide cloud infrastructure for model training, while OMC International and the Halifax Port Authority will facilitate an operational environment for deployment. The project’s conservative forecasting approach will prioritize safety by ensuring the predicted air gap is never overestimated. This research will enhance maritime safety, benefiting Canada’s shipping industry and the broader transportation sector.

Supporting Savouring and Positive Affect at Work with Personalized AI-Generated Images for Improving Mental Well-being

Workplace wellness programs often fail to improve mental health due to minimal uptake and engagement. Digital tools for mental health support are becoming increasingly popular; however, work programs are typically delivered through in-person formats and focus on more severe forms of support (e.g., offering leaves of absence) which often results in low engagement from the broader worker demographic. This project examines how wellness strategies can be more effectively supported digitally and provide everyday forms of support. It particularly focuses on savouring positive experiences. While photos are a popular method for fostering savouring in everyday life, people do not typically have photos of work contexts. The intern will explore how generative AI can create meaningful and memorable images of work life. They will investigate whether integrating these into everyday work technologies such as calendars can boost positive emotions and motivate the uptake of wellness strategies personalized to daily life. Partner organizations, Calm and Pathverse, are expected to benefit from the research findings by gaining deeper insights into the development of their own health-related apps. The results may also allow for new intervention strategies and feature possibilities that could be integrated into their apps to be accessed by a broader audience.

Realtime AI Scenario Platform

In recent years, the advancement of Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized technology and the way we use and interact with things online. The technology promises to transform how we interact with services, communicate with people, and find data most useful to us. The project focuses on software development to further develop an existing software involved in servicing the communication and education AI space – specifically, interview preparation and presentation preparation. The expected benefit to the partner organization is enhancement & refinement of existing features on the software platform and development of new features which contribute to future growth.

Implementation of CRM Workflow Process Improvement & Expansion

Now that DEAN Financial has implemented a new CRM system, we need to fully utilize its tools to mine data and make better use of our existing client and prospect base. This project proposes that the co-op student assist in data mining our CRM, which currently holds approximately 1,200 clients and over 1,900 prospects. The student will start by learning about the business, financial products, and how to use our systems, including the CRM. As they get comfortable, they’ll take on more advanced tasks, helping with back-office procedures and gaining a better understanding of both admin and advisor roles. A key part of their work will involve researching and gathering missing client and prospect information, organizing it in Excel, and preparing it for upload into the CRM. Working with the Bluroot Support team, the student will help update client data and identify trends or gaps that could reveal new business opportunities. With cleaner, more complete data, the student will assist in targeting specific client segments with tailored marketing campaigns. They’ll help research insurance and investment products and create clear, effective email and text templates to promote these offerings. The goal is to streamline the process from client interest to completed sales, improving both outreach and operational efficiency.

Electrohydrodynamics of Active Chiral Nematics

Our proposal investigates the electrohydrodynamics of active chiral nematics—complex fluids that combine internal activity, chirality, and orientational order. These materials exhibit rich flow behaviors and defect dynamics when subjected to electric fields, making them promising for future applications in soft robotics, microfluidics, and responsive materials. Through computational modeling and theoretical analysis, we aim to uncover how electric fields influence flow instabilities and defect evolution, advancing our understanding of active matter and enabling new control strategies for smart soft systems.

Design and Implementation of the Intelligent Condition Monitoring System for Natural Gas Infrastructure

Gas pipelines play a critical role in delivering natural gas safely to homes and businesses, but failures can lead to serious risks, including gas leaks and service disruptions. This research project aims to develop an advanced AI-powered system for monitoring the condition of gas pipelines. By using machine learning techniques, the system will analyze data from multiple sensors to detect potential faults early, reducing maintenance costs and improving safety. The project, in collaboration with FortisBC, will first test the system on gas pipelines in Vancouver Island before expanding to a broader network. The expected outcome is a reliable, intelligent monitoring solution that enhances pipeline safety, reduces risks, and improves operational efficiency. This innovation will help FortisBC prevent costly failures, ensuring a safer and more resilient gas distribution system.

Immunometabolic basis of interleukin-10 resistance in individuals with obesity

This international research project brings together scientists and students from Canada and Brazil to study how the immune system becomes disrupted in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes—two major chronic diseases. These conditions are linked to ongoing inflammation in the body, which can lead to serious health problems. A hormone-like molecule called interleukin-10 (IL-10) normally helps reduce inflammation, but in people with these diseases, it doesn’t work properly. Researchers believe this may be due to problems with mitochondria—the parts of cells that produce energy and help immune cells function. Two graduate students from Brazil will join researchers at UBC Okanagan to investigate this issue. One will study how IL-10 affects energy production in immune cells, while the other will test whether natural compounds from foods like broccoli and berries can help restore IL-10’s function. The project uses real human samples and advanced lab tools to explore these questions. This collaboration will benefit all institutions involved by sharing knowledge, training students in cutting-edge techniques, and strengthening research partnerships. The findings could lead to new, food-based treatments to reduce inflammation and improve health in people with chronic diseases, while also supporting innovation in Canada’s health and biotech sectors.