Brett McGonigal – Studying Advanced Manufacturing Strategies for Autoinjectors

The intern will participate in an interdisciplinary project on advanced manufacturing strategies for autoinjectors, which have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and reliability in administering medications. While the Epipen is a well-known example, other medications, such as Noxalone, use this delivery system.

The scale and extent of autoinjector manufacturing in Canada are unclear, and further research is required to determine the current status. One significant obstacle with the current manufacturing process is the high cost associated with producing autoinjectors, primarily attributed to material, assembly, quality control, and regulatory compliance costs. Identifying the specific parts of the manufacturing process contributing to the high cost is crucial in finding ways to overcome them.

The intern will collaborate closely with the Cansbridge Fellowship, the partner organization, and their academic supervisor, Dr. Alan Ableson, to investigate the latest technological advancements in advanced manufacturing in Canada to optimize cost efficiency. For example, the project will explore whether automation can streamline the assembly process or whether 3D printing can reduce production costs by removing the need for expensive molds.

The intern will benefit from the Cansbridge Fellowship’s extensive alumni network, which includes leaders from top innovation-driven organizations like Google, Tesla, and numerous startups.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alan Ableson

Student:

Partner:

Cansbridge Fellowship

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education; Other services (except public administration)

University:

Queen's University

Program: