Lignin, a substance in the cell walls of plants, is produced as a waste when wood is processed into pulps, papers, and similar products. In addition, this organic polymer exists in massive waste wood chips generated by various forestry and wood processing industry sectors. To advance the circular economy and diversify forestry products, there has […]

Detection of natural gas diversion in residential pipelines is important for public safety. To maintain utilities companies’ reputation and customer satisfaction, such diversion must be detected in a nonintrusive manner, without digging or using endoscope cameras. Thus, it is important to develop techniques for residential gas pipeline diagnosis using an external small device that can […]

FortisBC Energy Inc. is exploring novel technologies and methods for mercaptan monitoring to detect natural gas leakage in industrial, field, and household settings. Since commercial mercaptan detectors are bulky and expensive, there is a need for low-cost and miniaturized mercaptan detectors. The proposed project will lead to the development of a handheld mercaptan detector which […]

The participants listed below confirm that the information presented accurately reflects their intention to apply to the Mitacs Accelerate program. The participants have also agreed to set in place an internship based upon the attached proposal. The participants acknowledge that they have read, understood and agreed to abide by and uphold the Project Responsibilities applicable […]

Neuromuscular impairments resulting from conditions such as spinal cord injuries, strokes, and multiple sclerosis can greatly affect the quality of life of those affected, preventing them from carrying out typical activities of daily living. A number of active assistive devices have been proposed to provide upper limb assistance for such neuromuscular conditions. These devices primarily […]

Bridge infrastructure constitutes a substantial portion of national wealth of Canada, whose performance during earthquake events has a significant impact on the public safety. This study focuses on investigating the force-based and performance-based seismic design of bridges specified in the latest versions of Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code 2014/2019. Numerical studies will be conducted, and […]

This project will advance development of technologies capable of detecting rapidly and reliable a range of gases harmful to humans. Student interns working in university labs and with our partner will develop new gas sensors using new materials that resonate in observable ways when they come into contact with harmful gases. These sensors will be […]

This project involves adapting and delivering a health literacy program for immigrants living in rural British Columbia. The goal of this program is to build confidence and knowledge about health care. Participants learn about the health care system and how to access health services in their community. After attending, participants will report feeling confident in […]

Current dangle-head processor measuring systems used in logging operations are prone to a number of problems including component wear and inaccuracies due to inconsistencies in bark thickness, density, and texture. This project aims to mitigate the majority of these issues by implementing a contactless measuring system that utilizes computer vision. With no moving parts, components […]

Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation (SMTC) is a renowned Canadian company for its quality mass timber products and ability to fabricate complex design. The company developed a new type of composite glulam as a structural element. Extensive experimental investigation in collaboration with Dr. Alam and Mr. Peng at UBCO revealed the future potential of this composite […]

Informed thin-film device design, wherein layers of thin-films are deposited onto an underlying substrate, requires an understanding of the spectral dependence of the optical functions associated with the thin-film layers which constitute such a device. In this project, we aim to further understand the form of the optical functions for the various types of thin-film […]

Preforming regular visual inspections is essential in up keeping structures. These inspections are used to identify defects at an early stage before they pose a major threat. Unfortunately, these inspections require scaffolding or hiring a boom to access certain areas. Other areas are tight and put the worker at risk. The use of visual inspection […]