Brain-inspired computers are a developing technology that use biological foundations to inform computational processes. The study of complex brain circuitry is crucial for creating such technologies. However, progress is limited as neural circuits are difficult to study in vivo. Under the directorship of Joyce Poon, the Nanophotonics, Integration and Neural Technology department of the Max […]

My lab’s research projects involve developing integrated silicon photonic devices for both brain-computer interfaces and artificial intelligence computing hardware. My focus will be developing photonic computing hardware that is neuromorphic, meaning it emulates the way our brains work. My main objectives will involve developing and characterizing integrated photonic chip designs that involve functional and trainable […]

This project is a collaborative relationship between the Combustion Research Laboratory (CRL) at the University of Toronto and Birla Carbon. Birla Carbon is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of high quality carbon black additives globally. Carbon black has usage potential across an array of diverse application segments including rubber products, black pigment, UV […]

A first principles approach to molecular dynamics is crucial to understanding photo-chemical reactions. These reactions take place involving multiple electronic states, in other words, they undergo non-adiabatic dynamics. The problem is analogous to the many body problem where significant entanglement between the motion of electrons and nuclei is present. In this project we will develop […]

Epilepsy-related sudden death occurs following uncontrolled recurrent seizure which are usually non-responsive to antiepileptic drugs. These patients found dead in bed usually following heart and respiratory arrest. It is not known whether seizure-affected brain regions regulating cardiorespiratory function play a role in this complication and if so, what is the mechanism underneath in order to […]

Battery technology is vital for storing renewable energy, which is inherently intermittent. In order to match these intermittent energy sources (such as the wind and sun) to real world patterns of use, we need reliable and durable energy storage technologies. Increasing the energy density and range of operating temperatures are much needed advancements for next […]

While most people get drinking water through underground water pipes, in some areas these pipes only provide water for a few hours each week. Globally, more than one billion people are served by these “Intermittent Water Supply Systems (IWS)”. In severely degraded systems, keeping pipes empty most of the time can reduce leakage and conserve […]

In this project, we attempt to investigate the feasibility of using behavioral synthesis technology for large scale multimedia chip design project. The project will be completed in Metabacus Inc, an Ontario startup company that develops and markets behavioral synthesis technology, which automatically converts software into chip designs. Although promising, one obstacle for the wide deployment […]

This project proposes a survey directed at transit agencies in Canada that have operated, operating, or planning to operate flexible transit, with special emphasis placed on app-based on-demand transit services. Personal interviews will be conducted with key personnel at the transit agencies, likely using phone communication. The results of the survey along with a more […]

A very important phase in aircraft design is the aerodynamic design of the wing and various other components: wing-body fairing, tailplane, etc. With today’s computer power and progress in algorithm development, the design is made through complex mathematical models which are amenable to automatic optimization. An industrial adjoint-based three-dimensional viscous optimization framework, developed at Bombardier […]

While efficacious treatments are available for HIV, they require lifelong adherence and can have harmful effects over time. Therefore, developing novel treatments and a preventative vaccine remain critical. While most vaccine attempts to date have been largely unsuccessful, identifying new targets on the virus, may provide novel avenues for HIV vaccines and therapies. Integrin alpha […]

The objective of this project is to optimize traffic in open pit and underground mines, in order to safely maximize production and minimize costs. The intent is that this will be done by causing vehicles to move at their maximum safe speed while at the same time choreographing mine traffic to give loaded vehicles the […]