Individuals with speech problems face difficulties such as anxiety, poor socialization and poor literacy. Key to effective intervention and therapy is a better understanding of the brain activity associated with speech. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a new brain-imaging technology that, for the first time, allows researchers to monitor the fast-changing brain activity involved with speech. The […]

The goal of this project is to develop a prototype microfluidic device to rapidly determine whether a target protein is present in a sample. Applications of this device include genomic and proteomic research, pharmaceutical testing, and quality control for various industries, including food preparation. The prototype will make use of electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) actuation, […]

In recent years 3D sketching has received considerable attention and a number of powerful tools (such as ILoveSketch) have been developed which can interpret strokes of a design artist as three-dimensional curves. Using these tools, the artist can create, in roughly the same time it takes him/her to draw a single 2D sketch, a loose […]

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), which combine electronics with miniature-size mechanical devices, are essential components of the modern technology. In order to provide accurate, controlled, and stable locomotion for such microdevices, researchers have proposed a variety of models, based upon thermal, biological, or electrostatic forces. There are many industries and manufacturers in Ontario […]

Free Surface Electrospinning (FSE) is a novel process capable of producing non-woven webs of continuous nanofibres with controlled morphology and size from polymer solutions with the application of high electric fields. This novel scheme which was based on a rotating cylinder-solution feeding system is capable of producing nanofibres at a reasonable rate with compared to […]

We have developed a technology platform that allows us to obtain quantitative information regarding biomarkers much faster than currently possible, without the need to use expensive antibodies for detection. Our platform allows for simultaneous detection of many biomarkers at once. This reduces the time and the cost associated with biodiagnosis, and will directly contribute to […]

Quantitative steroid hormone measurements are a mainstay in the field of clinical endocrinology, due to their effects in myriad processes from maturation to hormone-sensitive cancers. Conventional steroid hormone testing protocols require a venopunture blood draw (~5 mL) followed by a time consuming immunoassay (~2 hr) each time a single  hormone is tested. In response to […]

As data transmission rates increase, transmission quality over existing channels degrades. Advanced signal processing techniques to compensate for the mechanisms which degrade transmission quality are known. Simulations studies conducted at the data rates proposed for next generation data communication products show that pre-cursor inter-symbol interference (ISI) is becoming a significant contributor to degradation in transmission […]

Location information is an important enabler for context-aware services and communication system improvement. Localization can be performed by comparing the power readings of all surrounding wireless transmitters to a database of these readings at all possible locations, known as the radio map. For this localization process to work, the system requires accurate radio maps. Our […]

My goal is to develop new approaches in speech technologies for physically or cognitively disadvantaged users. This includes applying the specialized automatic speech recognition (ASR) algorithms developed during my doctoral research into real-world tools for speakers with speech disorders. For example, I will develop software-assisted human-human interaction in which speech that is unintelligible because of […]

This research proposes to investigate spalting (natural wood pigmentation by fungi) as a method for creating value-added wood products.  Specifically, this research will focus on the development of creating naturally colored wood for commercial applications, as well as increasing the value of blue stained pine wood inadvertently produced by the mountain pine beetle.  Industry benefits […]

Peptides control a vast range of intra- and intercellular processes. However, linear peptides suffer from instability and poor cell permeability, which limits their application as therapeutic agents. In contrast to linear peptides, cyclic variants are more resistant to both exo- and endoproteases, which explains the therapeutic potential of this class of molecules. Peptide macrocycles have […]