Our project is part of a “Return to Work” program that allows public and private spheres to begin re-opening without increasing the threat of COVID-19. This project is focused on developing a highly intelligent surveillance solution that (1) detects and counts occupancy of an area to ensure occupancy restrictions are being followed; (2) tracks social […]

The Mitacs Intern will support the Direct[Message] project to develop and undertake online arts workshops for older adults to reduce social isolation resulting from COVID-19 and develop an understanding of the needs and wants of older adults who experience barriers to participation in the arts. The Intern will interview participants to gain knowledge about their […]

This proposal aims to develop essential technologies for rapid and accurate SARS-CoV-2 antibody test in serum and droplet blood using microflow cytometry immunoassay (MCIA) for on-site testing. The test will assess levels of immunoglobin G (IgG) and immunoglobin M (IgM) antibodies produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Unfortunately, none of the antibody testing tools currently […]

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing became the most effective approach to guarantee safety. In manufacturing operations this has been achieved through a work from home policy for non-essential personnel and staggered shift operations for essential personnel. However, it is near impossible to track essential personnel compliance to social distancing as well as optimize production […]

Electric buses have achieved first demonstration deployments in Canada. As bus fleet operators ramp up their implementation over the next 5-10 years, with many planning to fully convert their fleets to electric, charging capacity will become a challenge. This project will build up tools to examine the efficacy of energy storage located on the power […]

A study of Covid-19 patients revealed that about five percent of patients with the worst effects of the infection require a ventilator to push air into the lungs, take over the body’s breathing process, and offer the best chance of survival. To have a precise control, this research program aims to develop a Power electronics […]

Despite the stigma attached to single-room occupancy (SRO) housing, it can provide good quality, low-cost housing. However, the high cost of upgrading to meet zoning and other regulations, and the low rents that tenants can afford, make it difficult to manage and maintain. As a result, SRO housing is always at risk of gentrification and […]

The general aim of this proposal is to discover new natural products with antiviral activity against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Our lab has a collection of ~ 7,000 unique bacteria and fungi derived from marine sources that we will use to screen for the production of antiviral […]

This proposed research project will undertake a review of Indigenous, federal, provincial and local government policy in order to identify areas of alignment with Salmon-Safe BC’s Urban Standards and overall program goals. The Salmon-Safe Standards are designed to help mitigate the impacts of urban development to watersheds through the application of five core standards and […]

Rhododendron dauricum produces medicinal compounds that are similar to cannabinoids (e.g. CBD). Cannabis plants are exposed to stress to increase their production of cannabinoids. The effect of stress on the production of medicinal compounds in R. dauricum is unknown. R. dauricum has a symbiotic relationship with a fungus, Albatrel/us ovinus, that produces similar medicinal compounds. […]

Electric vehicles (EVs) industry is a promising solution to address the oil crisis and environmental pollution. There are some challenges that limited the widespread adoption of EVs such as limited driving range, long charging time, and safety consideration. To tackle these challenges, the battery management system (BMS) in electric vehicles requires substantial improvement. For instance, […]

This project will investigate possible alternative blood donation screening criteria that could lead to sexual and gender minorities who are sexually active being allowed to donate blood without a mandatory waiting period since their last sexual encounter. Currently in Canada, any cisgender man who has sex with another man must wait three months since that […]