Understanding the mediators of employee wellness in an activity-based workspace

Adoption of an activity-based workspace is rapidly increasing. Employees in activity-based workspaces do not have a set workstation. Instead, employees can choose from a variety of workstations (e.g. desks, lounge space, quiet offices) according to their needs. Despite increasing adoption, we know little about the impact of activity-based workplaces on employee wellness, satisfaction, and productivity. […]

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Investigation on processes for removal of chloramines from saturated sodium chloride brine solution

ERCO Worldwide, A division of Superior Plus LP, Saskatoon facility (“ERCO Worldwide-Saskatoon”) is a manufacturer of caustic soda, chlorine, hydrochloric acid and sodium chlorate. This facility has four fully developed underground brine wells. The brine solution as produced from the brine wells contains 26% sodium chloride in it. This saturated brine is purified and supplied […]

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Assessing Volatile Organic Compounds as a Measure of Crop Health

Plants produce a blend of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) quickly in response to various growing conditions and plant stressors. These compounds are released well before there are any obvious signs of stress, such as wilting or loss of chlorophyll. Blueberry and other crops with thicker leaves, are slow to show obvious signs of stress and […]

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Natural Language Interface for Ad Hoc Queries in Analytics

The main aim of this project is to design a database that provides a simplified way for individuals without the technical background to query information from the database. Such a database will operate on natural language, where the user asks the database a question about information retrieval and it presents the user with suitable answers. […]

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Extension of AWSOM to Strut-Braced Wings

Bombardier is interested in investigation a novel aircraft configuration known as the strut-braced wing configuration, which is has the potential for improved fuel efficiency relative to current tube and wing aircraft. However, Bombardier’s preliminary multipdisciplinary design optimization tools need to be extended in order to be applicable to this configuration. The intern will extend the […]

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Mining Technologies: Optimal Mine Design and Strategies for Increased Productivity and Energy Savings

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interactions and effects of automated and electric mining equipment on mine processes, identify necessary modifications to optimize mine design and account for the cost and environmental drivers in the comparison. Ultimately determining the justification for an economic decision to operate automated and electric-powered machinery on mine […]

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Predation on Chinook Salmon Smolts by Great Blue Herons

Predation on smolts as they out-migrate down natal rivers may significantly contribute to the decline and lack of recovery of Chinook salmon in British Columbia. A prior study of mortality of Chinook smolts released by the Cowichan Hatchery suggests only a small portion of the fish reached the ocean due to predation by raccoons, river […]

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Transitioning from Print to Interactive Digital Publishing

PUBLIC is an innovative print periodical with a 25 year history exploring the intersection between art, design, technology and contemporary culture. This Mitacs fellowship will develop the journal’s open access interactive web platform, PUBLIC:PORTAL, using information visualization and design to showcase the journal’s cutting-edge collaborative and cross-disciplinary work. This project designs and tests graphical user […]

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Development and trial of evaluative frameworks for inclusive employment programs

The Canadian Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (2012) found that 795,000 persons with disabilities in Canada are unemployed, even though their disabilities do not prevent them from working, and almost half have some form of post-secondary education. The exclusion of this section of the Canadian workforce is not only a key […]

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BC Pulp and Paper Bioproducts Alliance: Upgrading black liquor lignin through fractionation and chemical modification

Lignin represents the largest reservoir of natural aromatic compounds available on earth. It is a potential substitute for a range of chemicals currently derived from petroleum, but product development and identification of market opportunities remain challenging. The objective of the research is to utilize industrial softwood kraft lignins from the black liquor of British Columbia […]

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Investigation of the strength of bonded joints for lightweight vehicle assembly

In this research project, strength and behaviour of bonded joints is investigated under various loading and geometrical conditions. The interns will prepare specimen in accordance with industry guidelines, test the specimen and record data. Interns will study and investigate the joint behavior under several different scenarios, will model material behavior from the test data. This […]

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