The present dependence of human society on fossil fuels indicates the inevitable increase of energy de-mands and emissions of greenhouse gases, most notably carbon dioxide (CO2). These problems need to be resolved with sustainable energy solutions, including the idea of capturing CO2 to synthesize renewa-ble or sustainable hydrocarbon, and carbonaceous fuels. Our proposed research project […]

This research will explore factors contributing to the adoption rate of big data sports analytics in Brazils’ soccer industry. The participating student will conduct interviews with major Brazilian soccer clubs and sport statistic companies to assess the root problems, perform secondary research to support analysis, and explore potential alternatives to enable Brazilian soccer clubs to […]

Using the case of Chengdu, this research is about neighbourhood redevelopment and residential relocation in post-reform cities of China. In this project, the key process is defined as state-facilitated, new-build gentrification. The thesis attempts to understand why politicaleconomic actors initiate gentrification in the inner city, how consensus building is achieved, conflicts are mediated, and what […]

Degenerative brains diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), are getting more common as the population ages. Ways to assess brain diseases, so that disease progression can be predicted and effects of treatment can be measured, are important. Brain imaging technologies are widely available, but extracting the important information from brain images is still a challenge. […]

Blood is composed primarily of cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc.) and plasma (the fluid in which the cells are suspended). Health care providers commonly require the components of blood to be separated before performing tests; currently, this requires blood samples be taken to a medical laboratory for processing. Recent advances in […]

With the benefit of three months supervision from Dr Argha Banerjee at the Indian Institute for Science Education and Research, my research on glacier dynamics and hydrology in High Mountain Asia (HMA) will make an important contribution to understanding the likely impacts of climate change, understanding that will improve people’s resilience. HMA is the most […]

The student will travel to the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis, Brazil, for 12 weeks to develop the chemical synthesis of new organo-tellurium compounds whose molecules will be used as building blocks for large self-assembled structures with functional properties. This project will combine the expertise of I. Vargas-Baca (McMaster) and A L. Braga, […]

There are a number of factors that can impact ones level of physical activity. Interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental factors are all important when looking at how active or sedentary an individual can be. For schoolchildren, it is important to promote active behaviors that will lead to a healthy lifestyle. By creating a tool to identify […]

Currently in North America, biodiesel is mainly produced from vegetable oils such as soybean and canola using a homogenous catalyst, KOH or NaOH. Two associated challenges are: 1) using edible oils as feedstock may impact food and feed supply adversely; 2) a great amount of water is needed to wash off the homogeneous catalysts dissolved […]

Commonly used hot air drying results in non-uniform shrinkage due to significant thermal gradients, especially at the last stage of drying. In this project we will study two-stage drying of apple slices with hot air at beginning and microwave at the end to minimize effect of non-uniform heat transfer. The goal of the project is […]

3D indoor scenes are ubiquitously needed in the virtual world, e.g. 3D games, movies and virtual reality. These scenes provide the essential virtual environments for 3D characters to perform daily activities and tasks. Current scenes on public available datasets, e.g. Trimble 3D warehouse, are usually clean and well organized, and might not be sufficient to […]

Fresh water is becoming an increasingly precious resource, and correct management plans are vital to the continued survival of groundwater aquifers and rivers for human use. 2013/2014 was the driest year in São Paulo State, and this drought is still affecting agricultural land use. In parallel with the decreasing water supply, we have an increasing […]