This initiative aims to directly apply cutting-edge health research to improve care in long-term and assisted living facilities, bridging the gap between academic insights and practical healthcare delivery. Through a focused two-year project, facilitated by a Mitacs Business Strategy internship, we will embed a specialist intern to translate research findings into actionable improvements within these […]

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are harmful chemicals that threaten marine life and ecosystems worldwide, including majestic creatures like killer whales (Orcinus orca). Despite efforts like the Stockholm Convention treaty to control these pollutants, they persist in the environment and continue to harm wildlife. Killer whales, as top predators, face particular risks due to their position […]

Although zooplankton monitoring is crucial for informed conservation, data on nearshore zooplankton ecology, despite its importance for forage fish, is lacking. This study will use ZooScan image analysis to process samples collected by the Pacific Salmon Foundation Citizen Science Oceanography program in Malaspina Strait (2015 – ongoing) and assess the seasonal dynamics of the nearshore […]

The Saanich Peninsula Environmental Coalition (SPEC) and the ACT – Action on Climate Team, SFU are working together to implement a bioregional approach to conservation and sustainability on the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, BC. SPEC developed a Bioregional Framework in 2021 which outlined a holistic approach to environmental health and management and advocated for […]

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating, chronic respiratory disease that affects 600 million people worldwide and is responsible for 3 million deaths worldwide each year. Given the recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the availability of large datasets from both the public and private sectors, our project applies AI to analyze […]

Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs) are adults who have been shaped by their mobility and cross-cultural experiences as a result of spending a significant part of their developmental years in a country other than their passport country. Although these experiences have provided ATCKs with valuable characteristics and skillsets, ATCKs struggle with identity creation and a […]

Providing three-dimensional (3D) coordinates and more importantly drone navigation in GPS-denied environments has been always challenging. Limiting factors such as signal reflection from walls (multipath), lack of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals in confined spaces and non-line of sight (NLoS) communication with orbiting satellites, build a barrier to navigate indoor drones. In this work, we […]

Using simplified language understandable to a layperson, provide a general, one-paragraph description of the proposed research project to be undertaken by the intern(s) as well as the expected benefit to the partner organization. (100-150 words) In more than 75% of all Sudden Cardiac Arrests, no one is there to witness the event and call 9-1-1, […]

This research project aims to address the existing knowledge gap regarding the effectiveness of drone-based reforestation compared to natural forest regeneration in post-wildfire areas. This study seeks to provide valuable insights into its benefits, limitations, and potential for large-scale reforestation efforts. The research outcomes will contribute to the scientific understanding of drone-based reforestation, guide reforestation […]

Recent findings expose the concerning sensitivity of hydrologic and geomorphic function to clearcut logging. Water quality, fish habitat, downstream infrastructure, and human lives are all suffering due to clearcut practices and climate change. This study will explore for the first time the differences between the effect of clearcut logging and more ecosystem friendly logging practices […]

Suspended sediments influence water quality, ecosystem functioning, and navigation in rivers and coastal environments. In the Eastern Amazon, estuarine systems such as the Guamá River and Guajará Bay experience intense variability in suspended sediment concentrations due to the combined effects of river discharge and tidal dynamics. These processes produce changes in water turbidity and optical […]

This project develops an AI-powered clinical scribe designed specifically for mental-health therapists. Many therapists spend excessive time on documentation, often losing 5–10 hours per week to paperwork. Existing medical transcription tools are not built for psychotherapy and fail to meet privacy or workflow needs. Our project will create and test a privacy-first, therapist-friendly prototype that […]