build molecular structures that exhibit specific properties such as rigidity, electric conductivity, or porosity. Building these structures without bricks and mortar is no easy task. Instead, we use synthetic chemistry to create new building blocks and take advantage of favorable interactions between these molecules to produce new assemblies. Porphyrins are naturally occurring molecules necessary for […]

As the new “bread basket” of the world, Southern Amazonia has seen its agriculture expand rapidly in the previous decade. Soybean production benefits from seasonal precipitation prior to being exported to Europe and China, mainly for feed in the animal supply chain. Such a trade has been illustrated as a “virtual” water trade due to […]

The Energy Futures Lab (EFL)9 is a multi-year, multi-stakeholder dialogue and public engagement process designed to answer the question “How can Alberta’s leadership position in today’s energy system serve as a platform for the transition to the energy system that the future requires of us?” The aim of this research project is to investigate the […]

Most silver ore is present in form of silver sulphide in nature. Traditional method of silver leaching treats the ore using cyanide, similar to gold leaching. Cyanide leaching has raised more public concerns in the society, due to its potential hazard toward human as well as environment. Regions start to regulate or ban the usage […]

We propose to investigate the evolution of sustainable development in the mineral extraction industry over the past 12 years. In 2003 the first Sustainable Developing in the Minerals Industry (SDIMI) conference was held where attending engineers, government officials, researchers, technical experts and non-governmental organizations, adopted the “Milos Declaration” which stated they as a community would […]

In order to enhance the capabilities of fuel cell test stations, a new tool for fuel cell diagnostics based on nonlinear frequency response analysis (NFRA) will be developed. NFRA applies a perturbation of the operating current and measures the voltage response of the cell. By varying the frequency of the perturbation, processes with different dynamics […]

Including an abundant supply of natural gas, British Columbia will become a leading contender for liquefied natural gas (LNG) growth and export, which can support economic activity in the province for over 150 years. Simulation of LNG plants is critical since the investigation and review of critical plant design elements will significantly improve plant performance […]

Reduction of energy consumption in every aspect of our daily life is considered to be the primary key to address the causes of global warming and resulting climate change. Buildings consume up to 40% of our total national energy requirement and thus increased energy efficiency of the built environment would certainly help mitigating the causes […]

For the continuation of the MITACS internship, the intern will be analyzing the effect of variable liner dimension on separate green roof systems. The data collected from several design storms, in addition to, natural precipitation will be used to determine which system best reduces peak flows from green roofs. The intern will also be involved […]

Acute skin erythema is a common side effect with patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment. It displays itself as an increase in skin redness and irritation. Erythema has been reported to correlate to individual patient response to radiation and therefore may be useful to guide and modify courses of treatment in a timely manner. Currently, upon visual […]

Thin-films of carbon are finding use in a wide variety of military, industrial, and commercial applications. Arnell Workshop Inc., a West Kelowna, British Columbia-based cosmetic jewellery manufacturer, is using thin-films of carbon in order to coat titanium rings. As of the present moment, they are using an American firm in order to perform these depositions. […]

This research project will explore what barriers — economics, policy, or otherwise — exist to restoring unhealthy Douglas-fir forests in central British Columbia. These forests have reached a state where it is currently not feasible for timber companies to make any profit from harvesting timber in those stands, which only serves to worsen the problem. […]