Furfural production process optimization and co-product development

The proposed project aims to address a critical need for DMT, specifically focusing on the valorization of side streams from furfural production. DMT is currently commissioning a furfural pilot plant and will begin commercial sales soon. However, for the pilot plant to be successful the facility needs to utilize more of the lignocellulosic biomass (miscanthus). […]

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Computational and Experimental Study of Molecular Transformation Routes in BHT-Quinone, Para-Benzoquinone, PAN, and PAN2

This project focuses on the combined quantum computational and experimental investigation of molecular transformation routes in antioxidant systems, specifically BHT-quinone, para-benzoquinone, PAN, and PAN2. These compounds are critical intermediates in the degradation of antioxidants commonly used in lubricants, polymers, and other organic systems exposed to oxidative stress. The study integrates quantum-chemical modeling, including density functional […]

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Automation, Data Processing, and Validation of Spectral Measurements in Molecular Degradation Research

This project develops automated pipelines for processing Raman and UV-Vis spectral data collected during studies of molecular degradation. The focus is on improving reproducibility, accuracy, and efficiency in monitoring antioxidants such as BHT and PAN derivatives. The workflows will perform spectral baseline correction, peak fitting, smoothing, and feature extraction, enabling rapid interpretation of large experimental […]

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Attitude Determination using Dual-Purpose SSA Payload

Wide Field of View (WFOV) cameras can be deployed in the space environment to allow for opportunistic observation of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) for Space Situational Awareness (SSA). This project aims to deploy a WFOV camera in a cubesat, which will increase the observation window compared to the previous near-space and stratospheric missions.

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Microwave-Assisted Degradation of Organic Contaminants and Regeneration of Granular Activated Carbon in Water Treatment

This project explores microwave-assisted thermal treatment as a sustainable method to both degrade organic contaminants and regenerate granular activated carbon (GAC) used in water treatment. The goal is to determine whether high-power microwaves can desorb and break down pollutants from spent GAC while preserving its structure and extending its adsorptive life. A range of micropollutants […]

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Bridging the Gap Between High and Low Pressure Pyrolysis of Fluorinated Pollutants

Considerable scientific research is oriented towards providing answers to the disturbing effects of the impacts of global change. There is a growing need to introduce new methodologies to explore the often very complex and interconnected chemistry of the atmosphere. This research program aims to advance our current mass spectrometry-based studies on halogenated atmospheric pollutants with […]

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Real-Time Monitoring of Antioxidant Degradation in Lubricants

This project aims to improve how we monitor the condition of lubricating oils used in engines, turbines, and other critical industrial systems. These oils rely on antioxidants to prevent chemical breakdown. When the antioxidants degrade, it can cause equipment damage, costly downtime, and environmental harm. To address this challenge, researchers at Carleton University, in collaboration […]

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Multi-Modal Data Fusion for Satellite Based Analysis Ready Surface Reflectance

Optical satellite imagery used for monitoring the Earth’s dynamic surface is frequently limited by persistent cloud cover. This creates significant data gaps and inconsistencies in daily surface reflectance products. This project aims to advance how we combine optical data with different data modalities that can see through clouds, like active radar and passive microwave data. […]

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Designing cross-species-reactive compact promoters for targeting specific cell types in the body

The interns will first conduct market research to determine the demands of the current life sciences industry, including pharmaceutical companies, gene therapy development companies, and companies that offer transgenic animal models. With this data, the interns will work together using a proprietary machine-learning algorithm from Re:Pair Genomics to design a catalog of 5-10 different compact, […]

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Emergency Department (ED) Wait Times at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) – ED Challenge – PhD Intern

Despite numerous system interventions, emergency department (ED) wait times at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) remain a critical challenge. As part of an Innovation Partnership Procurement by Co-Design initiative led jointly with the University of Waterloo under the CareNext Coalition, WRHN is now engaging vendors and internal stakeholders to co-develop novel interventions that improve patient […]

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Developing dry-film antimicrobial coatings from cellulose nanocrystals

This project aims to integrate cellulose nanocrystals into commercial dry-film antimicrobial coating formulations as a replacement for talc. Ideally, the incorporation of CNCs will lead to concurrent improvements in dry-film durability and long-term antimicrobial efficacy without negatively impacting film appearance or functional performance. As necessary, CNC surface modifications will be explored to improve compatibility with […]

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