Innovative Projects Realized

Explore thousands of successful projects resulting from collaboration between organizations and post-secondary talent.

13270 Completed Projects

1072
AB
2795
BC
430
MB
106
NF
348
SK
4184
ON
2671
QC
43
PE
209
NB
474
NS

Projects by Category

10%
Computer science
9%
Engineering
1%
Engineering - biomedical
4%
Engineering - chemical / biological

Understanding the Mechanisms of Serotype Replacement in Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Diseases, there are a number of different serotypes that can cause infection. The vaccine is often targeted towards one or some of the serotypes. There is accumulating evidence that when serotype-specific vaccines are used, other non-vaccine serotypes may gain a competitive advantage and spread in larger magnitudes. This has raised the concern of serotype replacement when vaccination is used against a single or several serotypes of a disease. In other words, serotypes that not targeted by the vaccine are able to able to fill the ecological niche left open by the vaccine-targeted serotypes. There have been many studies to illustrate the concept of serotype replacement, but none has so far investigated possible mechanisms of serotype replacement. To this end, we propose a mathematical and computation model to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of serotype replacement

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Seyed Moghadas

Student:

Affan Shoukat

Partner:

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

University:

York University

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Risk factors for poor fertility on free-stall farms with and without the use of automated activity monitors in southern Brazil

Through this project, we aim to determine on-farm factors that may effect the fertility of farms which use automated activity monitors (AAM) within their reproductive management in southern Brazil. AAM are technologies that monitor the physical activity of cows to try to detect when the cow comes into estrus. These technologies are becoming more important to the dairy industry as the use of hormone fertility treatments are becoming viewed as less appealing to consumers. We hypothesize that farms that use AAM will have higher fertility than those relying on observed estrus but similar fertility than those that use timed artificial insemination (TAI). Additionally, we believe that the environment where the cow is housed and its physical health will have effects on fertility, where herds with high lameness and leg injuries will have compromised fertility. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the factors that affect farm fertility will be different for farms whose reproductive management strategies are focused on the use of AAM in contrast to TAI based programs.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Ronaldo Cerri

Student:

Tracy Anne Burnett

Partner:

Discipline:

Food science

Sector:

University:

University of British Columbia

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Cyclodextrin-based ordered polymeric frameworks and investigation of their gas uptake properties and applications

This research will be focused on the development of cross-linked framework materials which contain ?-cyclodextrin (?-CD) and bifunctional cross-linker units at variable composition. Several questions will be addressed: i) the role and relative contribution of multi-functional adsorption sites (inclusion vs. non-inclusion) of the framework material, ii) the role of framework structure and composition on permanent porosity and surface area effects. The structural characterization will utilize a range of characterization methods (e.g., spectroscopic, thermal, and diffraction); whereas, the adsorption and textural properties will be examined using gas uptake with N2 and CO2, water. By comparison, the adsorption properties in the condensed phase will be examined using dye probes and classical uptake experiments which can be monitored via visible spectroscopy. This collaborative work between the University of Saskatchewan and the Beijing Institute of Technology is expected to contribute to a greater understanding of the structure and function properties of such biopolymer-based framework materials, and their use for diverse technological applications.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Lee Wilson

Student:

Michael Kojo Danquah

Partner:

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Cortical Changes Linked to Semantic Integration

In this project, we will use computerized games to teach second language material to adults. We will use neuroimaging and eye-tracking (a measurement of a person’s eye movements, which can provide information about reading and the processing of language). Adult learners will complete a 5-day game-based second language-training program. Their brain activity and eye movements will be monitored while they perform reading and auditory language tasks, before and after training. We are interested in whether the people can successfully learn new language material, how their brain activity changes over the course of learning second language material and if they are able to generalize newly acquired second language knowledge. If the participants are successful, we expect to see changes in their behaviour and brain activity that reflect their ability to process second language content.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Aaron Newman

Student:

Kiera O’Neil

Partner:

Discipline:

Psychology

Sector:

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Globalink Research Award

A New Method of Measuring Soot Compositions in Aerosols

Particulate matter emitted from combustion engines is a problem due to negative health effects, effect on climate, and reduction of visibility. Soot is a type of particulate matter that is of particular concern to climate scientists and automobile manufacturers. Previously, it was difficult to measure the amount of material that is not black carbon on soot particles. This project will utilize advances in aerosol science to quickly and accurately measure the percent of material that is not black carbon on soot particles. The experiment will use a burner to produce a soot aerosol then filter particles of a specified size. The amount of black carbon in each soot particle will be measured. The data will then be processed using an inversion algorithm. The methodology and software produced in the project will be shared with Cambustion for future Research and Development efforts.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Jason Olfert

Student:

Kurtis Broda

Partner:

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

University:

University of Alberta

Program:

Accelerate International

Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Lower Gas Permeability for Liner Polyethylene in Fiber Reinforced Pipes (FRPs) – Year two

Permeation of CO2 gas through the inner layer in multi-layer fiber reinforced pipes (FRPs) destructively reduces pipe
durability. FRPs generally consist of three or more layers of polymer and reinforcing fibers. Gas permeation thorough
the polymer layer and its accumulation in reinforcing layer leads to pipe failure during depressurizing cycles. Using clay
nano-platelet can lead to decrease gas permeability in polymer layers. Good dispersion and good adhesion between
clay nano-layers and polymer are key features for optimization of gas permeability. This study will focus on optimizing
polyethylene (PE)/clay composites to reduce gas permeability in PE-liner. Other objectives of this research study are
using polymer blends and cross-linked PE for developing composite pipes with enhanced mechanical properties at
elevated temperatures and high pressures. Polymer modification and optimization of processing condition will be
further investigated in this research study.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Uttandaraman Sundararaj

Student:

Mehdi Mahmoodi

Partner:

Flexpipe Systems

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Oil and gas

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Elevate

UTSC/MHS/RREES Inter-disciplinary Assessment & Rehabilitation Centre for Excellence

The purpose of the funding is to provide initial support towards the establishment of an Inter-disciplinary Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre for Excellence. This center will be initiated between the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), Multi-Health Systems (MHS), Rehabilitation Research, Education and Evaluation Services (RREES), with consultation and data collection support by RTW Integrated Health Management (RIHM). It is anticipated that UTSC would take the lead role in mental health and traumatic and brain injury populations,
whereby the organizations would collaborate with respect to dual/multiple diagnostic/impairment/disability populations and the development of assessment tools. Evidenced based protocols for mixed rehabilitation populations would be developed. By validating the revised Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), which is designed to identify patients who are feigning cognitive impairments from patients who have true cognitive impairments, the most commonly used measure to assess symptom validity would be improved, thus, reducing the effects of coaching within the legal system. Furthermore, further validating the dynamic validity of the Rehabilitation Outcome Measurement System (ROMS), which is a battery of clinical and rehabilitation oriented measures, will improve the assessment of functional outcome in these neuro/psychological examinations. TO BE CONT’D

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Konstantine Zakzanis

Student:

Kyrsten Grimes

Partner:

RTW Integrated Health Management

Discipline:

Psychology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

New methods and applications for monitoring bacteria inwater

We have previously developed and commercialized a bacteria detection technology that is now being marketed for testing E. coli and coliform bacteria in water. The work proposed here will provide tests for additional bacteria types, and new applications of current tests. Each new test will be a combination of new sample handling methods and additional test ingredients, as needed. Our partner is Pathogen Detection Systems, Inc. (PDS), a subsidiary of Veolia Water in Veolia’s Endetec group. PDS markets products under the Endetec/Veolia brand, and through the www.endetec.com website, but remains an Ontario SME. Endetecs goal is to expand its product offerings to drive increased sales into a wider range of markets. The benefits to Canada include revenue to PDS, supporting jobs linked to production and sales, as well as benefits to Queens University since the new products will use licensed IP. There will be additional benefits to Canadians as improved testing for bacteria in a wider range of environmental samples becomes available.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Stephen Brown

Student:

Gillian Mackey

Partner:

Pathogen Detection Systems

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Queen's University

Program:

Accelerate

Optimizing the use of blood flow restriction for pre-conditioning & recovery of human performance

I am exploring the use of restricting blood flow from muscles (using a tourniquet or blood pressure cuff) to better prepare an athlete’s body for competition. This technique, known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC), has demonstrated enormous potential for improving the performance of already well-trained athletes. Preliminary work has shown a 1-3% improvement in performance in elite athletes, a 2.5% improvement would have placed the 8th place finisher 1st in the famous 100m butterfly final in the 2012 Olympics. However, there are many factors surrounding the use of IPC that remain unclear and uninvestigated, but by working with the Speed River Track and Field team I hope to answer some of these questions and reach the full potential of this technique; resulting in an improved athletic performance of our partners. The benefits of this project for me are huge, as I will be working with many different types of experts and gain knowledge in many different areas of performance research.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Jamie Burr

Student:

Joshua Slysz

Partner:

Speed River New Balance Track and Field Club

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Sports and recreation

University:

University of Guelph

Program:

Accelerate

Building the cycling economy beyond the urban core

Cycling for transportation increases local economic benefits by: improving the local business environment; reducing commercial vacancies; and increasing sales and employment opportunities (Stabinski, 2009; Walljasper, 2012; Racca and Dhanju, 2006; New York City DOT, 2013). This project will study how targeted interventions to increase cycling for transportation in Scarborough can advance cycling participation, job creation, social inclusion and environmental quality. Increased cycling participation is seen as critical to addressing economically debilitating congestion in Toronto costing in excess of $6 billion annually (Metrolinx and HDR, 2008) but there is substantial variation in the city and current cycling research largely ignores outer urban areas (City of Toronto, 2013; Metrolinx, 2012; Toronto Board of Trade, 2010). Our project aims to increase both cycling participation in Scarborough and the economic activity related to cyclists’ substantial local spending habits (New York City DOT, 2013; Stabinski, 2009; Clifton et al, 2013). With 30% of Toronto’s landmass, 24% of its residents and half-a-million cyclable trips per day, Scarborough has only one bicycle sales and service facility (Ride the City, 2015). Opportunities to establish cycling-related commerce expand dramatically as cycling participation

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Beth Savan

Student:

Trudy Ledsham

Partner:

Clean Air Partnership

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

University of Toronto

Program:

Accelerate

The Relationship between Live Chemistry Show Characteristics and Their Effect on Science Museum Visitors’ Attitude to Chemistry

Accessible, high-quality science education is central to positively shaping public opinion of science. Public perceptions and understandings of chemistry have often been associated with negative attitudes, misconceptions about the nature of chemicals, and sometimes misdirected anxieties about their effects on humans. These negative images are compounded by the fact that chemistry is under represented in science museums compared to the other major sciences. Reasons for this include chemistry being exceptionally challenging to present as a hands-on exhibit that attendees can explore unattended, and that chemists are less likely than other scientists to participate in outreach activities. However, chemistry lends itself exceptionally well to live shows, and the demonstrations available to trained individuals are numerous and varied. This project will assess chemistry shows currently being performed in science museums and then use the results to explore new ways to perform science shows at Science World that are better at positively shaping the public’s perception and understanding of chemistry and science in general.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

David Anderson

Student:

Susan Michaela Vickers

Partner:

Science World

Discipline:

Education

Sector:

Education

University:

Program:

Accelerate

Oxford Inclusive Design Standards

This project will develop inclusive design standards and methods for Oxford Properties to assess and improve the accessibility of their residential, office and retail property holdings and to promote customer service excellence for seniors and people with disabilities in Oxford properties across Canada. Areas that will be encompassed by the new design standards are: signage, kiosks, customer service, stairways, parking, external paths, emergency, staff/service areas, common halls/doors and furniture/fixture/finishes.

View Full Project Description
Faculty Supervisor:

Jutta Treviranus

Student:

Nancy McQueen

Partner:

Oxford Properties Group

Discipline:

Architecture and design

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

OCAD University

Program:

Accelerate

Previous
1…1,0081,0091,0101,0111,0121,0131,014…1,106
Next

Join a thriving innovation ecosystem.

Subscribe to our newsletter now!

Subscribe