Innovative Projects Realized

Real-Time Dense Deformation Field Estimation of Brain Tissue from Surgical Microscope Video

The proposed project aims to develop and validate a computational method for estimating how brain tissue moves and reacts to surgical tools using only videos captured from a microscope. The student will test both classical and modern deep-learning optical-flow algorithms, adapt them to the specific challenges of microscope imaging, and evaluate how well they can capture small, localized tissue deformations. Controlled experiments on ex-vivo bovine brain specimens will be conducted to collect synchronized videos and ground-truth force measurements, allowing the team to assess the accuracy and reliability of the force-estimation model under realistic surgical conditions. The outcome of this work will be a validated pipeline that can estimate tissue forces without external sensors, enabling more objective, real-time assessment of surgical performance. This project will benefit the participating institutions by advancing low-cost, AI-driven tools for surgical simulation, strengthening collaborative research in medical image analysis, and creating new opportunities for training, knowledge transfer, and future joint publications.

Advanced Nutrient Delivery Using Micronized Biochar and Recovered Phosphorus in Digestate Upgrading

Ryzome Environmental Corporation is transforming the way farms and greenhouses feed their crops. By recovering powerful nutrients and minerals from local waste streams, Ryzome is building a new generation of regenerative, greenhouse-ready fertilizers that help growers boost yields, strengthen plant health, and improve nutrient density. These products support healthier soils, reduce pest and disease pressure, and give farmers a reliable alternative to imported chemical fertilizers. This project advances Ryzome’s mission to create clean, consistent, waste-derived nutrients that make Canadian food production more resilient, sustainable, and future-ready. Ryzome is proving that the future of farming can be both productive and regenerative.

Climate Action through Community Hubs

This community-based research project will partner with Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) to identify how place-based community hubs – such as community centres, neighbourhood organizations, and frontline service non-profits – can catalyze equitable climate action. This project will help us understand how to address climate change equitably. Research has shown that climate action to date has tended to reinforce inequalities rather than ameliorate them. We therefore need to better understand how to scale up community-led climate action that benefits marginalized communities. Community hubs are perfectly positioned to address this gap. Every week, community hubs support hundreds of thousands of people across Canada, offering vital programs and services for children, youth, seniors, refugees, and economically marginalized residents. This research seeks to understand how climate action is being integrated into the programming of a wide range of community hubs across Canada and how, by leveraging their deep local connections, hubs can empower diverse communities to lead and benefit from the transition to a resilient and net-zero future.

L2M – BEsTech

This project will explore and test the idea of BEsTech, a platform that helps companies find the right additive manufacturing (3D printing) services, materials, and experts faster and without relying on middle agents. Instead of building full software, the project will study real industry needs, test simple prototypes, and learn how people would use and pay for this type of service. The findings will help the partner organization better understand how Canadian companies choose AM suppliers, what problems slow them down, and what features a useful platform should include. This will support the partner’s goal of improving access to advanced manufacturing in Canada and guide future commercialization opportunities.

L2M – Construction Equipment Tracking Market Research

TAUlab is building a fleet and equipment-tracking platform for small and mid-sized construction contractors. These companies often struggle with lost equipment, incomplete job-site reporting, and administrative overload. Although many large enterprise tools exist, they are bloated with features and rarely match how smaller subcontractors actually work day-to-day. Most companies in this segment still rely on verbal communication, or paper forms, which leads to inefficiencies and preventable costs.

This project will use customer interviews and feedback to: Validate the problem, Refine the feature set, Confirm pilot projects and build recognition messaging materials for future use

Design and development of branched polymers for advanced anion exchange membranes in water electrolysis for clean hydrogen production.

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is a promising pathway for clean hydrogen production, enabling high efficiency while utilizing non-precious metal catalysts and cost-effective system components. A critical element in AEMWE systems is the anion exchange membrane (AEM), which facilitates hydroxide ion transport and maintains ionic separation between the electrodes under strongly alkaline conditions. A major challenge in advancing AEMWE technology is the development of chemically stable, highly conductive AEMs that can operate efficiently and durably in alkaline environments over extended periods.
This project focuses on the design and synthesis of branched polymer architectures tailored for high-performance AEMs in AEMWE applications. Specifically, it will investigate aryl-ether-free polymer backbones incorporating controlled branching strategies to improve hydroxide ion conductivity, ion exchange capacity, and long-term alkaline stability, while preserving membrane solubility and mechanical strength.
The resulting polymers will be processed into membranes and systematically evaluated for their electrochemical performance, water uptake, dimensional stability, and durability under alkaline conditions. Conducted in collaboration with Lund University, this project will provide advanced research training in polymer synthesis and membrane science. The outcomes are expected to support the development of next-generation AEM materials, contributing to the broader transition toward efficient, cost-effective, and scalable clean hydrogen production.

Altitude training effectiveness; Is there a role for sleep and menstrual health? – Femhealth

Altitude camp is a strategy in which athletes train in an environment where the air is less oxygen-rich, generally over 2,00 meters, in order to increase the body’s capacity to transport oxygen and improve performance. However, not all athletes react the same and several factors may explain these, such as sleep and menstrual cycle health. Sleep is a key for recovery and adaptation to training. Altitude can disrupt sleep which then limits adaptation. The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of overall health and hormonal balance in female athletes: irregular cycles or marked changes can signal that the body is under significant stress or lacking energy, and exposure to altitude can also influence this balance. It is therefore thought that menstrual cycle health and sleep may influence how an athlete responds to altitude training. Both together remain under-studied. The aim is to evaluate the impact of altitude training on sleep and menstrual cycle health, and to assess whether this possible impact plays a role in the effectiveness of altitude training with pro female cyclists. This will help develop practical individual recommendations to female athletes, so altitude training camps can be more effective while still protecting their health and well-being.

Exploring Nature-Based Supports for Mental Health in Educational Settings Across China and Canada

I will explore how schools in China use nature to support the mental health of students and teachers/Administration. By observing classrooms and speaking with educators, I hope to understand which practices are most effective and how they might be adapted for use in other countries. The University of Windsor will benefit by gaining new research insights and potential strategies to improve well-being in its own educational programs. Mitacs Globalink will benefit by strengthening international research partnerships and supporting the exchange of knowledge that can lead to better mental-health approaches in schools worldwide.

Methods for Recording Soundscapes Using New Technologies

This project aims to collect high-quality sound recordings of diverse environments for subsequent analysis and annotation to support the training of artificial intelligence models. The project will equip the intern with the skills needed to complete their PhD at their home institution following the international experience. Both institutions will benefit from further relationship-building, as the hearing science faculty at Macquarie is world-renowned for its expertise in audiology and sound scene classification, thereby opening opportunities for future Western students to access this connection. Access to Macquarie’s facilities and staff will ensure high-quality data collection that benefits both schools.

Anti-colonial Urban Sustainability at a Settler-led Community Land Trust

This community-based research project, undertaken through the U of T Climate Hub Catalyst Internship, partners with the Toronto Chinatown Land Trust (TCLT)-a community-controlled effort to build an inclusive, culturally competent, and ever-evolving Chinatown in Toronto. TCLT acquires, develops, and stewards land in perpetuity for community needs and benefit. Operating with the understanding that Chinatown exists on stolen Indigenous land, through its Hak Hei program, TCLT prioritizes relationship-building and accountability with Indigenous communities and seeks to align its work and governance with the Land Back movement while actively avoiding imperialist and colonial cultural dynamics.
The project will strengthen TCLT’s capacity to integrate anti-colonial and sustainability action principles into its organizational practices through the creation of a land-based education and membership program. This initiative positions urban sustainability as inseparable from social justice and decolonization, demonstrating how community land trusts can model equitable, low-carbon, and relational forms of urban sustainability.

Teaching Sustainability Through Science: A Comparative Study of Pedagogical Approaches in China and Canada

This proposed project investigates the differences in pedagogical methods in teaching sustainability across Canada and China. This research aims to use the UN’s sustainable development goals as an outline to approach sustainability issues. Research methods will be conducted through initiating casual conversations with students and educators, following the educators guide with the Chinese curriculum and practicing the activity/lecture to really gain a perspective on the work. Research articles and peer-reviewed works will supplement this work with further insight. The objective of this project aims to benefit both countries by developing a stronger cultural bridge through the Reciprocal Learning Program where Canadian students and Chinese students visit each other’s countries to immerse themselves in the educational and cultural contexts. There they are able to witness first-hand knowledge of the language, cultural mannerisms and educational differences. Additionally it benefits the educational system of both institutions by absorbing unique teaching methods, resources and technological tools that are utilised in educating the citizens. This project serves to increase global competency in each respective country while gaining and appreciation for the cultural distinctions that make that country special.

L2M – Commercialization of Cold Plasma Technology for Sustainable Disinfection in Agri-Food Applications

Disinfection is essential across households, industries, agriculture, and healthcare. But, choosing the right chemical disinfectant raises concerns, as residues, volatile compounds, and microbial resistance often force us to switch chemicals or increase dosages. What if we could disinfect without adding chemicals? Our project explores this possibility by altering the chemistry of air and water using cold plasma technology. We’ve developed a system that activates air and water into reactive agents capable of disinfecting surfaces and environments, safely and sustainably.This innovation offers a chemical-free alternative for effective sanitation, reducing environmental impact and microbial resistance. Our aim is to bring this breakthrough to market, transforming how we think about cleanliness and safety.