Innovative Projects Realized

Stephenville Theatre Festival – Business Management Internship

The Stephenville Theatre Festival will engage a the business student who will aid our organization pivot post-covid by enhancing and refining our online presence through the development and execution of a digital marketing strategy. The internship would include but not be limited to assessing our current digital presence; managing and expanding the organization’s social media presence; updating, and improving upon the organization’s branding, and developing innovative ways to reach our audience and promote our theatrical activities. The intern will work alongside our Artistic Director and report directly to our General Manager, gaining valuable professional experience in arts administration and marketing. This internship will be mutually beneficial as our arts organization would benefit greatly from having a business minded individual as a part of our team, and the selected intern has identified a keen interest in applying business skills in a creative setting such as our performing arts company.

A User-Informed Approach to Archaeological Mapping Software

The interns will support the development and testing of an archaeological field notes tool called STRATUM. This tool will allow all notes and documentation, usually collected in note books or various handheld devices, to be collected on one digital device like a tablet or phone. The tool development will be guided by the results of three studies: 1) analysis of user needs and sources of stress; 2) testing and iterative development of a field-ready version prior to commercialization; and 3) a qualitative study evaluating Indigenous needs of, and opinions about, STRATUM and archaeology more generally. We will use the results of these studies to build an evidence-based, data-driven commercialized version of STRATUM that meets the needs of archaeologists in regard to their field work, Indigenous rights-holders in regard to their heritage, and archaeological regulators in regard to how data is collected and curated.

Drug side effects studies for Canadian context using deep learning principles

Adverse Drug Reactions, ADR, is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. Yet, in Canada the systems that prevent occurrence of the ADRs are limited or non-existent, therefore, there is a pressing need to create a pharmacovigilance system that will reduce the number of ADR cases and deaths in Canada.

Ai Quest Inc, a Canadian start up, is proposing a system that will address the issue of ADR cases and deaths, contributing to the emerging field of drug safety in Canada. Ai Quest Inc. provides customized business solutions in the area of big data, data engineering, and cloud computing, and developing products for commercial use.

The Ai Quest Inc. team has both technical and functional knowledge related to this project. The project also requires computational infrastructure and a talent pool of young professionals and experienced researchers. George Brown’s School of Computer Technology stands apart when it comes to imparting a cutting-edge education and research capacity. George Brown College will lead and manage the research project as well as complete the project tasks with the support of Ai Quest Inc.

Research, analysis, and development of global medical device regulatory affairs strategic plan

Circle Neurovascular Imaging (CNVI) aims to improve the standard of care for stroke patients by providing physicians critical information assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) through their innovative software platform, StrokeSENS, which is designed to aid the clinician in making quicker, more accurate decisions about patient management. StrokeSENS, has partial clinical approval in the EU and USA (FDA), and is currently under review by Health Canada. In this key go-to-market and globalization phase, CNVI will benefit from the proposed internship activities in support of strengthening CNVI’s regulatory approval process and optimizing the globalization strategy. The intern, working closely with the companies medical and regulatory affairs departments, will aid and support the company in the research, planning, execution, and documentation of key regulatory requirements including optimizing internal quality systems reporting, preparation of regulatory applications, and strategic analysis of new jurisdictional requirements.

Studying the biodegradability of eco-friendly straws in prospective disposal environments

The existing use of plastics is overwhelming, but unfortunately, non-biodegradable plastic is majorly used, which results in waste accumulation and danger to marine life. Efforts are being made to produce biodegradable plastic products, such that it degrades substantially after disposal and does not hurt our environment. However, there are many biodegradable plastics, with variable biodegradation and in-use performance, and hence the degree of advantage over conventional plastics remains questionable in the mind of consumers. The partner organization is producing packaging/utensil products by using agave bio-waste material, contributing to the elimination of single-use plastic and to the re-use the agave waste. The intern will be conducting research to investigate the biodegradability of agave-based straws, using novel tracer methods and under conditions that simulate disposal
of the straws in compost piles, soils and the oceans. This research will improve our understanding of the fate mechanism of eco-friendly products upon disposal.

Development of a novel glass micro-positioning Atomic Force Microscopy stage based on compliant mechanisms.

Le projet proposé consiste à caractériser la réponse statique ainsi que la réponse dynamique d’un nouveau dispositif de micro-positionnement de haute précision compliant en verre. Il s’agit d’un nouveau type de platine de micro-positionnement permettant la translation de la partie centrale sur deux axes indépendants, soient X et Y à l’aide d’actionneurs piézoélectriques. La nouveauté de ce concept est que le cadre de la platine est fabriqué en verre. La caractérisation de ce nouveau dispositif permettra de recaler le modèle de simulation par la méthode des éléments finis (MEF) qui à été développé lors de sa conception. Ayant un modèle de simulation par la MEF recalé, il sera possible d’optimiser le concept et d’explorer plus de pistes de conception en se fiant uniquement à des simulations, tout en ayant un bon niveau de confiance dans l’exactitude des résultats obtenus. Pour y parvenir, l’étudiant devra d’abord réaliser les différents montages expérimentaux qui seront nécessaires pour la collecte des données en utilisant l’équipement disponible au laboratoire du Prof. Brousseau (Cardiff University). Ensuite, les données recueillies devront être compilées et analysées afin de tirer des conclusions.

quantum simulations* – Développement stratégique et marketing

Quantum Simulations (QS) va accueillir Melle Léa Lotey-Goodman dans ses locaux au 4200 Bvd Saint-Laurent, suite 685.

Le poste est un poste de communications et marketing. Il s’agira de développer une nouvelle politique de communications et de marketing pour QS.

Dans le contexte du double objectif de développement technologique et marketing en 2022, de nouveaux développements seront nécessaires.

Pendant la période de présence de la stagiaire, il y aura plusieurs étapes.

La première étape consistera en un audit des outils actuels de communications et de marketing. L’objectif est en priorité de déterminer les catégories de clientèle. Basé sur cet audit, il s’agira ensuite de proposer une priorisation de la clientèle. Il sera important de faire le choix des cibles à prioriser en fonction du potentiel de retour sur investissement. Dans ce contexte, il s’agira de proposer de nouvelles stratégies de marketing.

Il s’agira ensuite de développer de nouveaux outils de communications en accord avec la nouvelle stratégie marketing. Le site Internet de la compagnie, le site de vente des jeux en ligne et le portail de gestion seront à évaluer et à modifier.

Il s’agira également de valoriser dans le cadre de la nouvelle politique de communications toutes les innovations de 2022. Des outils de communication, de développement de la clientèle et de rétention de la clientèle seront mis en place et utilisés. Des mesures basées sur l’apprentissage automatique et l’intelligence artificielle au sens large seront utilisées.

Evaluation of a Li selective sorbent durability at benchtop scale

Recion Technologies, Inc. has developed a sustainable process to extract Li from various Li-bearing brines including oilfield brines found in Alberta and produce lithium products for use in lithium-ion batteries. The Li extraction involves an ion exchange step through which Li ions are selectively separated by a sorbent proprietary to Recion. To scaleup and pilot the process in the field, the durability of the sorbent needs to be investigated using Recion’s benchtop unit and eventually its lab pilot. Under the supervision of the CTO, the intern is expected to run Li extraction on various brines at bench scale and desorb the captured Li into a solution which will be analyzed later by the intern for determining the efficiency of the process.

Establishing nutritional attributes for plant-based meats and alternatives: Development of literature review and validation plan

Plant-based meat alternatives are made using plant sources and which mimic meat in their appearance and texture. Vegan and vegetarian consumers prefer these products to meat, but many more Canadians stand to benefit from them as they transition towards diets relying more heavily on plant-based foods for ethical, environmentally sustainability, and health reasons. Consequently, the plant-based foods market is expanding rapidly. Plant-based alternatives have fewer calories, less total fat and saturated fat, and more dietary fiber than meat which may help to combat diet-related chronic diseases. However, they also have lower protein quality, can lack important nutrients, be ultra-processed, and high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. There is no scientific basis to verify that plant-based meat alternatives are nutritionally superior. Companies, including The Very Good Butchers (TVGB), need support from the scientific community to clearly distinguish whether and how their products can be considered nutritionally superior. This project aims to determine the nutrition-related aspects of plant-based meat products and establish key criteria that can be used to deem them nutritionally superior and marketed accordingly. TVGB’s products will be examined and a plan developed to improve their nutritional profiles to meet these criteria. This project will be undertaken by a graduate student and academic supervisor from the Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph. The collaboration will help TVGB develop and market more nutritious products in comparison to other plant-based meat products and original meat products available in the Canadian market.

quantum simulations* – Développement technologique et logiciel d’un jeux serieux/simulations

Quantum Simulations (QS) a ses locaux au 4200 Bvd Saint-Laurent, suite 685.

QS est une jeune entreprise avec 3 employés et qui officie dans l’industrie de la technologie et de l’éducation, communément appelée EdTech. son objet est la création de jeux sérieux, ou simulations, afin de faciliter les apprentissages. Ces jeux reposent sur un moteur de jeu auquel ont accès les joueurs depuis leur navigateur préféré. En 2022, QS a un double objectif: technologique et marketing. Pour l’objectif technologique, QS a pour objectif de mettre à jour son moteur de jeu afin d’offrir un jeu en ligne en mode exclusif pour un professeur et sa classe, ainsi qu’un mode de jeu en ligne perpétuel qui est disponible 24 heures sur 24 et 7 jours sur 7. Cet objectif technologique s’accompagne en conséquence, de l’objectif marketing. En effet, cette nouvelle approche technologique va ouvrir de nouvelles possibilités en terme marketing. De nouveaux marchés seront accessibles.

Research and Implementation of Accounting Processes and Technology

CV Chartered Professional Accountant is not your traditional accounting firm. We provide a variety of services on a monthly subscription style (flat fee) basis. The services are branded as Fractional CFO services but can include any one or combination of the following: full cycle accounting, payroll, financial reporting, management accounting, strategy, ideation, and HR support. By utilizing cloud based programs and integrations, we can offer prospective clients innovation, efficiency, and customized monthly support at a fraction of the cost of an accounting department. Our success is directly tied to the success of our clients. Our unique value proposition is our ability to bring that innovation to the client regardless of the industry. In order to continue to deliver on that notion of innovation and change management across an array of clients and therefore various industries, it is imperative that we invest in integrating personnel that offer a fresh set of eyes, ears, and ideas. The biggest challenge we face is being able to research and keep up with all the trends in process and technology along with implementation, training, and ongoing financial support. This project will provide us with the resources that we need to continue to make this possible for both our existing clients as well as new clients. Most importantly this project will provide both interns the opportunity to showcase what they have learned at NAIT in a real business setting.

Sites and Sights of Oil: Archival Regimes of Extraction in Iran

The archival fieldwork I will be conducting at the British Petroleum Archives will contribute to a larger doctoral dissertation, titled “Sites and Sights of oil: Archival Regimes of Extraction in Iran,” investigating the relationship between colonial archival practices of documenting the extraction of oil and the media and cultural infrastructures enabling this process. My research-creation project investigates an overlooked visual analysis of the role of photography as an embodied technology of petrocultural visuality and eradication which worked in tandem with the larger extractive industry in Iran and the larger Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By conducting a visual ethnography of oil, and with a particular focus on the historical ethnographic photographic archives produced by the British Petroleum during its early operations in Iran, I examine the visual representational regimes of oil through the nexus between colonial modernity, social history of oil, and media infrastructure. Since my doctoral stream is researchcreation, this research is also accompanied by a practice-based artistic component which is conceived as a documentary essayfilm and multimedia installation that seek to re-imagine these contested archives to creatively configure counter-narratives of petromodernity and to problematize their colonial imaginaries.