Innovative Projects Realized

Visualizing information in situ with 3D photorealistic environments

Advances in computer graphics and display technology have brought new opportunities to create stunning visual effects and interactive experiences.
Industry concerned with data visualization is seeking to incorporate these advances into their visualization pipelines. For example, our industrial partner LlamaZOO Interactive Inc. attempts to present abstract data situated in 3D realistic scenes. However, most research in information visualization assumes that the environment is a simple, abstract, monochromatic 2D plane. We know little about whether the guidelines from information visualization apply to these complex environments, and without clear guidelines, spontaneous attempts by the industry risk repeated work, resulting in unnecessary cost and efforts.
In this project, we will tackle this challenge by 1) understanding the advantages and disadvantages of representing data with 3D rendering techniques, compared with traditional abstract visualizations; 2) designing visualization techniques to effectively present data in realistic 3D environments; and 3) evaluating visualization techniques to quantify their efficiency and usefulness for data analysis in these environments.
We will contribute to the academic community by generating knowledge, and to industry by devising guidelines for visualizing abstract data in situ with 3D photorealistic environments. Research outcomes will be commercialized into products to enhance our industrial partner’s competitiveness globally.

Proposition d’un outil de planification pour la gestion de projets

Mon projet consiste a se pencher sur l’etude d’un systeme de planification presentement en place dans une organisation se specialisant dans les travaux d’asphaltage. Presentement le systeme en place est plutot de type informel et repose sur l’expertise d’une seule personne qui est le proprietaire.Donc, mon mandat consistera a analyser et de faire un diagnostique du systeme de planification en place afin de cibler des opportunites d’ameliorations possibles ainsi que de structurer celui-ci. Ce projet sera grandement benefique pour l’entreprise participante puisque celui-ci permettra certainement d’ameliorer sa capacite a planifier et a controler le deroulement des projets entre eux. De plus, un tel projet permettra a celle-ci de faire une meilleure gestion de ses priorites et une meilleure allocation de ses ressources financiere et humaines ce qui aura pour effet de maintenir un certain niveau de service a la clientele.

Comprehensive Molecular Analysis of Pre- and Postmenopausal Human MammaryCells to Enable Their Optimized Growth as Organoids Ex Vivo – Year two

The goal of this project is to discover new factors essential for maintaining a normal human mammary gland. The approach is to
generate and analyze in depth the protein-encoding RNAs and chromatin states that control their expression in the different types of
cells that constitute the human mammary epithelium and its surrounding stromal cells. This will involve analyses of cells isolated from
discarded healthy breast tissue obtained with consent from women undergoing reduction mammoplasties. Datasets from
premenopausal samples already exist in the host laboratory, and datasets for postmenopausal samples will be generated from as yet
unprocessed, but already obtained tissue. The findings will be a significant addition to global efforts to elucidate how different types of
cancers develop in the breasts of these two age groups. They will also be of key importance to STEMCELL’s ongoing efforts to
develop optimized media to support normal and malignant human mammary gland cell growth ex vivo, thereby enhancing its world
leadership in the provision of optimized and reproducible novel tissue culture systems and reagents. The interconnectivity of these
related scientific and economic goals are thus ideally suited to provide a unique post-doctoral training experience situated at the
interface of academia and biotech.

Comprehensive Molecular Analysis of Pre- and Postmenopausal Human Mammary Cells to Enable Their Optimized Growth as Organoids Ex Vivo

The goal of this project is to discover new factors essential for maintaining a normal human mammary gland. The approach is to
generate and analyze in depth the protein-encoding RNAs and chromatin states that control their expression in the different types of
cells that constitute the human mammary epithelium and its surrounding stromal cells. This will involve analyses of cells isolated from
discarded healthy breast tissue obtained with consent from women undergoing reduction mammoplasties. Datasets from
premenopausal samples already exist in the host laboratory, and datasets for postmenopausal samples will be generated from as yet
unprocessed, but already obtained tissue. The findings will be a significant addition to global efforts to elucidate how different types of
cancers develop in the breasts of these two age groups. They will also be of key importance to STEMCELL’s ongoing efforts to
develop optimized media to support normal and malignant human mammary gland cell growth ex vivo, thereby enhancing its world
leadership in the provision of optimized and reproducible novel tissue culture systems and reagents. The interconnectivity of these
related scientific and economic goals are thus ideally suited to provide a unique post-doctoral training experience situated at the
interface of academia and biotech.

Small Hydropower Technologies: France to Canada

This MITACs Globalink award will be used to support research into small-scale and run-of-river hydropower currently being deployed in Europe and potentially feasible for deployment in Northern Ontario semi-frozen off-grid locations.

The world leaders in small hydropower R&D are in Europe. France in particular is well recognized as a global leader in all aspects of small hydropower development. Polytech Nice Sophia at the University of Cote D’Azur is a high calibre research facility with particular expertise in water hydraulics, hydrology, hydro-informatics, microgrids and GIS. This combination of expertise as well as close affiliations with other similarly focused research universities in Europe and globally, will provide me with unique learning and collaboration opportunities that will ultimately strengthen the research that I am undertaking, as well fostering research bridges between France, Europe, Queen’s University and Canada in the future.

It is anticipated that this hydropower research project will provide me with unparalleled access to experts in small hydropower technologies and small hydropower environmental/climate change experts, and ultimately help me to determine whether and which technologies exist to meet the energy demands of the challenging remote off-grid northern Ontario communities that currently rely on diesel fuel to meet their energy needs.

Evaluation of the implementation at scale of a public health intervention to promote social and emotional development in the early years in British Columbia

British Columbia’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has identified healthy social and emotional development (SED) in early childhood as a priority action towards addressing the province’s mental health crisis. In response, ChildHealth BC (CHBC) is developing a multi-component provincial intervention to expand the capacity of caregivers to promote SED in young children- the first to be implemented at scale in Canada. While there is evidence on the efficacy of capacity-building SED strategies, research on how to bring these strategies to scale is lacking in the field. This project presents an opportunity to evaluate the scale-up implementation and short-term impact of a capacity-building intervention for parents and childcare providers.
With the Elevate program, CHBC can benefit from having Angela Low, who specializes in SED and parenting interventions in her research and practice, oversee the evaluation, and a) monitor the implementation and provide feedback for course correction and quality improvement; b) assess short-term impact on caregiver knowledge and practices and; c) identify facilitators and barriers to this scale-up implementation. Skills and networking gained will enable Angela to take leaps toward her career goal of securing a senior position within the public health system to improve mental health outcomes for all Canadians.

Development of a new generation of neurovascular device for the treatment of fusiform cerebral bifurcation aneurysms using CFD modeling and virtual simulation of stent crimping into a catheter – Year two

Cerebral aneurysm (CA), is an abnormal dilation of the cerebral arterial wall, which accounts for more than half a million deaths each year worldwide. Flow diverters (FDs) represent one method recently developed in treating CAs. Typically, they do not need coiling (releasing platinum micro-coils within the aneurysm) and act purely to prevent substantial blood inflow into the aneurysm.
In a collaborative project between Biological Multiphysics Research Lab and Composites Research Network at UBC and Evasc Medical System Inc., whose area of expertise is developing novel CA therapies, we plan to develop a novel FD for the treatment of bifurcation CAs with fusiform-like pathology. Through a stepwise design modification process and utilizing CFD modeling, we aim to develop a new design for the Evasc FD (eCLIPs) with improved hemodynamics for such complex CAs. We also plan to develop a novel FEA platform to virtually model the crimping process of the new FD into a catheter. Results of this project will lead to the development of a new generation of neurovascular FDs, which may represent the only device available for the treatment of such CAs with fusiform pathology, and will increase Canada’s presence as a world leader in healthcare technologies.

Development of a new generation of neurovascular device for the treatment of fusiform cerebral bifurcation aneurysms using CFD modeling and virtual simulation of stent crimping into a catheter

Cerebral aneurysm (CA), is an abnormal dilation of the cerebral arterial wall, which accounts for more than half a million deaths each year worldwide. Flow diverters (FDs) represent one method recently developed in treating CAs. Typically, they do not need coiling (releasing platinum micro-coils within the aneurysm) and act purely to prevent substantial blood inflow into the aneurysm.
In a collaborative project between Biological Multiphysics Research Lab and Composites Research Network at UBC and Evasc Medical System Inc., whose area of expertise is developing novel CA therapies, we plan to develop a novel FD for the treatment of bifurcation CAs with fusiform-like pathology. Through a stepwise design modification process and utilizing CFD modeling, we aim to develop a new design for the Evasc FD (eCLIPs) with improved hemodynamics for such complex CAs. We also plan to develop a novel FEA platform to virtually model the crimping process of the new FD into a catheter. Results of this project will lead to the development of a new generation of neurovascular FDs, which may represent the only device available for the treatment of such CAs with fusiform pathology, and will increase Canada’s presence as a world leader in healthcare technologies.

Lutte antidopage : étude des drogues émergentes en vente libre sur internet au Canada

La disponibilité de différentes substances sur internet conduit corrélativement à un accès accru à des substances annoncées comme pouvant augmenter les capacités des sportifs : certaines sont a priori autorisées dans le cadre du sport comme certains compléments alimentaires, d’autres interdits car produisant des effets dopants, ou encore non réglementés car inconnus des autorités. Ceci cause certains risques au regard des règles antidopage, mais également un risque de santé publique. Il arrive par exemple que des compléments alimentaires soient contaminés par des substances interdites conduisant à des contrôles positifs des sportifs. Dans d’autres cas, certains produits produisent un effet dopant mais ne sont pas encore interdits. Plus largement, ceci pose un problème de santé publique car les produits ne sont pas testés et leur innocuité n’est pas garantie.
Cette étude vise à identifier et commander des drogues émergentes en vente libre sur internet, de les analyser et de les cartographier afin d’identifier lesquelles seraient potentiellement dangereuses.

Modelling Guidance for Low Impact Development Practices

To combat the degradation of receiving water resulting from stormwater runoff approaches that focus on retaining and infiltrating stormwater at the source, referred to as Low Impact Development (LID) practices, are being proposed more frequently in recent years. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority recently initiated monitoring of precipitation and runoff from a large industrial site, comprised of several buildings and extensive paved areas, in which several LID practices have been constructed: rainwater harvesting system, biofilters, vegetated swales and porous pavement. The main objective of this project is develop guidance for modelling of these lot-level structural LID techniques utilizing the information collected though this ongoing monitoring program. The study will confirm the original site design, evaluate potential retrofit opportunities and generate modelling guidance to support TRCA’s efforts in facilitating planning, design and approval of LID practices.

Exploring Social Finance Opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador

The objective of this research is to explore the many social finance tools that have been implemented by other agencies across North America, and measure their effectiveness and applicability in a Newfoundland and Labrador context. In partnership with a MUN researcher, this work would include primary data collection in the form of interviews and surveys with non-profit agencies and social impact investors who have implemented social finance and/or invested through a social finance tool. Research will also include a jurisdictional scan to capture existing findings on the role and applicability of various social finance tools, including social investing, community benefit agreements, social return on investment, social impact bonds, and social procurement.

Fish use of restored and natural salt marshes in Maritime Canada

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that provide many ecosystem services. Many fish species are known to use salt marshes as habitat at some point throughout their lives including those that hold commercial and recreational value. Depending on their location, salt marshes may experience varying degrees of tidal flooding, not only making more areas of the marsh accessible to fish but resulting in excess particulate and dissolved organic matter being drawn out with the ebbing tide. This organic matter may provide a nutrient subsidy to nearshore environments thus indirectly benefitting fish that do not directly use salt marshes. Maritime Canada holds a long history of salt marsh conversion to other land uses especially agriculture. There is now growing interest in restoring salt marshes to regain the services that they provide including those relating to fish and fisheries. Ducks Unlimited Canada and partners have initiated a number of salt marsh restoration projects throughout Maritime Canada, and are planning new restoration initiatives, with goals of reverting farmland and freshwater impoundments to salt marsh. The intern will assess fish use of salt marshes as well as salt pool communities in natural and restored marshes in the Bay of Fundy and southern Gulf of Lawrence.