Innovative Projects Realized

Testing the relationships between balancing selection and deleterious genetic mutations in four endangered species of whale

Although small and isolated populations experience increased extinction risk, recent research shows that not all small populations are doomed to extinction. The ability to predict the probability of extinction in nature could therefore direct conservation resources to those populations most in need. One theory is that small populations can evade extinction when directional selection removes deleterious genetic mutations from populations. However, this understanding has been developed through laboratory experiments, which manipulate directional selection and ignore balancing selection. In nature, genomic diversity, including deleterious mutation, is shaped by both directional and balancing selection. To accurately predict extinction risk in natural populations, it may thus be valuable to understand the relationship between balancing selection and deleterious genetic mutations. Through a collaborative effort with Dr. Andrew D. Foote and his lab at The University of Oslo (UiO), I propose to quantify the relationships between balancing selection and mutation load across four species of endangered whale using bioinformatics methods and conservation genomics approaches. Working with colleagues at UiO will enable the cooperative development of bioinformatics code and the sharing of ideas that could then foster future research projects inclusive of international partnership in the spirit of knowledge and conservation.

L2M Launch: Development of screening tool for Cardiovascular Disease risk and the semi-quantification of salivary proteins.

Over 30% of deaths globally are reported to be caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD), making CVDs recognized as one of the leading causes of death annually by the World Health Organization.1 The high prevalence of CVD, in combination with the demographic shift towards an ageing population with high incidence of chronic diseases, make CVD a significant threat for society, necessitating accessible screening for CVD and early diagnosis of the disease. Toward that end, the development of affordable, accurate, and timely CVD screening is critical. The industry partner organization, Sparked Inc, has developed a rapid test using an instrument-free microfluidic paper-based analytical device. The device offers a semi-quantitative determination of a target salivary protein and indicates the users level of risk for CVD conditions such as vascular inflammation, endothelial injury, and heart disease. The current device capabilities would be extended through the partnership with Mitacs, allowing the device to capture additional salivary target biomarkers and improving the risk score associated with CVD that is provided to users.

L2M – Scalable and Green Nano-manufacturing of Graphene and 2D Nanomaterials for Energy and Consumer Technologies

The proposed project focuses on developing and commercializing a novel method called Compressible Flow Exfoliation (CFE) for producing high-quality 2D materials like graphene and boron nitride. Traditional production methods are expensive, inefficient, and environmentally harmful, limiting their widespread use in industries such as electronics, energy storage, and composites. The CFE method offers a scalable, cost-effective, and chemical-free alternative that enhances yield while maintaining material quality. This project will assess its market potential, optimize production, and develop a business strategy for industry adoption.

L2M – DePerio: Deep Learning-Based Oral Inflammatory Load Quantification for Periodontal Application

We are developing DePerio, a fast, non-invasive test that uses saliva and artificial intelligence to detect early signs of gum disease. Traditional dental methods are slow and only find problems after damage has occurred. Our solution uses a small chip and smart software to analyze immune cells in saliva, giving results in seconds. This tool can help dentists catch disease early, improve patient care, and make dental testing easier and more accessible, even at home.

L2M – Commercialization Strategy for a Dual-Function Ship Stabilization and Wave Energy Harvesting Module

This project will explore how to bring a new clean technology called Propel to market. Propel is a device that helps ships use less fuel by reducing how much they rock and move on the waves, while also turning that motion into clean electricity. The intern will talk to people in the shipping industry to better understand their needs, gather feedback, and see if this solution would work for them. By the end of the project, the partner organization (Lab2Market) will have a clearer idea of whether the technology is ready for real-world use and how to move forward with making it available to ship operators.

Understanding signal drift in electrochemical aptamer-based sensors to achieve long-term continuous biomonitoring

This project aims to improve electrochemical aptamer-based sensors, that can monitor important biomolecules in real time, directly inside the body or in other complex environments. These sensors are promising because they can be adapted to detect many different targets, but their use is limited by a gradual loss of stability and performance over time. To solve this, we will develop a new method, called “strip-amplify,” that uses molecular techniques to better understand how and why these sensors break down. This knowledge will help create more durable sensors that can work for weeks or even months. The participating institutions will benefit by advancing cutting-edge sensor technology, improving tools for medical research, diagnostics, and industrial applications.

L2M Launch / Qc Fall 2025 / Skinaptiks

Le projet de recherche proposé vise à accompagner Skinaptiks dans la structuration de sa stratégie de mise en marché du dispositif SKIN’Cast™. À ce jour, l’ajustement des prothèses repose sur une approche subjective, impliquant des ajustements fréquents avant que le patient puisse retrouver son autonomie.
Le SKIN’Cast™, un manchon de diagnostic équipé d’une peau électronique souple, offre une solution innovante en fournissant des données objectives et en temps réel sur les interactions et les mouvements à l’interface membre-prothèse.
Le ou la stagiaire aura pour mission de définir l’offre complète du produit et des services associés, incluant le manchon, les consommables et les services numériques de type SaaS. Il ou elle devra également élaborer une stratégie de commercialisation initiale (go-to-market) et structurer le modèle d’affaires pour les 12 à 18 prochains mois.
Pour Skinaptiks, les bénéfices attendus sont les suivants : transformer le prototype préclinique en une offre pré-commerciale alignée avec les besoins du marché, mettre en place un modèle économique récurrent et accélérer l’industrialisation ainsi que la commercialisation de sa technologie. L’ensemble de ces efforts contribuera à améliorer significativement la qualité des soins destinés aux personnes amputées, tout en réduisant la pression sur le système de santé.

Modeling cardiac fibrosis in a dish with human iPSC-derived fibroblasts

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in Canada and is a progressive disease characterized by impaired heart function that can ultimately lead to heart failure, with a rising incidence and a 5-year survival rate of only 50%. Advanced cases of heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are referred for mechanical circulatory support and/or heart transplantation. We are trying to generate a “Heart-in-a-Dish”, allowing us to model disease and test treatments in patients with diagnosed cardiovascular disease. This will provide an opportunity to develop new treatments for a range of clinically important cardiovascular diseases. Our primary aims are to develop a “bedside to bench to bedside” path for cardiovascular disease modelling and to generate tools to evaluate pharmacologic and functional profiles in physiologically relevant systems in the context of heart disease. From blood samples, we can 1) generate and validate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generate relevant cell types in the heart and 2) characterize functional properties of cardiac fibroblasts which become activated in the disease and drive disease progression. We want to develop new medications to impact this disease progression.

L2M-Oculum-Ontario

Oculum is developing a new imaging system to improve how eye surgeons see delicate, transparent tissues during surgery—without the need for chemical dyes, which are often risky and not approved for many procedures. This project will help Oculum move from early research to real-world use by building the business and operational tools needed to bring the technology to market. Over four months, the intern will help create a solid business model, prepare materials to attract early investors, and design a roadmap for developing and selling the product. This will strengthen Oculum’s ability to raise funding, grow the team, and bring safer, faster, and more reliable tools to eye surgeons and their patients.

L2M – AIDA: Avatar-Integrated Dating App

Online dating platforms struggle to balance emotional intimacy with user privacy. Most rely on static profiles and text-based chats, which lack the non-verbal cues—like gaze, facial expressions, and body language—that are essential for building trust. While video calls attempt to fill this gap, they introduce two critical issues: First, fixed camera angles in conventional video platforms disrupt natural eye contact behavior, weakening interpersonal connection. Second, video reveals users’ real identities prematurely, often before trust has been established.

At York University’s BioMotion Lab, we have been investigating how subtle social signals—especially gaze direction—shape virtual communication. Our research led to the development of AIDA (Avatar-Integrated Dating App), a new platform that uses real-time 3D avatars, computer vision, and MPDepth, a patented rendering technique, to simulate face-to-face conversations with true dynamic eye contact—while preserving user anonymity.

The current MVP supports facial expression mirroring and gaze tracking through floating-head avatars. The next step is to transition this research prototype into a scalable, commercial-ready product. To do so, this project will focus on (1) replacing face-only avatars with full-body avatars, (2) building a platform-independent architecture, (3) ensuring secure, privacy-compliant backend systems, and (4) packaging the technology into an API that can be easily licensed and integrated by dating companies.

This initiative represents a crucial step in moving academic innovation into the marketplace. It will refine the technical infrastructure, validate usability and trust-building benefits, and prepare the technology for commercialization—advancing Canada’s leadership in privacy-respecting, human-centered virtual communication.

Stratonovich solution for hyperbolic Anderson model with space-time homogeneous Gaussian noise

Stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) are mathematical models that describe random phenomena evolving over space and time. SPDEs underpin modern approaches to modeling phenomena in fields such as climate science, neuroscience, financial mathematics, engineering and quantum physics. The aim of the project is to construct a new solution to a particular SPDE and investigate the properties and representations of the solution. These developments, which would be new to the scientific community, are relevant to both the physical applications when modeling such equations and the theoretical applications when investigating other SPDEs. Hence, a successful project would form a basis for publication between the intern and supervisors, thereby bolstering the portfolios of both research teams and fostering future collaboration between the institutions.

L2M Validation / QC Automne 2025 / Next-Generation Paper Diagnostics: Point-of-Care Smart Detection of Infection

This project focuses on creating a low-cost, paper-based sensor that can quickly detect and archive Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a harmful bacterium found in both medical and environmental settings. This includes infections in hospitals and contamination in water systems—two areas where fast, accurate detection is essential for protecting public health. The sensor leverages smart electrochemical technology to specifically detect a signature molecule produced by the target bacteria, enabling rapid and accessible testing without the need for complex laboratory equipment or specialized training. In addition to real-time detection, the paper-based format allows the device to physically retain the sample, providing an integrated means of archiving for potential confirmatory testing or future analysis.

Beyond medical and water testing, the sensor also shows promise for use in biosecurity. With minimal adjustments, it could be adapted to detect other hazardous biological agents, making it valuable for emergency response, border screening, and public safety applications. Made of paper, the device is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to dispose of safely through simple incineration, an important feature when handling biohazardous waste in remote or resource-limited settings. This makes it especially suitable for deployment in northern Quebec and Indigenous communities, where laboratory access and waste management options are often limited.

During this project, feedback from potential users and stakeholders (healthcare professionals, NGOs, and public health officials) will be gathered through structured interviews and fieldwork. This input will be used to validate the sensor’s design, usability, and relevance in real-world scenarios such as infection control, water quality monitoring, and crisis response. Insights will inform key aspects of commercialization, including pricing strategy, distribution models, and potential partnerships. These efforts will help the start-up refine its product and accelerate the development of a user-informed, field-ready diagnostic tool.