Innovative Projects Realized

Emma Lake Environmental Research and Stewardship Internship

Emma Lake is one of many recreational lakes located in the boreal forest of west central Saskatchewan that has experienced increased cultural eutrophication due to increased lake development and urbanization. Cultural eutrophication refers to artificially enhanced nutrient loading associated with shoreline development, vegetation removal, and factors related to sedimentation, increased use of fertilizers, and proliferation of septic pump-out systems. Concern for the lake environment has been steadily increasing as the lake experiences increased algal and weed growth, reduced water clarity, and diminishing environmental quality. The objective of this research is to identify metrics that are relatable and indicative of aquatic ecosystem health especially as it pertains to cultural eutrophication.

Enhancing Grand Pre UNESCO World Heritage site visitor experience via interactive QR coded smart phone application

The primary goal of this “Landscape of Grand Pré ” research project, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (LGPI 2025), examines how the visitor experience can be enhanced by employing an interactive QR coded smart phone application (app). The second goal assesses how the app can raise awareness of the Landscape’s storied history in shaping Canada’s pre and post-colonial history. The third goal assesses how app development can engage local business, and the agricultural and residential communities in promoting adaptive measures to protect the landscape against sea level rise as well as create visitor awareness of appropriate visitor behaviours to reduce interference with agricultural operations. Using community engagement strategies, this applied research methodology will align with the community’s goals and best practices in visitor management.

Efficient Signal Processing and Radio Resource Management for High-Throughput and Low-Latency Massive MIMO Cellular Systems

Future cellular systems must accommodate increasing demand for very high throughput and low latency data services.
Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) approach involving base stations equipped with much larger numbers
of antennas than the numbers of users served promises to significantly increase network capacity, while nonorthogonal
multi-carrier transmission is expected to dramatically reduce the latency. Integration of these techniques
will require novel efficient transceiver signal processing and radio resource management solutions, such as reducedcomplexity precoding and user scheduling algorithms. These algorithms will need to be robust to typical
imperfections, such as antenna coupling in large arrays of limited physical size and also possible non-reciprocity of
uplink and downlink hardware chains, resulting in inaccurate channel state information at transmitters and reduced
capacity. 3D beamforming in massive MIMO will also be investigated. TELUS Communications has expressed great
interest in the proposed work and will support it in the amount of $30k per year.

Automated gated quantum-dot 3D model generation and tuning for technology-computer aided design of realistic spin-qubit systems

Spin qubits—nanoscale quantum bits made in semiconductor materials—are a promising technology for building future quantum computers. They are highly miniaturized, can work at relatively higher temperatures than competing technologies, and can be made using standard industrial semiconductor-chip fabrication techniques, which makes them ideal for scaling up. However, traditional chip design software is not adequate for these devices because they operate under extremely low-temperature conditions and follow quantum physics rules.

To solve this, Nanoacademic created QTCAD®, the first commercial software designed to simulate spin qubits. QTCAD® is already used by researchers and engineers around the world. As devices get more complex, users need more automation to save time. This internship project will develop tools that automatically create 3D models of devices from simpler 2D designs and tune settings to get the desired performance—tasks that currently take a lot of manual work.

The intern’s work will become part of QTCAD®, helping users work more efficiently and supporting Nanoacademic’s efforts to provide tools and training for both academic and industry partners. These improvements will not only benefit users but also support Nanoacademic’s services, such as contract research and training in quantum technology programs worldwide.

Forecasting Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia in Human Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease

We have developed a novel data augmentation procedure that significantly enhances machine learning-based classification of different brain imaging scans. Having successfully demonstrated proof-of-concept in a rodent model, we are now expanding this approach to clinical applications in humans. Specifically, we aim to utilize this technology to identify early biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, enabling personalized treatment strategies based on individual disease progression rates.

As a starting point, we will focus on Parkinson’s disease, which affects approximately 100,000 Canadians and is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. Over half of patients develop levodopa-induced dyskinesia, a challenging motor side effect. Our previous research demonstrated that individuals who develop this side effect exhibit distinct brain activity patterns from those who do not—even on the first day of levodopa treatment.

With our advanced machine learning technology, we believe we can accurately identify “at-risk” patients before symptoms manifest. This capability will provide clinicians with a powerful tool to tailor treatment strategies, mitigate dyskinesia risk, and uncover novel therapeutic targets. Ultimately, this project aims to establish imaging-based classification as a clinically viable approach for early-stage disease detection and personalized intervention.

Medical Microrobots for Anti-cancer Drug Delivery

This project focuses on developing innovative, biocompatible microrobots for targeted drug delivery, particularly in cancer treatment. By integrating smart hydrogels with magneto-active properties, these tiny robots can navigate the body and deliver highly precise chemotherapy drugs, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes. Advanced 3D microfabrication techniques, such as two-photon lithography and digital light processing, will be used to create these microrobots, while external stimuli like radiofrequency (RF) fields and infrared (IR) illumination will control their movement and drug release. The collaboration between institutions provides access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise, ensuring that these microrobots are effectively designed, fabricated, and tested. This research has the potential to revolutionize targeted therapy, making cancer treatment more effective and less invasive.

Evaluating Mutational Signatures from Circulating Tumor DNA: A Comparative Analysis with Whole-Genome Sequencing

Cancer leaves behind unique mutation patterns, known as mutational signatures, which provide insights into its origins and potential treatments. Traditionally, these signatures are identified using tumor tissue samples, but obtaining biopsies can be invasive and challenging. A promising alternative is circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)—small fragments of tumor DNA found in the blood. Liquid biopsies offer a less invasive way to study cancer mutations, but it remains unclear whether they capture the same mutational signatures as traditional tissue sequencing.

This project aims to compare mutational signatures derived from ctDNA and whole-genome sequencing of tumor tissue to assess their concordance. By analyzing data from both sources, we will determine whether ctDNA can reliably replace tissue biopsies for mutational signature analysis. If successful, this approach could improve non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring, reducing the need for surgical biopsies. The findings may also enhance computational tools for analyzing ctDNA, making cancer diagnostics more accessible and precise. Ultimately, this research brings us closer to personalized and less invasive cancer care, using simple blood tests to decode tumor biology.

Analyse biomécanique sur l’efficacité des orthèses de genoux personnalisées

Ce projet de recherche vise à mieux comprendre comment des orthèses de genou personnalisées peuvent aider les adolescents à prévenir les blessures graves au genou, notamment la rupture du ligament croisé antérieur (LCA). Ces blessures sont fréquentes chez les jeunes sportifs, surtout lorsqu’ils présentent un désalignement du genou appelé “valgus dynamique”.

En s’appuyant sur des outils d’analyser de mouvement, ce projet évalue les effets d’une orthèse personnalisée sur le genou pendant des exercices physiques. L’objectif est de vérifier si ces orthèses sur mesure permettent de réduire les risques de blessure et d’améliorer le retour au sport. À terme, les résultats pourraient contribuer à concevoir des dispositifs médicaux plus efficaces et à mieux orienter les recommandations des professionnels de santé.

Enhancing Predictive Power in Financial Markets: Leveraging Autoencoders for Time Series Embeddings in Capital Markets

This project aims to develop a robust foundation model designed explicitly for financial time series representation learning. The core of this approach is an autoencoder framework capable of capturing multi-modal relationships in financial data. Once trained, the encoder will be deployed as a general-purpose model for various downstream financial tasks, including predictive analytics and asset pricing. A key focus is learning representations that enhance predictive accuracy and adhere to the strict no-arbitrage conditions in financial theory, ensuring theoretical consistency. This model is intended to bridge the gap between practical financial predictions and the foundational economic principles governing market behaviour, enabling its application across diverse financial contexts.

Santé du cycle menstruel : Des voies alternatives aux hormones

Le projet de recherche a pour objectif principal de contribuer à différentes missions de l’organisme partenaire. Celles-ci sont étroitement reliées aux résultats de recherche du stagiaire qui travaille sur la santé dite « naturelle » des femmes aujourd’hui dans le contexte québécois. Les femmes remettent de plus en plus en question l’utilisation des hormones dansla gestion de leur fertilité et du cycle menstruel. Alors, il s’agit de participer aux activités de recherche et de diffusion de l’organisme partenaire sur les thèmes de la charge contraceptive et de la valorisation des menstruations au grand public ainsi qu’aux professionnel·le·s de santé.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane Electrolyte Development for eWindows

Miru Smart Technologies (Miru) is developing the next generation of low-cost, energy-efficient, high-quality eWindows for residential, commercial, and automotive industries. Using scalable and adaptable methodologies, electrochromic windows have the potential to yield significant gains in energy efficiency by offsetting user climate control requirements while simultaneously providing a high-quality consumer experience.
In Q1 2025, Miru recently announced its partnership with US-based firm Mativ, a global leader in thermoplastic polyurethane interlayer production. The Miru-Mativ partnership has so far focused on co-development of a polymeric electrolyte for Miru’s eWindow technology, satisfying unique constraints related to electrochemical durability, mechanical durability, and a range of standard glazing optical requirements. While substantial progress has been made in this area, fundamental electrochemistry and polymer chemistry must be further developed to enhance durability and product performance.
The proposed project herein aims to centralize new iterative chemical formulation development processes for polymer electrolytes in Miru’s Vancouver-based Technology Centre at 68 E 1 Avenue. In order to meet durability targets, and to provide needed feedback for external industry partners, a wide range of materials and method development will be required to inform strategic product development goals in Miru’s next generation product.

Implementing Mobility-as-a-Service in Canada by Learning from an Austrian Example

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) is an emerging service that enables users to plan, reserve, and pay for different on-demand and shared mobility services through an integrated platform. MaaS is relatively more advanced and widespread in European countries than in North America. In parts of Europe, shared mobility services can also be found in mobility hubs (dedicated on-street spaces) although such hubs are not yet used in Canada. Given their novelty, the impacts of the implementation of MaaS and mobility hubs need to be further studied, particularly in a Canadian context. The primary objective of this project is to compare the use and barriers to the use of shared mobility services between Toronto and Vienna and identify avenues in which these regions can learn from one another in terms of promoting the adoption of MaaS. The results of this project this project can help in the development of policies that promote the adoption of shared mobility and MaaS that are more catered towards the needs of each region. Through an analysis of the usage and design of mobility hubs, this research project can also identify ways to better integrate shared services and create a more seamless and user-friendly transportation network.