Innovative Projects Realized

Fabrication of 3D Printed Lignin/Polymer Nanocomposites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

A large amount of plastic waste poses a threat to the environment. In recent years, there has been a movement to develop biodegradable composites. UBCO’s Nanomaterials and Polymer Nanocomposites Laboratory (NPNL) aims to develop biocomposites filaments with appropriate physical properties for 3D printing in collaboration with Advanced BioCarbon 3D (ABC3D). We intend to use poly(lactide acid) (PLA) as the matrix, and biobased fillers, such as lignin as the reinforcing agent, with a focus on enhanced mechanical properties. ABC3D has achieved remarkable progress in the extraction of lignin, 16 types of lignins featuring different physical and chemical properties, from the wood chips produced by forest industries. In this proposal, NPNL aims to help ABC3D develop the technology of fabrication of fully biodegradable lignin-based polymer composite filaments by tackling various challenges ranging from production (e.g., formulation, dispersion, etc.) to application properties (e.g., mechanical properties) utilizing a broad spectrum of characterization methods.

Development of novel graphene-based composite bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell is in the early stages of commercialization and bipolar plates
(BPPs) are one of the key components which is significantly contribute to the volume, weight and cost
of fuel cell stack. These plates are responsible for uniformly distribute the fuel and oxidant, transfer
electrical current and heat and prevent leakage of gases and coolants. Metallic and graphite bipolar plates
are conventional materials for BPPs. However, each has different advantages and disadvantages. For
example, graphite BPPs has a lack of mechanical strength, and it is very difficult to machine the flow
channels, while metallic BPPs can be easily machined and meets the requirements on mechanical
strength but corrosion is a challenge. In this research proposal, Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) and
University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières (UQTR) team will be joined to develop novel composite based
composite bipolar plates (BPP) for PEM fuel cells applications. The outcomes of this research will
accelerate the commercialization potential of PEM fuel cells by developing the next generation of BPP.
In addition, it will open a new market for NMG products.

Identifying Molecular Targets for New Bipolar Disorder Drugs

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is the 4th leading cause of disability amongst 10-24-year-olds. This illness is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression, with 7% of BD patients die by suicide, representing a significant public health concern. Since BD patients spend half of their life experiencing mood symptoms despite treatments, identifying novel therapies that are effective and tolerated, along with the discovery of their yet unidentified molecular targets, are urgently needed. By leveraging the latest advances in proteomics, stem cell research, and artificial-intelligence (AI), we propose to develop long-term treatments of BD. Specifically, we aim to: (1) uncover common molecular targets of four select atypical FDA approved or currently reviewed BD antipsychotics; and (2) implement an AI-augmented platform to discover novel drugs for BD. These will be accomplished by partnering with 99andBeyond, who will benefit by commercializing the IP to deliver a novel and effective BD drugs to patients.

Supporting post-WIMP interactions in Mixed Reality with Spatial Computing and Edge Computing

Mixed Reality (MR) allows the display of virtual content, for instance with holograms, that can merge to variable degrees with the physical environment of a user by taking into account the context and topology of the user’s environment. By its mobile, spatial and context-aware nature, MR allows to interact with virtual content with new interaction paradigms that are closer to the natural interactions we have with everyday objects. In this project, we will work on two interrelated objectives: (i) to support the online recognition of physical objects in the user’s environment via the sensors of mixed reality headsets, and (ii) to design interactions for MR based on real-life objects, where these can be used as effectors to interact with virtual content. To achieve these goals, our team will use object recognition (e.g., Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)) and action recognition algorithms (e.g., Recurrent Neural Network (RNN)). To overcome the limited computational resources on MR headsets, the distribution of these algorithms will be evaluated on edge to cloud computing devices. As leaders in virtualisation and in edge to cloud computing support solutions,

Traffic Estimation and Stable Resource Allocation Using Distributed Machine Learning

The proposed research will develop novel distributed machine learning techniques for stable resource allocation and improving traffic estimation in networks. It is a well-known fact that networks are becoming complex and user demand is growing in many directions including the traditional demand for capacity and less delay, as well as improvements in Quality of Experience (QoE). Backhauling the multiplexed demand over the core networks calls for accurate traffic estimation. On the other hand, control of the resource allocation, based on such predictions, needs stable and robust solutions. This is a highly challenging problem since when multiple agents use the information collected from the field, they may converge to conflicting decisions which risks the stability of the network. In certain cases, the agents themselves might not even converge, let alone the whole network. Therefore, techniques that consider control, stability and assurance must be developed. This project will develop fundamental solutions for next generation ultra-agile networks.

Coordination Complexes of Amidine N-Oxide (AMOX) Ligands for Energy-related Applications

This project addresses the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address global energy challenges. It focuses on the development of coordination complexes (metal-ions with organic ligands) for energy-related applications, in particular solar energy conversion technologies. More specifically, the design, synthesis, and characterization of Zn(II) and Al(III) coordination complexes of amidine N-oxide (AMOX) ligands are targeted. AMOXs are a versatile ligand platform, used for tuning the properties of their corresponding coordination complexes. Thus, the project aims to systematically evaluate the key properties of these new families of compounds for their use in energy-related applications (e.g., artificial photosynthesis, photovoltaics, optoelectronic devices).

Using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., nuclear magnetic resonance and UV–visible spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry, single-crystal X-ray diffraction), fundamental structure-property relationships will be established for the targeted compounds, contributing to the rational design of functional materials for solar energy conversion. Conducted through a collaboration between the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières and the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, the project combines specialized research infrastructure with strong academic training. Its outcomes will contribute to the development of innovative materials for clean energy applications, strengthen international research collaboration, and support the formation of highly qualified personnel equipped to address global energy challenges.

Tracking interchain interactions in copolymers.

The research project is the continuation of the collaboration between the Christopher Rowley group at Carleton University in Canada and the Mateusz Brela group at Jagiellonian University in Poland. This research project tackles the continuous need for an accurate description of the chemical structure’s role in the physicochemical properties of the final material. As the copolymers are widely studied due to the ability to combine the properties of their constituents, it is essential to provide additional insight into the structure-property relationship of two analogously built copolymers. It is the first time that multiscale QM/MM simulations will be used to address the thorough description of the morphology and interchain interactions of copolymers. Developing a unique computational protocol for the comprehensive description of non-covalent interchain interactions will enable its application to verify newly designed copolymer materials. Providing the scientific community with the necessary structure-property relations will result in the improved accuracy of physicochemical properties prediction, promoting the application of the newly designed materials in the industry.

Inflation Technique in Fermionic Networks

This project explores how different kinds of quantum systems can produce different patterns of correlations in networks; i.e. when several parties perform experiments on shared resources. A famous result known as Bell’s theorem showed that quantum physics allows correlations that cannot be explained using classical models without communication between the parties. Recent research suggests that systems made of a kind of indistinguishable particles, called fermions, may allow even richer types of correlations than those described by standard quantum models. The aim of this project is to develop new theoretical tools to understand and clearly identify these differences. The expected outcome is a deeper understanding of the foundations of quantum physics and new methods for studying quantum networks (standard or fermionic), while strengthening collaboration between Perimeter Institute and Inria Saclay in the field of quantum sciences.

Music History Exhibition Development in Collaboration with the Festival of the Sound

The West Parry Sound District Museum (WPSDM) is partnering with The Festival Of the Sound (FOTS) to celebrate The FOTS 50th anniversary in 2029. During the project, the intern will be acting as a liason between the two organizations in order to create a roadmap package to set up an exhibit showcasing the history of The FOTS and the surrounding area’s music. This will be achieved through the intern collecting artifacts and their histories, and a detailed history of the organization of the FOTS. The museum will come out of this internship with a complete roadmap to set up an exhibit in 2029, and an archive of information and artifacts that will contribute to the museums research base.

Modeling Electrical Conductivity in Carbon-Filled Polymer Composites – Collaboration Western/KIT

The main objective of the proposed research is to characterize and develop simulation models for carbon-filled polymer nanocomposites, using key morphological properties such as filler orientation and spatial dispersion obtained from molding simulation tools to predict the electrical conductivity of the resulting composite. This type of integrated modeling, where processing simulations inform conductivity predictions, is not yet fully developed or available for electrical conductivity applications. This represents a gap in current knowledge. The proposed research addresses this gap by establishing a link between morphology predicted by simulation and the electrical behavior of the composite. Achieving this level of model fidelity requires a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms governing electrical conductivity in these systems, as well as identification of the key factors influencing them (e.g., filler volume fraction, aspect ratio, orientation). The outcomes of this work will contribute both to advancing scientific understanding and to improving practical modeling approaches for conductive polymer nanocomposites.

Big Questions, Young Thinkers: Combining the Arts and Philosophical Discussions to Help Children Navigate Life’s Existential Challenges

This project brings together researchers from Canada and Switzerland to pilot a school-based intervention designed to support the mental well-being of elementary school-aged children. The intervention combines art-making and philosophical group discussions to create a safe space where children can explore the existential questions they naturally ask themselves — about life, death, meaning, and relationships. Over nine weeks, the Canadian research team will deliver the program to students at a Swiss elementary school in Bienne, while collecting data through questionnaires and interviews to assess how children experience and perceive the program. This collaboration benefits both institutions: the Canadian team gains access to an international population, allowing them to test
whether an intervention developed in Québec translates effectively across cultural contexts, while the Swiss partners build the knowledge and capacity needed to lead future phases of the project independently within Swiss schools.

Etude de structures plasmoniques en réseau et optimisation du dépôt de point quantique

L’amélioration de dispositifs miniatures à base de source d’émetteurs de lumière repose principalement sur un contrôle du positionnement de ces émetteurs dans des endroits clefs du dispositifs. Nous avons récemment développé une méthode qui devrait permettre à termes de positionner avec une précision très fine (nanomètre), des émetteurs et nous souhaitons montrer son contrôle et sa viabilité. La stagiaire recrutée développera des compétences dans le domaine des nanostructures pour l’optique, de l’étude des propriétés de dispositifs avec des nanostructures en réseau et du positionnement d’émetteurs de lumière.