Innovative Projects Realized

Development of a Physical Process for the Removal of Metallic Nanoparticles from Carbon Nanofiber

Given the global challenge of greenhouse gas emissions, capturing and converting these gases into valuable carbon-based products, such as carbon nanofiber (CNF), offers a sustainable solution. This is the primary goal of this project’s industry partner, Carbonova Corp, by utilizing greenhouse gas feedstocks and turning them into a valuable CNF. During the production of CNF, metal catalysts such as nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) are employed to facilitate the synthesis process. However, such metal nanoparticles can become entangled with the CNF, leading to contamination. This impurity negatively impacts the physical properties of the CNF, degrading their performance in various applications. The extent to which metal impurities are present directly correlates with a decrease in the effectiveness of CNFs across different applications. This project aims at a novel physical purification process that integrates multiple steps, including ultrasonication, centrifugation, and magnetic separation, without relying on undesirable chemical processes that may negatively alter the properties of the produced CNF. One of the primary challenges in this research is ensuring that all process parameters work in harmony to achieve an optimal purification outcome. By achieving purified CNF from recycled carbon, the need for new raw materials is reduced for use in various applications.

Assessment of Comprehensive Self-Care Programs in the Workplace: A Mixed Methods Study

The purpose of this 20-week study is two-fold. First, assess two comprehensive self-care programs on employee and organizational outcomes. Second, explore the self-care phenomenon. A single financial services organization will participate in the study. Financial consultants will be randomly assigned by office location into three groups. Group #1 will attend a comprehensive self-care program called the Corporate Athlete Training Program (CATP). The CATP provides skills instruction in movement, nutrition, mindfulness and recovery. Group #2 will receive the CATP followed up with ~60 minutes of co-active life coaching support delivered every 2 weeks for 3 months. Group 3, the control, will receive no treatment. Several quantitative measures will be taken before and after the self-care programs. Measures include weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, pulse, blood lipids, fasting blood sugar and employee productivity. Several self-rating survey instruments will be used. Surveys will measure work engagement, resilience and health. Qualitative data, used to explore the self-care journey, include observations, field notes, participant feedback, weekly e-journals, interviews, and a focus group.

Portrait stylization

This project explores how AI can create expressive, stylized portraits while keeping a person’s identity and emotions intact. By developing advanced AI models, it will help artists, enhance digital content creation, and support industries like entertainment, advertising, and cultural heritage. The technology can be used in museums for interactive exhibits, in film and gaming for virtual production, and in personalized digital experiences. Participating institutions will benefit from advancing AI-driven digital art, gaining research recognition, and fostering industry collaborations. A related conference or journal publication will showcase findings, increasing visibility and impact in both academia and industry.

Developing AI Models for Instrument-Tissue Force Prediction in Neurosurgery

This project aims to explore whether brain tissue deformation, observed through a surgical microscope, can be used to estimate instrument-brain contact forces during epilepsy surgery. Two interns will work on key aspects: one will develop computer vision techniques to track tissue deformations in real time, while the other will create machine learning models to translate these deformations into force estimates. By combining high-resolution imaging with advanced algorithms, this research could improve surgical precision and safety by providing real-time force feedback. The findings may also enhance surgical training and simulation tools, benefiting both medical professionals and future technology development.

Analyse multivariée des paramètres influençant la qualité d’installation des géomembranes dans le secteur minier

Les géomembranes sont des barrières utilisées dans les sites miniers pour prévenir la contamination des sols et des eaux. Leur efficacité repose sur une installation sans défaut, mais des erreurs courantes (perforations, soudures défectueuses) compromettent souvent leur performance. Ce projet vise à identifier et prédire les facteurs influençant la qualité d’installation des géomembranes à l’aide de modèles statistiques et d’intelligence artificielle. En analysant des paramètres comme la température, le vent, l’expérience des installateurs et le type de sol, nous pourrons anticiper les risques et recommander des pratiques optimales. L’objectif est de réduire les défauts d’installation, limitant ainsi les risques de fuites toxiques, les coûts de réparation et l’impact environnemental. En intégrant ces avancées, l’industrie minière pourra optimiser la gestion des déchets et améliorer la durabilité de ses infrastructures. Ce projet apporte des solutions concrètes pour rendre l’exploitation minière plus sécuritaire et durable, tout en renforçant l’expertise canadienne en gestion environnementale et en ingénierie minière.

Testing Anchorage of Bridge Barrier Posts

Post and beam safety barriers are common on Canadian highway bridges. The post anchorage refers to the region of bridge deck and curb to which the post is connected. The anchorage must be strong enough to resist crash loads on the barrier, which generate large tension forces within the anchorage. Typical barrier post anchorages have been shown in crash tests to be strong enough but they suffer extensive damage that is difficult to repair. Through a combination of analysis and laboratory testing, we will be looking for ways to better engage reinforcing steel with the goal of making the anchorages both safer and easier to repair. For WSP, a major bridge design consulting engineering firm in Canada with offices across the country, the major benefit is a competitive advantage in offering its clients a higher value product.

Scaling Impact of the Guided Hands Assistive Device for People with Hand Disabilities in Education

Guided Hands® is an award-winning assistive device that helps individuals with hand disabilities write, paint, draw, and use iPads to communicate independently. Designed for people with Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological conditions, the device is currently used by over 4,750 children and adults with disabilities worldwide.

Through this project, we aim to expand the reach of Guided Hands® by hiring a Commercialization Research Assistant to develop a strategic plan for scaling sales in primary markets, United States and Canada.

During the summer internship, the intern will play a critical role in our international expansion strategy, conducting market research to analyze the competitive landscape, regulatory requirements, and potential reimbursement pathways. A key focus will be integrating Guided Hands® into schools for children with Cerebral Palsy, ensuring students can develop essential communication and learning skills. However, the intern will also explore new customer segments such as aging populations, stroke rehabilitation programs, and workplace accessibility initiatives.

To gain valuable market insights, the intern will conduct direct outreach with healthcare professionals, educators, and individuals in the disability community. These conversations will help shape a targeted sales and distribution strategy, identifying key stakeholders, potential partnerships, and the best channels to bring Guided Hands® to more users and improve their quality of life.

Optimization of the scale up of biomaterial ink production and biological quality control processes

The intern selected for this project will aid in the scale up of inks containing biological materials to be commercialized by Tessella Biosciences for use in research targeting modelling of tissues and regenerative medicine. The intern will focus on process development and optimization, and on the establishment of quality control benchmarks and standard operating procedures. In addition, the intern will be exposed to business development and management strategies in the fast paced environment of a start up.

Enhancing Digital Engagement in AI Music Innovation: A Collaborative Social Media Strategy Internship

Staccato AI is advancing Canada’s music technology sector by funding a project that leverages artificial intelligence to support creative music production. In collaboration with a McMaster University intern, the project will implement a strategic social media campaign designed to boost Staccato AI’s online presence and foster community engagement among music creators.

developing an AI-powered junior lawyer platform to help legal professionals

This project focuses on improving an AI-powered legal assistant platform that helps lawyers with legal research and document generation. A graduate student will work on training and fine-tuning the AI to enhance its accuracy and efficiency. The expected benefit to the company is a more advanced and scalable system that can support more users and helping the business expand.

Developing an AI-powered financial advice & education platform.

FriedmannAI is developing an intuitive, AI-powered platform designed to provide personalized, unbiased, and affordable financial advice to all Canadians. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence technologies, this platform will help Canadians better manage their finances, improve their financial literacy, and achieve their personal financial goals without the sales pressure common in traditional financial services. Successful completion of this project will enable FriedmannAI to scale its platform across Canada, greatly expanding access to objective financial guidance, and positioning FriedmannAI as a leader in accessible and personalized AI-driven financial advice.

Practicum Onboarding Program

To create an innovative onboarding program for Co-op students and future employees.