Innovative Projects Realized

Recovering the properties of the globular cluster population in earliest phases of the Milky Way

Globular star clusters are massive, ancient, spherical collections of stars which orbit, in the hundreds, within nearly every galaxy in the universe, including our own Milky Way. These old systems provide a cosmic fossil record of the earliest epochs of galaxies, about 12 billion years ago, and they are key for understanding how our own galaxy assembled. However, the precise history and origin of these clusters remains very uncertain. These fossils have not been left unperturbed, but instead represent the survivors of billions of years of dynamical evolution and interaction with the galaxy. In order to study the initial properties of clusters, we must thus rewind their evolution starting with what we see at the present day. Utilizing fast computational models which capture the evolution of star clusters from their initial conditions and the gravitational influence of a galaxy on the clusters over time, we will learn about the population of globular clusters in the Milky Way as a whole and its properties in earliest phases of the galaxy. This promises to place constraints on the formation of star clusters and the assembly of galaxies like our own.

Multiscale Thermomechanical Analysis of Phase Change Phenomena in Polymer-Based Solvents

This project aims to improve how polymer-based solvents are modeled during freezing and solidification processes that are critical to modern semiconductor manufacturing. Building on prior experimental and theoretical studies (i.e., the collaborative work from participated institutions), the project will develop an accurate and reliable computational framework that captures how heat transfer and mechanical stresses interact across multiple length scales, from the device level down to micro- and meso-scales. The project will help explain how phase changes in solvents affect surface quality, structural stability, and reliability of nanoscale semiconductor devices by strengthening and integrating advanced numerical modeling capabilities. The expected benefits include enhanced predictive tools for semiconductor fabrication, improved alignment between experiments and simulations, and stronger research collaboration and technical expertise at the participating institutions, particularly by expanding simulation-based evaluation capabilities at the University of Toronto and advancing complementary computational mechanics expertise at the Kyoto Institute of Technology.

Deciphering the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria hijack the neutrophil inhibitory receptor LILRB3 to evade their destruction.

Bacterial infections continue to cause a large number of deaths around the world, and the problem is getting worse as many bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics we rely on. New medications are urgently needed to successfully treat these infections. This project aims to address this need by discovering how certain bacteria are able to “trick” our immune system so that they are not easily destroyed. In particular, we are looking at how they interfere with neutrophils, immune cells that are the first responders in fighting infections. Some bacteria can shut down the signals that neutrophils use to work properly, allowing the infection to spread. By understanding exactly how bacteria do this, we can identify ways to restore these signals and neutrophil antimicrobial defences. This knowledge will help scientists develop new treatments that restore the neutrophil’s ability to kill harmful bacteria and help save lives. This research can only be accomplished by the sharing of expertise between our two research teams which will greatly accelerate discovery by both teams in this field.

Mechanistic characterization of mixture toxicity of different cannabinoids

This project will investigate how mixtures of select cannabinoids affect different types of human and animal cell lines. As the use of cannabinoid-based products continues to rise in both Canada and Germany, there is a growing need to understand potential health impacts, especially when multiple cannabinoids are present together. By studying mixture toxicity rather than single compounds alone, the project will generate new insights into how these chemicals interact within biological systems, helping to fill an important knowledge gap for regulators, researchers, and industry.
The collaboration brings together complementary strengths from the University of Bonn and the University of Saskatchewan, both of which have established expertise in toxicology, cell-based assays, and chemical or human health risk assessment. The exchange will provide the MSc student from Bonn with hands-on research experience using advanced cell-culture and toxicity-testing approaches available at the University of Saskatchewan, while also fostering knowledge transfer between the two institutions. The results of this work will support ongoing research programs at both universities and help build shared scientific capacity in an area of growing public and scientific interest. Ultimately, the project will strengthen international collaboration and contribute to safer and more informed use of cannabinoid-containing products in both countries.

Analyse de l’évolution des programmes d’emploi pour les jeunes en contexte de restrictions budgétaires

Dans un contexte de changements profonds du marché du travail, de perspectives plus incertaines pour la jeunesse et de restrictions budgétaires des programmes de jeunesse au Québec, l’étude proposée vise à observer et comprendre les transformations en cours dans les politiques de jeunesse-emploi sur une décennie (2015-2025), à travers l’étude de cas des Réseaux des carrefours jeunesse-emploi du Québec (RCJEQ). Une attention particulière sera portée sur les relations et tensions entre les acteurs de la mise en œuvre des politiques de jeunesse-emploi — les Carrefours jeunesse-emploi (CJE) — et les acteurs de la planification tant à l’échelle provinciale que fédérale. Il s’agira ainsi d’appréhender comment ces politiques sont planifiées et pensées, en mobilisant des grilles d’analyse des politiques publiques, mais également par l’étude de sources documentaires et institutionnelles et un travail de terrain auprès des acteurs des CJE. L’étude permettra de mettre en lumière les enjeux de financement, la mobilisation des acteurs du secteur jeunesse-emploi et les logiques politiques à l’œuvre, ainsi que leurs impacts sur les trajectoires des jeunes.

Acute Impact of an Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Stimulus on Human Neurophysiological Function

Power-lines and electric appliances are the main sources of daily human exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields (MF, 60 Hz in North America). In order to protect the public and workers from potential adverse effects, international agencies publish MF exposure guidelines based on the “best estimate” available regarding the levels producing an acute biological effects in humans, which is called magnetophosphenes (flickering lights perceived eyes closed in the dark while exposed to a strong MF). Since 2005, we investigate power-frequency MF exposures and reported effects on human movement, memory, brain activity, postural control and magnetophosphenes. In this project, the interns will be involved in improving the characterization of visual (magnetophosphenes) and postural (standing balance) responses to high-level power-frequency MF exposure, providing insights into interaction mechanisms. These results will improve international guidelines protecting the public and workers from MF adverse effects, and will have potential for translational developments (diagnostic and therapeutic applications).

Instructions as code – instructing agentic AI models for changes in large projects

Software developers and companies are increasingly adopting agentic AI to implement software features. In practice, developers guide AI agents through explicit instructions that specify, for example, how to navigate the project, identify relevant source files, and test the generated code. Without such instructions, agents may blindly perform implementations leading to incomplete or incorrect results.

While instructions are intended to support AI-assisted development, recent work shows that instructions alone are insufficient to effectively guide agentic systems. Instead, instruction quality and level of detail play a critical role in agent performance. Despite a large body of research on the use of AI and large language models (LLMs) in software engineering, most existing studies focus on prompt-engineering techniques. However, recent findings suggest that prompt engineering provides limited benefits for advanced models, particularly those with strong reasoning capabilities. As a result, developers increasingly lack guidance on how to write high-quality instructions, especially in complex software projects involving multiple interacting components and third-party dependencies.

In this project, we aim to study how developers formulate instructions in relation to software system complexity, characterized by interconnected components and external dependencies, with the goal of deriving guidance for writing effective instructions for agentic AI in real-world software projects.

Développement d’un cadre de mise en œuvre pour le déploiement de la construction ‘Lean’ au sein d’entreprises œuvrant dans l’industrie québécoise de la construction

Les chantiers de construction au Québec font face à de nombreux défis : retards, dépassements de coûts et difficultés de communication entre les différents intervenants. Pour y remédier, une approche appelée « Lean Construction » existe déjà ailleurs dans le monde. Elle vise à éliminer les pertes de temps et de ressources tout en améliorant la collaboration entre les équipes. Toutefois, cette méthode demeure peu utilisée au Québec, faute d’un guide pratique adapté à notre réalité. Le projet de recherche vise donc à créer un modèle concret, étape par étape, pour aider les entreprises québécoises à adopter cette approche. En partenariat avec Builthink, une firme spécialisée dans l’amélioration des pratiques en construction, les stagiaires analyseront ce qui fonctionne ou non selon les types d’entreprises et de projets. Les retombées attendues sont importantes : pour les entreprises accompagnées, cela signifie moins de gaspillage, une meilleure utilisation des ressources et des décisions plus éclairées. Du côté humain, on prévoit une meilleure ambiance de travail, une collaboration renforcée et une valorisation des équipes. Pour Builthink, ce projet permettra de consolider son expertise grâce à des connaissances appuyées par la recherche.

Study on the role of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) as therapeutic target for glioblastoma.

This project consists of testing new targeted therapies for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer with very limited treatment options. The research focuses on antibody–drug conjugates that specifically bind to VEGFR-1, a protein found at high levels on glioblastoma cells and in the tumor environment. Once bound, these antibodies deliver potent cancer-killing drugs directly to the tumor, helping to limit harm to healthy brain tissue. The study will assess how well these treatments reduce tumor growth, spread, and cell survival, both alone and in combination with standard chemotherapy. The overall goal is to improve the precision and effectiveness of experimental treatments for glioblastoma.

Structured and Unstructured Recess Models in Elementary Schools (K-6): A Comparative Cross-Cultural Study

This project explores how recess is organized and experienced in elementary schools, with a focus on the difference between structured and unstructured recess. By spending time in Chinese elementary schools, observing daily routines, and noting how students interact with each other during recess and how they transition back to the classroom, I aim to better understand how the structure of recess supports student well-being, behaviour, and learning. The project also compares practices across different educational contexts to identify approaches that may help schools create more supportive and effective recess environments for all children.

Exploring The Hidden Curriculum of Nutrition in Chinese and Canadian Elementary Schools

This project explores how children may learn about nutrition not only through what they are taught but also through everyday school routines in Chinese and Canadian elementary schools. While Canadian schools often teach nutrition using guidelines such as the Canadian Food Guide, many Chinese schools provide daily hot lunches that may communicate unspoken messages about healthy eating. Using a concept called the “hidden curriculum” the study will examine how school routines such as lunch and nutritional breaks can shape a students understanding of health in grades 4-6. Guided by concepts of reciprocal learning, this project encourages mutual knowledge exchange between participating elementary schools in China and Canada. This project is expected to provide a deeper understanding of how daily routines can influence a child’s eating habits, which can help schools strengthen nutrition education.

Operation and optimization of a multi reflection time of flight mass spectrometer

This project is an research internship with SOKENDAI in Japan with the goal of gaining hands-on experience with advanced mass spectrometry techniques used in nuclear and atomic physics. During the internship, the intern will work alongside researchers at SOKENDAI to learn how Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry systems are operated, optimized, and used in active experiments. The training gained through this experience will strengthen the intern’s experimental skills and support ongoing research at both the host and home institutions. SOKENDAI will benefit from additional research capacity, while McGill and Canada benefit from the transfer of specialized expertise that enhances its ability to carry out precision measurement research. Overall, the project supports international collaboration and helps build long-term research capacity within Canada.