Innovative Projects Realized

Air disinfection efficacy of Far-UVC light in a healthcare facility

UV light is known for its antimicrobial properties. In this project, we expect to use a proprietary lamp that will provide a specific light that will target bacterial, fungal, and viral strains commonly found in healthcare facilities. The project’s results will have a direct impact on sterilizing areas with a high number of healthcare providers. The company aims to design, test, and manufacture customizable UVX lights.

Exploring women’s experiences with early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC)

We will collaborate with St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation (SMRHF) to conduct a research study that will explore women’s lived experiences with being diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) before the age of 50, also known as early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC). Specifically, we are interested in learning about women’s experiences with the healthcare system during their diagnosis. We will interview women with EO-CRC in order to learn more about their experiences. Collaborating with partner organization will have key benefits in informing clinical care for patients with EO-CRC. This project will allow the Foundation to also meet key strategic priorities including forming relationships and partnerships with health researchers in order to fund research that can improve patient outcomes.

Distributed Quantum Algorithms

Quantum advantages designate situations where processing qubits of information solves a task significantly more efficiently than processing classical bits of information in some basic abstract scenario. Our understanding of quantum advantages for distributed computing is limited. In particular, it is not well understood whether quantum information can deal with issues inherent to networks such as latency due to the finite speed of information, by allowing for distributed algorithms using fewer communication steps than classical distributed algorithms. With coauthors, Marc O. Renou obtained the first natural quantum advantage for a local task quite recently [arXiv:2411.03240 [cs.DC]]. On the contrary, it also has been demonstrated that the methods to find limits on quantum capabilities at such distributed algorithms fail to understand these limits fully [arXiv:2403.01903 [cs.DC]]. The project aims to develop novel methods to understand the limits of quantum capabilities at distributed algorithms by adapting the quantum Inflation-NPA technique, introduced by Elie Wolfe [J. Causal Inference 7(2), 2019], to the context of distributed algorithms.

Optimization and Control of A Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester Integrated with A Non-Linear Flexible Manipulator

This project proposes the development of an innovative robotic system that utilizes piezoelectric energy harvesting to convert vibrations into usable energy. The system will be integrated with flexible robotic arms, enhancing their efficiency and sustainability. Collaborative simulations and experimental studies will be conducted at The University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of New Brunswick (UNB) to optimize the design and performance of these systems. The project is expected to strengthen research capabilities at both institutions, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance innovative technologies that support energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable robotics.

Patient and Caregiver Engagement in a Health-Equity Focused LHS

With patients and caregivers (PCs) at the heart, learning health systems (LHS) bring together research and health
systems. LHS work in a cycle to speed up learning from data and evidence and guide practice and policy change.
This approach has been identified as an efficient and cost-effective way to improve healthcare experiences, overall
wellbeing of the population, and health system performance. For LHS to address unfair differences in health status
or healthcare access and experiences, PCs must be involved. Currently, most LHS fail to meaningfully engage
PCs and guidance for moving LHS from theory to reality is under-researched. Through semi-structured interviews,
this project will explore PCs needs, values, and perspectives related to engagement in Pediatric LHS at IWK
Health. Establishing a Peds-LHS is a priority for IWK Health. Findings will support IWK Health to optimally engage
PCs from various backgrounds in the Peds-LHS to ensure it promotes health equity.

Supporting Sustainable Industry: A Framework for Value Chain Analysis

Sustainable institutions have established a strong market reputation and demonstrate significant growth potential. Their primary focus has shifted from profitability to sustainability. CEOs of these organizations believe that achieving market growth requires implementing eco-friendly and transparent practices. Furthermore, companies have collectively raised public awareness about the necessary actions and current efforts to promote a healthier environment.

Given the importance of this topic, the project aims to develop a framework for analyzing the value chain of companies, particularly in the industrial sector. The goal is to establish a framework that allows small and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial sector to identify their critical activities and improve sustainability in their value chains.

Application of neuroimaging to optimize observational learning from a mobile application: influences of age and brain function

One side effect of stroke is damage to the left parietal lobe, important in motor control of the right hand. Many stroke patients experience loss of motor skills and have difficulty relearning how to perform daily tasks. Recent reports from stroke rehabilitation centres have shown increased improvements in relearning basic motor skills upon incorporation of observational learning techniques into their therapies. The proposed research project will consist of neurologically healthy, right-handed adults between the ages of 18 and 80 participating in an fMRI task designed to activate the mirror neuron system through observation and mimicking of tasks observed via video. Areas of neural activation will be measured and strength of activation will be compared between 4 age groups to observe changes through aging. This research will lay the ground work for improvement of techniques for rehabilitating motor function in chronic stroke patients by contributing directly to the understanding of the neural networks underlying observational learning.

Enhancing Ocean Literacy in Rural Communities

The StFX X-Oceans Outreach participant will collaborate with Students on Ice Foundation on their Blue Future Pathways initiative. The goal is to promote ocean literacy through STEM to youth in rural communities and to work with pre-service teachers to encourage them to incorporate ocean-based material in their curriculum and future teachings. Expected benefits to the partner organization are ocean knowledge dissemination, engagement, environmental stewardship, and leadership of youth and teachers for a sustainable future and a bourgeoning Blue Economy.

Nickel Bros Canada

Nickel Bros, a leading structural moving company in North America, faces the challenge of efficiently estimating and coordinating complex structural moving projects. As the industry evolves, the demand for precise and competitive bidding has intensified, requiring the company to enhance its estimating processes and improve communication with suppliers and subcontractors. This project’s primary activities involve streamlining the request for quotations (RFQ) process, analyzing project data, and improving proposal writing—all crucial for securing new clients and maintaining existing relationships. By integrating an intern into their estimating team, Nickel Bros will benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to data analysis and client communication. This role will not only assist in enhancing the efficiency of their operations but will also facilitate the development of more accurate cost estimates and proposals, ensuring they remain competitive in a challenging market. To address these challenges effectively, expertise in construction logistics, cost estimation, and familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is essential. Moreover, understanding blueprints and demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills will enable the intern to contribute meaningfully, thus supporting Nickel Bros in achieving its strategic objectives and driving future growth.

Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia

The Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC) plays a critical role in regulating the interior design profession in BC, ensuring that registered interior designers (RIDs) uphold a high standard of practice and ethical conduct. However, with over 800 registrants, the organization faces challenges in maintaining accurate, efficient, and up-to-date member services, particularly concerning the regulatory requirements and continuing education necessary for RIDs to sustain their professional credentials. The main activities of IDIBC include providing essential support and resources to its members, advocating for the profession, and facilitating continuing education programs. The innovation challenge that IDIBC needs to address revolves around streamlining the registration processes, enhancing member agreements, and improving educational resources in line with current provincial regulations. This project will not only enhance the organization’s operational efficiency but also significantly elevate the member experience by ensuring that all registrants receive timely and relevant guidance and support. To effectively tackle these challenges, expertise in human resources management, policy development, and a strong understanding of professional regulatory practices will be essential. The intern’s contributions will foster innovation in these areas, allowing IDIBC to better serve its members and fulfill its mandate as a professional regulatory body, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the interior design profession in British Columbia.

Bentley : Découpage intelligent de plans d’ingénierie

Le design de grands projets de génie civil (routes, ponts, complexes résidentiels, usines, etc.) requiert plusieurs décisions techniques dont les résultats sont consignés dans divers types de plans d’ingénierie. Tout projet d’envergure ne peut être imprimé/affiché sur une seule feuille, même de grand format en raison de l’étendue du projet et de la quantité d’informations à afficher. Par conséquent, l’ingénieur doit découper son modèle informatique en plusieurs pages. Encore aujourd’hui, cette tâche est effectuée manuellement par des ingénieurs et doit être répétée si le projet subit des modifications ou révisions en cours de routes entraînant des effets en cascades qui alourdissent la tâche de design. Ce projet vise à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle et les modèles de vision afin d’automatiser cette tâche en tenant compte du contexte de chaque projet pour diviser le projet à des endroits stratégiques qui mettent bien en évidence les détails nécessaires à la construction.

Oi Marketing

Oi Marketing is an innovative digital marketing agency committed to helping businesses strengthen their online presence through targeted strategies and creative solutions. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, Oi Marketing faces significant challenges in scaling its content marketing initiatives and refining its social media strategies to stay ahead of market trends and shifting consumer behaviors. The main activities of the organization include developing customized marketing plans, executing digital advertising campaigns, managing social media accounts, and analyzing performance metrics to enhance client engagement and drive conversions.
Currently, the agency seeks to address the challenge of creating a cohesive digital marketing strategy that goes beyond standard practices, aiming to elevate brand visibility while fostering meaningful connections with target audiences. This project is particularly crucial as it will enable Oi Marketing to harness the latest trends and technologies in digital marketing, allowing them to remain competitive in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
To effectively solve these problems, Oi Marketing requires expertise in various areas, including content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, data analysis, and project management. The integration of two interns into this project will bring a wealth of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, allowing the agency to tap into diverse skill sets and viewpoints. The interns will be involved in creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with target audiences, conducting in-depth analyses of social media metrics to inform strategic adjustments, and implementing data-driven solutions to enhance overall campaign effectiveness.
Moreover, the project will enable the interns to gain practical experience in a real-world business context, where they will learn to navigate challenges that go beyond routine operations. By collaborating with experienced professionals, they will develop essential skills in problem-solving, communication, project management, and creative thinking. This experience not only enriches their academic knowledge but also significantly enhances their future career prospects by expanding