Innovative Projects Realized

Exploring Shape Changing Interfaces for Geospatial and Migration Datasets

This project aims to design and evaluate shape-changing interfaces to facilitate the understanding of complex geospatial and migration datasets. Prior solutions offer a static or screen-based visualization that often fails to convey the multidimensional nature of these datasets in an engaging manner that, in turn, limits the users’ ability to navigate dynamic and contextual information effectively. We plan to build tactile and shape-changing interfaces that can physically represent data dimensions, such as migration flows, population density, and spatial-temporal factors, to offer an interactive experience to enhance users’ perception and comprehension of the data. Borrowing knowledge from prior research within the field of human-computer interaction and tangible interfaces, this project will create prototypes and conduct user studies to assess the efficacy of these novel interfaces in making geospatial and migration datasets more accessible and meaningful to potential users, including researchers and policymakers.

Evaluation of anti-invasive and anti-migratory effects of kaempferol and docetaxel co-treatment via modulation of drug metabolising enzymes in 2D and 3Dbreast cancer models.

Docetaxel is a key chemotherapeutic agent for treating locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, but its effectiveness is often hindered by metabolic inactivation from drug-metabolizing enzymes, leading to multidrug resistance (MDR). This study aims to investigate the anti-metastatic effects of combining kaempferol, a flavonoid known for its anticancer properties, with docetaxel in both 2D and 3D breast cancer models. It will explore the potential drug-drug interactions and physiological toxicity through in silico studies, alongside in vitro assessments of how the combination affects CYP450 enzymes. Cytotoxic effects of kaempferol, docetaxel, and their combination will be evaluated using viability assays and the effect of the combination will further be analyzed using Combenefit and CompuSyn software. The research will also assess how this combination impacts hepatic clearance, metabolism, and efflux of docetaxel using liver models (S9 fractions and human liver micrrosomes) and Multidrug resistance kits. The effect of the combination on metastatic processes in breast cancer models will be assessed using cell migration and invasion assays. In conclusion, the study aims to clarify the mechanisms behind kaempferol’s effects and its combination with docetaxel in combating breast cancer, and effect of kaempferol on the metabolic inactivation of docetaxel.

Leveraging artificial intelligence in material discovery: data extraction and material generation

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Conformal Cooling For Injection Molding Seatbelt Components

Investigate methods of obtaining conformal cooling on existing injection molded seat belt components to achieve manufacturing cycle time reduction.

British Columbia Energy Storage and Bioenergy Market Analysis

Strillence Strategic, a leading strategy and management consulting firm specializing in technology startups, is conducting a comprehensive landscape analysis of the energy storage and bioenergy sectors in British Columbia. This initiative aims to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the province’s clean energy ecosystem.

Strategic Market Expansion Plan for UK and EU

REMOTECON is a small business based in Nova Scotia committed to pioneering innovations that empower ocean exploration and research. It focuses on developing cutting-edge subsea battery packs, electronic fuses, connectivity modules, and depth sensors for the ocean tech industry. Recently, REMOTECON designed a new version of battery packs specific for underwater remote operating vehicles (subsea ROVs) that has solved a specific power problem. Canada and the United Kingdom have more than 260,000 kilometers of combined ocean (ACOA 2023). Both share an understanding of the blue economy, which is the sustainable use of ocean resources to promote economic growth, job creation, and the health of the ocean ecosystem and its potential. The UK ranks #1 globally in blue technology, according to the MIT Technology Review’s Blue Technology Barometer (The Blue Technology Barometer 2022). There is tremendous potential for REMOTECON to engage with clients in the UK. However, the innovation challenge is understanding the UK’s specific market demands, regulatory frameworks, industry dynamics, logistics and supply chain management to ensure their products are efficiently transported, stored, and delivered once they enter the UK market. To address this challenge, knowledge and expertise in international business is crucial. In this project, the intern will develop a market entrance plan and marketing plan for REMOTECON tailored to the United Kingdom’s market. The intern will work to create a plan to help effectively maximize REMOTECON’s resources as they pursue brand expansion into the UK. By leveraging the intern’s expertise, REMOTECON can enter the UK market strategically, helping expand its global reach and maximize profitability.

Evaluation of heat stress in lifeguards

Due to climate change, exposure to increasingly warmer temperatures, especially during the summer months, is of concern. This is true for lifeguards who play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors to aquatic facilities as well as beachfronts open for public swimming. Due to routine exposure to hot and humid conditions, the ability of a lifeguard to respond to emergency situations may be compromised. Unfortunately, there is no existing heat stress management program for Ontario lifeguards. In response to this gap, the Lifesaving Society (program partner) has partnered with the School of Occupational and Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University (academic partner) to measure the risk of heat stress and also conduct a search of the literature and regulatory requirements. The goal is to develop evidence-based best policies/protocols, along with the associated training, training to minimize the risk of heat stress amongst Ontario lifeguards.

Post-Arthroscopy Strength Recovery in Patients Treated for Femoroacetabular Impingement

This study aims to assess the improvement in muscle strength in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) after undergoing hip arthroscopy. FAI can cause severe hip pain and functional limitations, potentially leading to early osteoarthritis. While arthroscopic treatment often have good results, dissatisfaction rates can be as high as 30%. This research investigates the potential benefits of attending physiotherapy before surgery to increase muscle strength. Currently, there is limited research on whether pre-operative physiotherapy for FAI can improve outcomes. By investigating the impact of physiotherapy on patient recovery and strength post-surgery, this study could contribute valuable insights into optimizing post-operative care in Nova Scotia Health. Therefore, it may help improve patient satisfaction, recovery times, and overall outcomes for individuals receiving arthroscopic surgery
for FAI.

Isolated THz magnetic fields

Magnetic fields are usually created in metal conductors, often organized in a single rotation loop. The field is calculated using the Biot-Savart law while the time-response is limited by inductance. SLAC, has recently been used to minimize inductance by employing the magnetic field around a relativistic electron beam. The field can peak at several Tesla, in a time window of 1-2 ps.

We propose to use quantum interference as a different way to minimize inductance. Here, current is injected directly into a material by using the interference between a one and two photon pathway leading to the same energy electron. The current direction is determined by electron interference. We thereby minimize the circuit inductance while inducing a localized magnetic field.

Thus, we use quantum physics in a fundamental way to create pulses that could not be otherwise produced. In addition, with an isolated magnetic field, we can create any superposition of spin states with a pulsed magnetic field. This is a second way that we will impact quantum physics. We plan to create a magnetic field of sufficient magnitude to switch the two-level quantum system of a Bohr magnetron on a picosecond time scale.

Genetic Diversity of Southern African Cannabis

This research project has the overall objective of further studying the genetic diversity of South African cannabis landraces, with the goal of understind how they relate to other wile and landrace cannabis populations worldwide. This knowledge will help understanding the unique characteristics and adpatation of South African cannabis landraces, and reconstructing the human-mediated dispersal of cannabis in Africa. This project has to potential to identify traits and genes that can be beneficial to breeding programs in Canada.

Centraide SLSJ – Évaluation de l’impact social de la politique de développement social

Ce projet est une phase II d’un précédent stage financé par Mitacs en 2021. Elle vise à ancrer davantage la politique dans le territoire en établissant une démarche d’évaluation de son impact social dans le milieu. Toujours à partir d’une approche de co-construction, nous souhaitons dans cette phase II : 1) Établir un plan d’action clair de la mise en œuvre de la politique de DS, en lien avec les orientations générales de cette dernière, 2) Identifier, avec Centraide et les organismes du milieu, les éléments de la politique de DS qui devront faire l’objet d’une évaluation. 3) Établir des indicateurs pertinents (qualitatifs et/ou quantitatifs) pour permettre de mesurer l’impact social de la politique de DS de Centraide, 4) Procéder à une phase d’expérimentation de l’évaluation de la politique de DS, 5) Déterminer un moyen adéquat et procéder à la diffusion des résultats dans l’écosystème régional de cette première phase de l’évaluation de la politique de DS de Centraide SLSJ

Evaluating AI’s potential in script writing: Developing a framework for AI-Human collaboration in Dialogue and plot creation

This study focuses on integrating AI into screenwriting to ideate and develop nuanced stories addressing themes such as trauma, political upheaval, and racial conflict. Centred on Black consciousness within white liberal settings, the study emphasises ethical AI-human collaboration to ensure cultural sensitivity and authenticity. The Interplay between AI and the transformation narratives underline the potential for technology to enrich creative processes while advancing social justice. By positioning AI as a collaborative tool, this research contributes to broader discourses on democratisation and transformation, addressing the ethical concerns surrounding originality, authenticity and cultural representation (Chen & Zhang 2022). Ultimately, this study will demonstrate how AI can be harnessed to tell stories, document, critique, and shape socio-political realities, making a meaningful impact in both local and global contexts.