Innovative Projects Realized

CHAH Intelligent Bridge Development and Optimization

Comprehensive Healthcare at Home (CHAH Technology) is dedicated to transforming home-based healthcare using AI and sensor technologies. The partner organization aims to address the critical challenge of delivering high-quality, affordable care to aging populations in Canada, where rising healthcare costs and system inefficiencies are threatening sustainability. Through this project, CHAH will develop the CHAH Intelligent Bridge, a cloud-based service that securely collects health data from edge devices and integrates it into EMRs This solution will enable real-time health monitoring, early detection of adverse events, and data-driven decision-making for clinical personnel. The anticipated benefits include improved patient outcomes, reduced hospital admissions, and enhanced operational efficiency for CHAH. The project will directly support CHAH’s mission of delivering scalable, personalized healthcare at home, ultimately alleviating pressure on the broader healthcare system.

IMMERSe – Supporting Awareness and Encouraging Collaboration in Bring-Your-Own-Device Classroom Environments

When students use mobile devices in a classroom, teachers cannot easily know if students are actively engaged in group activities or if they are distracted. For example, a student may be observing the activities of others rather than contributing to group workspace. Even though students are in close proximity, they can be too focused on their own work and fail to notice relevant work from other groups. The students may miss the opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other. This project aims to provide teachers with awareness of class activities to help them monitor students’ progress and provide in time help. For students, the project will provide awareness of other groups’ work and apply gamification techniques to encourage engagement in inter-group collaboration in a shared digital workspace through their mobile devices. The project will benefit SMART Technologies by investigating ways to convey awareness information to teachers and encourage student cross-group collaboration in the SMART ampTM application.

Sustainable materials for energy storage: Development and characterization of bio-based carbonaceous composites

The main objective of this project is to develop and characterize innovative and sustainable materials for energy storage devices. In alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the project will investigate using renewable phenolic sources (such as tannin) and industrial waste (such as kraft black liquor) as precursors for synthesizing carbonaceous materials and composites. This will be achieved through low-cost, simple, and environmentally friendly methods. The methodology will also incorporate advanced material characterization techniques to analyze the materials’ physicochemical, morphological, textural, and electrochemical properties. The expected results aim to reduce dependence on expensive synthetic materials, promote sustainability, and provide viable solutions for large-scale production of energy storage devices in the future.

Proposition de recherche sur la communication de couple

Ce projet de recherche cherche à comprendre comment les couples gèrent leurs désaccords lorsque leurs objectifs sont opposés. Par exemple, si une personne veut discuter d’un problème (objectif d’approche) tandis que l’autre préfère l’éviter (objectif d’évitement), cela peut créer des tensions. L’étude veut savoir si ces différences entraînent plus d’émotions négatives comme la frustration ou le stress et comment elles influencent la qualité des discussions et l’intimité dans le couple.

L’objectif est de voir si les couples qui ont des objectifs alignés (tous deux cherchant à discuter ou à éviter un sujet) ont des interactions plus positives que ceux qui sont en désaccord sur leur façon de gérer le conflit. En comprenant mieux ces dynamiques, cette recherche pourrait aider à améliorer la communication et la qualité des relations amoureuses.

Cross-linked polyethylene fibers as low-cost precursors for carbon fibers

The proposed research aims to develop a novel and cost-effective method for producing carbon fibers using silane-grafted polyethylene (PE) as an alternative precursor. This approach integrates silane grafting, melt-spinning, stabilization, and carbonization processes to enhance the thermal stability and cross-linking of PE, making it suitable for carbon fiber production. By leveraging silane chemistry, the project seeks to eliminate or significantly reduce the reliance on traditional stabilization techniques, such as sulfonation, which produce toxic byproducts. The expected benefits include lower production costs, improved environmental sustainability, and expanded applications for carbon fibers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. The collaboration between the University of Calgary and RWTH Aachen University will foster innovation in polymer processing and carbon fiber precursor development, strengthening Canada’s research capabilities and contributing to the global advancement of sustainable materials science?.

Mechanical design and fabrication of support structures for ris-assisted wireless communication in underground mining environments

The increasing demand for reliable wireless communication systems in underground mining environments has driven the need for innovative, low-cost, and resilient solutions. Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) present a promising approach to enhance signal propagation and ensure continuous, high-quality communication in these complex, obstructed settings. However, the successful deployment of RIS technology depends not only on the electronic and electromagnetic design but also on the development of robust mechanical support systems capable of withstanding harsh mining conditions.
This project focuses on the design, fabrication, and validation of modular, durable mechanical support structures specifically tailored for RIS panels in underground mines. The intern will be tasked with reviewing environmental and operational requirements, developing CAD-based mechanical designs, selecting appropriate materials, and fabricating prototypes using additive manufacturing techniques. Comprehensive mechanical and environmental testing will be conducted to ensure long-term performance, including resistance to vibrations, humidity, and mechanical stresses. The support structures will incorporate adjustability features to facilitate easy deployment and optimal signal alignment.
By addressing practical deployment challenges, this project aims to bridge the gap between theoretical RIS designs and their real-world applications, contributing to safer, more efficient communication infrastructures in the mining sector and other high-risk industrial environments.

Déformation et recristallisation de l’aluminium

Le stage consisterai à étudier, par le biais de simulations numériques (I’expérimentation ayant déjà été réalisée), la déformation à froid et la recristallisation de l’aluminium. Pour cela, I’objectif sera de faire varier différents facteurs physiques et de les intégrer dans un programme dont la déjà définie, afin d’étudier la sensibilité des modèles (type analyse ANOVA) et leur capacité à simuler le comportement des grains d’aluminium. Si le temps le permet, il sera ensuite possible de faire une ‘expérience critique’, dont les résultats ne sont pas connus, en prédisant les résultats avant de faire l’expérience et voir si le modèle est robuste.

Extraction, isolation and identification of activemolecules in Kisameet Clay

Initial studies on the Kisameet Bay Clay Deposit by Dr. Ernest Hauser of MIT in the early 1950’s showed the unique properties of this clay deposit. To build on this early research and make clear a distinction between Kisolite and other clay’s on the market, we have chosen to invest in modern research. As such, a research intern from the University of British Columbia will use and evolve modern chemical characterization techniques to isolate and identify the biologically active (i.e. antimicrobial) organic components of Kisolite. In addition, the microbial inhabitants of the clay may play an important role in many of the unique properties observed from the clay. Therefore, chemical characterization will also be conducted on extracts of these microorganisms to identify their role in the clay’s unique properties. The results of this work will provide Kisameet Clay Company with a better understanding of their product and its composition at the molecular level.

Density functional theory (DFT) assessment of new ligand designs for catalytic olefin polymerization – depolymerization

The upcoming research internship will explore hypothetical molecules derived from pyridine, which could be integrated in ligands for olefin polymerization and, potentially, depolymerization. Olefin polymerization is a catalytic process by which polyethylene and polypropylene are manufactured using catalysts incorporating unique ligand frameworks. This computational study aims to 1) determine the best ligand design for molecules derived from pyridine, 2) understand the properties of the proposed hypothetical molecules, such as structure and reactivity, and 3) determine the ability of these molecules to bind to metals. All of these properties will also be compared to the reference ligand, the ubiquitous pyridine. By simulating these reactions computationally via Density Functional Theory (DFT), the project will identify the most promising targets for later laboratory synthesis, thus saving time, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. The primary goal of this project is to train the intern in computational chemistry, a crucial skill that enhances other chemistry disciplines. The intern will learn and apply computational techniques within the Vasko group at the University of Helsinki, which has extensive expertise with the investigation of main group compounds using quantum methods, and will assess the feasibility of the proposed molecules as components in ancillary ligands for olefin polymerization.

Évaluation des impacts de la présence ou de l’absence de poissons sur le réseau trophique aquatique des lacs sur esker en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Au Québec, certains plans d’eau sont régulièrement ensemencés en poissons afin de répondre à des objectifs de conservation. Ces introductions de poissons ne sont toutefois pas sans conséquence. Elles modifient le réseau trophique aquatique par l’ajout de compétition et de prédation. Les impacts écologiques sont, eux, plus importants lorsque ces poissons sont introduits dans un lac initialement sans poisson (LSP). Dans la région de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, on trouve des écosystèmes aquatiques très particuliers: des lacs de kettle sur esker qui sont majoritairement dénués de poissons. La mission principale du stagiaire dans ce projet sera de déterminer si les données d’absorbance et de fluorescence de l’eau des lacs sur eskers en Abitibi-Témiscamingue peuvent être révélatrices de la présence ou non de poissons dans un lac. La couleur de l’eau (mesurée grâce à son spectre absorbance et de fluorescence) peut en effet révéler un certain état des réseaux trophiques déterminer par la présence de poissons. La réponse à cette question de recherche menée par ce stage permettra de faire avancer un point important de la recherche en écologie de ces lacs qui est de relier leur physico-chimie à leur biologie et histoire évolutive.

L2M Nimbus

Noise pollution is a pervasive issue, particularly in urban environments where it affects sleep quality, cognitive function, and overall health. In response to this growing problem, our project introduces Nimbus, an innovative earplug technology designed to offer adjustable noise attenuation, tailored to the specific needs and environments of its users.

Traditional earplugs often provide a one-size-fits-all solution, which can lead to either too much noise being blocked—impairing communication and awareness—or not enough, failing to protect the user’s hearing effectively. Nimbus addresses this gap by allowing users to adjust the level of noise reduction and the frequencies being filtered. This adaptability makes Nimbus ideal for a variety of settings, from daily commutes to noisy workplaces and even sleeping environments.

This project leverages cutting-edge research in audiology and acoustic engineering to create earplugs that are both effective and comfortable. Users can selectively dampen disruptive sounds like traffic or loud music while still being able to hear important alerts or conversations, enhancing both safety and comfort.

Our goals with Nimbus are twofold: to enhance individual well-being by providing superior hearing protection and to foster innovation in the earplug market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The Nimbus earplugs not only represent a significant advancement in personal audio protection but also reflect a commitment to addressing public health challenges associated with noise pollution.

By offering a customizable, user-friendly solution, Nimbus aims to set a new standard in hearing protection, combining comfort, efficiency, and versatility to meet the unique demands of modern life. This project not only aims to innovate within the field but also to educate and raise awareness about the importance of proactive hearing protection.

Sensor Fusion for Biometric and Environmental Data

CHAH’s mission is to revolutionize healthcare by enabling personalized, proactive home care. Using AI and sensor technology, CHAH transforms homes into intelligent health monitoring environments, tracking physiological and behavioral indicators to detect early health risks and enable timely intervention. Its flagship initiatives include AI-driven predictive healthcare models, real-time sensor fusion, and secure platforms for seamless patient-caregiver communication. By integrating biometric (e.g., heart rate, respiratory patterns, sleep) and environmental (e.g., air quality, movement, medication adherence) data, CHAH enhances early disease detection, reduces preventable hospitalizations, and improves long-term outcomes.
Canada’s healthcare system faces a crisis of unsustainable costs, hospital overcrowding, and gaps in chronic disease management, exacerbated by an aging population. Remote AI health monitoring offers a scalable, cost-effective solution, particularly for chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and neurodegenerative disorders. AI-driven monitoring delivers clinically relevant insights, personalized alerts, and data-driven recommendations, ensuring at-risk individuals receive timely, high-quality care without unnecessary hospital visits.
By enabling millions of Canadians to receive care at home, CHAH seeks to transform healthcare delivery, alleviate systemic strain, and improve patient outcomes on a national scale.