Innovative Projects Realized

Strategic Development and Commercialization Pathway for UV-Light Poultry Barn Air-Disinfection Technology under the CNI–UQMS–Pillars Framework

This project will develop and implement a comprehensive business and governance plan to commercialize a new UV-Lite air-disinfection system for poultry barns, incorporating public health, animal welfare, and agrifood sustainability outcomes. The intern will work under the joint supervision of Dr. Ruben Burga (University of Guelph – Lang School of Business) and Novometrix Research Inc., a social enterprise research firm pioneering the Community Network Integration (CNI) and Universal Quality Management System (UQMS) frameworks for cross-sector governance. The intern’s main deliverable will be a comprehensive commercialization and business plan,

including operational workflows, stakeholder integration models, funding strategies, and data- governance templates aligned with the Four Pillars of Outbreak Response (Leadership, Data & Analysis, Interventions, Communications).

Chemiluminescence-Resonance Energy Transfer Strategies for Next Generation Photodynamic Therapy

This research project aims to develop new molecular systems that can produce light directly inside biological tissues, allowing diseases such as cancer to be detected and treated without the need for an external light source. Conventional light-based therapies are limited because light does not penetrate deeply into the body, reducing their effectiveness for internal or hard-to-reach tumors. To overcome this limitation, the project focuses on chemiluminescent reactions, which are chemical processes that generate light through reactions triggered by biological conditions found in cancer cells.

The goal is to design integrated systems capable of chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) by chemically engineering chemiluminescent reagents and BTI photosensitizers so that they are fully compatible. Rather than simply mixing components, the project aims to ensure efficient energy transfer between them, allowing the internally generated light to activate BTI photosensitizers. Once activated, these molecules can produce reactive species that destroy diseased cells through photodynamic therapy while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

By combining chemistry, light-based science, and biomedical applications, this work seeks to overcome key limitations of current light-based treatments and could contribute to safer and more effective therapeutic strategies in cancer medicine.

Implementation of Multi-view learning to a Dynamic Convolutional Neural Network for Object Detection

In the context of developing an academic activity as part of the intern’s postgraduate studies and building a new international research collaboration, the University of Alberta and the Tecnológico de Monterrey propose this research stay project, promoting a strategic initiative of artificial intelligence (AI) and the establishment of Industry 5.0 in fields such as agriculture and biomedicine. The project involves implementing and validating Multi-view learning in a Dynamic Convolutional Neural Network (MVDCNN) for object detection, utilizing different feature fusion strategies to enhance the performance of single-view detector models in terms of mean average precision (mAP). This collaboration aims to generate open-access knowledge that might encourage the development of technological solutions to face current national challenges, such as food security and health care access, addressed by government programs such as Food Sovereignty, Health and Data Science (México), Science and innovation in agriculture, and Health Science and Research (Canada). The awaited outcome of the research resides in the design, implementation, and validation of a multi-view detection model that improves detection rates by applying feature fusion techniques, contributing to further projects, including the intern’s thesis project, and delivering a manuscript for submission to a prestigious conference or journal.

Developing Thermally Stable Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) with Long-Term Stability for mRNA Therapeutics

The success of the COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated how powerful new technologies based on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) can be for protecting public health. As more RNA-based medicines are being developed, it is increasingly important that these LNPs are stable and easy to distribute, especially to support global accessibility and improve preparedness for future health crises. Currently, most LNP formulations must be stored at –20 °C or even –80 °C to remain effective, which makes manufacturing and distribution costly and limits access in regions without reliable cold-chain infrastructure. This project will explore novel synthetic lipids and stabilizing materials (e.g. polymers) to develop LNP formulations that stay functional for longer and under less demanding storage conditions. The research will be carried out through a collaboration between two leading centers of LNP innovation: the University of British Columbia and the Eindhoven University of Technology. Together, these institutions aim to advance next-generation LNP technologies and strengthen international scientific cooperation.

Environmental correlates influencing roost selection of the King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) in the Calakmul region, Mexico

The project consists of an internship at the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY) in Mexico under the supervision of Dr. José Luis Hernández-Stefanoni. The goal of this project is to acquire the necessary skills, resources and data that will contribute to a master thesis in biology, at Sherbrooke University, Canada. The subject of the thesis is the selection of communal roosts by king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) in the region of Calakmul, Mexico. This species uses specific habitats in the neotropical forests as their roosts, where they rest, clean, drink, and socialize. These sites are therefore likely key to the conservation of the species in the region. To study roost selection, data on landscape characteristics will be acquired by remote sensing, particularly LiDAR. This radar technology will be useful to acquire variables that are not available using multispectral imagery to characterize roosts in an integrated manner, accounting for vertical and horizontal vegetation heterogeneity. This project will lead to a new collaboration between the home and host supervisors which will allow them to benefit from new expertise and recognition in their field of research. The student will also acquire new skills on a novel tool in wildlife ecology.

Secure and Efficient ML-KEM Implementation on ARM Cortex-M7

This project aims to make future internet-connected devices secure against quantum computer attacks by developing faster and safer cryptographic software for small embedded systems. We will optimize a newly standardized post-quantum algorithm so that it runs efficiently on widely used ARM Cortex-M7 processors without sacrificing security. The results will help protect critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, and smart devices from emerging cyber threats, supporting Canada’s leadership in cybersecurity innovation.

Negotiating Heritage and Identity Through Restaurant Entrepreneurship in London’s Soho Chinatown

This project examines how Chinese restaurant owners and operators in London’s Soho Chinatown navigate rapid change. Restaurants are central to Chinatown’s economy and to how “Chinatown” is publicly represented through food, space, and everyday hospitality practices. As tourism markets shift and new culinary trends emerge, operators make practical decisions about menus, branding, service, and target customers—often while responding to expectations around authenticity, heritage, and cultural identity.

The intern will conduct approximately 15 in-depth interviews with restaurant owners and managers and conduct field observations in Soho Chinatown. The study will include intergenerational perspectives within the same restaurants to understand succession and continuity. The sample will reflect diverse restaurant types, including long-established Cantonese/Hong Kong–linked businesses and newer ventures such as hot pot, bubble tea, and other contemporary regional cuisines. Visual documentation and archival materials will describe the challenges faced by business owners in navigating authenticity, identity, and succession.

Findings will be translated into accessible knowledge products, including a concise insights report for local stakeholders and curated visual and archival documentation, supporting more inclusive and sustainable Chinatown tourism and heritage initiatives. They will contribute to knowledge exchange through the International Conference on Chinatowns, to be held at the University of Alberta in September 2026.

Investigating SMYD3 Oncogenic Activity by Machine Learning: Discovering Novel-substrate and Peptide-Based Inhibitors

This project focuses on validating a new potential cancer treatment that was designed using artificial intelligence at Carleton University. The student (Ruofan Wang) will travel to a partner laboratory in France to test this treatment on specific cancer cells that rely on a tumor-promoting protein called SMYD3. This physical visit is critical because the partner lab possesses unique cancer cell lines that are essential for proving the treatment works but are too fragile to be shipped to Canada. The project benefits both institutions by allowing the Canadian team to prove their AI-designed drug is effective in real biological systems, while providing the French team with a new tool to study cancer progression, strengthening a long-term international research partnership

Reactive Carbon Dioxide Capture Using Novel Silicon-Carborane Catalysts

Rising carbon dioxide emissions necessitate innovative approaches for its capture and effective conversion into valuable chemical products. This project will develop Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs) tethered to redox-active ortho-carboranes, providing a tunable platform for carbon dioxide capture and catalytic hydrosilylation. By combining electrochemical activation with main-group catalysis, the project aims to synthesize a new class of electrocatalytically active FLP systems capable of reducing carbon dioxide under mild conditions, thereby minimizing energy input and improving selectivity. The collaboration between Prof. Shigeyoshi Inoue (TUM) and Prof. Gabriel Ménard (University of Calgary) brings together leading expertise in catalytic hydrosilylation, main-group chemistry, and advanced carborane electrochemistry to design redox-switchable FLP electrocatalysts. This research will support scientific and technological innovation at TUM while strengthening its position in molecular electrochemistry, sustainable catalysis, and carbon dioxide utilization. The experience gained at TUM in catalytic hydrosilylation and main-group catalysis will be integrated into ongoing carbon dioxide utilization research at the University of Calgary. Overall, this project serves as a bridge between TUM and the University of Calgary to help pave the way for scalable carbon dioxide valorization technologies, aligning with global efforts to develop sustainable carbon management solutions.

Proposition pour Bourse de recherche Globalink : stage au Royaume-Uni

Ce projet vise à mieux comprendre comment certaines protéines du système immunitaire réagissent lorsqu’une cellule subit une infection bactérienne. L’une d’elles, la caspase-4 peut déclencher la mort contrôlée d’une cellule lorsqu’un lipide bactérien se retrouve à l’intérieur de celle-ci. En s’activant, la caspase-4 coupe plusieurs protéines, dont TAP1 et TAP2, essentielles pour permettre aux cellules la présentation d’antigène via le CMH-I au système immunitaire.

En utilisant des cellules épithéliales infectées par la Salmonella, le projet permettra de confirmer la séquence de clivage de TAP1 et TAP2, d’identifier la conséquence de ce clivage sur leur localisation cellulaire et finalement, d’identifier l’impact du clivage sur la présentation de peptides à la surface de la cellule par CMH-I.

Pour atteindre ces objectifs, plusieurs approches biochimiques, cellulaires et de biologie synthétique seront utilisées : protéines recombinantes, immunobuvardage, cytométrie en flux, ELISA et modèles d’infection. Ce travail contribuera à approfondir les connaissances sur les mécanismes par lesquels le système immunitaire détecte les bactéries et coordonne la défense. À long terme, ces connaissances pourraient aider à mieux comprendre certaines maladies inflammatoires ou infectieuses. Le stage se déroulera au laboratoire du Dr Boucher, spécialiste des inflammasomes et des caspases, à l’Université de York au Royaume-Uni.

Developing a Community Needs Assessment Tool using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework in Hamilton-Halton

This project will develop a comprehensive community assessment tool to enhance United Way Halton & Hamilton’s strategic funding approach and strengthen their capacity to respond to evolving community needs. Building upon their established success in mobilizing $12.5 million annually across 117 programs that serve over 200,000 residents, UWHH seeks to advance their evidence-based decision-making through systematic community engagement. The tool will employ the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework to assess community assets and needs across six critical domains, evaluate satisfaction with current service provision, and identify preferred approaches to service delivery. Through representative sampling that includes traditionally underrepresented populations, the assessment will generate actionable data to inform strategic funding priorities. This enhanced community feedback mechanism will enable UWHH to optimize their substantial philanthropic investments, strengthen the alignment between their proven program portfolio and emerging community preferences, and advance their demonstrated commitment to measurable impact across the Halton and Hamilton regions.

Optimisation de procédé de gravure plasma à haut rapport d’aspect pour des applications optoélectroniques

Ce projet de stage porte sur l’optimisation d’un procédé de gravure plasma à haut rapport d’aspect appliqué à la fabrication de nouveaux lasers à semi-conducteurs multi-jonctions. Ces dispositifs, basés sur des matériaux III-V tels que GaAs et AlGaAs, nécessitent des structures profondément gravées et parfaitement contrôlées afin d’assurer un confinement optique efficace, une gestion thermique optimale et des performances élevées en régime pulsé. La gravure plasma, en particulier via des procédés ICP-RIE, représente une étape critique car elle doit produire des parois verticales, lisses et exemptes de résidus, tout en préservant les couches sensibles sous-jacentes. Or, atteindre de tels profils dans des matériaux III-V demeure un défi technologique en raison des interactions complexes entre chimie du plasma, passivation des parois, énergie ionique et conditions opératoires. Ce projet de stage vise à identifier et optimiser les fenêtres de procédé permettant d’obtenir des structures anisotropes et reproductibles adaptées aux lasers multi-jonctions. L’enjeu scientifique est de mieux comprendre les mécanismes physico-chimiques gouvernant la gravure, tandis que l’enjeu industriel est d’améliorer la fiabilité et les performances de lasers avancés pour les télécommunications, la photonique et d’autres applications stratégiques.