Innovative Projects Realized

APS Sensor for Adaptive Driving Devices

Howell Ventures Ltd (HVL) is a world leader in the development, production, and sale of adapted driving aids. As OEM throttle systems the world over have shifted from mechanical to electronic over the past 20 years, the mobility industry has needed to adapt their products to interface with these systems. While this goal has been accomplished by a number of companies across the world, including HVL, they are all using Accelerator Position Sensors (APS) which are not fundamentally designed with adaptive products in mind. This project seeks to investigate an APS which is tailored for the functional and aesthetic needs specific to adaptive applications.

The intern will work closely with the various departments within HVL including electrical engineering, production, marketing and injection molding to achieve success. Availability of in-house production methods will pose a constraint that the intern will need to include in the research of design methods. Having an in-house APS will provide HVL, and potentially the larger Canadian accessibility market, with various advantages including product consistency, cost reductions, functional improvements and isolation from international supply chain disruptions.

Advancing the Downstream Hydrogen Supply Chain in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is embracing the global shift towards clean energy with a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Our research project, funded by Cenovus Centre for Sales and Supply Chain Management and Mitacs, focuses on optimizing NL’s Hydrogen Supply Chain (HSC) to harness its abundant renewable energy resources effectively.
Aligned with the goals of the Cenovus Centre for Sales and Supply Chain Management at Memorial University, our project aims to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of NL’s hydrogen supply chain downstream.
This strategic investment in NL’s future not only drives innovation but also fosters economic growth and sustainability. By positioning NL as a global leader in clean energy technology, we are creating new opportunities for businesses and contributing to the well-being of our province and its residents.

Association Mapping of Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties in Whole Grain Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Phytochemicals including vitamins, carotenoids and phenolic compounds have been widely accepted as the functional substances that make cereal grain health beneficial. Increasing evidence has shown the relation between these antioxidant phytochemicals and reduced risks of oxidative-stress related chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. Among these cereal grains, rice is of critical importance in agriculture, because of its wide consumption over the world. To breed functional rice with elevated level of phytochemicals, understanding the genes that manipulate the expression of these traits is necessary. This study aims to investigate the genetic bases of phytochemical content in relation to antioxidant properties through the use of association mapping. In other words, the genes that control the levels of phytochemicals in whole rice grains will be identified and related to antioxidant activities. Samples investigated in this study will include yellow, red, purple and black rice, and white rice is used as a control. This study will provide genetic information to improve the health-beneficial properties of rice if marker-assisted selection of breeding is used.

Does the requirement to use DairyTrace ear tags in proAction affect the value of beef × dairy calves at the time of sale?

Does the requirement to use DairyTrace ear tags in proAction affect the value of beef × dairy calves at the time of sale, and how do factors such as calf management practices, marketing timing, and seasonal variations influence Holstein and Holstein × beef calf prices?

Analyse holistique des céramiques mésoaméricaines du Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal

La majeure partie des collections précolombiennes possédées par les institutions muséales n’ont généralement pas de données sur l’origine et les artistes autochtones qui les ont créées sont inconnus. Puisque les œuvres d’art découlent de dons faits par des particuliers, la grande majorité des informations contenues dans les archives sur ces pièces céramiques concernent les donateurs des pièces aux musées durant le XXe siècle (Hubert and Pimentel 2013). Ce projet vise à découvrir davantage le côté autochtone des objets précolombiens du Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal à travers (1) des analyses physicochimiques, (2) des recherches sur leur style les reliant à des communautés du passé archéologiquement identifiées (sites et régions antiques) ainsi que (3) leur documentation numérique. Plusieurs méthodes d’analyses chimiques permettent d‘identifier le lieu d’origine des artisans anciens, tel que l’utilisation de la fluorescence par rayons X. Notre recherche permettra ainsi de reconstruire une partie de la biographie de l’objet et permettra de remettre les mains de l’artiste sur sa création.

Audio Structural Analysis for Music Segmentation

This project aims to explore how state-of-the-art deep learning models can accurately identify and label musical sections like the “verse” and “chorus” across various musical genres. The research will begin by examining available datasets for music structural segmentation, as well as recent deep learning methods suitable for this data. Following the exploration of available data and models, the team will conduct experiments to assess the strengths and capabilities of the different models, proposing enhancements as needed. By training and testing these models, the goal is to simplify music production in digital audio workstations and music notation editors.

Ultimately, this research aims to streamline the creative process for musicians, sound engineers, and composers, making their workflows with audio software faster and smoother by automatically locating and labeling sections of musical compositions.

Innovations in Multi-Jurisdictional Governance Models Using an Approach in Greater Victoria, BC

This project will contribute to research that helps address a problem with two key components: 1) how metropolitan areas throughout Canada and the OECD can optimize multi-jurisdictional governance practices and processes to address complex issues in contemporary & post-pandemic contexts; and 2) using an example from the Victoria Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), Canada’s 16th largest CMA by population, to showcase the principles of collaborative governance and how they could be improved within a region of over 20 local governments.

This research is significant as cities have become central to many issues plaguing the 21st century—from wealth inequality to climate change. Interestingly, Canada only has 36 CMAs in which over 70% of all Canadians live and where most newcomers will settle. Leaders in these CMAs need new tools and approaches that accelerate local collaborative solutions.

The research problem will focus on the historical context, evolution of, and optimized future state of the South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) as a multi-jurisdictional, cross-sectoral alliance in Victoria CMA with a mandate for regional economic development. The methodology will include primary research (stakeholder & informant interviews) and secondary research (historical reports, meeting minutes, organizational reviews, academic research).

Understanding habitat and social factors as drivers of sexual segregation in Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)

This project plans to unravel the relation between habitat characteristics and social dynamics that influence sexual segregation in Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). We will evaluate environmental and behavioural factors to better understand habitat preferences and social interactions that drive observed seasonal social and habitat segregation in bighorn sheep. The results of this study will provide crucial insights into conservation and management strategies, aiming for a better understanding of bighorn sheep and their natural environments.

On the exploration of the origin of failure modes of photovoltaic modules in marine environments

CAPSolar develops and manufactures solar panels tailored for the electric mobility industry. Their technology allows to customize solar modules to seamlessly integrate with any chosen surface. Whether it’s the color, texture, size, or form, their customizable solutions ensure a perfect match for unique solar panel specifications.
However, when using these solar modules in marine environments, it has been observed that these modules fail before reaching their predicted lifetimes. Seawater environments are harsh due to high salt content, which accelerates corrosion of metals and can degrade other materials. The metal components, such as connectors and wiring in the solar panels, can corrode if not properly sealed or protected. Additionally, the protective coatings on the solar cells and the adhesives used may degrade over time due to exposure to UV radiation, salt, and other environmental factors.
Hence, this project aims at exploring the origin of failure modes of photovoltaic modules in marine environments and proposing best strategies to prevent and/or remedy such failures.
Through this project, CAPSolar will gain deeper insights into the root causes of failure in photovoltaic modules used in marine environments, enabling the company to create more durable, efficient solar panels. This will help extend the lifespan of these panels, reducing replacement costs and minimizing environmental waste. Moreover, the improved performance of these modules will contribute to strengthening Canada’s leadership in the global clean energy market, supporting the country’s goals in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable mobility.

Swiss-roll mixed reactant fuel cell: design advancements and scale-up

The Ph.D. intern will be involved in the engineering scale-up of an innovative mixed-reactant fuel cell technology pioneered at the University of British Columbia. The proposed technology provides a simpler, cheaper and more compact design compared to conventional fuel cells. The partner organization, Mantra Energy Alternatives, will benefit greatly from the proposed project because it will provide an integrated and essential component to their carbon dioxide conversion and alternative energy generation strategy. Thus, the objectives of this project are design advancements and scale-up of the Swiss-roll mixed reactant fuel cell utilizing the formate effluent solution generated by Mantra’s electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction process.

Monitoring Pelagic Macrofauna Using Computer Vision-Assisted Underwater Video in an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area

The Tsawout Nation has partnered with a local seaweed farming company, Cascadia Seaweed, to employ a suite of techniques for both marine monitoring and mariculture within a recently-established Marine Protected Area (QEN’T) in their traditional territory. A primary goal and next step for QEN’T is to monitor ecologically and/or culturally important marine animals, and to measure the potential impact of kelp habitats (a kelp forest and seaweed farm) on marine animals. The study will use underwater video cameras to monitor these animals, and compare those data to oceanographic data (e.g. salinity) and kelp growth over the course of a year.

Double Materiality and Gap Analysis for the Food Distribution Value Chain: A case study with Groupe Colabor Inc.

The food distribution chain plays a crucial role in sustainable development, connecting various sectors like agriculture, transportation, and other services resulting to a wide number of both direct and indirect stakeholders. However, it receives less attention despite its vitality for managing sustainability. In these present times, as the society and government demands complete disclosure of financial and sustainability status of companies and institutions, there is a strict requirement to provide complete disclosure on the financial, social, environmental, and organizational aspects in terms of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) affairs. To this end this project would conducting operations and sustainability review, stakeholder surveys and interviews and prioritise relevant impacts taking into consideration accounting for the risks and opportunities. This is followed by a gap analysis which involves assessing the ESG information disclosure gaps and proposing strategies to meet the existing guidelines. In addition to these, the financial and environmental performances are integrated through eco-efficiency assessment to understand the trade-offs that exist between the risk and opportunities presented. This project would develop a baseline framework to evaluate the transparency of sustainability reporting in the food distribution industry.