Innovative Projects Realized

Explore thousands of successful projects resulting from collaboration between organizations and post-secondary talent.

13270 Completed Projects

1072
AB
2795
BC
430
MB
106
NF
348
SK
4184
ON
2671
QC
43
PE
209
NB
474
NS

Projects by Category

10%
Computer science
9%
Engineering
1%
Engineering - biomedical
4%
Engineering - chemical / biological

Development of predictive erosion-corrosion models for potash slurry flow

Electrochemical corrosion is the most common source of plant downtime in the Chemical Processing Industries (CPI); in the Province of Saskatchewan, the Mining Industry plays a very significant role in CPI. Mineral processing plants handle electrolytic and abrasive materials that can cause very significant structural damage due to electrochemical corrosion and wear. The objective of this project is development of predictive erosion-corrosion CFD models to determine the influence of fluid and particle dynamics on the erosion-corrosion of piping in potash mills in order to assist in development of material selection guidelines for construction of new and repair of existing facilities. These models also will help in determining the appropriate operating conditions for operation of slurry test loop. This work will help Canada’s mining and mineral processing industries reduce the need to perform maintenance, and thus help pave the way to increased equipment durability and equipment safety being enhanced by the development of standards.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Richard Evitts

Student:

Farzaneh Jalalinejad

Partner:

International Minerals Innovation Institute

Discipline:

Engineering - chemical / biological

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

Program:

Elevate

Management of group-housed sows: optimizing mixing time and environmental enrichment to improve welfare and productivity

Pork producers in Canada are in the process of transitioning from stall housing to group housing systems for gestating sows. The greatest concern with this change is the problem of aggression when pregnant sows are mixed. Mixing frequently results in aggressive interactions among sows, and can affect reproduction and cause welfare problems. Typically sows are held in stalls for several weeks after insemination to minimize stress during embryo implantation, however there is increasing pressure to reduce the time that sows are kept in stalls. Earlier mixing times can be used but there is insufficient information regarding these procedures and their consequences for production. In this project, three mixing times will be studied in two different housing systems: i) sows mixed immediately at weaning, ii) sows mixed after insemination, and iii) sows kept in stalls for four weeks and then mixed. Enrichment is also required for sows in groups, and has been shown to reduce aggression. Enrichment devices will be studied to identify suitable enrichment materials for sows. This research will benefit the Prairie Swine Centre by advancing research on the management of group-housed sows. TO BE CONT.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Yolande Seddon

Student:

Rayappan Cyril Roy

Partner:

Prairie Swine Centre Inc.

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Program:

Elevate

Rapid Quantification of Bovine Colostrum Immunoglobulin G and Macronutrients(Fat, Proteins and Lactose) Using FTIR Spectroscopy

Colostrum is the initial secretion from the mammary gland after parturition and it is a crucial source of immunity and nutrition for
newborn calves. Because of the placental barrier to immunoglobulin transfer in ruminants, colostrum provides the neonate with
immunoglobulins (mainly IgG) essential for passive immunity that plays a key role in the prevention of respiratory and digestive
infections in newborn calves. Colostrum macronutrients (lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) are vital metabolic fuels for newborn
calves in the first days of life. Although, rapid and accurate quantification of colostral IgG and macronutrients levels is required for
dairy producers and companies manufacturing colostrum products, the current available methods are generally time and labor
intensive, non-specific, and frequently inaccurate. It is therefore desirable to develop rapid, cost-effective and accurate tests for
measuring colostrum IgG and macronutrients (fat, protein and lactose) concentrations. The novel Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) based assay described in this application addresses the shortcomings of the other currently available methods.
Development of infrared-based assay for quantification of colostral IgG and macronutrients will position the applicant as an expert in
the field of colostrum management, and Timeless Veterinary Systems as a leader in the development of innovative medical
technologies.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Greg Keefe

Student:

Ibrahim Elsohaby

Partner:

University of Prince Edward Island

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Program:

Elevate

Process optimization for extraction of compounds from natural sources

The proposed research project aims to optimize the conditions for Carbon dioxide eXpanded Liquid Extraction (CXLE) which uses liquefied Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and ethanol as co-solvents for extraction of compounds from natural sources. Design alterations will be implemented to a Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) unit at the partner organization (BioFoodTech) to perform CXLE and further increase the extraction amount as well as extraction rate. The effects of extraction conditions including temperature, pressure and molar fraction of co-solvents on the extraction process will be investigated for different compounds with varying polarities. The extraction efficiency will be then compared to the efficiency of other extraction methods including SFE and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). The development of the proposed extraction system will enable BioFoodTech to provide better service to a wider range of companies and clients which will result in the faster economic growth of the natural product sector in PEI and Canada.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Ali Ahmadi

Student:

Walid Mazyan

Partner:

University of Prince Edward Island

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Natural resources

University:

Program:

Elevate

Multi-species sustainable fisheries management using scientific and traditional ecological methods

I propose a multi-species fish population monitoring project in Quebec’s largest lake (Mistassini), to facilitate community-based fisheries management. Mistassini is home to recreational fisheries for walleye, lake trout, brook trout and pike. With a 31% increase in the regional human population since 2001 and increasing fishing pressure, effective monitoring of Mistassini’s harvested fish populations is essential. Life history and genomics attributes will be compared to assess changes in length and weight, population structure, effective population size and outlier loci, for all four species. Historical life history information and tissue samples for DNA surveys are available for three of four species. Contemporary samples are already available for brook trout, and will be collected for lake trout and pike. Analysis is already in progress for walleye, and thus contemporary walleye sampling is solely for phenotypic measurements (length and weight) for population monitoring. TO BE CONT’D

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Faculty Supervisor:

Dylan Fraser

Student:

Ella Bowles

Partner:

Niskamoon Corporation

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

Program:

Elevate

Examining Post-Implementation Pass Rates of Canadian Wildland Fire Fighters on their Physical Employment Standard.

Wildland fire fighting is a physically demanding public safety occupation. Front-line wildland fire fighters (WFF) must have an appropriate level of job-related fitness for safe and efficient work performance. Beginning in 2011, it was required that all WFF must demonstrate that they are capable of meeting the rigorous physical demands encountered during an initial attack response to a wildland fire. This decision led to the development of the Canadian Physical Performance Exchange Standard for WFF (WFX-FIT). The Health and Fitness Federation of Canada (HFFC) is positioned to play a key role in this initiative by enabling the generation of resource materials for fitness professionals who prepare candidates for passing the WFX-FIT. An increase in the number of Certified Exercise Professionals who are able to provide customized training for WFX-FIT performance would be a definite economic benefit to the HFFC in recruiting and retaining members, to fitness professionals in enhancing their capabilities and to job-seeking WFF applicants.This proposed project has two major objectives; (i) the synthesis and analysis of WFX-FIT pass/fail and injury rates over the years 2011-2016 and (ii) to evaluate age, sex, body mass index and provincial differences in pass/fail plus injury rates.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Veronica Jamnik

Student:

Robert Gumieniak

Partner:

Health and Fitness Federation of Canada

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program:

Elevate

Optimization of the immune response against transferrin receptor based vaccines

The bacterial transferrin receptor is considered to be a potentially efficacious candidate vaccine antigen against pathogens important in human disease and in animal husbandry. Previous data suggests that transferrin receptor-based antigens can elicit protection from both invasive disease and potentially from asymptomatic colonization. One major consideration when developing vaccines is the choice of adjuvant, a component able to influence the intensity, quality and breadth of the immune response. In order to evaluate potential adjuvants, panels of adjuvants representing diverse immunological effects will be chosen and evaluated in established mouse models reflecting respiratory and genital mucosal infection and invasive disease. Additionally, we will work to establish mouse models of agriculturally important animal pathogens using novel transgenic mouse lines that expresses either porcine or bovine transferrin, enabling the more economical and higher throughput evaluation of potential antigens through the use of a smaller animal model. TO BE CONT’D

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Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Gray-Owen

Student:

Jamie Fegan

Partner:

University of Toronto

Discipline:

Biochemistry / Molecular biology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program:

Elevate

Analysis of protein interaction complexes by advanced mass spectrometry workflows

The analysis of protein-protein interactions is critical for understanding cell growth control, and how aberrant connections contribute
to cancer and other diseases. Mass spectrometry is a critical tool in this field, but sample complexity, instrument dynamic range and
resolution limit some applications. This project will evaluate the use of the SelexION ion mobility device and High Resolution TOF
with Zeno pulsing for enhanced separation and detection of cross-linked peptides from protein complexes and to detect posttranslational
modifications of proteins, specifically phosphorylation. Ion mobility should separate phosphorylated peptides from one
another in a manner orthogonal to HPLC separation and increase sensitivity resulting in more comprehensive site analysis. Finally, a
critical component to understanding protein-protein interactions is the cellular response to drugs and/or mutations. For this,
quantitation is required, and we propose to investigate the use of a series of novel mass-defect reagents to allow for multiplexed DIA
quantitation of protein-protein interaction samples. By accessing High Resolution TOF with Zeno pulsing, the mass defect labels will
allow multiple samples to be analyzed at once, with quantitation resolved by mass measurement. This project will showcase new
instrumentation capabilities and provide feedback for instrument design and marketing material.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Ann-Claude Gingras

Student:

Shen Zhang

Partner:

University of Toronto

Discipline:

Genetics

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program:

Elevate

Validation of novel neurofeedback training engine for improving brain health in aging and neurodevelopmental disorders

Memory impairment is the most common cognitive complaint among older adults. On the other side of the developmental spectrum, young adults that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have difficulty adapting flexibly to changing social circumstances. These memory and social deficits disrupt every day living. At present, promising interventions based on research using expensive and specialized equipment are reserved for clinical settings. For example, there is extensive evidence that neurofeedback, an established technique for self-regulating brain waves, can have long-lasting effects on brain function. Technological advancement has now made it possible to administer neurofeedback using portable technology that can be purchased at a reasonable cost (approximately $300) and used in the home. xSensa Labs, the partner organization, has developed a digital solution that translates research protocols for neurofeedback into portable technology for improving mental health. TO BE CONT’D

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Faculty Supervisor:

William Stevens

Student:

Zainab Fatima

Partner:

xSensa Labs Inc

Discipline:

Psychology

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program:

Elevate

Toward an Understanding of Beautiful Feather Cover in Laying Hens

Feather pecking (FP) in egg-laying hens, where individuals peck repetitively and excessively at other birds to pull out and eat their feathers, is a challenge for the industry with large economic and welfare implications. High prevalence of FP is reported (60-80%) and this is associated with mortality rates of up to 20-40%, which translates to hundreds of millions of birds dying due to FP every year. It is especially of concern in systems where birds are housed together in large social groups as it is harder to control.With new policies in Canada leading to the transition from conventional cage to alternative housing systems, it becomes imperative to reduce the risk of large scale FP outbreaks. This proposal aims to develop a Canadian FP Management Plan (CFMP) to ensure safe and successful transition to alternative systems. Therefore, we will identify Canadian-tailored risk factors for FP in alternative housing systems through questionnaires while developing an illustrated guide for farmers/auditors to assess plumage condition. This knowledge will be translated into the CFMP and this tool will provide advice on courses of action to prevent/reduce/stop FP in Canadian hen flocks allowing for transitioning to alternative housing systems while maintaining high animal welfare standards.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Alexandra Harlander

Student:

Nienke van Staaveren

Partner:

Egg Farmers of Canada

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Program:

Elevate

Study of Cyclic Solvent Injection (CSI) Process with Carbon Dioxide/Methane/Propane Mixture Solvent

This project is to perform systematic studies to better understand key recovery mechanisms of mixture solvent CSI process and provide fundamental parameters for field-scaled prediction. For mass transfer, a methodology of measuring diffusion coefficients for multiple components simultaneously dissolving into heavy oil systems under bulk volume and porous medium conditions will be established. For foamy oil flow, its properties of non-equilibrium will be investigated by PVT measurement and depletion tests, respectively. The sequence of multiple components in the solvent released and the role of each component in mixture solvent with considering the effect of other associated components on foamy oil flow will be examined in depletion tests. Mixture solvent CSI tests will be conducted by five sandpack models. Numerical simulation models will also be built to perform history matching and predicting study. Then scaling criteria from laboratory tests to field applications will be established based on experimental results, numerical simulation models and field data.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Fanhua Zeng

Student:

Mingyi Wu

Partner:

Petroleum Technology Research Centre

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Oil and gas

University:

Program:

Accelerate

Multi-user Training Software Development and Otoscope Tracking for Otolaryngology Education

Simulation is being used increasingly to improve medical education by providing students and trainees with greater access and opportunity to learn critical skills without affecting actual patient care. To this end, OtoSim has developed a multi-user training platform and an otoscope tracking device. The multi-user training platform allows the trainee to self-learn while being electronically connected to a central database for monitoring and advice. This will allow teachers to reach additional students without the need for a physical classroom while also providing metrics to track each of the training locations. The otoscope tracking device is an integrated electronic sensor which will determine how the trainee is holding and positioning the otoscope relative the ear. This information will enable teachers to provide feedback on how to properly position the otoscope for an optimal diagnosis without injuring the patient.

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Faculty Supervisor:

James Drake

Student:

Thomas Cole

Partner:

OtoSim Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering - biomedical

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program:

Accelerate

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