Innovative Projects Realized

Exploring mechano-sensitive channels on photoswitchable lipid membranes

Asymmetric Semiconducting Polymers; Electronic and Mechanical Properties in Organic Electronics

Semiconducting polymers (SPs) are at the forefront of the next generation of organic electronics. They enable seamless integration into various biological and industrial applications. SPs can be engineered to be mechanically compliant and soft, giving them an advantage over silicon-based electronics. Their electronic and solid-state properties also make them promising candidates for emerging organic electronics. Our group recently developed novel asymmetric polyisoindigo polymers. These polymers were found to be more soluble in non-chlorinated solvents. Furthermore, a comprehensive multimodal characterization revealed intriguing electronic and solid-state properties. However, the original design strategy suffered from low yields and challenges in controlling material asymmetry, hindering large-scale synthesis. Additionally, the impact of chain asymmetry on material properties remained not fully understood. To address these challenges, this work will develop a customizable design strategy for asymmetric SPs. We will create a library of asymmetric polymers and control the nanoscale structure of thin film polymers, ultimately improving their electronic and mechanical properties for organic electronics. This collaborative effort draws upon our group’s expertise in materials synthesis and the collaborator’s experience in polymer characterization. The new materials developed will contribute to the advancement of electronics and related applications, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional electronic manufacturing methods.

Exploring music aid verbal learning and brain plasticity in individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease

The proposed project aims to investigate the effectiveness of using music-based interventions (MBIs) to enhance memory and cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), particularly Mandarin Chinese-speaking individuals. The project involves two main objectives: a behavioral study to assess the impact of music-assisted verbal learning on memory recall, and an fMRI study to explore the underlying neural mechanisms associated with this intervention. The expected benefits include a better understanding of how music can improve memory in individuals with MCI, potentially leading to more effective and inclusive memory care services. By utilizing innovative fMRI techniques and focusing on a diverse demographic, including Mandarin-speaking populations, the project aims to strengthen Canada’s innovation capacity in memory care research and contribute to more tailored interventions for individuals facing memory challenges.

Recovery of lithium from Li-ion battery recycling effluents through ion-exchange techniques

Optimization of Photoredox-Catalysts for Hydrogen Formation

Innovation Impact Analyst Student

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A Digitized Approach to the 3-Omega Method of Thermal Conductivity Testing

C-Therm is teaming up with the University of New Brunswick to develop a highly digitized implementation of the 3-omega method for thermal conductivity measurements of thin films, such as those employed to manage heat in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. In contrast with traditional transient hot-wire techniques, the 3-omega method operates in the frequency domain, allowing measurement times to be substantially reduced. The penetration depth of the measurement can also be controlled by changing the applied frequency, which is particularly important when performing measurements on layered thin films used in EV batteries. A deeper understanding of the thermal properties of these films will enable the development of safer and more efficient battery solutions for clean transportation technologies.

A Needs Assessment for the Autism Spectrum Disorder Community in Newfoundland and Labrador

The objective of the project is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) population in Newfoundland and Labrador. While prevalence rates of ASD suggest that there are a large number of cases, the needs of this community are not well defined. Furthermore, we anticipate there will be significant differences in need in rural communities compared to urban centers and differences in needs across the age and severity spectrum. The proposed research will involve a series of interviews with families experiencing ASD, individuals and organizations (in particular healthcare and education) that provide services to individuals on the ASD spectrum and key decision makers who oversee the provision of services for individuals and families experiencing ASD.

SharePoint Migration and Enhancement

NACG is updating information to SharePoint Online and converting all of our internal websites to the new version. Due to the size and nature of the update, it is going to require a full project methodology. The main challenge will be the updating of the folder structure of 2010 to the new structure of SharePoint Online. This project aims to elicit requirements and design/implement a new process for the storage of documents. There are also SharePoint workflows and customized applications that will need to be reviewed and an approach to the replacement of these will need to be decided.

Stage en évaluation du potentiel minier 2024

Ce projet vise à donner des expériences de stage appliqué dans le domaine de l’exploration/exploitation minière à des étudiants en géologie au niveau maîtrise. Ces stages seront accueillis par des compagnies d’exploration, d’exploitation ou de service basées au Canada à la recherche de différents types de minéralisation sur des propriétés minières dont le niveau de connaissance est variable. Le début du stage est marqué par une formation pratique sur des concepts théoriques et techniques de la géologie d’exploration au Canada et donnée à l’UQAT. Par la suite, les stagiaires seront déployés vers leur compagnie d’accueil respective. Faisant partie d’une équipe interdisciplinaire et supervisé par un géologue, les stagiaires participeront à des travaux de cartographie géologique, d’échantillonnage, de mesures de propriétés physiques, de caractérisation chimiques et minéralogiques et/ou de descriptions de forage dans le but de découvrir de nouvelles minéralisations, de définir les extensions de zones déjà connues ou d’évaluer des opportunités de récupération de minéraux critiques et stratégiques. Ces stagiaires permettront aux organismes partenaires d’avoir accès à des étudiants en géologie dont le corps d’emploi est en grande demande sur le marché du travail canadien présentement.

Stratégies de propriété intellectuelle pour startups canadiennes en medtech

Premièrement, le Canada est un cancre dans le financement de la recherche et de l’innovation. Le pays est à la traîne de tous ses pairs. Deuxièmement, lorsque le Canada innove, la propriété intellectuelle résultante disparait disproportionnellement à l’étranger. La recherche est donc financée par les contribuables, mais finit par subventionner indirectement les profits d’entreprises étrangères. Cela doit cesser.

La situation est particulièrement critique en medtech (“technologie médicale”). Il y a d’impressionnantes recherches, mais, surtout, il y a une absence totale de ressources pour transformer les avancées en laboratoire en succès commerciaux. Au Canada, ni l’État, ni le privé, investissent en medtech; les innovations sont oubliées ou achetées à rabais.

Ce projet vise à guider les startups (“jeunes pousses”) medtech canadiennes dans le développement de stratégies de propriété intellectuelle pertinentes. En médical, la propriété intellectuelle est le nerf de la guerre. Le portfolio de propriété intellectuelle des startups médicales constitue l’écrasante majorité de leur valeur. Si, à l’aide de stratégies pertinentes, on maximise la valeur de son portfolio, on augmente son intérêt aux yeux des potentiels investisseurs. Ces investisseurs sont essentiels, puisqu’ils financent la quasi-totalité de la transformation de l’innovation en produit commercialisable.

Donc, en maximisant leur attrait, ces startups medtech deviendront des investissements plus intéressants, ce qui, en retour, stimulera l’afflux de capitaux dans l’industrie et, à terme, facilitera le transfert des innovations vers le marché. Il s’agit d’un cercle vertueux, puisque plus il y aura d’innovations qui généreront des profits intéressants, plus il y aura de l’intérêt à investir en medtech.

CENTRALIZED REPORTING SYSTEM OF AN ORGANIZATION (www.sunraygroup.ca)

The Proposal is about centralizing the reporting system an organization having a number of properties distributed in different regions of Canada. Daily revenue report is created at each property at the end of the day and sent to the owner. The owner has to go through a number of reports for getting an accurate view of the working of the organization. The proposed research project shall help in merging all the reports into one and helping the owner to better analyze the financial condition of the organization. As different systems are used for generating reports at different properties, a detailed study of these systems is required so as to get finally merge the reports generated from all the systems into one report that can be only accessed by the authorized users.