Innovative Projects Realized

Developing a Novel Clustering-Merging method based on Machine Learning Algorithms

The main objective of the current research is to enhance the detection, clustering, and estimation of Extreme Precipitation Events (EPEs) in arid and semi-arid regions. To achieve this goal, we propose a novel framework called Machine-learning-based Clustering-merging algorithms (ML-CMAs) for satellite-based precipitation products (SPPs). Daily precipitation measurements were utilized for training and evaluating EPEs estimation results. Additionally, Auxiliary Data (AD) such as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), air temperature, and Precipitation-based Precipitable Water Vapor (PPWV) were employed concurrently. In this research, we conduct a statistical analysis and evaluation of the results associated with each of the four SPPs concerning their estimation of precipitation during the occurrence of EPEs. While examining each of these products individually, we place special emphasis on the outcomes obtained from the proposed methods based on ML-CMAs. Furthermore, we aim to address the critical question of whether these methods will demonstrate the capability to estimate precipitation amounts more accurately than SPPs and enhance statistical indices.

Mise en œuvre de la Stratégie québécoise d’économie d’eau potable – Margot Peltier

Le projet de recherche proposé qu’entreprendra Margot Peltier s’inscrit dans la Stratégie d’économie d’eau potable dont la mise en œuvre des projets porteurs au Québec se fait par la collaboration de Réseau Environnement et du Ministère des Affaires municipales (MAMH). Ce projet de recherche se divise en 3 livrables distincts répartis au cours de deux stages consécutifs de 4 mois (de janvier à aout 2024). Ces mandats constituent tout d’abord, l’organisation d’une tournée régionale de sensibilisation à la tarification des services d’eau, puis le développement de la formation sur la tarification des services d’eau, et enfin la gestion de la traduction du manuel M36 de l’AWWA (American Water Works Association), une documentation scientifique portant sur la gestion de la consommation en eau potable .

Slow Sunday Foods – Market Expansion Internship

We at Slow Bottled Sunday upcycle fresh, Okanagan fruit into whole-food based condiments. Each of our gluten-free, low sugar, low sodium, plant-based products are loaded with real food. They include: Cherry Barbecue Sauce, Plum Ketchup, Peach Habanero Hot Sauce, Cherry Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Apricot Mustard, and Pear Jerk Sauce. We have a very strong presence at markets and shows throughout southern BC, often attending 10 or 11 markets per week. Our products are also available in about 50 stores in BC. To date we’ve diverted nearly 100,000 pounds of fresh produce from landfills and other waste streams. Our brand story garners tremendous interest from a wide customer base. We’re expanding our product line and our market reach. This project will be about creating a strong, cohesive brand that scales to BC retail shoppers, Alberta consumers (where we plan to participate in the Calgary Stampede in 2024), and beyond. By internship’s end, we’ll have a fully developed strategy, along with comprehensive brand assets, that prepare us for a Canada-wide expansion. The Market Expansion Intern would be responsible for directing sales at markets and tradeshows, developing brand and marketing strategy based on getting to know our customers, creating brand assets, managing our marketing initiatives.

SSE_CHRISTINEDUFOUR-MAQ-VirginieDuchesne – Optimisation d’une bibliothèque virtuelle Omeka

Le Mouvement allaitement du Québec (MAQ) est un organisme de bienfaisance en santé et services sociaux dont la mission est de contribuer à rendre les environnements favorables à l’allaitement, et ce, dans un contexte de développement optimal des jeunes enfants et de bien-être des femmes, des familles et de la société. Dans de tels environnements, toutes les personnes et toutes les familles doivent être respectées et soutenues dans leur parcours d’allaitement et leurs situations concernant l’alimentation de leur enfant. Lancée en 2016 grâce au financement de la Direction générale de santé publique du Québec, la bibliothèque virtuelle du MAQ, spécialisée sur les environnements favorables à l’allaitement, utilise la plateforme OMEKA. Depuis sa création, des défis ont émergé, tels que le développement des collections, les catégories outils ajoutés, l’optimisation de l’ergonomie et du module de recherche des outils et ressources. La stagiaire devra notamment envisager des moyens d’améliorer la page d’accueil au niveau du contenu et de l’ergonomie, tout en veillant à la révision régulière des outils et collection et à l’ajout de nouveaux contenus pertinents. L’objectif est de créer un site accueillant, intuitif et pratique, tout en maintenant une gestion efficace des collections et une réflexion sur l’accessibilité des ressources.

Le Rôle de la Transformation Numérique dans la Gestion de l’Hyper-Croissance chez les PME dans le Secteur des Services Professionnels de Décarbonation

Le principal objectif de ce projet est d’aider Solutions Will à faire face à la croissance exponentielle imminente de ses activités. Pour ce faire, le projet préconise la mise en œuvre de la transformation numérique et de l’automatisation, en utilisant des outils technologiques pour améliorer l’efficacité opérationnelle et augmenter la capacité de l’entreprise à accueillir une clientèle plus importante. De plus, cette initiative comporte un objectif environnemental, car elle vise à favoriser la croissance des entreprises de services professionnels dans le secteur de la décarbonation tout en aidant d’autres organisations dans leurs efforts de réduction des émissions.
Le projet proposé permettra à Solutions Will de développer son avantage concurrentiel et d’élever l’efficacité de ses processus opérationnels en supportant sa transformation numérique.

Increasing our understanding of climate change impacts on a keystone species in the Arctic: the hooded seal

Ice seals are considered bio-indicators of the Arctic ecosystem health, yet little is known about how they have responded both horizontally and vertically to seasonal and annual changes in the Arctic ecosystem. As the Arctic continues to lose ice, this study examines future consequences of these ecosystem changes on the Arctic hooded seals. This study combines biologging-derived behavioural and movement data, environmental data, and simulation modelling to 1) characterize foraging behaviours of hooded seals using tri-dimensional movement data, their relation to foraging efficiency, and to their habitat characteristics; 2) assess changes in foraging efficiencies through time-series data and their links to population trajectory; 3) build models that predict the future vertical distribution of the Arctic hooded seal. We will infer mechanistic links between hooded seal’s foraging ecology and their physical environment, and better understand the impacts of environmental changes on individuals and populations from forecasts of climate induced habitat shifts.

Diversio Customer Success

Diversio is a DEI platform solution and service company. Since its inception in 2018, Diversio has remained committed to helping its clients create “the best culture and business outcomes through investments in DEI”. Diversio’s success is highly contingent upon its clients; in particular, the extent to which it is able to onboard new clients and meet their ongoing unique needs. A challenge and opportunity exists in the functions of client development, support, and relationship management. An opportunity exists here for a Mitacs BSI project, where an intern can positively contribute to Diversio’s client engagements. This project will aid the partner in onboarding new clients and cultivating long-term relationships, ultimately ensuring that their individualized needs are met. Additionally, opportunities exists for the intern to innovate within the space of client engagement through process improvements and product/service offerings.

Investigating the Role of Copper Radical Oxidases in Verticillium Pathogenesis

Phytopathogenic fungi secrete diverse enzymes to help them infect host plants. Foliar phytopathogens like Colletotrichum species, contain tandem copper radical oxidase (CRO) and peroxidase genes. The CRO-peroxidase pair is co-secreted during initial leaf penetration phases. The CRO oxidizes long-chain alcohols found in the leaf cuticle while the peroxidase activates the CRO. We discovered that the vascular wilt causing Verticillium fungi, which infect host roots also contained adjacent genes encoding a CRO and catalase/peroxidase. Surprisingly, in vitro tests of Verticillium CROs revealed poor activity on long-chain alcohols and instead displayed activity on aryl alcohols and galactose-containing carbohydrates, reminiscent of plant cell wall components. This project will investigate the roles CROs and peroxidases play in V. dahliae growth, development and virulence through gene knockout studies and tomato infection assays. Natural substrates oxidised by Verticillium CROs will also be identified through mass spectrometry analysis of plant extracts. Novel data generated by this project could further our understanding of verticillium pathogen-host interactions and become applicable toward the development of biochemical means for combatting verticillium wilts. Through this project, participating institutions will benefit through the strengthening of ties to further promote collaboration and the development of future projects through the sharing of knowledge.

Process Optimisation of Smart Locks for self directed, automated keyless check ins in the Hospitality Industry for any lock brand and type.

The proposed R&D project with Linkbase is focused on propelling Canada’s hospitality industry into the digital age. While the sector may be lagging behind counterparts in places like Asia that are leading the digitized hospitality space, this project aims to bridge that gap. By harnessing technology to connect locks and streamline digital check-ins, property managers can offer a seamless and secure experience for guests. Linkbase can lead the way in partnering with top lock companies and developing cutting-edge solutions, ensuring that Canada’s hospitality space keeps pace with global leaders in the digitized hospitality sector, particularly in Asia.

Okos – Cameron Armstrong

Okos’ mission is to create a safe and sustainable world through technology-driven project management and delivery of security and smart products & services. Okos has a first-mover advantage globally with its integrated technology and service platform that is disrupting the industry by providing easy and affordable access to security and energy-efficiency solutions through trusted commercial, institutional, and retail partners. Through the Mitacs program, Okos will explore the best methodology to approach the energy sector with these technologies. As operational needs and regulations are unique for the energy sector, Okos must develop a tailored approach to validate its value proposition. This innovative marketing method would help Okos penetrate a large international market and achieve growth to reach sales targets.

Moby Business Development Plan

Moby, a prominent consulting company specializing in optimizing logistics and supply chain operations, aims to expand its innovative, data-driven solutions into the Canadian market. This business strategy internship project is designed to assist Moby in understanding the intricacies of the Canadian supply chains, identifying unique challenges and opportunities, and developing tailored offerings to meet emerging needs. Moby’s expansion into the Canadian market requires a strategic approach. The project aims to equip Moby with insights and strategies for successful market entry, considering factors like regulatory compliance, market awareness, local competition, and talent acquisition. The project addresses challenges such as understanding Canadian regulations, market dynamics, and competition. It also explores opportunities related to Canada’s untapped and dynamic market, environmental focus, customized solutions, technology integration, cost savings, and strategic partnerships.

This business strategy internship project is a crucial step for Moby in understanding and navigating the complexities of the Canadian market. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, Moby aims to contribute to the Canadian supply chain landscape with innovative, data-driven solutions that align with the country’s unique characteristics and business environment.

L2M – AI-MD Validation Proposal

AI-MD is an AI-driven symptom checker that allows people to monitor their health and scan their body for suspected illness and disease. Millions of people are using symptom checkers online every month that only allow them to describe thier symptom information using text or checking off boxes. Not only are these tools not accurate, but they are also free- which means that instead of charging you for the service, they are selling your data. At AI-MD we allow you to characterize your symptoms and health state using videos, audio recordings, photos, and text- instead of just text- to get a more comprehensive assessment of your symptoms so that we can assess your condition with over 85% accuracy using highly sophisticated AI tools. We will be validating the use of our solution in the enterprise setting with Mitacs.