Innovative Projects Realized

Recording the developmental plasticity of a mammalian brain in DNA tapes

The chart of synaptic connections within a mammalian brain will serve as a reference map for generations, rivaling the impact of reference genomes. However, such maps have been elusive because current microscopy-based methods do not scale and necessitate sample destruction, losing the developmental history of synapses. We propose a novel “DNA tape” system that uses DNA barcodes traveling through synapses to generate a high-resolution synaptic map of the mouse brain. Utilizing the established CRISPR lineage tracing tools from Yachie Lab, the DNA tapes will record developmental histories via targeted base-editors, unveiling the dynamics of synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, we propose trans-splicing to fuse barcodes from different neurons, hereby circumventing the need for single-cell isolation and paving the way for larger dynamic brain maps. This project aims to develop a pioneering technology to create an open-access mammalian brain connectivity map, significantly enhancing the scale and depth of synaptic plasticity recording.

Numerical Study of Fluid Flow and Phase Behaviour of Tight Geothermal Reservoir

This research proposes a systematic workflow, which utilizes theoretical approaches to identify the complex fluid flow mechanisms and quantify the phase behaviour of confined fluids for geothermal reservoirs. Due to the complexity of tight geothermal reservoirs, conventional EOS cannot be efficiently applied since it does not take into account the interactions between molecules-molecules (m-m) and molecules-walls (m-w), which will be physically initiated when frequent collisions occur between fluids passing through tiny channels in porous media. Also, the critical points of fluids at nanopores are significantly shifted due to the confinement effect. Currently, the critical point for confined fluid is either described using the van der Waals (vdW) mean-field model with Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential or by density functional theory. The new theoretical models for determining critical point temperature and pressure will be established and further incorporated into the EOS to complete the phase equilibrium calculation for the confined fluids.

Development of soil quality guidelines for use in health risk assessments of contaminated pipeline compressor station sites

Intrinsik has identified a number of key chemical-pathway combinations that are missing environmental quality guidelines but frequently required for evaluating risks at pipeline compressor stations. With support from senior scientific personnel at Intrinsik, the intern will used environmental risk assessments methods to develop risk-based environmental quality guidelines that are relevant to the land use scenario(s) typical of pipeline compressor stations. The intern will benefit from this topical research project through the completion of the three objectives that will require the application of current risk assessment methods. Further, the intern will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a fast-paced environmental field with experienced industry professionals. As the partner organization, Intrinsik will benefit through the development of soil quality guidelines for a set of chemical-pathway combinations that currently do not exist for land use scenarios like those applicable to pipeline compressor stations.

Who speaks for the trees? A collaborative, Indigenous-informed exploration of the environmental and well-being co-benefits of connecting with forest ecosystems.

The Lheidli T’enneh Health Center is partnering with Melissa Bates, a UNBC graduate student, and Dr. Margot Parkes, a UNBC associate professor in the School of Health Sciences, to explore how connections to the environment are good for the community and the land, from the perspective of Lheidli T’enneh community members. This includes supporting land-based healing activities and initiatives that the Lheidli T’enneh Health Center is already engaged with, forming and running a Community Advisory Group that will guide the research project and writing a masters-level thesis. The design of this community-based participatory research project is grounded in the strengths that come from Lheidli T’enneh connection to culture, land, and knowledge.

Coarse Collaborative Simultaneous Localization and Mapping

This project in collaboration with Oxford University focuses on improving how robots work together through coarse Collaborative Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). SLAM technology is crucial for autonomous navigation, allowing robots to map and understand their surroundings while providing real-time localization estimates. The coarse approach we aim to develop would simplify how robots map their environment and obtain shared localization, enabling them to collaborate more efficiently in large groups using less computational and communication resources. By developing a broader, more generalizable method of localization, our goal is to enhance the use of robotic teams in diverse applications, such as search and rescue, space exploration, and urban development. This research promises to make advanced robot localization more practical and accessible in multi-robot systems.

Biofertilisants à base de résidus organiques en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Une quantité importante de matières organiques résiduelles, issues de diverses sources telles que
l’agriculture, l’industrie agroalimentaire, et d’autres secteurs, est générée dans la région d’Abitibi-
Témiscamingue. La valorisation de ces déchets au sein des processus de production favorise l’intégration de
l’économie circulaire, visant à rendre les processus industriels durables et respectueux de l’environnement.
La réutilisation des matières résiduelles, notamment sous forme de fertilisants organiques, suscite un intérêt
croissant. En effet, ces dernières contiennent des nutriments précieux qui peuvent assurer la fertilisation des
sols agricoles et, par conséquent, améliorer la production des cultures, à condition d’être gérées de manière
adéquate. Cependant, une enquête approfondie est nécessaire pour optimiser leur utilisation. Dans cette
optique, notre projet vise à développer des biofertilisants à base de matières résiduelles organiques et à
réaliser une enquête exhaustive sur la valorisation de ces biofertilisants organiques produits à partir de
matières résiduelles dans la région d’Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Notre objectif englobe également la valorisation
du lactosérum et des résidus de l’industrie forestière, la collecte de données relatives à l’évaluation des
pratiques actuelles des agriculteurs en matière de fertilisation, la récolte d’informations sur leur intérêt envers
les fertilisants organiques dérivés de matières résiduelles, et la proposition de recommandations pour les
encourager à développer leurs propres unités de production d’engrais organiques.

Circulating micro-RNAs associated to the aerobic exercise cardiovascular benefits during pregnancy

Physical activity during pregnancy has been related to benefits for both, mother and fetus, mainly by improving cardiovascular health. However, molecular mechanisms involved in these adaptations are not fully described. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding-RNAs which may influence gene expression. miRNAs levels are altered in response to nutrition and lifestyle interventions, including exercise. Some miRNAs are related to cardiovascular health and have been established as markers of health and disease. Nevertheless, there is a gap of knowledge regarding the impact of physical activity in miRNAs and its relationship with cardiovascular health during pregnancy. The aim of this project is to determine the association between miRNAs and the benefits of aerobic exercise on cardiovascular health during pregnancy. We expect to find an association between changes in miRNAs levels such as miR-21, miR-146b-5p, miR-210, miR222, and miR517-5p, and maternal cardiovascular health in women who exercise during pregnancy.

Développement d’une solution intégrée de gestion des formulaires électroniques clients/fournisseurs dans un contexte de libre-service

Pour des raisons de sécurité, le département des applications d’affaires reçoit beaucoup de demandes provenant de différents départements pour mettre à jour l’information concernant les fournisseurs et les clients de Pharmascience. Cependant, chaque département soumet son formulaire sans respecter un standard. Régulièrement, ils sont envoyés contenant des erreurs tels une fausse information, un champ non remplit ou même un conflit entre plusieurs formulaires. Le stagiaire sera chargé de proposer une solution qui encadrera tous les départements de Pharmascience et leur permettre de mettre à jour eux-mêmes l’information associée aux fournisseurs et aux clients dans la base de données tout en respectant les politiques de sécurité. Ainsi, ce projet supervisé permettra au département responsable des applications d’affaires d’affecter moins de temps à des tâches sans valeurs ajoutées en éliminant complètement le besoin d’assigner quotidiennement un spécialiste pour effectuer la mise à jour des informations concernées dans le progiciel de gestion (SAP) de l’entreprise. De plus, la solution développée pour Pharmascience permettra de baisser le taux erreur dans la base de données et maintenir l’information à jour.

Internship studying quantum gases for the realization of new quantum materials and new quantum sensors

The aim of this research internship is to contribute to our group’s research program using laser­ cooled gases to explore fundamental phenomena of quantum materials and to use them to realize new quantum sensors. This research program has two main objectives – the use of ultra-cold atomic and molecular gases to (1) realize new quantum sensors with scientific, industrial and/or commercial applications and to (2) investigate fundamental questions concerning few and many-body quantum phenomena relevant for quantum materials development and research. Both objectives have both short and long term goals (that extend beyond this grant). The short term goal for the quantum sensor research theme is to establish cold atoms as the international, primary pressure standard for UHV. The long term goal is to investigate the applications of this new sensor to flux measurements relevant for semi-conductor fabrication processes. The short term goal for the quantum materials research theme is to observe many-body fermi-fermi and bose-fermi pairing phenomenon in ultra-cold atomic gases relevant to quantum materials and related to electron-electron pairing in superconductors. The plan is to study the modification of pairing due to impurities, mass imbalances, and the effects of quantum statistics.

Making Meaning of International Intercultural Reciprocal Learning in Pre-service Teacher Education: Narratives of Canadian Novice Teachers

This proposed project aims to inquire into Canadian novice teachers’ induction by exploring the long-term impact of international intercultural learning experiences they had during their pre-service teacher education. More specifically, my study expects to answer the three key questions: 1) What are the professional experiences of the Canadian participants in the Reciprocal Learning Program as novice teachers in China? 2) What are the challenges and opportunities they have encountered as novice teachers? 3) How have their 3-month international internships in China influenced their personal and professional development? This proposed study will adopt Xu and Connelly’s (2019) concept of reciprocal learning as the theoretical framework to guide me in analyzing how Canadian novice teachers make meaning as they engage in learning and teaching activities in different contexts. The field texts will primarily be gathered from participant observation, field notes, and interviews. The findings are expected to offer a window into a more comprehensive understanding of how novice teachers develop professionally during the transitional stage in different cultural contexts as well as the value of international intercultural learning components in Ontario’s pre-service teacher education programs.

Foundation Investment Transparency

The financial investment practices of Canadian foundations impacts Canada’s economy and the social wellbeing of its citizens. However, reporting measures for investment portfolios are not regulated or required by the Canadian Federal Government and the lack of data means a lack of transparency for organizations serving the public good. This research aims to document and uncover the state of investment transparency in the Canadian charitable sector with a focus on foundations. The research also aims to understand perceptions of key stakeholders on investment transparency to understand the barriers and limitations of foundations in Canada publicly listing their investments as part of our efforts to create a more equitable charitable sector.

Characterization of the interface between biomaterials and proteins/cells in the presence of nanotopography

While most of the literature focuses directly on cellular response to biomaterials, cell attachment and behaviour is mediated by the proteins attached to the material. The composition and characteristics of such proteins is dependent on the substrates’ properties, both chemical, physical and mechanical. However, how surface characteristics control protein-material interactions still requires further investigation.

The goal of the project is to characterize protein interactions and resulting change in bacterial adhesion at the interface with biomaterials, in presence of controlled nanotopography.

After the creation of organized arrays of nanoparticles with gradients in interdistance, the substrates will be used to probe protein interactions, in terms of protein quantification and structural changes. These observations will be complemented by real-time monitoring of bacterial adhesion in an ad-hoc flow cell. The aggregation of such studies will shed further light on the role of surface characteristics in the response to biomaterials.