Innovative Projects Realized

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

30156 Completed Projects

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Projects by Category

Photogrammetric speech motor control assessment

Speech sound disorders (SSDs) are an umbrella term for a range of speech difficulties characterised by a constellation of deficits. Identifying SSD subtypes can be supported by objectively analysing the child’s speech and facial movement patterns (kinematics). However, these movements can only be precisely and specifically measured using specialised instrumentation and software limited to the research setting. More time-efficient and objective diagnostic tools are urgently needed to supplement current clinical practices. Recent research has focused on facial tracking systems that automatically measure speech kinematics of facial landmarks using off-the-shelf cameras. The current state of the art utilizes the BlazeFace AI method to extract facial landmarks from the imagery. Intra-landmark distances are then derived to estimate facial kinematics. For this research project, photogrammetry will be used to validate the 3D facial landmark points extracted by the BlazeFace algorithm. The outcomes of this research will provide SL-Ps with a complementary diagnostic approach utilising objective measures

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Faculty Supervisor:

Derek Lichti

Student:

Partner:

Curtin University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Information and Communications Technology

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Development of targeted delivery system for saRNAs using SNAP tag-based antibody fusion protein to treat triple-negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly invasive and heterogenous disease that does not express oestrogen receptor and progesterone as well as the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 and accounts for approximately 20% of all breast tumors. Its heterogenicity makes unlikely to reach the complete TNBC patient population with a single therapeutic agent. Therefore, corresponding receptors differentially overexpressed are being considered as high potential diagnostic/therapeutic targets, for example the ADC Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) approved by the FDA. However, ADCs are often with the off-target toxicities of the toxins. An elegant approach is to use self-amplifying RNAs (saRNAs). The aim of this research is to decorate nanoparticles with snap-tag based antibody fusion proteins for targeted delivery for TNBC treatment.
The saRNA encoding sequence will be cloned into a backbone plasmid vector. The linearized vector containing saRNA encoding eGFP will be transcribed and purified. The purified saRNA encoding eGFP will be encapsulated into a lipid nanoparticle using a microfluidic system, followed by characterization. After characterization, the lipid nanoparticle will be transfected into mammalian HEK293T cells. Upon successful transfection, the saRNA encoding eGFP encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticle will be used for cytotoxicity assay on TNBC positive cell line.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Anna Blakney

Student:

Partner:

University of Cape Town

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biotechnology

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Specificity of the cAMP-PKA signalling pathway during thermotolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The proposed research project aims to investigate how Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a microorganism commonly used in the food and biofuel industry, responds to changes in temperature and manages to withstand high temperatures. Yeast cells face various types of stress as the environment conditions change, both in natural situations and during industrial processes. S. cerevisiae has developed mechanisms, known as signal transduction pathways, to detect, respond, and adapt to these extreme environmental changes. One of them is the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway. When external signals are received, cAMP is produced as a second messenger, activating a specific kinase called PKA. PKA exists as an inactive complex of two catalytic (effector) subunits (Tpk) and a regulatory subunit (Bcy1). The binding of cAMP to the regulatory subunit facilitates the activation of the catalytic subunits. This project aims to understand how PKA specifically responds to thermal stress by studying the genes and proteins regulated by one specific catalytic subunit, Tpk1. We will also analyze the proteins that make up the Tpk1 complex to understand how the expression of Tpk1 is regulated under stress conditions. By gaining insights into this specific response, we hope to better understand how S. cerevisiae adapts to thermal stress. The outcomes of this project will contribute to our knowledge of cAMP-PKA signaling pathway, and consequently, to better understand how S. cerevisiae adapts to thermal stress.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Vanina Zaremberg

Student:

Partner:

Universidad de Buenos Aires

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Life Sciences (not health); Biotechnology; Other

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Humanitarian ethical exit: Development of an ethical response closure tool for Canadian Red Cross

Important challenges remain around planning an ethical, justified, and accountable strategy for transitioning from emergency to long-term planning or closure of programs. Canadian Red Cross (CRC) aims to develop a practical guidance tool for closing humanitarian programs that will combine established operational practices with evidence based ethical considerations. This research will be qualitative in design and will be divided into three phases. In the first phase, existing guidelines from CRC and other available literature will be reviewed, and a workshop will be conducted to understand the needs, strengths, gaps, and challenges. In the second phase, the data from the first phase will be synthesized to develop a preliminary guidance tool. In the third phase, a second workshop will be conducted to get feedback and finalize the guidance tool.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Lisa Schwartz;Matthew Hunt

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Red Cross (Ottawa, ON)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other services (except public administration)

University:

McMaster University

Program:

Accelerate

Mathematical modeling of vertebrate retinal cone photoreceptor patterns

Cone photoreceptors are specialized cells in the retinas of vertebrates that absorb light to permit daylight vision. Two major morphological types exist: single cones, which are circular in cross section, and double cones, which consist of two apposed cones with elliptical cross section. In many vertebrates, cones are organized into repeating, lattice-like mosaics. The two main types are the hexagonal lattice (as in the human fovea), in which every single cone is surrounded by six others, and the square lattice (as occurs in many fishes and lizards) where each single cone is surrounded by four double cones. Cone mosaics mediate all aspects of daylight vision including colour discrimination and spatial acuity, yet the cellular mechanisms underlying their formation remain unknown. This research will model potential forces (adhesion, rotation, translation) acting on cones to reveal physical mechanisms underlying cone mosaic patterning. The identification of such mechanisms may be essential to understand the onset and time course of major retinopathies like retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. This research will benefit the collaborating laboratories at both institutions as they share research interests in cone photoreceptor structure and function and in understanding mechanisms of retinal development and homeostasis.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Inigo Novales Flamarique

Student:

Partner:

University of Birmingham

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Life Sciences (not health); Education

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Study of human and machine reliability on the level of trust within human-machine systems

This project, as part of an ongoing collaboration between the University of Calgary (UCalgary) and École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (ENSAM), is dedicated to validating a trust model developed from a Ph.D. thesis work. The trust model serves to describe the effectiveness of human-machine collaboration in various tasks. By creating a real-world case for assessing the model, the project will offer invaluable insights into trust dynamics within human-machine systems (HMS). Such knowledge is potential to enhance the performance and safety of interfacing technology between humans and machines in HMS, benefiting both society and various industries. This collaboration strengthens the bonds between the UCalgary and ENSAM; and fosters future research opportunities to advance the HMS field.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Yaoping Hu

Student:

Partner:

Arts et Métiers Sciences et Technologies

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Information and Communications Technology; Technology

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Globalink Research Award

A Comprehensive investigation for Simulating SVOC’s Adsorptive Behavior in an Experimental Chamber: effect of humidity and adsorptive site’s accessibility

This study investigates the adsorption of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in an experimental chamber, focusing on humidity effects and adsorptive site accessibility. Essential for workplace safety in indoor settings, this research tackles the complex dynamics of SVOCs like phthalates and flame retardants, often found in low concentrations but posing significant health hazards. The project highlights the necessity of advanced sampling methods, continuous monitoring, and the understanding of factors such as air exchange rate, particle size, and gas-particle partitioning, crucial in SVOC analysis. Advanced modeling, like BoxMox, will be employed to explore SVOC partitioning, especially under varying humidity conditions and their impact on larger molecules. This comprehensive approach aims to deepen the understanding of SVOC behavior in work environments, enhancing air quality and worker safety. The study’s insights are vital for developing better occupational health practices and methodologies in assessing SVOCs in indoor spaces.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Hossein Kazemian

Student:

Partner:

Max Planck Institute for Meteorology

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology

University:

University of Northern British Columbia

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Dynamics of single P. aeruginosa cells under shear during biofilm formation

The proposed project involves the use of a combination of two techniques i.e., rheology, confocal microscopy and image analysis, aimed at understanding the physics of bacterial cells at interfaces. Given the fact that the interactions and the interplay of forces are complicated at interfaces, the proposed study can provide significantly valuable insights into the dynamics of bacterial cells at interfaces. Since interfaces are a common habitat of bacteria in nature, this proposed study can greatly enhance the knowledge and understanding of their dynamics at interfaces.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Giovanniantonio Natale

Student:

Partner:

Forschungszentrum Jülich (Institut für Biologische Informationsprozesse)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Biomanufacturing; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

University of Calgary

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Re-inhabiting Lives, Uncomfortable Histories: Armenian Women Immigrants in Turkey

The research I wish to pursue for my research in Turkey seeks to explore following questions: How are the subjectivities of undocumented Armenian women immigrants shaped in the face of multi-layered discrimination and exclusion? What is the role of Turkish media and Turkish cinema in this discrimination? My inquiry into the ways in
which undocumented Armenian women immigrants are rejected at an institutional level yet welcomed in the domestic work sector and the sex trade will illuminate how historical forces, such as the genocide, and social forces, such as attitudes of the Church and Turkish Armenians, shape gendered experience. For this purpose, I plan to
conduct a discourse analysis on how this issue is represented in Turkish media and Turkish cinema. Secondly I will investigate the legal arrangements regarding Armenian women immigrants, scrutinizing the latest arrangements regarding irregular migration in Turkey.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Meir Amor

Student:

Partner:

Sabanci University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Globalink Research Award

L2M – ACTIVELY SOBER AI MODEL FILTER FOR INFLUECES IN SUPPORT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

The Actively Sober app is an ambitious project that combines advanced artificial intelligence with a keen understanding of cultural nuances to address the widespread issue of alcohol misuse. By employing AI algorithms that continuously scan digital platforms to identify and block alcohol-related content, the app aims to create a supportive environment for users, helping them make healthier choices in their specific cultural and social contexts. With a clear set of objectives, including target population profiling, user needs assessment, and prototype development, this project is positioned to be a powerful tool in the global effort to promote sobriety and combat the negative impacts of alcohol misuse, ultimately contributing to improved public health and well-being.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Rita Orji;Tina Montreuil

Student:

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic Inc.

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Artificial Intelligence

University:

Dalhousie University

Program:

Business Strategy Internship

Integrating Deep Learning and Machine Learning Techniques for Maize Yield Monitoring with Earth Observation and Climate Data to Ensure Food Security in Dry Regions

Our project aims to improve maize production efficiency and mitigate the impacts of climate change. By combining advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing techniques, we will analyze data on maize cultivation, climate patterns, and soil health. This collaboration between institutions in both countries seeks to enhance agricultural sustainability, increase food security, and contribute valuable insights to global efforts addressing climate challenges. The participating institutions stand to benefit from shared expertise, fostering innovation in agricultural practices, and establishing a foundation for ongoing collaboration in addressing shared environmental concerns.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Chunhua Zhang

Student:

Partner:

Sol Plaatje University

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Education

University:

Algoma University

Program:

Globalink Research Award

Static and Fatigue Properties of FDM-3D Printed Metallic Materials and Lattice Structures

3D printing is versatile and time-saving to fabricate parts with complex structures. It is an essential supplement to conventional processes for metal components. But, the high cost of metal 3D printing severely limits their industrial applications. Recently, the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method can 3D print metals at a lower price. The composite filament contains metal powder evenly distributed within the binder matrix. The melting filament is then deposited onto a build platform. In 3D printing, each layer hardens as it is deposited and bonds to the previous layer. The full metal parts are obtained by the following debinding and sintering process. Yet, metal FDM-3D printing has not been thoroughly studied. This project will unveil the mechanical performance of FDM-3D printed metal components. Their static and fatigue properties will be studied analytically, numerically, and experimentally. The fabrication defects and their impact on material performance will be identified. The knowledge gained will be applied in lattice structure development. The research outcome will improve metal 3D printing and reduce manufacturing costs.

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Faculty Supervisor:

Hang Xu

Student:

Partner:

Yanshan University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Concordia University

Program:

Globalink Research Award