Innovative Projects Realized

Développement de modèles mathématiques en aquaponie

En partenariat avec le laboratoire en aquaponie de la compagnie ÉAU (Écosystèmes Alimentaires Urbains), le projet vise à développer des outils d’optimisation mathématique permettant de minimiser les coûts financiers et environnementaux de fonctionnement tout en assurant la résilience du système en prenant en compte les diverses contraintes présentes. Le stage considère la modélisation mathématique des processus en oeuvre afin de permettre leur intégration dans des modèles de simulation et des programmes mathématiques d’optimisation.

A Blockchain-Enabled Database for Sensitive Data Governance and OCAP Compliance

This research project aims to develop a secure and user-friendly database system for sensitive Indigenous data using blockchain technology. The project will explore how this innovative technology can enhance data security, privacy, and control for Indigenous Nations, while adhering to OCAP (ownership, control, access, possession) principles. The intern(s) will engage with stakeholders, assess the feasibility of various blockchain solutions, and design a tailored system that addresses the unique needs of Indigenous Nations. The outcome will benefit Living Lakes Canada by providing a trusted platform for data sharing, strengthening collaboration with Indigenous partners, and supporting informed decision-making in environmental and resource management across the Columbia Basin.

Indigenous Governance in Child and Family Wellbeing

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST) must reflect the holistic Indigenous worldview so that we better reflect what we are supposed to be: a thriving and growing Indigenous multi-service urban agency. We need to align the decision-making principles and processes with historical and traditional forms of governance from the region in which we serve. Aligning agency governance with traditional forms of governance should lead to decisions that are consistent with cultural values and expectations. NCFST is transitioning from a mainstream hierarchical leadership structure towards an Indigenous governance model grounded in consensus-based decision-making. This transition requires an intern to conduct historiography and oral history research with similar non-profit organizations to determine best practices for the organizational change we plan. Our process of organizational change may also help other organizations to develop a governance model based on Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

COVID-19 and Toxic Hotel Workplaces

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and workplace toxicity in hotels. The recovery for the hotel industry post pandemic will be challenging enough without the potential for toxicity in the workplace to become an unexpected consequence of COVID-19. The research results will be used for academic and industry purposes and will be published in academic conferences, journals, and industry reports. The intern will be continuing a previous data collection that has already taken place in the Fall of 2022 in BC Canada, where line managers and or human resource managers in hotels are interviewed using a standardized list of questions. The information gathered is regarding the participants views of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the hotel work environment. Continuing the research in the UK is to give a bigger data set to analyze, as well as seeing if there are disparities or similarities between the hotels based in the Canada and the UK.

Unraveling the Structure and Dynamics of OR2AT4 as a Drug Target for Acute Myeloid Leukemia using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

In this project, we will be investigating a potential therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer and the five year survival rate is less than 30%. We will be studying a receptor called OR2AT4, which has been found in the white blood cells of AML patients. This receptor has been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation when activated, making it a promising target for AML treatment. However, designing effective drugs has been difficult because we do not have an accurate structure for this receptor. We will be using computer simulations to study the structure of OR2AT4 and how it interacts with a natural odorant called sandalore, which activates the receptor. By doing so, we hope to provide a more reliable structure for OR2AT4 that can be used to design more effective drugs for AML treatment.

Investigation of the surface characteristics of fingers and impacts of PUR adhesive chemistry and application on joints performance

The research project has the objective to evaluate how tool wear, adhesive type and adhesive application impact the manufacturability and bonding performance of finger-jointed (FJ) Douglas-fir lamellas. These will be assessed by measuring the mechanical properties, characterizing the surface quality and determining the initial friction. The experimental design will be conducted in both industrial (FJ process) and laboratory (measurement of dependent variables) settings to maximize technological transfer to the partner. The partner will benefit by noticing an expected reduction in the occurrence of rejects (i.e., FJ lamellas not meeting the required standard) and an increase in the performance of their products, which will foster an optimized use of their products and minimize forest resources.

Performances Diélectriques des Matériaux Biosourcés

Le projet de recherche entrepris par l’étudiant durant son déplacement au Canada visera à produire des nanocomposites cellulosiques pour le champ d’application diélectrique par impression 3D sur une durée prévue de 4 mois. Ce projet vise à répondre à trois questions scientifiques :

1-Évaluer l’imprimabilité 3D de nanocomposites à base de nanocellulose dans une matrice polymérique.
2-Évaluer l’impact du processus d’impression 3D sur la performance diélectrique des nanocomposites
3-Comment l’incorporation de la nanocellulose modifiera-t-elle les performances multiphysiques des nanocomposites ?

Pour mener à bien le projet, une première étape de mise en œuvre par successivement un procédé d’extrusion bivis et de bobinage aura lieu (~3 semaines prévues). Ensuite, les bobines de filaments seront utilisées pour produire des éprouvettes avec une imprimante 3D (~2 semaines prévues). Ces éprouvettes seront finalement majoritairement caractérisées mécaniquement et diélectriquement (~2 mois prévus). Ces résultats permettront de répondre aux questionnements scientifiques soulevées et amèneront à une publication scientifique.

Design of a Multichannel DBS Targeting Electrode and System

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a complicated electrotherapeutic medical procedure which provides irreplaceable therapies and treatments for several nervous system disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Advancements in the electrodes designs will improve the delivered therapy and enhance the efficacy of the DBS system. The objective of this project is to begin preliminary designs for deep brain stimulation and targeting electrodes capable of providing enhanced functionalities and improved biocompatibility to address the limitations in conventional electrode technologies. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Medtrode Inc.; they have developed proprietary neuromodulation technologies and acquired patents which allow them to pioneer in the development of neuromodulation and DBS therapies. During this placement, the intern will gain valuable knowledge and experience in medical device design, while the industrial partner will benefit from the resulting prototype which sets the stage to significantly enhance DBS and improve the treatment of nervous system disorders.

Local Rivers, Global Currents: Climate, Water and History in Chile and British Columbia

My project is a comparative history of water development in Chile and British Columbia during the twentieth century. It explores how different societies conceptualized and responded to climatic uncertainty by comparing how Chilean and Canadian engineers involved in water infrastructure projects – namely, hydroelectric and irrigation development schemes – anticipated and dealt with extreme floods and droughts. It also explores how scientific knowledge and practices, especially within the discipline of hydrology, intersected with local, national and international politics. By exploring the parallels and contrasts of water development in North and South America, I hope to reveal 1) significant patterns in the place and role of science in water planning, particularly under climate change, and 2) unexpected convergences in the environmental histories of two regions usually treated in isolation

Smart tooling via additive manufacturing

Thermal fatigue is a problem that can happen when making metal products using a certain tool. The tool gets extremely hot when the metal is poured in, and then it cools down quickly when the metal hardens. This can happen over and over again, and it can make the tool break or not work as well. This can cause problems for the product being made, and can waste time and money. But, using 3D printing technology can help make the tool stronger and better, and can make it possible to create new shapes and designs that were difficult to make before. This helps make the process faster and more accurate, and can save money and reduce waste. This research can help companies make better products and grow their business. In addition, interns who work on this research project will learn valuable skills in materials, processing simulation, and characterization. These skills can be helpful for their future careers

Développement de logiciel prédictif pour la gestion énergétique

Dans le cadre du développement des sources de production d’énergie renouvelable comme le photovoltaique et l’éolien, il est primordial de développer un réseau électrique plus flexible que celui reposant typiquement sur des sources conventionnelles. Un réseau flexible et intelligent (smart grid) permet en effet de s’adapter au mieux aux profils de production et demande. Un des éléments essentiels d’un tel réseau est un algorithme prédictif de la production/consommation qui permettra une planification optimale des ressources du réseau à développer.

Le but de ce projet est développer un tel algorithme.

Detection of potential interactions of gold nanoclusters/nanoparticles in various biological environments with NanoSIMS (nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry)

At Western university, I have done lots of research for different sizes of gold nanoparticles/nanoclusters using different instruments (TOF-SIMS etc.) for characterizations of these gold nanomaterials.
Dr. Per Malmberg group at Chalmers University of Technology, is an expert of TOF-SIMS (surface characterization method) and in addition NanoSIMS. Dr. Malmberg’s NanoSIMS (a better surface characterization method specifically for Nanomaterials) would allow me to image my nanoparticles and even the nanoclusters I want to study next even better than what I can do with the equipment here, as it has higher resolution (down to 50 nm), as well as far better collection efficiency which is combined with sufficient mass resolution. I will then be able to make a scientific comparison between different nanomaterials that can be used for increasing radiation therapy for cancer treatment without being toxic for healthy cells in the body.