Heat and electricity generation from biomass combustion in power boilers and co-generation plants produces large quantities of ash residues in British Columbia (BC) each year. In 2013, approximately two thirds of the produced ash were landfilled in Canada and only the remaining one third beneficially utilized. On the other hand, high-quality construction materials are rare […]

Modern molecular targeted therapies have shown promise in treating some blood cancers, but a cure remains elusive for most acute leukemia patients. This is largely due to the survival of some leukemic cells that possess unique properties and can cause treatment failure or relapse, warranting identification of new, distinct targets for improved therapies. In collaboration […]

Viruses that infect the brain, such as Zika virus, are a significant threat to public health in Canada since many are poorly understood, and no vaccines or antivirals exist to combat them. We are investigating the use of “mini-brain” organoids derived from human stem cells as a model to study Zika virus infection that mimics […]

Computational thinking, i.e., the ability to formalize and solve problems with the assistance of computers, has become crucial in a growing range of jobs. Recent research in education has provided encouraging evidence that the development of computational thinking is the most effective when it is taught in the early childhood, and that game-based learning (GBL) […]

In well-logging industry, gamma-ray density logging is an indispensable method to determine formations’ lithology and porosity. This research proposal under the support of Mitacs and Rimpac Advanced Technology Development Ltd. aims at developing a high-resolution density well logging tool which is expected to achieve higher precision and better vertical resolution of formation density measurement. This […]

The specific aim of this project is to design and manufacture affordable, high fidelity, and high quality synthetic surgical training models of diseased valves and arteries to simulate the possible surgical options such as prolapse mitral valve reconstruction surgeries, aortic valve repair for aortic insufficiencies (novel idea) and coronary and radial arteries [side to side […]

The rapid increase in shale gas development in the Peace Region has been accompanied by concern about environmental impacts, and in particular, fugitive methane migration into shallow groundwater. The goal of the proposed research project is to establish a dedicated groundwater monitoring well network in order to collect data to inform the following questions: 1) […]

ImmunoPrecise antibodies is a company that specialized in the production of custom antibodies, the Y-shaped molecules produced by living things to defend itself from infection. Their ability to recognize and bind to specific targets allows for their use in diverse scientific analyses where their specificity of binding is manipulated to allow for localization and/or isolation […]

Rethink is Canada’s largest, national independent creative agency. As Rethink enters their twentieth year, they would like to formally collect the tips, tools and wisdom — 20 years of knowledge and experience — and share it with a broader audience interested in the creative industries and the process of creativity in general. Working with a […]

Seniors may experience social isolation when they lose the ability to drive their own car due to the loss of access to services and opportunities to socialize. I will examine the role of public transportation in reducing social isolation for seniors in Metro Vancouver. With BC’s aging population, the transportation needs of this demographic will […]

After identifying elevated metal concentrations in two seepages from a waste rock pile at Mount Polley Mine, an investigation was launched to determine the potential source as well as the implications for potential treatment. Evidence points to a previously unidentified source of acid mobilizing metals from the waste rock pile and being neutralized along the […]

The Decar Nickel District is located in British Columbia. With more than 2 million tonnes of Ni, the district represents a significant resource. The nickel occurs in an uncommon mineral awaruite which is an alloy of nickel and iron. Due to its strong ferro-magnetic properties and high density (SG 8.0) it should be easily recoverable […]