Sustainable Copper Extraction Using Synthetic Biology

Copper, a conductive metal, forms the basis of much of our manufacturing and electrical infrastructure. Yet, despite high demands for the metal, supply is not keeping pace. One of the chief reasons is that copper extraction faces steep technical challenges that have steadily pushed up capital expenditures. We propose to use a recent innovation called […]

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Hydrogen Storage in Two-Dimensional Layered Nanomaterials: Synthesis – Year Two

The objective of the proposed research is to investigate novel solid-state materials that have potential for hydrogen storage applications in fuel cell electric vehicles. Of interest are materials that can store hydrogen at ambient conditions and low pressures, have high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen capacities, and can be safely packed into a hydrogen storage tank […]

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Water Monitoring: Instrumentation and Software Research Project

The proposed research project is to a) research and determine what are the best water monitoring components and scientific instruments that can be used in remote settings b) research the existing software which allows for simple interface with water monitoring data and the data user/contributor c) research and establish overarching system to pair water monitoring […]

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Entrepreneurial Delegation

Many entrepreneurs have passions for their ventures because they regard the ventures as their babies. Hence they are willing to put in greater amounts of “sweat equity” even if this greater effort is not fairly rewarded. This feeling is elicited by the entrepreneur’s psychological ownership. Although some psychological ownership is beneficial for new venture survival, […]

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Characterization of a novel personal aerosol measurement device

Fine particulate air pollution is recognized as causing health problems globally, but health researchers are just starting to understand where people receive their exposure, which will influence policies and regulations. There is a need for size-resolved particle measurements using a device that can be carried easily by a person. Nanozen has built such a device, […]

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Development of zero VOC solvents based on organic carbonate compounds

major contributor to smog formation is the release of volatile chemicals which are emitted from many sources including automobile exhaust and consumer products. To combat the adverse effects smog has on air quality in North America, agencies such as Environment and Climate Change (Canada) and the Environmental Protection Agency (United States) enforce limits on the […]

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Policy implementation through Collective Decision-Making – a case study of a collaborative community-level strategic planning process on immigrant settlement and integration services

The InterCultural Association (ICA) of Greater Victoria leads the establishment of Immigrant and Refugees Canada’s prominent multi-stakeholders strategy named ‘Local Immigration Partnership’ to engage diverse groups to better coordinate, avoid duplication, and enhance the current settlement and integration services aimed at immigrant well-being. This research will observe the process of community-level planning, particularly the development […]

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Quantitative assessment of risks involved in mechanized skiing in Canada

Helicopter and snowcat skiing in the backcountry involves different hazards such as avalanches, tree wells or helicopter incidents, which can result in serious injuries or even death. While the risk associated with avalanche involvements is well understood, no systematic analyses have been conducted on the other risks. In this project, we will gather all the […]

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Atmospheric Acid Emissions, Climate Change, and Coastal Salmon Stream Ecosystems in British Columbia – Year Two

Atmospheric acid emissions are increasing in north coastal British Columbia from increased metallurgical smelting, marine fossil fuel transport, and development of liquefied natural gas. Acid deposition can cause episodic acidification of streams when acidic compounds are flushed into streams after snowmelt and precipitation events over hours to weeks. Many salmon-bearing coastal streams are likely sensitive […]

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Hydrogen Storage in Two-Dimensional Layered Nanomaterials: Characterization – Year Two

In this project, we will develop solid-state hydrogen storage materials for the potential applications of fuel cell electric vehicles. Based on the most cutting-edge achievements in related fields, two categories of two-dimensional layered nanomaterials are proposed. Their hydrogen storage capabilities will be elaborated by in-depth characterization of material structure and hydrogen storage properties. Moreover, we […]

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Advanced Earth Observation Technologies

UrtheCast is developing advanced cameras and sensors flying on a constellation of 16 satellites orbiting the earth in tandem pairs. The unprecedented data set requires innovation in advanced earth observation algorithms and applications, which will require novel techniques for analysis, simulations and advanced “big data” processing. The objective of this project is to put this […]

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