The replacement of metallic materials by polymer matrix composites which possess a multitude of improved properties (lower density, higher stiffness and strength, resistance to fatigue and damage, high temperature stability, etc) is becoming a main objective in several industries including aerospace, automotive and construction. Structural components used in such industries often include sharp radii and […]

Mining operations in the Oil Sands area can affect extensive areas of boreal forest. Those forested areas affected by mining are expected to be reclaimed by mining companies to re-establish their natural conditions after the exploitation ends. The long©term success of reclamation plans can be assessed with ecological models that simulate how different environmental factors […]

The objective of this research is to propose and implement a set of new methodologies to create a 3D hazard map that includes models of structures and obstacles in the airport area. The project uses multiple oblique and nadir views high resolution aerial imageries (pictometery images) to reconstruct such models. Various views of an obstacle […]

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles are hybrid vehicles with large batteries that are capable of travelling on electricity but still maintain the reliability of an on‐board internal combustion engine for extended trips. The batteries will typically be recharged from a standard household outlet, thus increasing the demand for electricity. It is important to understand and predict […]

British Columbia's coastline is home to eighteen species of cetaceans and three species of sea turtles. Nine of these are at risk of extinction. To conserve these species, it is crucial to learn more about their distribution/abundance and habitat use. The British Columbia Cetacean Sightings Network (BCCSN) was established to gather sightings of these species […]

The objective of this research project is to locate VIATeC (the Victoria Advanced Technology Council), its member companies, and the Greater Victoria technology sector in general in relation to its current strategic environment. Through a review of the literature, surveys, interviews, and focus groups, the researcher will bring answers to the following questions: (1) What […]

The first year study of the Canadian Diaspora Project (2008-2010) finds that overseas Canadians are important assets for global Canada, specifically in their contribution to Canada's foreign relations with their country of residence. This research continues the Canadian Diaspora Project and further explores ways to foster the political, economic and cultural links of these overseas […]

Environment-friendly, renewable energy sources are required to meet the world's ever increasing energy demands. While conventional silicon-based photovoltaic solar cells provide an attractive alternative to fossil fuel based energy sources, their inherent high cost has limited their use. The optical rectenna solar cell (ORSC) represents a potential high efficiency, non-silicon based, economic alternative. This internship […]

The proposed project entails the intern working with Mark Betteridge & Associates to develop an innovative business plan for the company's recently acquired farm near Comox, British Columbia. The business plan will emphasize the development of a set of business activities which utilize highly innovative technologies, are economically sound, result in a low environmental and […]

This research project aims to use a multi-methods approach to better understand what makes the health of a community and it's individual members vulnerable to earthquake hazards. Further, this project seeks to investigate how to best mitigate this vulnerability in rural and urban populations in coastal regions of Vancouver Island. The research question to be […]

The objective of this project is to assess the performance of engineered instream structures and observe changes in bed morphology that occurred on a side-channel restoration project on the Seymour River in British Columbia through field work and 2D modelling. Field work includes the collection of velocities using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), several […]

The study will examine about 12 supportive housing facilities located within the province of British Columbia. Three types of data will be cross-examined: data on neighbourhood characteristics, data regarding residents of socioeconomic status, and data issued from interviews with key informants and service providers. Data on neighbourhood characteristics include information such as the location of […]