Applied Research Day

A full tender package and design for a closed-chain aquaponics system that utilizes various pumps to distribute water flow and deliver nutrients required for specific-growth vegetation beds for a self-sustaining aquaponics farm that is functional to show the feasibility of an energy-efficient food source.

The scalable aquaponics system is designed in such a way that allows for ease of deconstruction and reassembly of the system for transportation. Carolyn Lorimer authorized and assisted with this project to advance research on the functionality and efficiency of delivering the closed-chain aquaponics system. Another industry partner on this project is Gregg Hamilton, who assisted with hydraulic calculations and system planning. This type of system has been made many times before, but this specific model is transportable and scalable to be realistic for a single-family home.

The deliverables of this project include the drawings and calculations for a fully operational aquaponics system design tailored to a 16’ x 32’ space and a report examining the overall efficiency of the aquaponics system, including all phases of design. The system incorporates various produce mediums such as media beds, raft beds, nutrient film transfer channels (NFT), and vertical growing columns. This system also includes two fish tanks that generate the nutrients necessary for the several types of vegetation.

Our project is about adding an additional lane onto the 417 eastbound at the Canadian tire centre. This will reduce traffic issues around the venue and will increase the value of the area to all.

Light Heart Vision is a dedicated digital space designed to foster and interconnect “Higher Visions” through a multimedia framework. It integrates elements of a 3D web gallery, community-driven discussions (similar to Reddit), and a co-creation platform. Users can contribute artistic expressions—including writing, painting, music, illustration, audio, and video—to a shared space where visions evolve through community interaction.

Each vision post can receive “hearts” that increase its brightness, forming a dynamic constellation in Web VR. The ultimate goal is to create a collaborative, AI-enhanced network where ideas and inspirations weave together, sparking innovations and building connections across cultures and ideologies. This project expands on the LHV HOME Webspace, aiming to bridge personal learning management with collective creativity for a better future.

The CCEAC Toolbox is a user-friendly online platform designed to help companies, especially SMEs, access practical tools and resources on ethics, compliance, and anti-corruption (E&C). As a key feature of the Canadian Centre of Excellence for Anti-Corruption (CCEAC) website, it supports organizations worldwide in preventing, detecting, and managing E&C risks while promoting a culture of integrity.

A prototype self-monitoring and self-powered bird nesting box for environmental data collection is built based on its ability to provide accurate and relevant data for biologists and ornithologists. The project will provide a proof-of-concept ability to remotely transmit the relevant data via a custom built app without disrupting or interfering with nesting bird populations.

For our tree inventory project, we began with an AutoCAD file, detailing tree distribution, provided by our client, Amanda Barr of the Algonquin College Grounds Work Crew. Each tree was then noted with its corresponding species, and diameter at breast height. This allows the client to study the growth and health of the trees and effectively plan for future zone renovation or additions. Furthermore, all trees were then measured for their specific GPS coordinates, and later overlayed onto the primary AutoCAD file. This allowed our client, to have a correct and precise mapping of the zone, which will aid in future planning.

This study explores chromosomal instability (CIN) in cancer using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. By overexpressing genes to induce synthetic dosage lethality in mutated CIN genes, we aim to identify potential cancer therapy targets. Techniques include plasmid-based overexpression, homologous recombination, and various assays, with findings analyzed via ANOVA.

AI and Automation Social media content management web application

The project is a website redesign for Centre33 by the Spectrum Studios team of the Interactive Media Design program at Algonquin College.

Centre33 Kanata, established in 2022, offers a variety of programs and activities for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. These include a drop-in space, Alphabet Soup, and other programs for trans and gender-diverse children aged 8–11. The organization fosters community connections by supporting families and building professional networks for those who assist queer and trans individuals. Additionally, Centre33 provides mental health support, including youth counseling, guidance for those navigating the coming-out process, and youth diversion. 

The organization currently operates a website that lacks accessibility features, mobile optimization, and a user-friendly design to serve its target audiences effectively. The team will create an accessible, inclusive, and user-friendly online platform that reflects the organization’s commitment to providing a safe space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The redesigned website will prioritize accessibility for individuals with diverse needs, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards while offering clear and straightforward navigation.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in Canada, accounting for nearly one-third of new diagnoses annually. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major contributor which induces DNA lesions that, if left unrepaired, lead to oncogenic mutations. The Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) pathway is essential for repairing UV-induced lesions, yet the roles of specific genes within this pathway remain unclear. This study investigates RAD7 and RAD16, two key NER genes, in UV damage repair using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Knockout mutants were generated via homologous recombination and validated by PCR. Repair efficiency was assessed through survival assay. RAD7 and RAD16 knockouts exhibited reduced repair efficiency compared to wild-type strains. These findings aim to clarify their roles in lesion recognition and repair. Additionally, this research could provide insights relevant to skin cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies, with broader implications for genetic disorders involving defective DNA repair.