Capstone projects: Faculty of Science
Partner: CAIVAN
Description: Explore the current lack of big picture cost / benefit assessments of climate policy options and establish a framework for full cost accounting of climate policies and mandates.
Partner: University of Waterloo, Office of Indigenous Relations
Description: Explore whether, and under what conditions, SMR technology could be a feasible option for Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.
Partner: EcoWeaver
Description: Develop a pipeline that extracts and evaluates structured causal relationships from restoration ecology research using the CAMO schema to capture intervention outcomes, mechanisms, and confidence levels.
Partner: EcoWeaver
Description: Develop a traceable question-answering system that uses a structured ecological knowledge graph to provide evidence-based answers with source attribution, confidence levels, and transparent handling of uncertainty.
Partner: EcoWeaver
Description: Design a decision-support tool that helps restoration practitioners make evidence-based decisions by clearly communicating intervention confidence, uncertainty, reversibility, and site suitability.
Partner: Engage Foundation
Description: Develop a plan to transform car-dependent GTA suburbs into walkable 15-minute communities by balancing increased density with infrastructure capacity and economic feasibility.
Partner: City of Iqaluit
Description: Move the City Finance department into a new suite of systems and processes that take advantage of the latest technology and best practices.
Partner: MicroAlchemy Corp
Description: Develop a metal deposition tool to deposit Copper or Aluminum across a 100mm silicon wafer in a uniform layer.
Partner: Mirie Inc
Description: Deploying conversational AI in child-facing applications sits at the intersection of three under-researched problems in ML systems design.
Partner: Nourvo
Description: Investigate the impact of TSP particle size, rehydration protocols, inclusion rates, and freeze-thaw stability on texture and sensory attributes using TPA analysis and trained sensory panel evaluation.
Partner: Nourvo
Description: Assess the ability of hydrocolloid ingredients to improve moisture retention, texture, and sensory quality in high-protein frozen dim sum after freeze-thaw storage.
Partner: Nourvo
Description: Investigate the feasibility of incorporating natural aphrodisiac-associated functional ingredients into high-protein frozen dim sum while maintaining taste, texture, nutritional quality, freeze-thaw stability, and regulatory compliance.
Partner: University of Waterloo / Precycle
Description: Develop a system for testing, diagnosing, and repurposing end-of-life EV batteries to support safe, cost-effective second-life energy applications and recycling decisions.
Partner: SEQUEN
Description: Build a working prototype that fills one of SEQUEN’s four engineering gaps and delivers a validated method ready for integration into the company’s V1.5 launch.
Partner: The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Description: Develop an anonymized respiratory virus surveillance dashboard that aggregates school testing data to visualize flu, COVID-19, and RSV trends and support public health decision-making.
Partner: Tree Trust
Description: Investigate trends in mature urban forest health and canopy change by analyzing municipal and environmental data to support evidence-based strategies for mature tree preservation and care.
Partner: Tree Trust
Description: Develop a data-driven canopy equity tool that identifies priority areas for tree planting, mature tree care, and canopy investment to support equitable urban forest planning and community impact.
Partner: Tree Trust
Description: Develop a tree inventory and asset management system that improves the tracking, valuation, and long-term care of mature trees to support operations, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.
Partner: The Working Centre
Description: Develop a circular economy strategy that identifies innovative ways to reuse, refurbish, recycle, or regenerate surplus materials and products to reduce waste and create sustainable business opportunities.
Partner: Waterloo Regional Health Network
Description: Develop a hands‑free, articulated ICE catheter holder that stabilizes imaging, reduces operator strain, and meets EP‑lab safety and compatibility requirements for real clinical use.
Partner: Waterloo Regional Health Network
Description: Explore how to design a practical, health-system-appropriate intake and governance model that enables disciplined decision-making while supporting timely innovation.
Partner: Waterloo Regional Health Network
Description: Develop a structured due diligence and evaluation framework to support evidence-based decision-making for AI adoption.
Partner: Waterloo Regional Health Network
Description: Create an initial structured view of AI-related activity and broader solution landscape to support governance and strategic planning.
Partner: Waterloo Regional Police Service
Description: Develop a framework for a 24hr/day mental health-focused response that is independent of other emergency service providers but is effectively integrated into the overall response continuum.
Partner: York Region District School Board
Description: Create equipment that will protect staff from a strike to the face, that is comfortable to wear for a full day, does not present additional safety challenges and is also aesthetically appropriate for a school environment.