Researchers from Waterloo Engineering have been awarded nearly $1.5 million in combined funding through a federal initiative supporting high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary projects.
Professors Rodrigo Costa, Moojan Ghafurian, HJ Kwon, Veronika Magdanz, Kevin Musselman, Hamed Shahsavan, Ting Tsui and Chul Min Yeum received grants from the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration stream, which fosters bold and innovative Canadian-led projects that cross disciplinary boundaries.
More than $25 million was distributed through NFRF’s Exploration stream as part of a broader federal investment of over $308 million to support science and research initiatives across Canada. NFRF supports world-leading research aimed at advancing Canada's global competitiveness and delivering real-world benefits, including environmental sustainability, public health and technological innovation.
“We know that the science of today is the economy of tomorrow. With these investments, we are empowering our brightest minds to push the boundaries of discovery, tackle complex global challenges, and create real solutions that will improve lives and the world we live in,” said The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, in a press release. “Our government remains dedicated to supporting world-class research and ensuring Canada stays at the forefront of innovation.”
The Waterloo Engineering recipients and their funded projects are:
Rodrigo Costa (systems design engineering) and Chul Min Yeum (civil and environmental engineering) – A computer-vision-based approach for retrieving longitudinal disaster recovery data from past events, which uses AI to analyze satellite and street-level imagery from past disasters to inform federal recovery policies.
Moojan Ghafurian (systems design engineering) – Training system for dementia caregivers to gain knowledge on the affective component of interactions, developing a social robotic system to improve daily interactions and quality of life for caregivers and persons with dementia.
HJ Kwon (mechanical and mechatronics engineering) – Transforming non-invasive cancer therapy with AI-enhanced imaging for precise treatment guidance, a hybrid MRI-ultrasound solution that brings high-resolution imaging into routine cancer procedures using real-time AI.
Kevin Musselman (mechanical and mechatronics engineering) – Enzyme-laden smart-coating technology to eliminate microplastics, which creates biodegradable nanocoatings capable of breaking down plastic waste in common packaging materials.
Hamed Shahsavan (chemical engineering) and Veronika Magdanz (systems design engineering) – Soft microrobots for assisted reproductive technologies (SMART), exploring innovative methods for improving Assisted Reproductive Technologies using biocompatible, programmable microrobots.
Ting Tsui (chemical engineering) – Developing sustainable processes for advanced microchip manufacturing, using recyclable organic waste-derived nanoparticles to reduce toxic waste in the chip industry.