Four projects led by Waterloo Engineering researchers have been selected as inaugural funding recipients in an initiative to develop creative and collaborative health-care solutions.
The projects will receive up to $25,000 for one year from the Graham Seed Fund (GSF). Developed by the University of Waterloo’s Health Initiatives team, the GSF aims to strengthen health system partnerships by providing resources to collaborate directly with health providers, clinicians, industry partners and universities.
Dr. Alexander Wong, a systems design engineering professor, will examine how to improve patient outcomes by using AI to identify and address health system inequities. Wong will work in partnership with Grand River Hospital.
Electrical and computer engineering professor Dr. Mahla Poudineh will investigate using a transdermal patch to continuously, and without pain, track and treat diabetes. Collaborators include Grand River Hospital, McMaster University and Google.
Dr. Mihaela Vlasea, a mechanical and mechatronics engineering professor, will explore the design of a novel glaucoma stent alongside St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital.
Systems design engineering professor Dr. Veronika Magdanz will examine microrobotic chemolytic kidney stone removal in partnership with the University Hospital Barcelona, the University of Balearic Islands and Devicare.
“Waterloo researchers are transforming health care, particularly in health technology. Collaborating with industry partners enables our researchers to innovate with purpose and bring solutions to the market for real-world impact,” said Dr. Catherine Burns, associate vice-president of Health Initiatives and a systems design engineering professor.
Go to Congratulations to the Graham Seed Fund recipients for a story on all 10 inaugural projects at the University.