URA supervisor list and USRA placement list

Student working on their research project.

Below are research projects available for Undergraduate Research Assistantships (URAs) and/or NSERC's Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs). A URA is a part-time research experience that is worked on during an academic term, whereas a USRA is a full-time research experience conducted while a student is on a co-op term.

Contact faculty members directly if you are interested in their project. Other faculty members, not listed below, may also be willing to support a URA or USRA upon request. Supervisors must be University of Waterloo researchers but they do not need to be within the Faculty of Engineering to support a URA.

URA supervisor list

Department	Last Name	First Name	Office	Ext.	Type	Project Title/Description
Architecture	Araji	Mohammad	ARC 2102	27664	URA	Title: The Long-Term Costs of Rapid Construction of Multi-Unit Residential in Waterloo Region Description: The Waterloo Region (WR) has been experiencing an explosion in the construction of high-rise condominiums, raising fundamental questions about their environmental and social effects, including critical considerations for lifecycle assessment such as energy performance and embodied carbon, and for core community housing needs of suitability for family size and ability, adequate repair, and affordability. This research undertakes a longitudinal study of high-rise buildings in the region built in different eras of housing. It is part of a larger national SSHRC funded partnership grant led by the University of Montreal that involves 14 different universities and numerous citizen, government and professional partners.
Architecture	Blackwell	Adrian	ARC 2024	27657	URA	Title: The Long-Term Costs of Rapid Construction of Multi-Unit Residential in Waterloo Region Description: The Waterloo Region (WR) has been experiencing an explosion in the construction of high-rise condominiums, raising fundamental questions about their environmental and social effects, including critical considerations for lifecycle assessment such as energy performance and embodied carbon, and for core community housing needs of suitability for family size and ability, adequate repair, and affordability. This research undertakes a longitudinal study of high-rise buildings in the region built in different eras of housing. It is part of a larger national SSHRC funded partnership grant led by the University of Montreal that involves 14 different universities and numerous citizen, government and professional partners.
Architecture	English	Elizabeth	ARC 2017	27617	URA	Title: Amphibious Housing for Flood Mitigation in Canada Description: The use of amphibious foundations is a climate change adaptation strategy that is gaining popularity around the world. This innovative technology provides a form of flood mitigation that has many advantages over the standard flood protection techniques in common use today. The URA position involves students in ongoing research projects to develop amphibious construction prototypes for specific sites in various locations in Canada. Projects may focus on flood mitigation for First Nations populations vulnerable to repetitive seasonal flooding, the retrofit of heritage properties for flood resilience that minimizes changes to appearance, or individual clients seeking a new approach to flood damage prevention.
Architecture	Haldenby	Rick	ARC 2101	84544	URA	Description: Design, Culture and Community: the role of design and schools of design in economic, cultural and urban development in mid-size cities.
Architecture	Przybylski	Maya	ARC 2018	27618	URA	Description: Soft Data \| Hard Design: exploring the role of computation in developing ecology informed design strategies.
Architecture	Winton	Tracey	ARC 2013	27614	URA	*Please contact the Professor for more info
Chemical Engineering	Abukhdeir	Nasser M.	E6 3006	31306	URA	Descriptions: Computational Studies of Liquid Crystal Dynamics for Optics Applications Computational Pattern Identification and Classification Techniques for Surface Self-Assembly
Chemical Engineering	Aucoin	Marc	E6 4012	36084	URA	Description: Applied Virus Engineering
Chemical Engineering	Gostick	Jeff	E6-5012	38949	URA	Title: Computational analysis of volumetric images of porous materials Description: Volumetric images, or 3D images, can be obtained from a variety of methods such as x-ray and neutron tomography, NMR imaging, and focused ion-beam milling combined with electron microscopy. With the relentless increase in computation power it has become feasible to determine structural and transport properties of materials directly from such images, bypassing the need to perform time consuming and costly experiments. This approach is being applied to 3D printed parts, battery electrodes, and virus filtration membranes, to name few. My lab specializes in the development of novel computational algorithms for the analysis of 3D images, and we are the lead developers of the open-source software packages OpenPNM and PoreSpy (both available on Github). Our work leverages the latest developments in artificial intelligence, high performance paralleized computing, and computer vision, to create new tools for materials researchers. Interested applicants should be proficient with Python and interested in a career in data science, big data, computational analyst.
Chemical Engineering	Moresoli	Christine	E6 4010	35254	URA	Description: Soy biomaterial development for food applications and analysis of the sustainability of food operations. Needs to have interest in food products, material analysis and sustainability.
Chemical Engineering	Tam	Michael	E6 1010	38339	URA	Descriptions: Applications of renewable nanomaterials in water treatment Development of rapid drying coating systems
Chemical Engineering	Ward	Valerie	E6-4016	38625	URA	Title : Development of biorefinery technologies for microalgae Description: Microalgae are a promising feedstock for the production of sustainable chemicals to replace current petrochemical based products. We are undertaking a number of projects exploring the use of microalgae for applications in materials, as chemical feedstocks, for therapeutic protein production, and for high value terpenoid production. We explore both the upstream process development and strain engineering as well as the downstream recovery and purification of products. Please contact for more info. Funded by: Research Account
Chemical Engineering	Zhao	Boxin	E6 1006	38666	URA	Description: Adhesion and Interfacial Phenomena of Polymeric Thin Films
Chemical Engineering	Zhu	Qinqin	E6- 3006	32540	URA	Title: Process data analytics and machine learning. Description: Design novel machine learning algorithms for process monitoring and fault diagnosis. Funded by: Research Account
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Annable	Bill	E2 3319	32955	URA	Description: River Mechanics/Sediment Transport
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Basu	Nandita	E2 3306	37917	URA	Description: Monsoon Harvests: Assessing the Sustainability of Rainwater Harvesting in Agricultural Landscapes in Semi- Arid South India.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Burn	Donald	E2 2301	33338	URA	Description: Hydrology/Water Resources
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Cascante	Giovanni	E2 2343B	32098	URA	Title: Advance signal processing for non-destructive testing using MatLab routines Description: Feature extraction of time signals for Non-destructive testing applications for concrete elements. Funded by: Research Account.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Craig	James	E2 3322	37554	URA	Description: Development and analysis of improved hydrological models.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Emelko	Monica	E2 3336	32208	URA	Descriptions: Investigating the impacts of climate change on drinking water treatability. Understanding Pathogen Transport and Survival in the Subsurface
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Fu	Liping	E2 2305	33984	URA	Description: Intelligent Transportation Systems.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Haas	Carl	E2 2346E	35492	URA	Description: Construction and Infrastructure.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Huck	Peter	E2 3334	32707	URA	Description: Drinking Water Research
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Hyun-Sool	Lee	E2 2309	31095	URA	Description: Recovery of value-added products from waste biomass
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Kim	Eugene	CPH 3611B	36657	URA	Title: Multi-hazard resilience of structures. Description: Analysis of coastal structures under sequential earthquake-tsunami loading.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Knight	Mark	E2 2343A	36919	URA	Descriptions: Working with the CATT to advance innovative water pipeline technologies. (includes lab testing, data analysis and working with research teams) Advancing a new innovative system dynamics buried infrastructure asset management tool
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Lacroix	Daniel	CPH 3658	37800	URA	Title: Multi-hazard resilience of tall wood structures Description: Tall and high-profile wood structures may be at risk for damage due to earthquakes, fire, deliberate attacks, accidental explosions, or a combination of such events which could lead to a progressive collapse. This project is to develop a research framework associated with the multi-hazard performance of tall wood structures and to identify critical parameters affecting the behaviour. Student will use the acquired knowledge to conduct a parametric analysis on a simple structure. A senior student that intends to pursue graduate studies in CEE is preferred. Other information or restrictions: Held jointly with Dr. Eugene Kim (CPH 3662)
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Lacroix	Daniel	CPH 3658	37800	URA	Title: Computer software for inelastic analysis of FRP reinforced wood beams Description: This project looks at extending the capabilities of an existing software capable of predicting the load-deformation of unretrofitted and retrofitted glulam beams and columns for dynamic analysis. Amongst other tasks, the primary challenge is to develop and implement a sectional analysis for various retrofit configurations. A senior student who is capable of programming (e.g.Visual Studio, Python) and intends to pursue graduate studies in CEE is preferred.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Lund	Alana	E2 2314	41227	URA	Title: Vibration-based Vulnerability Assessment of Civil Structures Description: Though our buildings and bridges can often appear monolithic, they are susceptible to very real forces (weather, vehicle cycles, earthquakes, etc.) that deteriorate their performance over time. The focus of this project is to enhance our ability to characterize the current condition of our infrastructure, estimate its future behaviors with respect to potential hazards it may experience, and develop efficient strategies to improve that performance. Students will have the opportunity to perform structural dynamics experiments and use tools from data science (Bayesian inference, machine learning, etc.) to build our capacity to understand our infrastructure. All applicants are welcome, but 3^rd and 4^th year students with an interest in exploring graduate studies in CEE will be given preference.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Polak	Maria Anna	E2 2324	35325	URA	Description: Structural Engineering Testing and Analysis.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Saari	Rebecca	E2 2324	30362	URA	Title: Health Impacts of Climate Change and Climate Policy. Brief Description: Student will assist in the analysis for an ongoing study of the health impacts of climate change and climate policy. Student will quantify the costs and health benefits of policy, examining questions that are highly relevant to current policy questions in North America. Students of all backgrounds that are interested in this area are welcome. An introductory level of statistics is preferred. The student will be building on existing Python scripts, so Python experience is highly preferred.
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Topper	Tim	E2 3335	32672	URA	Description: Fatigue Investigations
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Yeum	Chul Min	E2 2313	37270	URA	Title: Virtual/Augmented Reality Applications in Structures Assessment Description: I am looking for a senior student who is interested in working on a research project next term, which can also lead to opportunities in graduate studies in the topic of smart structure technology with our research group (cviss.net). The project will revolve around cutting-edge smart structure topics, particularly in virtual reality applications (VR, AR, & MR), computer vision, and machine learning. The goal is to devise high-impact, practical virtual reality (VR) applications for structure maintenance and asset management to enable engineers with VR devices to make the best decisions built on the availability of various information from a real-world, digital model or AI-enabled data analytics. It is preferred that students have taken courses related to computer vision or machine learning and have programming backgrounds such as languages (e.g., Python, C++/C#), web service (e.g., AWS, Azure), and software (e.g., Unity, 3D modeling software). If you are interested in the research project, please contact me by email: cmyeum@uwaterloo.ca
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Yin	Shunde	E2-2312	33323	URA	Title: Coupled thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical processes Description: Please reach out for more information. Funded by: Research Account
Department of Chemistry	Sciaini	German	ESC 139	39289	URA	Description: The laboratory develops instrumentation for the study of dynamical phenomena with atomic spatial and femtosecond temporal resolutions. We have developed a variety of time-resolved (tr) techniques such as tr-broadband transient absorption/reflectivity, tr-magneto-optic Kerr effect, tr-transient photoluminescence, and tr-electron diffraction.
Computer Science	Abari	Omid	DC 3510	36412	URA	Title: Intelligent Connectivity for the Internet-of-Things. Description: The ICON lab at the School of Computer Science is conducting research in the area of wireless networks and mobile systems, with applications to the Internet of Things (IoT). Our research focuses on the design and implementation of software-hardware systems that deliver ubiquitous sensing, computing, and communications at scale. We borrow techniques from diverse areas including computer networks, machine learning, signal processing, hardware design, and HCI. The student will do research on designing new connectivity and sensing systems for virtual reality, smart city and smart home applications. We are looking for students with one or multiple of following skills: Experience with C/C++ programming, and interests in designing systems Familiarity with Micro-Controller, Raspberry Pi or FPGA programming Hardware design (Familiarity with PCB design would be a plus) Research experience in wireless networks and systems Interested students should email Omid Abari (omid.abari@uwaterloo.ca).
Elecctrical & Computer Engineering	Azad	Sahar	EIT 4006	33974	URA	Title: Fault-Blocking Converter Modeling Description: Fault-blocking converters are a new type of AC-DC converters that can be used to block the DC fault current and at the same time provide reactive power support to the AC power system. The objective of this project is to develop the model of a specific fault-blocking converter in teh PSCAD software. Funded by: No research funds available, funded by President's Research Award only.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Azad	Sahar	EIT 4006	33974	URA	Title: Modeling of HVDC Grids Description: Modeling of HVDC Grids
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Bajcsy	Michal	QNC 4126	39279	URA	Title: Nonlinear optics with hollow-core photonic crystal fibers Description: This project studies the possibilities for light-matter interaction enhancement through the confinement provided by a hollow-core photonic-crystal fiber and through novel quantum optics techniques. This project will further explore possible practical applications of this platform, such as: all-optical switching or bio-sensing.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Ban	Dayan	EIT 4134	37467	URA	Description: Quantum/Nano Semiconductor Devices.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Boumaiza	Slim	DC 3720	37017	URA	Description: Hardware/Software Design of Wireless Radio Systems. Other Information: Suitable for 3A to 4B term students.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Crowley	Mark	E5 4114	31464	URA	Title: Machine Learning Tools Software Development Description: The UWECEML lab carries out research into decision making under uncertainty, prediction of spatiotemporal dynamics and anomaly detection in domains ranging from Forest wildfires, to embedded systems processes to autonomous driving. The student RA will carry out vital work to extend existing software frameworks we use for simulation of dynamic process and to help with running of new experiments in collaboration with graduate students in the lab. This position will involve programming in python on unix and windows machines to set update existing libraries, build experimental frameworks, run experiments on a range of datasets and help with visualizing the outputs. Student must have development experience and have a deep knowledge of python a must, knowledge of scipy, pyplot, tensorflow would be beneficial. Familiarity with machine learning algorithms such as random forests, deep learning, CNNs, Reinforcement Learning a plus but not required
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Dautenhahn	Kerstin	E5 5027	31455	URA	Title: Developing social robots for education and therapy for children. Description: Development of programs for social robots used in the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL). The goal is to teach, motivate and engage children using social robots as a tool in the hands of teachers/therapists/instructors/parents. This work will address the development of social robots that can aid students with or without special needs to boost their social, emotional, academic and cognitive skills.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Dautenhahn	Kerstin	E5 5027	31455	URA	Title: Robots to support healthy living and healthy aging. Description: Contribute to the development of programs for social robots to assist healthy aging and healthy living for older adults. This work will contribute to research projects in the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL). Applications of this technology are to support older adults in long-term care and assistive living and home environments.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Dautenhahn	Kerstin	E5 5027	31455	URA	Title: Social robots to support mental health and wellbeing. Description: Developing programs for social robots to assist in mental health and wellbeing. This work will contribute to research projects in the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL). Applications of this technology are to support children, adolescents and adults, including university students, to improve their wellbeing and mental health through exercises, e.g. addressing anxiety during public speaking or supporting mindfulness and relaxation exercises mediated by social robots.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Dietl	Werner	EIT 4007		URA	Description: Developing correct software is difficult and many programming errors are discovered by end users, which causes embarrassment, monetary damage, and -in the extreme- harm to people. My research focuses on practical approaches to prevent more programming mistakes during development. Optional type systems improve the static guarantees of a programming language like Java, and are a light-weight approach to improve correctness. In your URA, you'll learn about high-quality software development and work on a research project, e.g., by performing a case study, improving an existing tool, or prototyping a new tool. Research on improving code quality and programmer productivity will also benefit your own programming skills. You can contact me via email (wdietl@uwaterloo.ca). Also, feel free to take a look at my homepage.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Fischmeister	Sebastian	E5 4112	33694	URA	Description: Improving experimentation in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. You'll learn about: Operating Systems Compilers A little bit of statistics
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Fisher	Michael	EIT-3112	31216	URA	Title: Vulnerability Assessment for Safety-Critical Systems Description: Physical and engineered systems naturally experience disturbances which have the potential to lead to instability. Often the path to instability is caused by a particularly fragile part of the system. This project involves developing a new method to identify the weakest link in a system and its associated path to instability, as well as suggest possible remedies to reduce vulnerability. Potential applications include renewable energy, robots, flight controls, and autonomous vehicles, among others, depending on student interest.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Fisher	Michael	EIT-3112	31216	URA	Title: Control Design Satisfying Limits for Hardware Protection and Performance Feasibility Description: Many applications have physical and engineered limits which have the potential to damage hardware if exceeded, and to lead to failure to achieve desired performance if not properly accounted for. This project involves developing a new control design method for directly incorporating device limits into the control design. Potential applications include control design for renewable energy in the power grid, mobile robots, and autonomous vehicles, among others, depending on student interest.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Gurfinkel	Arie	DC 2522	36616	URA	Title: Automated Software Verification and Program Analysis Description: Our group is working on scalable automated verification that is usable by software engineers and is integrated into the software development life-cycle. Verification ensures that software satisfies given properties for all possible inputs, and be used to prove absence of bugs. You will be able to use your programming skills and contribute to the development of the automated verification tool SeaHorn and will learn about Compilers, Constraint Solvers (SAT, SMT), and Automated Verification. Depending on your interests and experience, you will be able to work on various parts of the framework, and focus on Logic-based Reasoning, Compiler Optimizations, Program Analysis, Pointer Analysis, Testing Infrastructure, Smart Contracts, or C++ Standard Library implementations. The project uses technologies like C++, Python, LLVM, Z3, Docker, Travis.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Gaudet	Vincent	E5 4006	37445	URA	Description: Software simulation of decoding algorithms to decode low-density parity check codes.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Golab	Wojciech	DC 2528	32029	URA	Title: In- Memory Data Structures for Next Generation Multi-Core Machines Description: To harness the power of parallel architectures, software designers must synchronize threads that concurrently access shared resources, such as in-memory data structures. The project will focus on synchronization in multi-core computers, which provide multiple processing elements or cores attached to a pool of shared memory. Growing core counts and disruptive innovations, such as transactional and persistent main memories, continue to drive research in this area. The specific goal of this project will be to design, prototype, and evaluate novel synchronization algorithms suitable for real world applications, such as in-memory data management and analytics systems.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Gong	Guang	E7 5436	45650	URA	Title: Implementation of Universal Password-less Authentication Description: Implementation of a universal password-less authentication system. You will work on software implementation for the server-side for a secure and user-friendly authentication system, Loxin.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Gong	Guang	E7 5436	45650	URA	Title: Relay Attack Detection on Software Defined Radios Description: The project is to conduct tests for relay attack detection protocols on software defined radios. Relay attacks are a form of man-in-the-middle attacks that allow adversaries to circumvent authentication protocols used to access physical systems. For example, they let thieves break into cars without having access to a key. It uses software defined radios to program recreations of the attack and to test some solutions for dealing with this problem. Students involved in this research will be able to help design and implement experiments and collect data. This involves performing the relay attacks in different environments, including and anechoic chamber. In general, students will require general programming knowledge (e.g., C, Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.), digital signal processing, radio hardware, and wireless communication.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Gurfinkel	Arie	DC 2536	36616	URA	Title: Automated Software Verification Brief Description: Modern software systems are incredibly complex engineered artifacts. They rely on intricate algorithms, developed by large, often distributed, teams, and are build out of many interconnected components. Software bugs are common even in such safety-critical industries as medical devices, automotive, and avionics. Yet, we are increasingly becoming dependent on reliable operation of such systems. Furthermore, the impact of software bugs on safety and security is increasing as the border between safety- and non-safety-critical systems is eroded. Dealing with this complexity requires automation in verification and certification. While the last few decades have seen tremendous progress towards this goal, effective automated verification remains a grand challenge. The long term objective the project is to develop scalable automated verification that is usable by software engineers and is integrated into the software development life-cycle. You will contribute to the development of the automated verification tool SeaHorn and will learn about Compilers, Constraint Solvers (SAT/SMT), and Automated Verification.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Hasan	Anwar	E7 5434	42868	URA	Title: Data Security and Applied Cryptography Description: This project involves implementation of post-quantum cryptographic primitives for blockchain applications. The ideal URA candidate will have a strong mathematical background, experience in C/C++ and assembly language programming.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Ho	Pin-Han	EIT 4161	32452	URA	Title: Digital Billboard Internet of Things Description: This project is on FPGA programming on DE series boards in order to perform some video processing and wireless communication functions.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Kapre	Nachiket	E5 4013	31415	URA	Title: Embedded Machine Learning with FPGAs Description: Student will develop VHDL/Verilog or OpenCL descriptions of neural networks suitable for embedded implementation. Applications include computational support for robotics, embedded vision, drones
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Karim	Karim	E3 3143	38336	URA	Descriptions: Micron scale ultra high spatial resolution X-ray imagers Large area, high performance X-ray imagers (3B/4A students preferred)
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Kim	Na Young	RAC1-2101	30481	URA	Title: Quantum Nanoelectronics and Nanophotonics Description: Assist senior group members in various aspects by developing experimental tools, building analog/digital circuits, programming automation codes, and constructing a spectrometer and a laser depending on capability. Funded by: No research funds available, funded by the President's Research Award only.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Leung	Bosco	EIT 4023	32678	URA	Description: vlsi for wireless communication
Electrical & Computer Engineering	MacPhie	Robert	EIT 4008	32842	URA	Description: Electromagnetic Computations.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Mahmoudzadeh	Houra	CPH 4317	38043	URA	Title: Optimization of radiation therapy treatment planning for cancer Description: Radiation therapy is one of the main methods for treating cancer. High energy beams are used to eradicate cancer cells while trying to spare the surrounding healthy organs. The treatment planning process can be viewed as a large-scale optimization approach. We use mathematical programming techniques to formulate different types of cancer treatment planning problems using real patient data. Different projects are defined based on specific cancer sites, different delivery machine specifications, and various clinical requirements defined for personalized treatments. Funded by: Research Account
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Majedi	Hamed	RAC 2127	37443	URA	Description: Characterization of quantum dot nanowire single photon source.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Mazumdar	Ravi	EIT 4011	37444	URA	Descriptions: Stochastic simulations Understanding random access communication models
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Nielsen	Christopher	EIT 4106	32241	URA	Title: Systems and Control No research funds available, funded by President's Research Award only.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Nielsen	Christopher	EIT 4106	32241	URA	Title: Development of feedback controllers Description: Development of feedback controllers for a rotational double pendulum.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Pant	Yash Vardhan	E5-5114	37260	URA	Title: Software and Hardware for Autonomous Car Racing Description: The project involves setting up autonomous vehicle simulators (Carla, LGSVL) and autonomous driving software stacks (Apollo, Autoware) to test algorithms for autonomous driving and racing. A particular focus will be on installing and interfacing these software with each other, and then creating scenarios involving multi-agent driving interactions, including head-to-head racing. The latter part of the project (later in the spring term, or in the next term) would involve assembling 1/10th scale autonomous cars and then testing the simulation scenarios on real hardware.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Patel	Hiren	E5-4018	38105	URA	Title : Generating Verilog from High-level Specifications Description: This project implements a back-end that generates synthesizable Verilog from a subset of SystemC specifications. SystemC is a high-level language built on top of C++ used for modeling and simulating digital hardware systems. Funded by: No research funds available, funded by President's Research Award only.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Poudineh	Mahla	QNC 3622	33319	URA	Title: Developing new platforms for bio-sensing applications Description: In Poudineh Lab, we develop bio-sensing approaches for therapeutics and diagnostics purposes and translating biomedical devices to the clinic. Currently, the focus is on two main projects: More effective cancer diagnosis: developing a microfluidic device for multiplexed cancer biomarkers profiling. Beter diabetes management: Developing a platform for measuring insulin and glucagon-two important hormones for adjusting glucose level in blood.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Ramahi	Omar	EIT 4154	37460	URA	Description: Microwave sensing
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Rayside	Derek	DC 2538	32840	URA	Description: Microfluidic design automation software. Some understanding of any subset of the following: fluid dynamics, COMSOL, microfluidics, programming languages, compilers and SAT. The nature of this work is fundamentally interdisciplinary, so each team member usually knows only one part of the background knowledge. Other Information: Open to NE, ME, MTE, and ECE students, and others with appropriate skills.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Rosenberg	Catherine	EIT 3036	84016	URA	Description: Data analysis
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Safavi-naeini	Safieddin	EIT 4007	32822	URA	Descriptions: Smart antenna system for car-to-satellite communication Millimeter-wave automotive radar
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Shaker	George	DC 2635	519-498-5173	URA	Descriptions: Wearable Wireless Systems Energy Harvesting Systems mm-Wave Electromagnetics 5G for IoT Radar Sensor Systems Drone Connectivity
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Sivoththaman	Siva	EIT 3031	35319	URA	Description: Opto-Electronic Characterization of Silicon Devices Note: Only recipients eligible for the President's Research Award should apply
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Sundaram	Shreyas	EIT 4125	36908	URA	Description: Analysis of complex systems and networks Note: Recipients of the President's Scholarship of Distinction are encouraged to apply
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Tahvildari	Ladan	DC 2524	36093	URA	Descriptions: STARMX: An Autonomic Computing Framework Implementing Log & Trace Analyzer for Middleware & DB Implementing Enterprise Services for ISLEE
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Tan	Lin	EIT 4135	35222	URA	Descriptions: Automated program repair: we will develop new approaches to automatically learn fix patterns from existing bug patches, and generate new patches automatically. Good programming skills and strong motivation in research are required. Background in compilers is a plus. Document assisted testing and program synthesis: analysing software documents to improve software testing and automated program generation. Good programming skills and strong motivation in research required. Background in machine learning and natural language processing is a plus. Building a next generation version control system that understands programming languages. Other Information: Other projects in software testing, text analytics, and addressing security bugs are available.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Wang	David	E3 4108	33968	URA	Descriptions: 3-D Binaural recording Haptics (computer generated sense of touch)
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Wang	Zhou	E5-5113	35301	URA	Title : Image and video processing: perceptual and deep learning approaches Description: Image and video processing, compression, streaming using perceptually motivated and deep learning approaches. Possibly involve algorithm and software development, data processing and analysis, and perceptual experiment. Funded by: Research Account
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Wei	Lan	E5 4023	31423	URA	Title: Error-resilient Computation with Imperfect Emerging Technologies such as carbon nanotube transistors and non-volatile memories. Description: In this project, the students are expected to explore approaches at both device and circuit levels to develop error-resilient computation systems. Special interests are with carbon nanotube transistors and non-volatile memories. The project is for 3th/4th year students who are interested in VLSI design with emerging technologies.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Wei	Lan	E5 4023	31423	URA	Title: Cryogenic CMOS for quantum computing Description: This project is for 3rd/4th year students only. In this project, the students are encouraged to explore the CMOS device and circuit at cryogenic temperatures aiming for control and operation of silicon quantum bits for quantum computing, including Cryogenic CMOS device characterization and modeling Cryogenic CMOS circuit design for quantum computing
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Wong	William	DC 3734	31121	URA	Title: NEMO Software Implementation Analysis Description: Investigation and development of software to monitor the use of microfabrication tools in the Giga-to-Nanoelectronics facility on campus. The software development will be used to determine machine operation time and intervals between repair cycles along with operating costs to help improve the overall function of the facility.
Management Sciences	Alumur Alev	Sibel	CPH 4321	33365	URA	Title: Facility Location in Supply Chain and Logistics Networks Description: Development of optimization models to address facility location problems faced in supply chain and logisitics networks.
Management Sciences	Ghadimi	Saeed	CPH 3637	40423	URA	Title: Revisiting gradient descent Description: We study the gradient descent method for solving convex optimization problems. We try to improve its well-known convergence rate and show its optimality by establishing lower bounds. Potential candidates will have a solid mathematical optimization background.
Management Sciences	Mahmoudzadeh	Houra	CPH 4317	38043	URA	Title: Optimization of radiation therapy treatment planning for cancer Description: Radiation therapy is one of the main methods for treating cancer. High energy beams are used to eradicate cancer cells while trying to spare the surrounding healthy organs. The treatment planning process can be viewed as a large-scale optimization approach. We use mathematical programming techniques to formulate different types of cancer treatment planning problems using real patient data. Different projects are defined based on specific cancer sites, different delivery machine specifications, and various clinical requirements defined for personalized treatments. Funded by: Research Account
Management Sciences	Nathwani	Jatin	CPH 3611D	38252	URA	Descriptions: Analysis of Energy Consumption & Environmental Indicators Energy Policy in the Context of Environmental Sustainability (Note: only recipients eligible for the President's Research Award should apply)
Management Sciences	Pirnia	Mehrdad	CPH 4303	38956	URA	Title: Optimization model in energy market Description: The aim of this project is providing clean, affordable and reliable energy for consumers, from busy urban areas to remote northern communities. The student needs to look at technologies such as renewables, storage capacities, and more modern initiatives (electric vehicles and smart appliances) and use optimization techniques to prescribe the best policies to achieve environmental targets and cost reduction incentives. The projects involves a high degree of data analytics. Funded by: Research Account
Management Sciences	Rambhatla	Sirisha	CPH 4358		URA	Title: Deep learning-based transfer learning models for real-world pose estimation Description: The project will develop novel deep learning-based models for action recognition using ego-centric cameras for factory floor process monitoring.
Management Sciences	Rambhatla	Sirisha	CPH 4358		URA	Title: Deep Learning for predicting trajectories of patients waitlisted to receive liver transplants. Description: This inter-disciplinary AI for Healthcare project involves developing deep learning-based competing risk models for predicting future trajectories of patients waiting to receive liver transplants. Some projects include: a) building interfaces to display results of the analysis to assist clinical decision making and b) developing models to improve the forecasts. The project includes working closely with clinicians on real-world transplantation data.
Management Sciences	Schneider	Oliver	CPH 3627	38505	URA	Title: Haptic Prototyping and Analysis Description: Haptic technology engages people through the sense touch in diverse ways, such as force feedback, mid-air vibrations, or programmable friction. This project involves hands-on research developing new haptic interactions and studying the implications of haptic technology in applications like VR gaming, education, and therapy. Students will do hardware prototyping (Arduino, sensors, motors), software prototyping (Javascript/NodeJS, Unity), analysis (R, Matlab, study design), or some combination thereof. This work will contribute to research projects that will be published at top Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and haptics venues.
Management Sciences	Vechtomova	Olga	DWE-2513M	32675	URA	Title: Deep learning models for text generation Description: The Natural Language Processing (NLP) Lab conducts research in natural language generation, text style transfer, natural language understanding, audio/music representation learning and generation of text for artistic applications, including lyrics and poetry. The URA will participate in one of the ongoing research projects. The responsibilities include designing, implementing and evaluating neural networks for text generation. Extensive experience with Python and deep learning libraries, such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, is required. Previous experience working on natural language processing and/or computational audio projects is a bonus.
Management Sciences	Vechtomova	Olga	DWE-2513M	32675	URA	Title: 3D graphics web development Description: The Natural Language Processing (NLP) Lab conducts research in natural language generation and artistic/creative applications of NLP and AI. This project is aimed at creating a multimedia art installation backed by real-time AI system. It involves the development of an interactive web application using Three.js, React.js and WebGL. This role requires experience creating 3D graphics and animation using Three.js, as well as writing custom vertex and fragment shaders using WebGL or OpenGL Shading Language. The successful candidate will be expected to work off the existing codebase written in Three.js and React.
Management Sciences	Vechtomova	Olga	DWE-2513M	32675	URA	Title: Development of web-based application for a deep learning NLP project. Description: The Natural Language Processing (NLP) Lab conducts research in natural language generation, text style transfer, natural language understanding and multi-modal representation learning. This role is part of a project building an interactive real-time web application for a deep learning project. The URA will be expected to build a fully functional real-time web application. Extensive experience developing web applications using React.js is required.
Management Sciences	Yang	Jangho	CPH 3629	40422	USRA	Title: The Role of Mergers & Acquisitions in Big Tech's Innovation Capabilities: A patent approach Description: Using a large cross-sectional combined patent and firm-level dataset from 2011-2019, this project aims to study the potential impacts of big tech’s M&A’s on technology inputs markets through providing robust evidence on the extent to which big tech’s technological capabilities have been advanced – and potentially monopolized – through such channels. We aim to answer the following questions. What innovation assets did big tech gain in their acquisitions between 2011-2019? How dominant has big tech become in various fields of innovation due to the acquired patents in each year between 2011-2019? Were acquired innovations of subsequent importance to big tech’s innovation capabilities? The position will involve programming in R to validate the name matching algorithm our team has developed and manually checking patent records.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Arami	Arash	EC4 1023	37648	URA	Title: Modeling of Human Neuromechanics and Sensorimotor Deficits Description: Use machine learning, signal processing, and system identification techniques. Analyze human movement data and physiological data. Build models and statistical analysis.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Butcher	Cliff	E3 3161	31795	URA	Title: Fracture Characterization of Advanced High Strength Materials for Vehicle Crash Applications- Description: This project focuses on the experimental and numerical characterization of the mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms of advanced high strength automotive alloys including ultra high strength boron steel and high strength "military-grade" aluminum. These mechanical properties are used to develop sophisticated numerical fracture models to design the forming operations of automotive structural components and predict their behaviour in vehicle crash simulations. The research can be tailored to the student's interest with a focus on the design of test fixtures, experimental characterization or numerical modelling of industrial forming operations to predict fracture. This research project provides a unique opportunity to work directly with our industrial partners in the automotive industry. A PhD candidate will assist the student with supervision and training of the numerical modelling and lab experiments.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Erkorkmaz	Kaan	E3 3149	35214	URA	Description: Precision Machine Design Instrumentation and Controls
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Johnson	David	E3 2135D	33690	URA	Description: Wind Energy Research
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Li	Dongqing	ERC 2008	36177	URA	Description: Microfluids & Lab-on-a-Chip. Other Information: Only Recipients Eligible for the President's Research Award should apply.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Mayer	Michael	E5 3009	84024	URA	Description: Cu Bond Characterization with Microsensors.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Mitra	Sushanta	QNC 3607	37176	URA	Title: Detection of E. Coli Description: The work is related to the rapid detection of E. Coli in water and potential low-cost solutions for water treatment. Possibly of being part of a start-up, Glacierclean Technologies Inc.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Musselman	Kevin	E5 3013	36740	URA	Title: Spatial atomic layer deposition and related devices Description: Spatial atomic layer deposition is an emerging technique for the rapid, open-air deposition of nanoscale electronic materials. We have ongoing projects related to the development of spatial atomic layer deposition manufacturing, printing and characterization of thin films, and integration of the thin films into devices, including gas sensors and perovskite photovoltaics. A project may involve mechatronic design, thin film characterization, and other nano/micro fabrication techniques.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Pan	Zhao	ERC 2028	38631	URA	Title: Curiosity-driven micro/bio-fluid physics in daily lives Description: We are a curious group that invites students investigating interesting problems around us by learning from nature through mathematics/fluid physics lens. We look for high impact works based on creative ideas. A few examples of our projects include: How can men’s pants and restrooms stay away from splashing back body fluids? Half of the population on the earth have been suffering from this issue since urinals were invented over 100 years ago. We will solve the problem by learning from dessert moss, nautilus shells, and puppies. How to design a fiber network that holds and manipulates liquids for future smart agriculture? We will start with learning from raindrops on pine tree needles and droplets on spider webs. How to improve helmet safety design? Remember the party trick that you can shatter a beer bottle by striking the top of it with your bare hands? High-speed photography of this trick will inspire us. Funded by: Research Account
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Weckman	Elizabeth (Beth)	E5 3033	33345	URA	Title: Fire Safety Engineering Description: Interested in fluids, thermal and materials performance. There are a variety of projects available related to ongoing projects through the UW Fire Research Labs. Other Information or Restrictions: Of benefit to have transportation as some testing is normally done at the labs which are off campus near the Erb St Landfill site.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Wen	John	ERC 2003	38362	URA	Description: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterial for Advanced Energy Research.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Wu	Xiaoyu	TBD	TBD	URA	Title: Hybrid energy storage system Description: Low-cost large scale energy storage is required due to the increasing variable renewables in the grid. In this topic, we will analyze the benefits of combining multiple energy storage technologies into one system. Models will be built to optimize the ideal combination for energy storage to improve the sustainability. Energy storage will also be combined with other commodity production to make the system more flexible and efficient.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Wu	Yimin	E3 2110B	40185	URA	Title: Strained Engineered Artificial Leaf for CO2 conversions to fuels Description: Photocatalytic CO2 conversion systems, also addressed as artificial leaves, can convert CO2 into useful fuels with solar energy. We have ongoing projects related to the development of photocatalytic reaction systems that utilize strain engineering to enhance the conversion performance. These projects involve reactor design and optimization, performance evaluation, and patent/paper preparation.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Wu	Yimin	E7 3418	40185	URA	Title: Photocatalytic Reactor for Converting Plastic Waste into Value-Added Chemicals Description: Photocatalytic plastic conversion is considered one of the most promising recycling strategies due to its sustainability and environmental friendliness. We will work on developing better photocatalytic reaction systems to improve the use of light and enhance the conversion performance. These projects involve reactor design and optimization, performance evaluation.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Yarusevyh	Serhiy	E5 3013	35442	URA	Title: Fluid Mechanics Research Laboratory Description: We have a very active, internationally recognized research group specializing in engineering applications of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. We are always open to providing research opportunities to motivated students in the areas related to our ongoing projects.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Zhou	Norman	E5 3007	36095	URA	Description: Processing of medical and smart materials.

Systems Design Engineering	Clausi	David	EC4 2039	32604	URA	Title: Applied Computer Vision Description: Machine learning, AI, deep learning applied to computer vision in the realm of satellite remote sensing and sports analytics. Funded by: Research Account
Systems Design Engineering	Eliasmith	Chris	HH 331	32638	URA	Descriptions: Large-scale neural simulations Software development for the Nengo neural simulator: Nengo (http://nengo.ca/) is a software package our lab has developed for biologically realistic neural simulation.
Systems Design Engineering	Ghafurian	Moojan	E7 6452		URA	Title: Emotionally intelligent agents for supporting older adults Description: Apply different methodologies for developing emotionally intelligent agents, and implement and test them on a variety of user interfaces including mobile-based applications and social robots.
Systems Design Engineering	Ghafurian	Moojan	E7 6452		URA	Title: Emotionally intelligent agents for supporting children Description: Development of a mobile-based applications including a range of different games and connecting it with a social robot. Implementation of social robot behaviours with the goal of supporting children's cognitive development.
Systems Design Engineering	Ghafurian	Moojan	E7 6452		URA	Title: Smart home environments equipped with social robots for health monitoring Description: Integration of social robots with a variety of different health sensors for remote health/wellbeing monitoring. Managing data gathered from multiple sources and data visualization. The goal of this project is to provide in-home health/wellbeing support.
Systems Design Engineering	Gorbet	Maud	DWE 2504	32602	URA	Description: Biocompatibility of Medical Devices.
Systems Design Engineering	Haji Reza	Parsin	E7 6416	40172	URA	Title: Photoacoustic Remote Sensing Description: We design and fabricate a novel medical imaging system that we call it photoacoustic remote sensing (PARS) microscopy. This is a fast, non-contact, non-invasive, safe and accurate technique that can measure oxygen saturation, oxygen metabolic activity and multilayered histology-like information. Oxygen saturation and oxygen metabolic activity play a vital role in understanding several diseases including early tumour and vision loss diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, when the oncologic care team must remove a tumour, it is essential that no malignant tissue left behind. The ability to predict tumour aggressiveness, margin and metastatic potential could significantly affect clinical practice in oncology. It is also shown that abnormal retinal oxygen saturation and metabolic activity are the leading causes of vision loss (e.g. age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma). The ability to precisely detect aberrant retinal oxygen metabolic activity in a non-contact setting is essential for improving investigations and diagnoses of ocular diseases. In addition, for various applications is surgical oncology and orthology contact is impractical, or the working space and footprint is an issue (e.g. endoscopy and surgery). We will work on technical hardware and software development as well as several imaging applications.
Systems Design Engineering	Jiang	Ning	E2 1303C	33766	URA	Description: Human machine interface (HMI), technologies that facilitate interactions between human and machine (robots, computers, etc.), will soon be embedded in every aspect of our society. Next generation HMIs need to sense human movement intentions faster and more reliably than ever before. To achieve this goal, however, alternative sensor modalities beyond mechanical sensors, which are exclusively used currently, must be incorporated. Recently, surface electromyogram (EMG) has been investigated for this purpose. sEMG is electric signals generated by mucles during contraction. This study seeks to significantly improve the way engineers and scientist extract information regarding human movement from sEMG, so that next generation HMIs can sense the movement of human, or even just the intentions to move, faster, and more reliable than ever before. Other Information: The applicant should know basic computer programming knowledge. Strong analytic skill in physics and mathematics is highly desired. Genuine interests in biomedical engineering and signal processing is important. Tasks: Basic and applied research in the analysis of EEG and EMG signals, Analysis and interpretation of EEG and EMG signals using Matlab Helping the summary and compilation of experimental results and analysis outcomes in technical documents. Besides the scientific skills, fluent language skills of both written and spoken English is essential.
Systems Design Engineering	Maftoon	Nima	EC4 2029	37654	URA	Title: Finite-Element Models of the Auditory System Description: The undergraduate research assistant will work on development of finite-element models of the auditory system. These models will be usedto guide development and improvement of hearing devices.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7-6322	40168	URA	Title: Interaction Machines Description: Programming and visualization of synchronously updated cellular automata and interaction machines (automata networks that grow and change their topologies in response to interactions/events. Other information or restrictions: Excellent programming ability in higher level programming languages (e.g. python, java). Previous experiences with visualization/graphical user interface design. Excellent mathematical and algorithmic skills/aptitude. Excellent spoken and written English skills.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7-6322	40168	URA	Title: Computational Algebraic Intelligence Description: Development and application of computer algebraic tools for the automatically creating coordinate systems in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM)application area in a finite discrete-event system models. Artificial algebraic intellitgence provides novel methods for AI systems to understand and hierarchichally manipulate (e.g. autonomously generating strategies for solving a permutation puzzle like Rubik's cube). Other information or restrictions: Strong programming ability in a higher level language, and experience with scripting languages. Excellent English spoken and writing skills. Strong mathematical aptitude required, familiarity with discrete mathematics/graph theory/finite automata highly desirable as background. Level 3A/3B/4A/4B.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7-6322	40168	URA	Title: Social Interaction in Artificial Intelligence Robotics Description: Develop new software and approaches with researchers in the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL) to be applied for improving Social Interaction in AI Robotics. This work addresses the central roles of the perception-action loop and second-person (interaction-partner aware) methods in achieving embodied intelligent behaviour in AI robots.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7-6322	40168	URA	Title: Interaction, Context, and Experience in Robot Cognitive Architectures Description: Contribute to the development of new software and novel approaches as part of a team for the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL) to be applied to leveraging Interaction and Experience in Robot Cognitive Architectures. Work will address the primary roles of interaction, habit, and engagement in interaction games in recurring contexts for the development of embodied AI systems.
Systems Design Engineering	Ponnambalam	Kumaraswarmy	DWE 2513J	33282	URA	Description: Patient waiting time prediction model.
Systems Design Engineering	Roufail	Reem	E7-6412	46892	URA	Title: Negative poisson ratio Description: Study the properties of positive Poisson ratio of polymers utilizing 3D printing technology. Funded by: No research funds available, funded by President's Research Award only. Other information or restrictions: Will utilize professional money to cover one student.
Systems Design Engineering	Roufail	Reem	E7-6412	48692	URA	Title: Shape Memory Polymer Description: Develop shape memory polymer utilizing 3D printing technology. Funded by: No research funds available, funded by the President's Research Award only Other information or restrictions: Will utilize professional money to cover one student.
Systems Design Engineering	Scott	Stacey	DWE 2506	32236	URA	Description: Designing advanced collaboration technologies/Human Systems Engineering.
Systems Design Engineering	Tung	James	E7-6314	43445	URA	Description: Design of new wearable systems to assess and assist those neuromotor impairments, such as concussion (mTBI), stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and/or falls in the elderly. Projects include applying robotics (e.g., exoskeletons, prosthetics), machine learning, and/or multimodal sensors (e.g., IMUs, smart garments) to address problems related to motor disabilities.
Systems Design Engineering	Willett	Thomas	E7 6438	38405	URA	Title: Biomimetic Biomaterials- Description: Student will assist in both computation and experimental work concerning the development of novel biomimetic biomaterials.
Systems Design Engineering	Willett	Thomas	E7 6438	48405	URA	Title: Mechanical Testing of 3D printed nanocomposite biomaterials. Description: RA will assist post doctoral fellow with experiments mainly involving 3D printing and mechanical testing.
Systems Design Engineering	Wong	Alexander	DWE 2513H	31299	URA	Descriptions: Computer-aided disease analysis using medical imaging
Systems Design Engineering	Yeow	John	E3 3159	32152	URA	Description: MEMS, Nanotechnology/Device Development
Systems Design Engineering	Zelek	John	EC4-2017	32567	URA	Title: AI for Infrastructure, Transportation, Urbanism, and other Applications. Description: Most of our research work consists of using Artificial Intelligence methods (such as machine learning including deep learning) to solve complex problems in a variety of applications. A lot of the problems involve computer vision and or robotics. Examples of applications include infrastructure monitoring including roads, buildings; building 3D maps from cameras for autonomous vehicles; monitoring manufacturing process control to predict failures; object detection and recognition; 3D human body modelling for human fitting; Reinforcement Learning to learn how to move; human motion modelling for sports analytics;... to name a few. Currently there are over a dozen graduate students in the lab. Ideally you will work with one of the graduate students as part of our team. The projects vary depending on the partners we are currently teamed with. Ideal candidates should have some exposure to machine learning, be proficient in programming with python, C++ and machine learning tools.

USRA placement list

Department	Last Name	First Name	Office	Ext.	Project Type	Title & Description
Chemical Engineering	Chen	Zhongwei	E6 2006	38664	USRA	Descriptions: Advanced Nano-Structured Catalysts for Fuel Cells and Metal-Air Batteries Development of Advanced Graphene Materials for Next Generation Battery
Chemical Engineering	Mekonnen	Tizazu	E6 2010	38914	USRA	Title: Sustainable multifunctional nanocomposites Description: Multifunctional polymer nanocomposites: design, modifications, and structure-property relations with a focus on renewable and sustainable polymer nanocomposites. We are interested in a combination of fundamental and applied researches.
Chemical Engineering	Ward	Valerie	E6-4016	38625	USRA	Title: Development of biorefinery technologies for microalgae Description: Microalgae are a promising feedstock for the production of sustainable chemicals to replace current petrochemical based products. We are undertaking a number of projects exploring the use of microalgae for applications in materials, as chemical feedstocks, for therapeutic protein production, and for high value terpenoid production. We explore both the upstream process development and strain engineering as well as the downstream recovery and purification of products. Please contact for more info.
Chemical Engineering	Zhu	Qinqin	E6-3006	32540	USRA	Title: Process data analytics and machine learning. Description: Design novel machine learning algorithms for process monitor and fault diagnois. Funded by: Research Account
Civil & Environmental Engineering	Yin	Shunde	E2-2312	33323	USRA	Title: Coupled thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical processes Funded by: Research account
Computer Science	Abari	Omid	DC 3510	36412	USRA	Title: Intelligent Connectivity for the Internet-of-Things Description: The ICON lab at the School of Computer Science is conducting research in the area of wireless networks and mobile systems, with applications to the Internet of Things (IoT). Our research focuses on the design and implementation of software-hardware systems that deliver ubiquitous sensing, computing, and communications at scale. We borrow techniques from diverse areas including computer networks, machine learning, signal processing, hardware design, and HCI. The student will do research on designing new connectivity and sensing systems for virtual reality, smart city and smart home applications. We are looking for students with one or multiple of following skills: Experience with C/C++ programming, and interests in designing systems Familiarity with Micro-Controller, Raspberry Pi or FPGA programming Hardware design (Familiarity with PCB design would be a plus) Research experience in wireless networks and systems Interested students should email Omid Abari (omid.abari@uwaterloo.ca).
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Bajcsy	Michal	QNC 4126	39279	USRA	Title: Systems for Non-Linear Optics at Single Photon Levels Description: This project focuses on design of nano-photonic structures and studies of quantum optics schemes that would enable development of scalable on-chip devices for all optical signal processing at single photon levels. The research will include training in the following areas: use of commercial FDTD software to simulate photonic structures, basic nano-fabrication techniques (photolithography, PECVD), optical testing of fabricated structures, and basic electronics and fiber optics.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Crowley	Mark	E5 4114	31464	USRA	Title: Machine Learning Tools Software Development Description: The UWECEML lab carries out research into decision making under uncertainty, prediction of spatiotemporal dynamics and anomaly detection in domains ranging from Forest wildfires, to embedded systems processes to autonomous driving. The student RA will carry out vital work to extend existing software frameworks we use for simulation of dynamic process and to help with running of new experiments in collaboration with graduate students in the lab. This position will involve programming in python on unix and windows machines to set update existing libraries, build experimental frameworks, run experiments on a range of datasets and help with visualizing the outputs. Student must have development experience and have a deep knowledge of python a must, knowledge of scipy, pyplot, tensorflow would be beneficial. Familiarity with machine learning algorithms such as random forests, deep learning, CNNs, Reinforcement Learning a plus but not required.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Dietl	Werner	EIT 4007		USRA	Description: Developing correct software is difficult and many programming errors are discovered by end users, which causes embarrassment, monetary damage, and -in the extreme- harm to people. My research focuses on practical approaches to prevent more programming mistakes during development. Optional type systems improve the static guarantees of a programming language, like Java, and are a light-weight approach to improve correctness. In your URA, you'll learn about high-quality software development and work on a research project, e.g., by performing a case study, improving an existing tool, or prototyping a new tool. Research on improving code quality and programmer productivity will also benefit your own programming skills. You can contact me via email (wdietl@uwaterloo.ca). Also, feel free to take a look at my homepage.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Golab	Wojceiech	DC 2528	32029	USRA	Title: Big Data and Analytics Description: Distributed storage and analytics systems are used pervasively in data-driven environments including social networking and e-commerce web sites, and appear increasingly in enterprise IT infrastructures. Designing such systems remains fundamentally challenging for two reasons: concurrency (i.e., dealing with many users simultaneously) and failures (i.e., dealing with unreliable hardware components). As a result, distributed storage and analytics systems use elaborate mechanisms to provide concurrency control and to mask failures. Dr. Golab's research in this space focuses on understanding the effects of these mechanisms on the scalability, efficiency, and data consistency of distributed systems. Students involved in this research will have an opportunity to work with state-of-the-art open-source tools, including NoSQL storage (e.g., Apache Cassandra) and cluster computing frameworks (e.g., Hadoopr and Spark), as well as to pursue theoretical topics pertaining to specifying and verifying the correctness of distributed systems.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Gong	Guang	E7 3546	45650	USRA	Title: Implementation of WG cipher automation using GAP. Description: A part of research in the ComSec lab (comsec.uwaterloo.ca) is development of cryptographic algorithms and protocols in hardware and software. WG stream ciphers are defined over small finite fields which aim at securing loT devices. A part of ongoing research is design automation using GAP and VHDL> This project is to implement more sophisticated search methods (for example reducing the search space based on the fact that reciprocal of an irreducible/primitive polynomial is also irreducible/primitive). The efficiency of implemented functions in GAP can be tested using GAPs profiling facilities. The goal is to reduce the time for the search for the small fields and to adapt the methods to work on bigger fields as well: in the initial stage, we want to extend GF (2^128), possibly larger. Other information and restrictions: Requirements: basic coding experience in any language, knowledge of algorithms, finite fields, experience with GAP is desired but not mandatory, as long as the student has experience with some other CAS.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Gurfinkel	Arie	DC 2356	36616	USRA	Title: Automated Software Verification Brief Description: Modern software systems are incredibly complex engineered artifacts. They rely on intricate algorithms, developed by large, often distributed, teams, and are build out of many interconnected components. Software bugs are common even in such safety-critical industries as medical devices, automotive, and avionics. Yet, we are increasingly becoming dependent on reliable operation of such systems. Furthermore, the impact of software bugs on safety and security is increasing as the border between safety- and non-safety-critical systems is eroded. Dealing with this complexity requires automation in verification and certification. While the last few decades have seen tremendous progress towards this goal, effective automated verification remains a grand challenge. The long term objective the project is to develop scalable automated verification that is usable by software engineers and is integrated into the software development life-cycle. You will contribute to the development of the automated verification tool SeaHorn and will learn about Compilers, Constraint Solvers (SAT/SMT), and Automated Verification.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Hasan	Anwar	E7 5434	42868	USRA	Title: Data Security and Applied Cryptography Description: This project involves implementation of post-quantum cryptographic primitives in both software and hardware. The ideal candidate will have a strong mathematical background, experience in C/C++, assembly language, FPGA and VHDL.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Ho	Pin-Han	EIT 4161	32452	USRA	Title: Deep machine learning for media classification Description: The project is on programming of software module and applications for a novel deep learning architecture for video/multimedia inspection/classification.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Ho	Pin-Han	EIT 4161	32452	USRA	Title: Video snapshot acquisition Description: The project is to prototype a video snapshot system that includes a media server and FPGA programming on Altera's Dex system.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Kapre	Nachiket	E5 4013	31415	USRA	Title: Accelerated Machine Learning with FPGAs Description: Companies like Microsoft, Intel, Google, NVIDIA are developing specialized chips for accelerating machine learning computations. We will investigate the use of FPGA-based or FPGA-like architectures for such applications. The student will write VHDL/Verilog or OpenCL descriptions of these computations and evaluate various cost/performance tradeoffs in their implementations.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Patel	Hiren	E5-4018	38105	USRA	Title: Generating Verilog from High-level Specifications Description: This project implements a back-end that generates synthesizable Verilog from a subset of SystemC specifications. SystemC is a high-level language built on top of C++ used for modeling and simulating digital hardware systems.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Poudineh	Mahla	QNC 3622	33319	USRA	Title: Developing new platforms for bio-sensing applications Description: In Poudineh Lab, we develop bio-sensing approaches for therapeutics and diagnostics purposes and translating biomedical devices to the clinic. Currently, the focus is on two main projects: More effective cancer diagnosis: developing a microfluidic device for multiplexed cancer biomarkers profiling. Beter diabetes management: Developing a platform for measuring insulin and glucagon-two important hormones for adjusting glucose level in blood.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Rayside	Derek	DC 2538	32840	USRA	Description: Microfluidic design automation software. Some understanding of any subset of the following: fluid dynamics, COMSOL, microfluidics, programming languages, compilers, SAT. The nature of this work is fundamentally interdisciplinary, so each team member usually knows only one part of the background knowledge.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Shaker	George	DC 2635	519-498-5173	USRA	Descriptions: Wearable Wireless Systems Energy Harvesting Systems mm-Wave Electromagnetics 5G for IoT Radar Sensor Systems Drone Connectivity
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Vaniea	Kami	DC 2532	31718	USRA	Title: Creating Helpful Scam Avoidance Advice Description: Scams can be hard to detect, especially for people who are in a new context, such as moving jobs, coming to university, or starting a new phase of their lives. For these people, it can be very frightening to hang up on someone claiming their SIN has just been deactivated, or ignore an email claiming that Amazon just billed them $900. Most advice given to people on how to detect and avoid scams is overly general; for example: "look at the URL before clicking". This advice is quite challenging for people to translate into specific actions, especially when they are facing a threatening message that is urging them to make fast decisions. The goal of this project is to think about a specific population of people and the challenges they face around scams, for example, first year students who just moved to a new city/country and no longer have their prior support system to help them. Then, create a system that will work with them to help them confidently determine if they are facing a scam and what they can do about it. This is an interdisciplinary project and can accept a range of skill areas. A student with strong programming skills might automatically analyze scam emails and use the identified information to help the person make a good decision. A student with more interest in Human Computer Interaction could run experiments to better understand the needs of populations and what types of computer interventions are likely to assist them. Please see my lab page for examples of my past projects
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Wei	Lan	E5 4023	31423	USRA	Title: Error-resilient Computation with Imperfect Emerging Technologies such as carbon nanotube transistors and non-volatile memories. Description: In this project, the students are expected to explore approaches at both device and circuit levels to develop error-resilient computation systems. Special interests are with carbon nanotube transistors and non-volatile memories. The project is for 3th/4th year students who are interested in VLSI design with emerging technologies.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Wei	Lan	E5 4023	31423	USRA	Title: Cryogenic CMOS for quantum computing Description: This project is for 3rd/4th year students only. In this project, the students are encouraged to explore the CMOS device and circuit at cryogenic temperatures aiming for control and operation of silicon quantum bits for quantum computing, including Cryogenic CMOS device characterization and modeling Cryogenic CMOS circuit design for quantum computing
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Yu	Alfred	EIT 4125	36908	USRA	Title: Next-generation biomedical ultrasound innovations
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Zahedi	Seyed Majid	DC 2524	35761	USRA	Title: Accelerating real-time AI on SoC FPGAs Description: In this project, students will work on design and implementation of an open-source, VTA-based accelerator framework for real-time AI. Prior knowledge on compilers, FPGA design, and kernel programming is necessary.
Electrical & Computer Engineering	Zahedi	Seyed Majid	DC 2524	35761	USRA	Title: Distributed mobile computing system Description: In this project, students will work on design and implementation of an open-source, VTA-based distributed mobile computing framework. Prior knowledge on mobile app development is necessary. Prior knowledge on compilers, OpenCL, and RPC is not necessary but would be extremely helpful.
Management Sciences	Mahmoudzadeh	Houra	CPH 4317	38043	USRA	Title: Optimization of radiation therapy treatment planning for cancer Description: Radiation therapy is one of the main methods for treating cancer. High energy beams are used to eradicate cancer cells while trying to spare the surrounding healthy organs. The treatment planning process can be viewed as a large-scale optimization approach. We use mathematical programming techniques to formulate different types of cancer treatment planning problems using real patient data. Different projects are defined based on specific cancer sites, different delivery machine specifications, and various clinical requirements defined for personalized treatments. Funded by: Research Account
Management Sciences	Pirnia	Mehrdad	CPH 4303	38956	USRA	Title: Analyics in Energy Systems Brief Description: The aim of this project is providing clean, affordable and reliable energy for consumers, from busy urban areas to remote northern communities. The student needs to look at technologies such as renewables, storage capacities, and more modern initiatives (electric vehicles and smart appliances) and use sophisticated optimization techniques to prescribe economical and achievable policies to meet environmental targets and cost reduction incentives. The projects involves a high degree of data analytics.
Management Sciences	Yang	Jangho	CPH 3629	40422	USRA	Title: The Role of Mergers & Acquisitions in Big Tech's Innovation Capabilities: A patent approach Description: Using a large cross-sectional combined patent and firm-level dataset from 2011-2019, this project aims to study the potential impacts of big tech’s M&A’s on technology inputs markets through providing robust evidence on the extent to which big tech’s technological capabilities have been advanced – and potentially monopolized – through such channels. We aim to answer the following questions. What innovation assets did big tech gain in their acquisitions between 2011-2019? How dominant has big tech become in various fields of innovation due to the acquired patents in each year between 2011-2019? Were acquired innovations of subsequent importance to big tech’s innovation capabilities? The position will involve programming in R to validate the name matching algorithm our team has developed and manually checking patent records.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Arami	Arash	EC4 1023	37648	USRA	Title: Human-Robot Interaction in Wearable Exoskeletons Description: Design controllers for lower and upper limb exoskeletons to help people with sensorimotor deficits. Evaluate the human-robot interaction. Adapt the controller using machine learning techniques.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Hu	Yue	E7 3416	40709	USRA	Title: Human-robot interaction with collaborative robots Description: Develop task planning and control frameworks for collaborative robots (robot arms fixed in the environment of on a mobile base) in the context of human-robot interaction tasks, possibly involving indirect or direct physical contacts, such as carrying objects, assembly, physical assistance. The framework should take sensor data from both the robot and human user as feedback to adapt the task execution accordingly.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Hu	Yue	E7 3416	40709	USRA	Title: Understanding physical human-robot interaction Description: Conduct human-robot interaction experiments with collaborative robots involving physical interactions (direct or indirect ones). The experiments should include data collection from both the robot and the human (physical and physiological data, questionnaires). Conclusions should be based on observations and data analysis (factor analysis, machine learning).
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Jeon	Soo	E7 3438	48898	USRA	Title: Visual perception for robotic grasping and manipulation Description: A 7 DOF robot arm has three-finger hand and a stereo vision camera mounted on the wrist. The purpose of this project is to develop efficient vision-based object grasping algorithms so that the robot can grasp various objects (and possibly manipulation them). There are graduate students who are already working on relevant topics and the student will assist them for any tasks needed. The student may also be helping graduate students to upgrade ROS to ROS2. The system will be equipped with NVIDIS embedded PC with GPU (NVIDIA AGX Orin), and the students will have ample experience playing with deep learning and machine vision packages as well as fun experiment with state-of-the-art robotic platform. Strong background in programming and control is preferred. Any prior experience of working in robotic application will be a plus.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Mitra	Sushanta	QNC 3607	37176	USRA	Title: Liquid Wettability Description: The work is related to the fundamental understanding of under-liquid wettability with wide range of applications such as self-cleaning surfaces, coatings for marine applications, etc.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Pan	Zhao	ERC 2028	38631	USRA	Title: Curiosity-driven micro/bio-fluid physics in daily lives Description: We are a curious group that invites students investigating interesting problems around us by learning from nature through mathematics/fluid physics lens. We look for high impact works based on creative ideas. A few examples of our projects include: How can men’s pants and restrooms stay away from splashing back body fluids? Half of the population on the earth have been suffering from this issue since urinals were invented over 100 years ago. We will solve the problem by learning from dessert moss, nautilus shells, and puppies. How to design a fiber network that holds and manipulates liquids for future smart agriculture? We will start with learning from raindrops on pine tree needles and droplets on spider webs. How to improve helmet safety design? Remember the party trick that you can shatter a beer bottle by striking the top of it with your bare hands? High-speed photography of this trick will inspire us. Funded by: Research Account
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Weckman	Elizabeth (Beth)	E5 3033	33345	USRA	Title: Fire Safety Engineering Description: Interested in fluids, thermal and materials performance. There are a variety of projects available related to ongoing projects through the UW Fire Research Labs.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Wu	Xiaoyu	ERC 3022	36849	USRA	Title: Sustainable clean water production devices Description: Clean water and sanitation is among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations. Currently, 29% of the global population don't have access to "safely managed" drinking water. In this project, we are interested in developing a clean water generation device powered by solar energy. Combining materials with high solar radiation absorption and good water diffusivity, the device aims at producing steam effectively.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Wu	Yimin	E7 3418	40185	USRA	Title: Strained Engineered Artificial Leaf for CO2 Conversions to Fuels Description: Photocatalytic CO2 conversion systems, also addressed as artificial leaves, can convert CO2 into useful fuels with solar energy. We have ongoing projects related to the development of photocatalytic reaction systems that utilize strain engineering to enhance conversion performance. These projects involve reactor design and optimization, performance evaluation, and patent/paper preparation
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Wu	Yimin	E7 3418	40185	USRA	Title: Photocatalytic Reactor for Converting Plastic Waste into Value-Added Chemicals Description: Photocatalytic plastic conversion is considered one of the most promising recycling strategies due to its sustainability and environmental friendliness. We will work on developing better photocatalytic reaction systems to improve the use of light and enhance the conversion performance. These projects involve reactor design and optimization, performance evaluation.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering	Yarusevyh	Serhiy	E5 3013	35442	USRA	Title: Fluid Mechanics Research Laboratory Description: We have a very active, internationally recognized research group specializing in engineering applications of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. We are always open to providing research opportunities to motivated students in the areas related to our ongoing projects.
Systems Design Engineering	Clausi	David	EC4-2039	32604	USRA	Title: Applied Computer Vision Description: Machine learning, AI, deep learning applied to computer vision in the realm of satellite remote sensing and sports analytics. Funded by: Research Account
Systems Design Engineeering	Maftoon	Nima	EC4 2029	37654	USRA	Title: Finite-Element Models of the Auditory System Description: The undergraduate research assistant will work on development of finite-element models of the auditory system, as well as a new medical device for otitis media in children.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7-6322	40168	USRA	Title: Asynchronous Interaction Machines Description: Programming and visualization of synchronously and asynchronously updated cellular automata and interaction machines (automata networks that grow and change their topologies in response to interactions/events, with recursive fractal-like structure). Other Information or Restrictions: Excellent programming ability in higher level programming languages (e.g. python, java). Previous experiences with visualization/graphical user interace design. Excellent mathematical and alogritmic skills/aptitude. Excellent spoken and written English skills.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7-6322	40168	USRA	Title: Algebraic Intelligence for STEM Applications Description: Development and application of computer algebraic tools for the automatically creating coordinate systems in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) application area in a finite discrete-event system models. Artificial algebraic intellitgence provides novel methods for AI systems to understand and hierarchically manipulate (e.g. autonomously generating strategies for solving a permutation puzzle like Rubik's cube, or for applications in System Biology). Other Information or Restrictions: Strong programming ability in a higher level language, and experience with scripting languages. Excellent English spoken and writing skills. Strong mathematical aptitude required, familiarity with discrete mathematics/graph theory/finite automata highly desirable as background.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7 6322	40168	USRA	Title: Interaction and Experience in Robot Cognitive Architectures Description: Contribute to the development of new software and novel approaches as part of a team for the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL) to be applied to leveraging Interaction and Experience in Robot Cognitive Architectures. Work will address the primary roles of interaction, habit, and engagement in interaction games in recurring contexts for the development of embodied AI systems.
Systems Design Engineering	Nehaniv	Chrystopher	E7 6322	40168	USRA	Title: Social Interaction in Artificial Intelligence Robotics Description: Develop new software and approaches with researchers in the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab (SIRRL) to be applied for improving Social Interaction in AI Robotics. This work addresses the central roles of the perception-action loop and second-person (interaction-partner aware) methods in achieving embodied intelligent behaviour in AI robots.
Systems Design Engineering	Willett	Thomas	DWE 2507	38405	USRA	Title: Biomimetic Biomaterials Description: Student will assist in both computation and experimental work concerning the development of novel biomimetic biomaterials.
Systems Design Engineering	Zelek	John	ECR-2017	32567	USRA	Title: AI for Infrastructure, Transportation, Urbanism, and other Applications Description: Most of our research work consists of using Artificial Intelligence methods (such as machine learning including deep learning) to solve complex problems in a variety of applications. A lot of the problems involve computer vision and or robotics. Examples of applications include nfrastructure monitoring including roads, buildings; building 3D maps from cameras for autonomous vehicles; monitoring manufacturing process control to predict failures; object detection and recognition; 3D human body modelling for human fitting; Reinforcement Learning to learn how to move; human motion modelling for sports analytics;... to name a few. Currently there are over a dozen graduate students in the lab. Ideally you will work with one of the graduate students as part of our team. The projects vary depending on the partners we are currently teamed with. Ideal candidates should have some exposure to machine learning, be proficient in programming with python, C++ and machine learning tools.

URA supervisor list and USRA placement list