Twenty-one teams of fourth-year nanotechnology engineering students presented the results of their Capstone Design projects at the annual Capstone Design Symposium, which was held March 16th in the Davis Centre.
This symposium is the culmination of the student groups’ year-long effort, during which they identified, conceptualized and created their designs. Working under the enthusiastic guidance and supervision of Course Instructor Dr. Chris Backhouse, Laboratory Coordinator Jenn Coggan, and one faculty mentor with expertise in their design problem, each group demonstrated innovative thinking and perseverance. Within the themes of Nanomaterials, Nanoelectronics & Photonics, and Nanotechnology & Biomedical Systems, students presented a wide range of novel ideas and prototypes.
Award Winners
Special congratulations go to the following teams that won awards for their excellent research and presentations at the Symposium:
Thomas Dunlop, Chris Taylor, Noah Debrincat, Karolyn Mackowiak and Ben Milligan, known as Sanntek, won first place for their nanotechnology-based sensor that will determine a quantitative amount of the psychoactive component of marijuana. They aim to use it to create a breathalyzer equivalent for marijuana detection.
Akshayaa Govindan, Tabi Salimi, Eric Velez-Chua and Paulo Miguel won second place for their photo sensor. It is based on a conductive polymer and quantum dots that can be used in molecular imaging in place of optically detectable fluorescent biomarkers, which can cause adverse side effects for patients.
Andrej Rosic, Kavinaath Murugan, Connor Irvine, and Adam Tetreault (not pictured) won third place for their triboelectric energy harvester. This device transforms the natural vibrations of an oil pipeline into electrical power and acts as a supplementary power source that replenishes a sensor's battery to extend its lifespan.
Future Endeavours
Many NE graduates have enjoyed great success in steering their capstone projects toward commercialization. Their innovation and entrepreneurial efforts have resulted in more than 20 startup companies including SannTek, Vivaspire, Droplab, Arylla, Suncayr, NERv, and Salient Energy. Many more have used the skills they learned during this challenging fourth-year design project to find success in industry, government and academia.
With this year’s Capstone Design Symposium, the Nanotechnology Engineering class of 2018 has shown an impressive range of nanotechnology expertise, innovative thinking and communication skills. We look forward to seeing how they will use their unique Capstone Design experience to shape their careers.