One of the projects that I helped out with in the SESL was the Guarded Hot Box, which is an apparatus that allows for rapid testing of the thermal resistance of wall components. Some of my contributions included drafting engineering drawings of multiple stud wall assemblies, building those walls, and re-arranging the layout of thermocouples within the apparatus. This work as well as my research on compact thermal energy storage made effective use of my undergrad coursework pertaining to graphical design, heat transfer, and renewable energy systems. Compact thermal storage is a promising technology that will enable the Canadian deployment of renewable heating systems such as solar thermal on a greater scale.

Current seasonal solar thermal systems that use the sensible heat of water are limited by the unfeasibility of their large storage requirements. I have come across state of the art research that involves storing heat thermochemically in markedly smaller volumes, which will make implementing renewable heating systems in the future a lot more practical. The work I was involved in during the term of this award gave me the opportunity to apply and improve upon my drafting abilities as well as it got me interested in pursuing graduate studies with my independent research.

The I-CUREUS program is a great opportunity for undergraduate students that are interested in getting involved in research and practical learning that is outside of classroom.

Dylan Bardy

I joined a group of graduate students who are aiming at enhancing aerosol drug delivery systems, mainly for pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDI), commonly known as asthma inhalers. My role was to investigate deposition of salbutamol sulphate inside a cylindrical asthma spacer device and the extrathoracic airways. This was accomplished using experimental analysis using a spacer replica as well as Computational Fluid Dynamic techniques.

How does it relate to your course work?

As my field of study is Biomedical and Mechanical engineering, the concepts   and procedures I used to successfully complete this research project were directly related to my academic curriculum. It required the application of previously acquired knowledge of biological, chemical and engineering concepts while developing new skills.

What have you gained from the experience?

This research project has resulted in developing my analytical skills, my abilities to complete independent research and has given me invaluable experience, similar to that of a Master’s student. I have also had the opportunity to gain considerable numerical analysis experience using ANSYS CFX.

What would you tell future students considering participating in I-CUREUS?

I would tell future students to take any chance they get to apply for I-CUREUS. This project has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people and has offered me invaluable experience. I-CUREUS is an opportunity to explore your interests and to gain experience in the real world with authentic challenges. I’d like to thank Dr. Edgar Matida for the mentoring and Nick Ogrodnik for all his help during the past year.

Victor Azzi