Oral Presenters
MATERIALS RESEARCH
Aakash Chakraborty
Sustainability analysis of biorefining processes
Aakash Chakraborty is a Ph.D. student in the Chemical Engineering at Lakehead University.
Sustainability analysis of biorefining processes
Aakash Chakraborty is a Ph.D. student in the Chemical Engineering at Lakehead University.
Conor McGovern
Asymmetric Cross-Coupling of Ferrocenes in Chiral Ionic Liquids
Conor McGovern is a Master’s student in Chemistry at Lakehead University.
Asymmetric Cross-Coupling of Ferrocenes in Chiral Ionic Liquids
Conor McGovern is a Master’s student in Chemistry at Lakehead University.
Drs. Jinan Fiaidhi and Sabah Mohammed
Thick Data Analytics and Translational Informatics are Recharging AI Towards Better Context and Precision
Jinan Fiaidhi
Dr. Jinan Fiaidhi is a full Professor of Computer Science at Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada since late 2001. She was the grad coordinator for the Lakehead University Computer Science MSc program for the period (2009-2018) and the Graduate Coordinator of the PhD program in Biotechnology (2018-2022). She is also an Adjunct Research Professor with the University of Western Ontario. She received her graduate degrees in Computer Science from Essex University (PgD 1983) and Brunel University (PhD, 1986). During the period (1986-2001), Dr. Fiaidhi served at many academic positions (e.g. University of Technology (Asso. Prof and Chairperson), Philadelphia University (Asso. Prof), Applied Science University (Professor), Sultan Qaboos University (Asso. Prof.). Dr. Fiaidhi research is focused on Thick Data Analytics and Collaborative Learning utilizing the emerging technologies (e.g. Conversational AI, Deep Learning, Cloud Computing, Calm Computing, Mobile Learning, Learning Analytics, Social Networking, Crowdsourcing, OpenData, Extreme Automation and Semantic Web). Dr. Fiaidhi current research is supported by the major research granting associations in Canada (e.g. NSERC, MITACS). Dr. Fiaidhi is a Professional Software Engineer of Ontario (PEng), Senior Member of IEEE, member of the British Computer Society (MBCS) and member of the Canadian Information Society (CIPS) holding the designation of ISP. Dr.Fiaidhi is the chair of the IEEE Special Interest Research Group on Big and Thick Data for eHealth with IEEE ComSoc eHealth TC. Dr. Fiaidhi is the founder and the Emeriti Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare (IJEACH).
Sabah Mohammed
Dr. Mohammed is full Professor at the department of Computer Science at Lakehead University (Ontario Canada) since 2002. He is also a Professional Engineer of Ontario (PEng), Information Processing Professional with CIPS and Senior Member of IEEE. Dr. Sabah Mohammed research interest is in intelligent systems that have to operate in large, nondeterministic, cooperative, highly connected, survivable, adaptive or partially known domains. His continuous research is inspired by his PhD work back in 1981 from Brunel University (UK) on the employment of the Brain Activity Structures for decision making (planning and learning) that enable processes (e.g. agents, mobile objects) and collaborative processes to act intelligently in their environments to timely achieve the required goals. Having trained in medicine with a computer science PhD in Artificial Intelligence (AI), his research is focused on Smart, Translational and Connected Health. Prior to his work at Lakehead University, Dr. Mohammed was the chair of three computer science departments at HCT, Philadelphia and Applied Science University. He is the founder and Editor-In-Chief of two journals (Emerging Technology of Web Intelligence (JETWI)-2008-2012 and the International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare (IJEACH)-2018-2021). Currently he is the chair of the special interest research group on Smart and Connected Health with the IEEE ComSoc eHealth TC. Dr. Mohammed active research is on connected healthcare through translational medicine is funded by both NSERC and MITACS.
Thick Data Analytics and Translational Informatics are Recharging AI Towards Better Context and Precision
Jinan Fiaidhi
Dr. Jinan Fiaidhi is a full Professor of Computer Science at Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada since late 2001. She was the grad coordinator for the Lakehead University Computer Science MSc program for the period (2009-2018) and the Graduate Coordinator of the PhD program in Biotechnology (2018-2022). She is also an Adjunct Research Professor with the University of Western Ontario. She received her graduate degrees in Computer Science from Essex University (PgD 1983) and Brunel University (PhD, 1986). During the period (1986-2001), Dr. Fiaidhi served at many academic positions (e.g. University of Technology (Asso. Prof and Chairperson), Philadelphia University (Asso. Prof), Applied Science University (Professor), Sultan Qaboos University (Asso. Prof.). Dr. Fiaidhi research is focused on Thick Data Analytics and Collaborative Learning utilizing the emerging technologies (e.g. Conversational AI, Deep Learning, Cloud Computing, Calm Computing, Mobile Learning, Learning Analytics, Social Networking, Crowdsourcing, OpenData, Extreme Automation and Semantic Web). Dr. Fiaidhi current research is supported by the major research granting associations in Canada (e.g. NSERC, MITACS). Dr. Fiaidhi is a Professional Software Engineer of Ontario (PEng), Senior Member of IEEE, member of the British Computer Society (MBCS) and member of the Canadian Information Society (CIPS) holding the designation of ISP. Dr.Fiaidhi is the chair of the IEEE Special Interest Research Group on Big and Thick Data for eHealth with IEEE ComSoc eHealth TC. Dr. Fiaidhi is the founder and the Emeriti Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare (IJEACH).
Sabah Mohammed
Dr. Mohammed is full Professor at the department of Computer Science at Lakehead University (Ontario Canada) since 2002. He is also a Professional Engineer of Ontario (PEng), Information Processing Professional with CIPS and Senior Member of IEEE. Dr. Sabah Mohammed research interest is in intelligent systems that have to operate in large, nondeterministic, cooperative, highly connected, survivable, adaptive or partially known domains. His continuous research is inspired by his PhD work back in 1981 from Brunel University (UK) on the employment of the Brain Activity Structures for decision making (planning and learning) that enable processes (e.g. agents, mobile objects) and collaborative processes to act intelligently in their environments to timely achieve the required goals. Having trained in medicine with a computer science PhD in Artificial Intelligence (AI), his research is focused on Smart, Translational and Connected Health. Prior to his work at Lakehead University, Dr. Mohammed was the chair of three computer science departments at HCT, Philadelphia and Applied Science University. He is the founder and Editor-In-Chief of two journals (Emerging Technology of Web Intelligence (JETWI)-2008-2012 and the International Journal of Extreme Automation and Connectivity in Healthcare (IJEACH)-2018-2021). Currently he is the chair of the special interest research group on Smart and Connected Health with the IEEE ComSoc eHealth TC. Dr. Mohammed active research is on connected healthcare through translational medicine is funded by both NSERC and MITACS.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Dr. Sarita Shrestha
Algaberry: a special and effective heavy metals remover of polluted water
Sarita Shrestha has recently graduated with her PhD in Biotechnology from Lakehead University, Canada, and she loves doing research related to microorganisms, agricultural biomass utilization, bioremediation, and value-added products production employing microbiology and biotechnology techniques.
Algaberry: a special and effective heavy metals remover of polluted water
Sarita Shrestha has recently graduated with her PhD in Biotechnology from Lakehead University, Canada, and she loves doing research related to microorganisms, agricultural biomass utilization, bioremediation, and value-added products production employing microbiology and biotechnology techniques.
Dr. Janak Khatiwada
Optimization of pretreatments of native freshwater microalgae for reducing sugar extraction and subsequent bioethanol production
Janak Khatiwada is a Ph.D. candidate in the biotechnology program at Lakehead University. He received his first Ph.D. degree from Chinese Academy of Science in Zoology. His current research interests focus on wastewater treatment with utilization of microalgae and production biofuel and value-added products from microalgae.
Optimization of pretreatments of native freshwater microalgae for reducing sugar extraction and subsequent bioethanol production
Janak Khatiwada is a Ph.D. candidate in the biotechnology program at Lakehead University. He received his first Ph.D. degree from Chinese Academy of Science in Zoology. His current research interests focus on wastewater treatment with utilization of microalgae and production biofuel and value-added products from microalgae.
Dr. Shreeti Pradhan
Detection of Pathogens using Protein Quantification
Dr. Shreeti Pradhan is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Her major areas of interest include plant biotechnology, horticulture, microbiology, and molecular biology related to gene cloning, genetic variation, protein quantification etc. She has published more than two dozen research papers related to plant biology/molecular biology in peer reviewed journals. Currently, she is working on detection of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity by applying a real-time detection of different types of pathogens using a portable biosensor utilizing Proximity Ligation Real-Time PCR.
Detection of Pathogens using Protein Quantification
Dr. Shreeti Pradhan is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Her major areas of interest include plant biotechnology, horticulture, microbiology, and molecular biology related to gene cloning, genetic variation, protein quantification etc. She has published more than two dozen research papers related to plant biology/molecular biology in peer reviewed journals. Currently, she is working on detection of pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity by applying a real-time detection of different types of pathogens using a portable biosensor utilizing Proximity Ligation Real-Time PCR.
Dr. Nadia Sufdar Ali
A high throughput screening process and quick isolation of novel lignin-degrading microbes from large number of natural biomasses
Nadia Sufdar Ali recently completed her doctoral studies in Biotechnology at Lakehead University, Canada. Driven by a passion for practical sustainable solutions, her research interests primarily focus on the intricate world of microbiomes and their relevance to various domains particularly in its applications within environmental and industrial contexts. Her scholarly pursuits are notably concentrated on the domains of lignin valorization, bioremediation, and the conversion of waste materials into valuable resources. Her academic journey reflects a profound dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and offering pragmatic solutions to complex challenges in the fields of microbiology and biotechnology.
A high throughput screening process and quick isolation of novel lignin-degrading microbes from large number of natural biomasses
Nadia Sufdar Ali recently completed her doctoral studies in Biotechnology at Lakehead University, Canada. Driven by a passion for practical sustainable solutions, her research interests primarily focus on the intricate world of microbiomes and their relevance to various domains particularly in its applications within environmental and industrial contexts. Her scholarly pursuits are notably concentrated on the domains of lignin valorization, bioremediation, and the conversion of waste materials into valuable resources. Her academic journey reflects a profound dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and offering pragmatic solutions to complex challenges in the fields of microbiology and biotechnology.
BIO-INSPIRED ENGINEERING
Dr. Carlos Zerpa
Examining the combined effect of neck strength and hockey goalie helmet liners in mitigating risk of head injury for measures of angular acceleration during simulated horizontal head collisions
Dr. Carlos Zerpa teaches and researches in the field of biomechanics, School of Kinesiology, at Lakehead University. His ongoing research focuses on investigating the protective capabilities of helmet liners and improving them for the prevention of head injuries and in particular concussions. More specifically, he studies head injury mechanisms that cause traumatic brain injuries via simulations using surrogate headforms with sensory technology; horizontal and vertical impactors instrumented with force platforms to record the forces and moments during the head collision. He also conducts research on symmetry of walking to study antalgic gait patterns for transtibial amputees. His background includes biomechanics and statistical measurements.
Examining the combined effect of neck strength and hockey goalie helmet liners in mitigating risk of head injury for measures of angular acceleration during simulated horizontal head collisions
Dr. Carlos Zerpa teaches and researches in the field of biomechanics, School of Kinesiology, at Lakehead University. His ongoing research focuses on investigating the protective capabilities of helmet liners and improving them for the prevention of head injuries and in particular concussions. More specifically, he studies head injury mechanisms that cause traumatic brain injuries via simulations using surrogate headforms with sensory technology; horizontal and vertical impactors instrumented with force platforms to record the forces and moments during the head collision. He also conducts research on symmetry of walking to study antalgic gait patterns for transtibial amputees. His background includes biomechanics and statistical measurements.
Aysan Gholami
Heat transfer enhancement in a microchannel by a flow-induced flapping filament
Aysan Gholami is a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada. She received her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Biosystem Engineering from University of Tabriz, Iran. She currently works on heat transfer enhancement and Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) simulation with Lattice Bolzmann Method (LBM) under supervision of Dr. Tarokh.
Heat transfer enhancement in a microchannel by a flow-induced flapping filament
Aysan Gholami is a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada. She received her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Biosystem Engineering from University of Tabriz, Iran. She currently works on heat transfer enhancement and Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) simulation with Lattice Bolzmann Method (LBM) under supervision of Dr. Tarokh.
Faisal Muhammad
Examining the Role of Vortex Generators on the Performance of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines
Faisal Muhammad is an MSc student in Mechanical Engineering at Lakehead University. With over 12 years of practical experience in Research and Development along with Aviation Maintenance induced a strong sense of further research in Computational Fluid Dynamics, which led him in pursuing the current goal.
Examining the Role of Vortex Generators on the Performance of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines
Faisal Muhammad is an MSc student in Mechanical Engineering at Lakehead University. With over 12 years of practical experience in Research and Development along with Aviation Maintenance induced a strong sense of further research in Computational Fluid Dynamics, which led him in pursuing the current goal.
MEDICAL INNOVATIONS
Dr. Andrew Drainville
Ultrasonic cavitation for controlled pancreatic cancer stroma disruption
Andrew Drainville earned his PhD in biotechnology from Lakehead University in 2019. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at LabTAU in Lyon, France, with a specialization in transcranial focused ultrasound, numerical modeling, device development, and acoustic cavitation quantification for medical applications. At the SESBASS conference, Andrew will showcase state of the art research in clinical therapeutic ultrasound aimed at improving treatment efficacy for pancreatic cancer.
Ultrasonic cavitation for controlled pancreatic cancer stroma disruption
Andrew Drainville earned his PhD in biotechnology from Lakehead University in 2019. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at LabTAU in Lyon, France, with a specialization in transcranial focused ultrasound, numerical modeling, device development, and acoustic cavitation quantification for medical applications. At the SESBASS conference, Andrew will showcase state of the art research in clinical therapeutic ultrasound aimed at improving treatment efficacy for pancreatic cancer.
Dong Zhao
Synthesis and evaluation of Aurora Kinase B inhibitor for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics
Dong Zhao likes to engage in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and radiochemistry research to create small molecules with the potential to function as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents, enabling precise cancer diagnosis, while also exploring their potential as inhibitors for cancer therapeutics.
Synthesis and evaluation of Aurora Kinase B inhibitor for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics
Dong Zhao likes to engage in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and radiochemistry research to create small molecules with the potential to function as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents, enabling precise cancer diagnosis, while also exploring their potential as inhibitors for cancer therapeutics.
Yang Mao
The development of novel pet imaging agents for diagnosing cancer
My name is Yang Mao, and I am an international student studying at Lakehead University. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2018, followed by my Master’s degree from Lakehead University in 2021. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Chemistry and Materials Science at Lakehead University.
The development of novel pet imaging agents for diagnosing cancer
My name is Yang Mao, and I am an international student studying at Lakehead University. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2018, followed by my Master’s degree from Lakehead University in 2021. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Chemistry and Materials Science at Lakehead University.
Poster Presenters
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Chonlong Chio
Utilization of Low-value Agricultural Wastes for Producing Biomolecules from Bacillus velezensis PhCL and Their Potential in Bioremediation
Chonlong Chio (Chris) is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the biotechnology program at Lakehead University. He received a Bachelor of Science in biological science from Sun-Yat Sen University and a Master of Science in biochemical and biomedical science from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His current research interests focus on biomass utilization, especially the use of lignin and hemicellulose, environmental science, employing techniques from microbiology and genetic engineering.
Utilization of Low-value Agricultural Wastes for Producing Biomolecules from Bacillus velezensis PhCL and Their Potential in Bioremediation
Chonlong Chio (Chris) is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the biotechnology program at Lakehead University. He received a Bachelor of Science in biological science from Sun-Yat Sen University and a Master of Science in biochemical and biomedical science from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His current research interests focus on biomass utilization, especially the use of lignin and hemicellulose, environmental science, employing techniques from microbiology and genetic engineering.
Dr. Ou Li
A highly-efficient screening strategy for mutant strains with high prodigiosin yield based on multiple negative regulatory factors and optimization of fermentation using low-cost waste
Dr. Ou Li is currently an associate professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in China and a visiting scholar at Lakehead University. His current research interests revolve around strain modification through genetic engineering and the development of high-value microbial functional products, particularly microbial exopolysaccharides.
A highly-efficient screening strategy for mutant strains with high prodigiosin yield based on multiple negative regulatory factors and optimization of fermentation using low-cost waste
Dr. Ou Li is currently an associate professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University in China and a visiting scholar at Lakehead University. His current research interests revolve around strain modification through genetic engineering and the development of high-value microbial functional products, particularly microbial exopolysaccharides.
Dr. Yingchang Li
Effect of rosmarinic acid and epicatechin on fish quality and flavor characteristics of sea bass
Dr. Yingchang Li is currently a visiting professor in the Department of Biology at Lakehead University in Canada. She is a professor in the College of Food Science and Technology at Bohai University in China. She received her PhD degree from Shenyang Agricultural University in China in 2008. She engages in research work of the processing and storage of agricultural products.
Effect of rosmarinic acid and epicatechin on fish quality and flavor characteristics of sea bass
Dr. Yingchang Li is currently a visiting professor in the Department of Biology at Lakehead University in Canada. She is a professor in the College of Food Science and Technology at Bohai University in China. She received her PhD degree from Shenyang Agricultural University in China in 2008. She engages in research work of the processing and storage of agricultural products.
Yichen Liao
The effect of temperature on the performance of a membrane photobioreactor
Yichen finished his MSc at Lakehead in Membrane Photo-bioreactor (MPBR) in 2016. He joined the Green Process Research Centre (GPRC) in 2018 and is currently studying microalgal biofilm studies.
The effect of temperature on the performance of a membrane photobioreactor
Yichen finished his MSc at Lakehead in Membrane Photo-bioreactor (MPBR) in 2016. He joined the Green Process Research Centre (GPRC) in 2018 and is currently studying microalgal biofilm studies.
Chao Liu
Potential mechanisms of microbacterium inoculants in mine remediation applications
Chao Liu is a joint PhD student.
Potential mechanisms of microbacterium inoculants in mine remediation applications
Chao Liu is a joint PhD student.
Rishnika Boteju
Screening, isolation, and identification of polysaccharide-degrading enzyme-producing bacterial strains
Rishnika Boteju is currently studying for her master’s student at Lakehead University under the supervision of Dr. Wensheng Qin. She is doing her master’s in science (MSc), specializing in biology. She received her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Biology, from York University. She has always been intrigued by research and being a part of the new discoveries yet to come in the scientific community. She has interests in genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology, and would like to pursue these fields in the near future.
Screening, isolation, and identification of polysaccharide-degrading enzyme-producing bacterial strains
Rishnika Boteju is currently studying for her master’s student at Lakehead University under the supervision of Dr. Wensheng Qin. She is doing her master’s in science (MSc), specializing in biology. She received her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Biology, from York University. She has always been intrigued by research and being a part of the new discoveries yet to come in the scientific community. She has interests in genetics, microbiology, and biotechnology, and would like to pursue these fields in the near future.
BIO-INSPIRED ENGINEERING
Dr. Meilan Liu
Evaluating the association of measures of acceleration and risk of head injury with measures of 95-confidence ellipse area for different helmet liners during free falling simulated head collisions
Meilan Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (formerly Department of Mechanical Engineering) at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada). She began teaching in the Department soon after obtaining her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Her main research interests include finite element analysis, nonlinear mechanics, dynamics of complex systems, biomechanics, and injury prevention.
Evaluating the association of measures of acceleration and risk of head injury with measures of 95-confidence ellipse area for different helmet liners during free falling simulated head collisions
Meilan Liu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering (formerly Department of Mechanical Engineering) at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada). She began teaching in the Department soon after obtaining her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Her main research interests include finite element analysis, nonlinear mechanics, dynamics of complex systems, biomechanics, and injury prevention.
MEDICAL INNOVATIONS
Antal Kovacs
Aurora Kinases as a Target for Cancer Therapy: Structural Analysis and Selective Inhibition by Novel Inhibitors
Antal Halen Kovacs is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Lakehead University studying applied life sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences. He has been involved with research at Lakehead University since his first year and has experience in many organic synthesis and biochemical techniques. Halen is passionate about community outreach and can often be found volunteering at places like TBRHSC, CNIB and the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus, to name a few. In his spare time, Halen is an avid reader, marathon runner, and he enjoys playing tennis and hockey.
Aurora Kinases as a Target for Cancer Therapy: Structural Analysis and Selective Inhibition by Novel Inhibitors
Antal Halen Kovacs is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Lakehead University studying applied life sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences. He has been involved with research at Lakehead University since his first year and has experience in many organic synthesis and biochemical techniques. Halen is passionate about community outreach and can often be found volunteering at places like TBRHSC, CNIB and the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus, to name a few. In his spare time, Halen is an avid reader, marathon runner, and he enjoys playing tennis and hockey.
Julio Adam Lopez
Synthetic studies of C-glycosyl-indoles through Fischer Indole Synthesis
Julio Adam Lopez is currently a Master’s student in chemistry at Lakehead University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Lakehead University in 2023.
Synthetic studies of C-glycosyl-indoles through Fischer Indole Synthesis
Julio Adam Lopez is currently a Master’s student in chemistry at Lakehead University. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Lakehead University in 2023.
Braedan Prochnicki
Predictors of Functional Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Utilizing Performance-Based Tests
Predictors of Functional Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Utilizing Performance-Based Tests