Containerized Rapid Diagnostic Test Manufacturing System Prototype

Development of an all-in-one, containerized rapid diagnostic test manufacturing system combining ISO 13485 clean room facilities with end-to-end production capabilities using modified inkjet technology. This globally deployable system enables decentralized, on-demand production of diagnostic tests, reducing supply chain vulnerabilities while maintaining consistent quality standards. The containerized format allows rapid deployment in diverse settings from urban centers to remote communities worldwide. Design an integrated manufacturing system within a standardized shipping container format Develop end-to-end production workflow from raw materials to packaged tests Create modular reagent deposition technology adaptable to multiple test types Establish scalable quality control protocols for global regulatory compliance Optimize for minimal footprint and maximum production efficiency

Veterinary Rapid Test Market Entry: CFIA Regulatory Strategy for Canadian Expansion

Project Overview Canada's veterinary diagnostics market represents a  $268 million opportunity growing at 9% annually  - the fastest-growing segment in Canadian animal healthcare. Despite this growth, regulatory barriers have limited the availability of  veterinary rapid tests , creating significant market gaps for point-of-care diagnostics. We have identified a partnership opportunity with an established international manufacturer that produces over 25  veterinary rapid diagnostic tests  for both companion animals and livestock. These rapid tests are successfully marketed globally but have never been submitted for Canadian regulatory approval. This project will develop a comprehensive market entry strategy and regulatory roadmap to bring these proven  veterinary rapid tests  to the Canadian market through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) approval process. The Challenge The Canadian veterinary diagnostics landscape is fundamentally different from human medical devices. While Abundant Science has deep expertise in Health Canada's regulatory framework for rapid tests,  veterinary rapid tests are regulated by CFIA as "veterinary biologics"  under completely different legislation and requirements. Our manufacturing partner has expressed strong interest in the Canadian market but lacks familiarity with CFIA processes for rapid test approval. We need a comprehensive regulatory strategy that identifies: Which rapid test products have the highest market potential in Canada Specific CFIA approval requirements and timelines for each product category Investment requirements and revenue projections for market entry Optimal sequencing of product submissions to maximize success Learning Objectives Students will gain hands-on experience in: International regulatory affairs  and market entry strategy Primary research methods  including stakeholder interviews and market analysis Business case development  with financial modeling and risk assessment Strategic consulting  for biotechnology companies Cross-border partnership  structuring and execution Ideal Candidate Profile We're seeking students with: Academic Background:  Business, Life Sciences, Regulatory Affairs, or related fields (3rd/4th year preferred) Research Skills:  Strong analytical capabilities and experience with primary research methods Communication:  Excellent written and verbal communication skills Interest Areas:  Biotechnology, international business, regulatory affairs, or animal health Technical Aptitude:  Comfortable working with regulatory documentation and market data Mentorship & Support Jay Gerbrandt, Chief Science Officer  will provide comprehensive mentorship including: Project kickoff session with strategic context and industry insights (2 hours) Bi-weekly progress reviews and guidance sessions (4 × 1 hour) Access to industry contacts including regulatory consultants and veterinarians Final presentation feedback and career development discussion (2 hours) Resources Provided Access to premium market research databases and industry reports Introduction to 3-5 regulatory consultants for expert interviews Connection to Canadian Animal Health Institute for market data Templates for regulatory documentation and financial modeling Abundant Science's existing Health Canada regulatory expertise as reference Industry Impact & Career Development This project offers exceptional exposure to the rapidly growing animal health industry while developing critical skills in regulatory affairs and international business development. Students will work directly with company executives on a real market entry strategy that could result in bringing life-saving  veterinary rapid tests  to Canadian animals. The regulatory affairs and biotechnology sectors offer excellent career prospects, with growing demand for professionals who understand both rapid diagnostic innovation and regulatory compliance. This project provides practical experience that directly translates to opportunities in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies.

OMOD Indigenous - Your Language, Your Code, Your Legacy

Join the mission to digitally preserve Indigenous languages through OMOD (Orthographic Mapping Ondemand Datasystem) - a cutting-edge platform that maps how written characters become spoken sounds. OMOD already supports Vietnamese, Tamil, and Arabic, but we're expanding to include Indigenous languages with priority given to students working on their own mother tongues or community languages. You'll follow OMOD's proven methodology to create comprehensive orthographic-phonetic mappings that capture the unique sounds and writing systems of Indigenous languages while respecting community protocols and Indigenous data sovereignty. This isn't just data entry - you're contributing to language revitalization by creating tools that help communities, educators, and learners understand exactly how traditional writing systems encode pronunciation. Working with syllabics, contemporary orthographies, and everything in between, you'll document context-sensitive pronunciations and create detailed datasets that integrate seamlessly with OMOD's established framework. Your work becomes part of a growing open-source linguistic resource that supports language continuity, education, and research while ensuring community ownership of linguistic heritage.

Knowledge Liberation Backend - Building MySQL for Community Science

Build the essential database foundation that will power community-driven research at Squirrel Ridge Observatory Centre! This focused project centers on designing and implementing a robust MySQL database infrastructure for SROC's flagship initiative: OMOD (Orthographic Mapping Ondemand Datasystem), with the architecture designed to eventually support additional projects. You'll work with real linguistic data to create optimized database schemas, implement data validation protocols, and establish the technical foundation that enables researchers and communities to preserve endangered language knowledge. This is practical database engineering with social impact - your MySQL implementation will store orthographic mappings that help preserve Indigenous languages, support language learning applications, and enable cross-linguistic research. Working within established hosting infrastructure, you'll focus on database optimization, data integrity, and creating clean interfaces between stored data and web applications. The project emphasizes solid database fundamentals: schema design, indexing strategies, backup protocols, and performance optimization. Your database becomes the reliable backbone that enables linguistic communities to preserve their knowledge digitally while providing researchers with structured, accessible data for language preservation and education initiatives.