Carleton University

Adrian smiling in front of a red background.

Adrian Bolesnikov, Masters in Human Computer Interaction

Supervisor: Audrey Girouard

My intended area of research seeks to improve the experience of individuals with visual impairments in gaming, particularly board games. I am excited for the READi program and the opportunity to learn more about accesibility and creating a more inclusive environment through design.

Aryan is looking at the camera while sitting outside. There are people sitting in the background behind him.

Aryan Golshan, Masters in Human Computer Interaction

Co-Supervisors: Chantal Trudel and Lois Frankel

I’m very excited to be a part of the READi program and I look forward to developing new skills in the area of accessibility and inclusion. My research will focus on both identifying and improving information flows and user interfaces for devices in health-care settings. I am hoping to solve core issues surrounding patient drug delivery and treatment. In addition, I will be examining the implications of a central health system in Canada for enhanced communication between treatment providers.

A black and white photo of Cathy Malcom Edwards, with the sky and trees in the background.

Cathy Malcolm Edwards, Masters of Design

Supervisor: Chantal Trudel

I am curious about our everyday relationship with the built environment and how that may impact our mental health, particularly for those experiencing post-traumatic stress. What if we could co-design comforting environments that improve the mind-body connection and promote healing and resilience? I believe that READi will help strengthen my commitment to allyship and teach me how to use my voice and position in life as a way to co-create positive social impact.

Jack is smiling at the camera while wearing a brightly patterned sweater and headphones

Jack Hui Litster, Masters in Music and Culture

Supervisor: Jesse Stewart

My research interests are the hybrid forms of music that combine acoustic and electronic musical instruments, and specifically the ways that these hybrid styles are used in music for film, tv and video games. I am interested in how the Adaptive Use Musical Instruments make music creation more accessible, in both individual and community musical exploration.

Jonathan Kulpa looks at the camera in front of a beige background.Jonathan Kulpa, Masters of Biomedical Engineering

Supervisor: Adrian Chan

My research will focus on assessing the quality of biomedical signals using mathematical algorithms. As signal acquisition devices become cheaper and more common, signals are often taken in less than ideal circumstances. Through quality assessment of these signals, we will be able to find what components of the signal are of interest to us. With the help of the READi training program, I hope to learn how to promote inclusivity and accessibility in my design process.

Keyanna Coghlan looks at the camera in front of a white background.Keyanna Coghlan, Masters of Mechanical Engineering

Supervisor: Mojtaba Ahmadi

I intend to research ways that machine learning techniques can benefit interactions between assistive robotic devices and the people that use them. I am eager to apply the interdisciplinary knowledge from the READi program to create well rounded solutions.

Lauren Tierney is standing sideways, turning to smile at the camera.

Lauren Tierney, Masters of Industrial Design

Supervisor: Chantal Trudel

Through the Masters of Design, Industrial Design, and READi program, my intended area of research encompasses the human factors and user experience involved in remote healthcare delivery. Through the READi program I hope to obtain further knowledge in the areas of design and accessibility to further promote inclusivity in Canada’s healthcare systems, particularly in remote communities.

Leon Lu is standing in a room full of hanging lights, looking up towards them.

Leon Lu, PhD in Information Technology

Supervisor: Audrey Girouard

My research interests lie at the intersection of creative technologies and an inclusive design practice. Through the READi program, I hope to develop a deeper understanding around accessibility and the needs and design challenges faced by an underserved community. the needs of an underserved community.

Mahmut Ermedli is outside in the sunlight, squinting at the camera. There are many pigeons in the background behind him.

Mahmut Erdemli, PhD in Information Technology

Supervisor: Lois Frankel

My research focuses on digital maps & wayfinding to provide accessible solutions. READi program will facilitate me to enhance paperless navigation methods with inclusive solutions.

Masoud Karimi is facing the camera with his arm crosed in front of him.

Masoud Karimi, PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Supervisor: Mojtaba Ahmadi

My intended research area is to use artificial intelligence to design intelligent assistive devices. Specifically designing a controller for assistive devices that help users maintain their balance during walking. I look forward to making these devices adaptable to the users based on the user’s behaviors and using reinforcement learning algorithms in the design of the controller.

Mauricio Ledon looks at the camera. His arms are crossed and he is wearing a suit. The background is gray and white.

Mauricio Ledon, Masters in Aerospace Engineering

Supervisor: Mojtaba Ahmadi

My research is focused on the implementation of Machine learning based solutions in the fields of computer vision and accessible design. My goal is to develop tools that facilitate an alternative means of interaction with technology.

Max Polzin is turning to face the camera, smiling in front of a tunnel

Max Polzin, Masters of Mechanical Engineering

Supervisor: Mojtaba Ahmadi

The focus of my research is on the development and application of robotics perception techniques with a focus on computer vision for use in assistive mobile robots. Through the READi program I hope to gain interdisciplinary knowledge that will aid in the design and testing of these systems.

Missy Thomas is outside, smiling at the camera. The background of the photo is blurred.

Missy Thomas, Masters of Design

Supervisor: Chantal Trudel

My intended area of research is how co-design can be used to create and maintain accessible systems. I am interested in exploring how people who use these systems can participate in the processes of creation, maintenance and updating. I am particularly interested in how the principles of accessible design can be used to ensure that the perspectives of stakeholders whose voices are traditionally overlooked are included.

Nicholas Berezny is outside, smiling at the camera, with a valley, mountain and coastline behind him.Nicholas Berezny, PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Supervisor: Mojtaba Ahmadi

I research the interaction between humans and robots, particularly as it applies to stroke rehabilitation. This can include everything from low-level control systems for safe interaction, up to high-level concepts such as engaging the patients using digital games. I am also interested in accessible design and assistive devices, which I continue to learn about through the READi program and apply to work with the Tetra Society.

Sami Nassif Lachapelle is wearing a navy polo shirt and standing in front of a white and gray wall, looking at the cameraSami Nassif-Lachapelle, Masters of Mechanical Engineering

Supervisor: Mojtaba Ahmadi

My research interests are focused on the development and application of robotics motion planning with a focus on manipulators. My goal is to further develop the field of assistive mobile robotics with novel and innovative manipulator designs.

Sarah Moore is smiling at the camera in front of a blue background.Sarah Moore, Masters in Human Computer Interaction

Supervisor: Audrey Girouard

My research interests include the ways in which technology interfaces impact on user experience.  In particular, I am interested in human factors and how the interaction of human factors, usability, and accessibility of technology design can impact on the user experience of a broad range of individuals.  Through the READi program I look forward to learning principles of accessible design and methods of ensuring inclusivity in design solutions.   I look forward to collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of students and instructors to work on accessibility problems through the READi program.

Sophia Nakashima is smiling at the camera in front of a beige background.

Sophie Nakashima, Masters of Design

Supervisor: Chantal Trudel

My research will explore the future of mobility and the roles that emerging technologies and innovative user interfaces play in enhancing accessible experiences, specifically examining cross cultural aspects. I look forward to the multidisciplinary, hands-on, and collaborative approach of the READi program and anticipate it will greatly enrich my research.

University of Ottawa

Andre Raffla is sitting outside smiling at the camera.

Andre Raffla, Masters of Biomedical Engineering

Supervisor: Ed Lemaire

My research will most likely focus on study the stresses created on the hip of full leg amputees. Through the READi training program, I hope to learn how the study that I will be conducting can be used to further accessibility to the target patients (amputees).