CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Adrian Chan and Dr. Carlos Rossa on receiving Carlton’s 2023 Research Achievement Awards.  The Carleton University Research Achievement Awards are administered by the Office of the Vice-President (Research and International). The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstanding research achievements. The awards were established in 1989 to enhance the quality of research and to recognize research excellence. The recipients’ terms run from May to April.

Dr. Adrian Chan
Department of Systems and Computer Engineering

Project: Deep learning methods to identify ganglion cells to assess Hirschsprung disease

Hirschsprung’s disease is the most common congenital intestinal motility disorder, characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the intestines. Standard treatment involves visually assessing histopathology images of the intestines, which can be tedious, time-consuming, and subject to intra- and inter-rate variability. This project will employ deep-learning techniques to automate this assessment, increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the assessment and potentially leading to evidence-based information to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Carlos Rossa
Department of Systems and Computer Engineering

Project: Development of a cyber-physical simulator for pediatric laparoscopic surgery training

Laparoscopic surgery (LS) involves the use of narrow instruments inserted into the abdomen through small incisions. Especially in children, LS requires a high degree of dexterity and technical skills. In collaboration with CHEO and SickKids, this project will develop a cyber-physical simulator to help medical professionals and trainees acquire and develop pediatric surgical techniques. More efficient LS training will reduce error rates and lower major complications and mortality in children who undergo the procedure.