Two professors from the Department of Systems Design Engineering have received  (ERA) from the Government of Ontario to support innovative, homegrown research that benefits Ontario’s workers and communities.
The Early Researcher Awards program supports early-career faculty members by providing funding to build research teams and pursue transformational research. Each recipient is awarded up to $140,000 over five years. The awards were announced as part of a  to advance research and innovation across Ontario.Â
Dr. Nima Maftoon, Department of Systems Design Engineering, Biomedical Engineering program
Maftoon’s research aims to improve treatment for otitis media, one of the most common childhood illnesses. Current methods rely on tympanostomy tubes, which may cause complications and require surgical procedures. Maftoon’s team is developing an innovative medical device to address these challenges, potentially improving health outcomes for children and reducing burdens on families and the health care system.
Dr. Parsin Haji Reza, Department of Systems Design Engineering, Biomedical Engineering program
Haji Reza is transforming surgical oncology through Photon-Absorption Remote-Sensing (PARS), a patented imaging technology that uses lasers and artificial intelligence to visualize cancerous tissue in real time. PARS supports more complete tumour removal during surgery, which may reduce repeat procedures, improve recovery times and lower health care costs.
Read the full story Researchers earn provincial awards for innovation