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Research
IMAGINE, INVENT, INSPIRE
Innovation through the use of technology. That lies at the centre of our research.
Leading Research in Applied Sciences
The Faculty of Applied Sciences is home to Canada Research Chairs and award-winning faculty in computing and engineering science. In addition, the Faculty of Applied Sciences partners with other departments at SFU and educational institutions to conduct internationally recognized research.
Many of our undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and alumni have created software applications and products that later filled a unique niche in commercial enterprises, in health care, in government and in the marketplace.
Meet Some of Our Researchers
Dr. Mohamed Hefeeda
Computing Science, Multimedia on the go
Mohamed Hefeeda is developing high-quality mobile multimedia services through the creation of novel algorithms and systems that minimize the energy consumption of mobile devices, improve user quality and maximize the use of the wireless spectrum. Dr. Hefeeda’s research has been used by national public broadcaster, Canadian Broadcasting Corp., and has direct application for mobile phone manufacturers.
Dr. ERIK KJEANG
Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Fuel Cell Research Laboratory
Erik Kjeang is an expert in electrochemical, hydrogen and sustainable energy systems. Dr. Kjeang has worked on projects involving the design, fabrication and evaluation of new fuel cell technologies using cutting-edge research in materials design and electrochemistry. His expertise helped building the SFU fuel cell research program and fostered a strategic research partnership with an industry leader such as Ballard Power Systems. Much of Dr. Kjeang’s work focuses on the technology being developed for fuel cell electric vehicles, which are powered by hydrogen.
Dr. Ash Parameswaran
Engineering Science, Low-cost tools to combat rural disease
Thanks to federal funding from Grand Challenges Canada (GCC), low-cost, easily accessible technology invented by Ash Parameswaran is closer to helping save millions of infant lives. The lab-on-a-chip (LOC), designed by Dr. Parameswaran and his research team, is among 102 global research projects that received $100,000 each through GCC’s Stars in Global Health program in 2013. The LOC is a low-cost plastic microfluidic device that can quickly do bacterial tests for infantile diarrhea and determine which antibiotic would cure it. Given that infantile diarrhea claims the lives of millions of children under the age of five, health providers globally, especially in the developing world, are clamoring for access to new diagnostic and treatment tools.
Dr. Arrvindh Shriraman
Computing Science, Green Computing
Computing Science researchers, such as Arrvindh Shriraman, are tackling the issue of rising energy demands related to the growing use of computers and the internet. Today, one in six people are engaged in social media, and more people are connected online and downloading digital content. A major challenge confronting computers today is improving power efficiency. Dr. Shriraman is developing innovations in systems architecture, with emphasis on hardware and interaction of hardware with software to improve energy efficiency of applications and enable sustainable computer performance.
Dr. Carolyn Sparrey
Mechatronic Systems Engineering, brain and spinal cord research lab
Carolyn Sparrey’s Neurospine Biomechanics Lab at the SFU Surrey campus will research the biomechanics of tissue degeneration and the effects of aging on brain and spinal cord injuries. She investigates prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries and develops treatment technologies that are tailored to an individual patient by accounting for factors such as age and pre-existing medical conditions like osteoporosis.
Research Labs
Explore the cutting-edge research labs, where our award-winning faculty drive breakthroughs in technology and engineering.
Awards & Chairs
Discover the achievements of our distinguished faculty, including Canada Research Chairs and award-winning experts, who are driving innovation in applied sciences.
Partnership Opportunities
Join us in building a connected and supportive learning community through transformative partnerships.