Government funding is available for colleges and businesses to partner to enhance innovation across Canada. Cambrian R&D provides solutions that improve services, processes, and products.
Applied Research and Development starts with an idea to improve or create a product or process, and refines that idea until it’s ready for use within a business, organization, or commercialization in the marketplace. Essentially, applied research identifies needs and tests solutions, with the aim of making change in the near future.
Cambrian R&D is your dedicated applied research and development arm.
Cambrian R&D is housed in the Glencore Centre for Innovation, which was opened in 2012. In addition to office space and meeting rooms, our facility includes mechanical shops with external garage bay doors for easy access of large equipment, and configurable lab spaces to meet the needs of our changing roster of projects. Situated on Cambrian’s Barrydowne campus, the Glencore Centre for Innovation is steps away from the College’s full suite of shops, labs, and other facilities so crucial to the delivery of our academic programs.
Meet your research team.
Patrick Galipeau-Belair, P.Eng.
Mechanical Engineer
Patrick is a professional engineer and is responsible for all aspects of mechanical engineering for applied research projects. He has a Bachelor of Engineering and a Masters in Applied Science from Ontario Tech University. Patrick brings a wealth of experience from industry having worked as an engineer in research and development for the defense vehicle industry and underground mining industry.
Dr. Madiha F. Khan, PMP
Analytical Research Lead
Madiha has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from McMaster University and is responsible for the biological and chemical aspects of applied research projects, which includes overseeing Cambrian’s new analytical facility. She brings with her more than a decade’s worth of R&D and consultative experience, particularly with SMEs and not-for-profit organizations both locally and abroad. Prior to joining Cambrian College, Madiha was completing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Laurentian University, during which time she focused on advancing green technologies for the mining sector.
John Moon, P.Eng.
Electrical Engineer
John is a professional engineer who is responsible for applied research projects with an electrical engineering component. He has two bachelor of engineering degrees, one in electrical engineering and another in engineering physics, both from the University of Michigan. John has worked in research labs at the University of Michigan and at the University of British Columbia. He taught for a number of years in the Electronics Department at Cambrian College, and worked for several years developing equipment used in mining automation.
Cheick Maiga, P.Eng.
Research Engineer
Cheick Ismael Maiga joined Cambrian R&D in February 2022 as a Research Engineer. He is a senior software engineer who has a MSc.A in software engineering and electrical engineering from Université de Sherbrooke. He is also a professional engineer. Throughout his career thus far, Cheick has worked largely on guidance systems and data collection for 3-D mapping software for autonomous vehicles. He has extensive experience in sensors, positioning, Internet of Things and software implementation for autonomous guidance, mining and sewer applications.
Jessica Spencer
Electrical Research Technologist
Jessica Spencer is an electrical engineering technologist having completed the Electrical Engineering Technology program at Cambrian College. She has worked as a technologist in the R&D department as a student and has worked in the private sector for Shyft Inc and Bestech as a technician as well. Jessica is a highly skilled and creative technologist who has advanced hands-on and problem-solving skills.
Meet your management and business development team.
Kristine Morrissey, CPA, CA
Vice President, International, Finance, and Administration
Kristine is the Vice President, International, Finance, and Administration, a significant portfolio that oversees Applied Research at Cambrian College. Under Kristine’s leadership, Applied Research at Cambrian has grown significantly. Prior to joining Cambrian in 2011, Kristine held several leadership roles within the private sector, including KPMG, Imperial Oil, and 724 Solutions. In her 11 years in public accounting, Kristine served a variety of businesses that ranged from those within healthcare to the mining sector. Kristine has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and earned her accreditation accounting designation in 2000.
Dr. Mike Commito
Director, Applied Research & Innovation
Mike has been the Director of Applied Research & Innovation at Cambrian College since 2018. Under Mike’s direction, Cambrian has expanded its research portfolio into new areas and has landed several significant research grants, including a Technology Access Centre from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Prior to becoming Director, Mike worked as a Business Developer in Applied Research for more than two years. Mike has a PhD in History from McMaster University.
Steve Gravel
Manager, Centre for Smart Mining
Steve Gravel is the Manager of the Centre for Smart Mining, a federally funded Technology Access Centre that focuses on facilitating new technology adoption in the mining sector by providing mining technology companies with technical services and funding. Prior to leading the Centre for Smart Mining, Steve held a position at the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), where he worked with Ontario SMEs and tech firms as a Business Development and Commercialization Manager.
Lana Benoit, CPA, CA,
Manager of Research Accounting
Lana is the Manager of Research Accounting for Cambrian R&D and the Centre for Smart Mining. She is responsible for all financial aspects of the department, including project accounting, grant compliance and financial reporting, project budgeting, claims submission, and metrics reporting. Lana has over 17 years of both public and private sector experience, which has included working at University Health Network, Ernst & Young, Darby Manufacturing, and, more recently, Health Sciences North. Lana has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and earned her accounting designation in 2006.
Cody Cacciotti
Business Developer
Cody is responsible for working with industry partners to develop and manage applied research projects across all fields of study at the college. Cody brings significant experience in project management from his previous role as Operations Manager at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre. Joining Cambrian R&D in March 2019, Cody brings his expertise in education, tourism and economic development along with a diversified skillset in writing, research, public relations and event coordination.
Pamela Drouin
Administrative and Communications Coordinator
Pamela joined the Cambrian R&D team in July 2019. In her role, Pamela helps manage the department’s day-to-day operations, planning and organizing of various events, and overseeing marketing initiatives, which includes managing Cambrian R&D social media platforms. Prior to joining Cambrian, Pamela was the Sales Manager of Northern Ontario Business and the Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal. Pamela completed the Business Administration – Management Program at Cambrian College and graduated with honors in 2005.
Access Our Equipment
Mechanical Prototyping Equipment
Formlabs Form 3BL 3D Printer
- Provides a large build volume that’s versatile enough for large scale fabrication
- Models printed resemble polished injection-molded parts
- Optimal for both prototyping and production-ready
- Over 35 materials to choose from, including ceramics, biomedical, flexible, elastic materials
- Print one large model or many small parts in a single job
DMU monoBlock 75 5 axis CNC
- Part manufacturing machine for production and prototypes
- Workpiece dimensions: 840mm X 500mm
- Maximum load: 600 kg
Multicam 5000 Series CNC Waterjet Cutter
- Designed to cut through nearly any type of material at almost any thickness
- 5’ X 10’ Cutting area
HP Jet Fusion 580 Color 3d Printer
- Rapid prototyping with multiple materials and colors
- Effective building volume: 332mm X 190mm X 248 mm
- Supported file formats: 3MF, STL, OBJ, VRML v.2
BOSS LS-3655 Laser Cutter
- Etching, engraving and cutting materials for prototyping.
- 55.1 x 35.4in cutting area
- Fold down sides for larger pieces
Markforged Onyx One 3D Printer
- Rapid prototyping
- Effective build volume: 320mm X 132mm X 154mm
Creaform Go!Scan 3D Scanner
- Fastest and easiest 3D scanning experience
- Designed to scan any object without need for set-up
- Scan any object for reverse engineering, quality control or 3D printing
Electronic Prototyping and Testing Equipment
OTS Climactic Test Chamber
- Used to test electronics and other parts in a variety of climactic conditions
- Used primarily to simulate underground temperature and humidity
- Temperature Range: -50°C ~ +150 °C
- Inner Chamber Size: 40cm X 50cm X 40cm
Voltera Desktop PCB Printer
- Single or two layered boards
- Ideal for custom electronic components and prototyping
- Print area: 5.0″ x 4.5″
DDM Novastar MPP-21 Manual Pick and Place System
- Used for printed circuit board (PCB) development
- Consistent manual pick up and placement of surface mount components
- Maximum PCB size: 16” X 24”
- Max placement rate: 400 components per hour
DDM Novastar GF-B-HT Mini Reflow Oven
- Used for curing surface mounted electronics parts on PCBs
- Low-cost reflow oven best for small batch runs and prototypes
- Maximum PCB size: 12” X 12”
Private LTE/5G network
- Low latency, high capacity and local edge-centric computing power
- Ideal for many advanced IoT applications, such as high accuracy positioning, augmented and virtual reality, as well as various use cases involving processing of visual and sensor data.
GTEM 250 SAE Test cell for EMC Radiated and Immunity testing
- Use case for testing underground signal interference emitted by devices and equipment
- Performing both radiated immunity and emissions testing in a single, controllable and shielded environment
Software
Solidworks (Premium)
- 3D solid modeling
- Kinematic motion simulation
- Structural validation (FEA)
- Routing of pipes and tube
Autodesk Inventor
- 3D solid modeling
Eagle PCB Design Software
- Printed circuit board layout
Let’s bring your idea to life
Growth starts with a simple chat. Get in touch today to see how Cambrian R&D can help.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
The Catalyst will keep you informed about what is happening in applied research at Cambrian College. It will include Q&As with our faculty, students, and partners, as well as information about upcoming events, projects we’re working on, and fun facts. As part of my contribution to the newsletter, I hope to provide you with insights on how the department is doing and reflect on emerging trends in research and technology and how they might tie into our community.