2021-2022 Innovation Postdoctoral Fellows

Dr. Farhat’s current research focuses on slot-die coating, characterization, and upscaling of organic photovoltaics for low-intensity applications. As well, he is working on the ink formulation and large-area printing of organic light switches.

Since joining the University of Calgary’s Welch Research Group in 2019, Dr. Farhat has led two major research projects resulting in two high impact research papers, strengthened industry partnerships, two patent applications, and plans to launch his own start-up.

Working with industry partners has given Dr. Farhat the opportunity to advance projects from research applications into commercialization opportunities. Industry partner Diagon Lab B.V. (Diagon) is a technology company dedicated to reducing sun exposure by using filters. Diagon provided funding for the research group to develop large-area roll-to-roll compatible photochromic films for UV sensing applications. Dr. Farhat successfully slot-die (SD) coated large-area photochromic films and UV filters for a UV dosimeter proof-of-concept. This project was the first to demonstrate that highly uniform photochromic films showed rapid colour changes when exposed to external stimuli such as light and heat. Additionally, UV filters processed under these same conditions and comprised of small molecules showed excellent UV blockage. Dr. Farhat’s work demonstrated how the SD-coating method to make prototype organic devices in a lab environment could be translated to manufacturing of simple and low-cost UV active films for healthcare and electronic applications. Based on research outcomes, Dr. Farhat published a paper in Advanced Materials Technology and was issued an EU provisional patent for the technology. Collaboration with Diagon is ongoing and the company plans to release a new product in 2022 based on the proof-of-concept developed by the research team.

Dr. Farhat also led a highly collaborative research project with Brilliant Matters (BM). Brilliant Matters focuses on developing organic semiconductors for next generation electronics. The company was interested in using their materials to develop efficient organic photovoltaics (OPVs) for indoor light recycling by utilizing the research team’s expertise in device engineering and coating techniques. The team successfully introduced a roll-to-roll compatible approach to fabricate the OPV devices using cost-effective materials and processing equipment. BM translated these devices into flexible substrates and showed stability for >1500 hours. Outcomes from Dr. Farhat’s work included a peer-reviewed paper in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, and a provisional US patent issued to him for the technology. The team continues to collaborate with BM to improve device performance and to develop OPV modules for commercialization.

Working with Innovate Calgary, Dr. Farhat plans to launch a start-up by the end of 2021. It will be the first Canadian start-up to develop organic photovoltaics to power the indoor Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The main goal is to develop OPV mini modules with a performance >20% under 1000 lux. Commercializing and expanding this technology will have a positive impact on the environment by offering a clean and sustainable energy source that could replace batteries as well as reduce their use and recycling costs.

With his Innovation Fellowship, Dr. Farhat’s research will continue to improve the technology used in UV-light sensing applications and indoor light recycling devices.

Quote from Dr. Mahmoud Farhat:

"Being selected as one of the 2021 Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship awardees, I am equally honored and motivated to make this university-based start-up a reality, which will mark the University of Calgary's dedication to innovation. With this award and through my work on indoor organic photovoltaics, I am looking forward to power the future of the IoT."

Dr. Kaushik’s research expertise is in the area of settlement and integration of skilled immigrants. Her recent study is one of the few to focus solely on immigrants chosen under the Federal Skilled Workers Program. This research identifies specific challenges and opportunities for improving immigrant services and supports, as well as invites advocacy from social justice professional for skilled immigrants 

Dr. Kaushik’s current project Transforming the Field Education Landscape (TFEL) aims to identify, document, and exchange innovative and promising practices in social work field education across Canada and inform the development of sustainable models for field education through a national study. Based on her expertise, Dr. Kaushik is well positioned to co-develop programming for social work field education in the newcomer service sector. As Program Lead, she will facilitate discussions between students, field educators, practitioners, and newcomers that will include a multi-directional exchange of ideas to develop and improve field education practices and methods to support the newcomer service sector. Outcomes from these discussions and other national study surveys and dialogues will help inform the development of innovative field education opportunities and creative skills building and training resources for social work students who plan to practice in the newcomer serving sector and for educators who offer field education and supervision in the sector.

In addition to immigrant integration and field education, Dr. Kaushik’s research interests also include aging and age-friendly communities. Currently, she is actively engaged in arts-informed, community-based participatory research with a vulnerable sub-population of older adults—those with histories of housing insecurity, homelessness, and poverty. The project aims to build capacity for promising practices that support older adults experiencing homelessness.

With her Innovation Fellowship, Dr. Kaushik will continue to develop a comprehensive field education experience that meets the needs of students, field educators, and clients in the newcomer service sector. She has proposed to explore these ideas in a manuscript abstract and has received an invitation from Advances in Social Work journal to submit the full manuscript as first author for their special issue.

Quote from Dr. Vibha Kaushik:

"I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the 2021 Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship award. My desire is to bring positive changes in the newcomer serving sector and now I am even more excited and motivated to work toward making my vision a reality. The grant that comes with this award will help me achieve my goal."

Dr. Pormohammad is a scientist and medical microbiologist whose research focuses on solving antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problems using metabolomics, genomics, and bioinformatic approaches. He is a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. R.J. Turner’s research group, where they investigate metal/metalloid-based antimicrobials (MBAs). Working closely with clinical health systems and industry partners, Dr. Pormohammad maintains a bench to bed philosophy, translating research outcomes into patient care solutions.

Dr. Pormohammad’s current project aims to offer a solution to global health concerns related to AMR. In collaboration with Ccrest Laboratories Inc., Dr. Pormohammad has identified several effective MBA combinations to work against planktonic and biofilm forms of a variety of bacterial pathogens and their AMR clinical isolates. From these findings, Dr. Pormohammad developed a novel antimicrobial that showed decreased side effects while offering increased effectiveness in comparison to current antibiotics being used. While applications for this novel antimicrobial are widespread, Dr. Pormohammad will focus product development on wound dressing. Based on prototype testing, this formulated bandage has higher antibacterial properties and better wound regeneration potency than current products on the market. Additionally, cost model estimates show this bandage to be more cost-effective in relation to other products being used. The current Canadian market for medical tapes and bandages is approximately 3.5 billion USD; the global market value is close to 8.78 billion USD. With novel formulations and a patent application in place, Dr. Pormohammad strongly believes this bandage will be a strong contender in this market.

Prior to joining the University of Calgary in 2020, Dr. Pormohammad’s research led to the development molecular-based rapid detection test kits for bacterial and viral meningitis. In Iran, meningitis is a cause for concern due to its high mortality rate – especially in children. Access to timely diagnoses remains a barrier for patients to receive proper treatment. Because of this delay, approximately twenty-five to thirty-three percent of patients develop neurological and/or permanent side effects. Dr. Pormohammad’s game-changing technology addressed an unmet medical need by offering healthcare professionals two different economic, accurate, and rapid testing solutions to assist with same day diagnosis. Results from his work have led to two patents being issued for the technology, fourteen academic publications, and wide-spread deployment of the rapid test kits for bacterial and viral meningitis within the Iranian healthcare system.

Dr. Pormohammad will use his Innovation Fellowship to develop a commercialization strategy for his bandage and novel antimicrobial. This includes establishing a start-up, continuing application development, and creating a business and marketing plan.

Quote from Dr. Ali Pormohammad:

"My goal is to continue bench to bed philosophy to develop unique products that resolve challenges in the Canadian Public Health system. Now with receiving 2021 Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship, I am even more excited and motivated to achieve my goal. This accomplishment is impossible without Prof. RJ Turner and Ccrest Laboratories Inc., supports."