Applied Research and Innovation Services

Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) is SAIT Polytechnic's gateway for applied research projects from industry, students and faculty. It evaluates project potential, secures support, administers policies, procedures and financial reporting, and provides guidance on Intellectual Property and commercialization issues.

Through this work, SAIT plays an active role in the advancement of technology and is able to transfer innovation into the classroom and provide a continuous supply of highly qualified, skilled people needed  by organizations.

• Meet our Principal Investigators (P.I.'s)

• Got an Idea?

• How to Reach Us

Meet our Principal Investigators (P.I.'s)

	Dr. Alexander (Alex) T.P. Zahavich, P. Eng. Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services Principal Investigator, Sports & Wellness Engineering more
	Anthony Arcand Principal Investigator, Composites Specialist more
	Brian Dorn, Jrny. Welder Principal Investigator, Skeleton Sled Fabrication more
	Cheryl Fryers, Arch. Eng. Tech. Principal Investigator, Sustainability more
	David Silburn, BA, EnvSt, MArch Research Associate, Green Building Technologies more
	Derrick MacAskill, CME Principal Investigator, Photovoltaic more
	Glen Kathler, RFID_ Certified Professional Applied Research Chair, RFID Application Development more
Picture not available	Kevin Kowal Principal Investigator, Automation Technologist more
	Martin McDonald, P.Eng. Principal Investigator, Downhole Well Abandonment more
picture not available	Randy Kiez Principal Investigator, Advanced Component Assemblies
	Ryan Amies Principal Investigator, Net Zero Design more
	Steve Hosier Principal Investigator, Quantum Key Distribution more
	Vita Martez Senior Research Associate, Produced Water Treatment and Waste Water Remediation

Dr. Alexander (Alex) T.P. Zahavich, P. Eng.
Director, Applied Research and Innovation Services

Employed at SAIT since: 2001
Current Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage SAIT Polytechnic's applied research and innovation strategy while leading the cultural change to accept applied research within a purely academic delivery institution.

• Principal Investigator for Sports and Wellness Engineering projects within SAIT Polytechnic's Sports and Wellness Engineering Technology Institute (SWETI).

History at SAIT:
Alex began working at SAIT as Dean of the School of Manufacturing and Automation. In 2002 he was named Director of the Innovation and Technology Development Office (ITDO) and added Dean of the School of Energy to his responsibilities in 2004. He took on his current role in 2005.

Previous Related Employment:
In his role as Vice President - Production and Product Development, Uniplast Films - Canada, Alex was responsible for all aspects of commercialization, manufacturing, research and technical service for the Canadian market. Alex also worked for Dow Chemical Canada Inc., in polyethylene product development and at the National Research Council of Canada. At Mohawk College, he was the founding co-ordinator of the Technology Transfer Institute and an instructor of Quality Management, Mathematics, Statistics and Designed Experiments.

Education:

• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University
• Masters and Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering, Carleton University

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• "Top Secret" Researcher, Own the Podium

• Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA)

• Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)

• member of the Board of Directors for the Alberta Skeleton Association

Anthony Arcand
Principal Investigator, Composites Specialist

Employed at SAIT since: 2005
Current Responsibilities:

• Act as client liaison and project lead in the development of a variety of projects, including an adaptive bobsled prototype, an aircraft air sample intake system and the design, modification and manufacturing capability of specific luge components.

History at SAIT:
Anthony started his career at SAIT as an instructor for Aircraft Maintenance programs before joining the ARIS team in 2010. Initial work focused on skeleton pan design and prototyping but has since expanded to include composite projects for the other two sliding sports as well as other research areas, such as aerial hydrocarbon survey systems.

Previous Related Employment:
Anthony enjoyed a successful 30 year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving primarily as an Aircraft Structures Technician.  During this time, he progressively increased position and rank while working on a multitude of aircraft in locations throughout the world.  Anthony received Base Commander’s Accommodation at CFB Cold Lake for outstanding commitment and leadership during a crisis situation. He also received Canadian Armed Forces decoration and service medals from the Prime Minister for his commitment to Canada.

Education:

• Training to achieve a number of military  qualifications including  Leopard MBT Tank driver  and CF 18 maintainer, specializing in Aircraft Composites
• Attended specialty courses in the USA, UK and the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Engineering.

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• "Top Secret" Researcher, Own the Podium

Brian Dorn, Jrny. Welder
Principal Investigator, Skeleton Sled Fabrication

Employed at SAIT since: 2007
Current Responsibilities:

• Principle Investigator for Junior Skeleton Sled Development

• Welder for all ARIS Advanced Manufacturing products

History at SAIT:
Brian began working at SAIT as a Welding Instructor for the School of Manufacturing and Automation and moved over to ARIS in fall the same year.  Beginning in a part-time capacity on the Top Secret - Own The Podium skeleton sled project, Brian's role became full time in July 2009.

Previous Related Employment:
Brian has worked in the custom fabrication industry for over 10 years as a welder/fitter. He has experience welding large pressure vessels through to process piping with a variety of companies, ranging from structural steel to oilfield equipment manufacturers.

Education:

• Basic and Advanced Motorsport Welding School, Lincoln Electric, Cleveland Ohio

• Journeyman Certificate/Red Seal - SAIT Polytechnic

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• "Top Secret" Researcher - Own the Podium program

Cheryl Fryers, Arch. Eng. Tech.
Principal Investigator, Sustainability

Employed at SAIT since: 1991
Current Responsibilities:

• Investigate and centralize a database of current and previous “sustainable” activities with the future intention of producing a  SAIT sustainable framework and action plan.

History at SAIT:
Cheryl began at SAIT as an evening class instructor while working in the architectural  industry.  She instructed evening classes and the EDDT/AT programs for her first 10 years, then became a Continuing Education Coordinator for the SAIT CADD Center over the next five years.  The past five years were spent as an instructor in the Architectural Engineering Technology Program. Cheryl took on her current position in Applied Research and Innovation Services in September 2010.

Previous Related Employment:
Prior to SAIT, Cheryl was employed with Cohos Evamy & Partners (now Dialogue), CJC Architects (now Coupland Kramer Architecture), Don Stewart Architect (retired), BKDI Architects producing drawings for hospitals, firehalls, churches, commercial and residential buildings.  She also operated her own company Design Options Inc. and produced residential working drawings.

Education:

• Architectural Engineering Technology Diploma, Confederation College, Thunder Bay
• University of Alberta - on going studies towards degree
• LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environment Design) completed prerequisite course to exam.

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• Appointed as a representative of the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP) Sustainment Committee for City of Calgary.
• Volunteer as building director for Varsity Community Center

David Silburn, M.Arch., BA Env. St.
Research Associate, Green Building Technologies

Employed at SAIT since: 2005
Current Responsibilities:

• Identify and manage projects and employees in the Green Building Technologies (GBT) research initiative.

• Act as designer, construction manager and technical consultant for the Net-Zero (Discovery) series of homes being built on  campus, while working with multiple industry partners to design, fabricate and introduce building integrated renewable technologies and advanced envelope assemblies into the residential and small commercial market.

History at SAIT:
During his time at SAIT, David has primarily worked directly with builders to model and optimize the energy performance and environmental features of residential homes through Natural Resource Canada’s Building Canada program. Before joining the Applied Research and Innovation Services group, David worked with the EnerVision group, an environmental service team working with home builders, developers and industry as part of the School of Construction.

Previous Related Employment:
David has been a Building Science/Environmental consultant for 12 years and has worked to develop residential, multi-family and retrofit programs for Built Green Canada while training builders throughout Alberta. Recent work has concentrated on renewable energy, the Solar Decathlon, Alberta CMHC eQuilibrium demonstration builders and residential design.

Education:

• Master’s degree in Architecture, University of Calgary, Faculty of Environmental Design

• Environmental Resource Studies BA, Trent University

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• Built Green™ Canada Standards Committee
• Net Zero Home Coalition
• Alberta Association of Architects
• Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Derrick MacAskill, CME
Principal Investigator, Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems

Employed at SAIT since: 2005

History at SAIT:
A graduate of the Electrical Apprenticeship Program at SAIT, Derrick began working at SAIT as an Electrical Instructor for the Pre-Employment Electricians. He also helped develop the Pre-Trades Electrician Program, where he found employment for 16 of his students through a work practicum with the electrical industry. Derrick continues his work as an Electrical Instructor for apprentice electricians in the Construction Department while working in his role with Applied Research and Innovation Services.

Previous Related Employment:
Derrick has worked in the construction industry doing electrical work for over 10 years wiring commercial buildings, residential homes and ran a service van for a small electrical company.

Education:

• Journeyman Electrician Certificate from the Government of Alberta and SAIT

• Certified Master Electrician from Government of Alberta and Electrical Contractors Assoc. Of Alberta

• Solar Energy International trained

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• ECAA Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta

• EIAA Electrical Inspectors Association of Alberta

• 2011/12 recipient of the Cadmus Foundation's Trades Teaching Chair award

Glen Katler, RFID+ Certified Professional
Applied Research Chair, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Application Development

Employed at SAIT since: 1997
Current Responsibilities:

• Principle Investigator in RFID projects for the SAIT RFID Application Development Lab
• Support and mentor student RFID projects

History at SAIT:
Glen began work at SAIT in the Electrical Electronics department as a Wireless Instructor, then spent 2 ½ years on loan to Nortel during the digital cellular explosion that began in 1999. During that time he trained engineering staff for wireless providers such as Bell, Telus, Verizon, Sprint and others across North America including Mexico and Haiti. Back on campus in 2002, he developed the initial Wireless Education material for the newly formed Network Engineering Technologist program and later for the Engineering Technology Review. He began his role in the RFID lab (RADlab) in 2008.

Previous Related Employment:
Glen worked as a Senior Technical Representative for AGK Telecommunications Inc. and was responsible for the design and implementation of wide-area Mobile Telephone Networks, Voice and Data Networks.

He also worked for Omni Provincial Electronics as the Manager of Technical Services to test prototype system designs for wide area voice and data wireless networks and provided system design services for Wireless Local Area Networks.

Education:

• Electronic Technician, Red River Community College, Winnipeg, MB
• Telecommunication Technician North West Community College, Terrace, BC
• Two-Way Radio Technician, Motorola Training Institute

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• Certified Wireless Network Trainer for Wireless LAN related training
• RFID+ Certified Professional

Kevin Kowal
Principal Investigator, Automation Technologist

Employed at SAIT since: 2010
Current Responsibilities:

• Principal investigator for research, development and integration of automation systems with Green Building Technologies, including Home Energy Management, Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Green Roof and Rainwater Harvesting projects.

• Principal Investigator for High Efficiency Sprinkler project.

History at SAIT:
Since graduating from SAIT's Automated Systems Engineering Technologies program in 2008, Kevin has taken on a number of positions, beginning with PC Support Technician for the School of Manufacturing and Automation. He then moved on to project-based positions for encryption testing and Windows 7 deployment. Kevin has also worked as a Robotics and Electronics Instructor for SAIT Summer Camps.

Previous Related Employment:
Kevin has assisted a variety of small to medium-sized enterprises as an independent IT and Automation consultant in project management.

Education:

• Automated Systems Engineering Technologies, SAIT Polytechnic

• Small Engines Mechanic, Fairview College

Martin McDonald, P.Eng.
Principal Investigator, Downhole Well Abandonment

Employed at SAIT since: 2009
Current Responsibilities:

• Lead research into the current well abandonment practices in the oil and gas industry

• Subject matter expert for course development in design and operation of oilfield facilities

History at SAIT:
Martin began working at SAIT as a contract instructor for Advanced Drilling classes. Since then, he's added Project Management and Heavy Oil classes for Continuing Education along with several classes for Distance Education. He is also writing a course on design and operation of oilfield facilities. Martin took on his current role in Applied Research and Innovation Services in the spring of 2010 and continues his work as an instructor.

Previous Related Employment:
Prior to joining SAIT, Martin managed various engineering teams and was responsible for major gas gathering systems and a sour gas processing plant. He assembled a company wide education and mentorship program that trained employees on all aspects of the upstream petroleum industry, and recruited other professionals to ensure succession of the program.

Martin also spent five years as a Development Engineer working with a team of geologists, drilling, completion and facility engineers to triple production in a high decline rate, tight gas area and 13 years in various field locations as a production and completion engineer.  His work included the design and direct supervision of heavy oil and conventional completions, stimulations, production optimizations, installation of production equipment and service rig supervision.  He also spent four years as a facility engineer on various oil and gas projects.

Education:

• Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA)

Ryan Amies
Principal Investigator, Net Zero Design

Employed at SAIT since: 2010
Current Responsibilities:

• Provide architectural services and project management for Green Building initiatives including design, research and development, construction and curriculum integration.

• Establish client partnerships to engage in Green Building Technologies design innovation.

History at SAIT:
Ryan is SAIT Alumni who graduated from the Architectural Technology program in the class of 2001. As a volunteer, Ryan was heavily involved as a construction and design coordinator in the student-lead 2009 Solar Decathlon project constructed on campus.  

Previous Related Employment:
As Product Design Coordinator with Advanced NPD Inc., Ryan provided conceptual design, prototype development and commercialization services for downhole oilfield optimization. He has also owned and operated  a design service proprietorship since 2002, providing services across a range of mechanical, structural, architectural and graphic design projects.

Education:

• M.Arch., Master of Architecture, 2010. University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.

• Bachelor of General Studies (Architecture Minor), 2007. University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.

• Architectural Technology,2001. SAIT, Calgary, Alberta

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• Royal Architecture Institute of Canada (RAIC)
• Alberta Association of Architecture (AAA)
• 2009 Solar Decathlon

Steve Hosier, M.Sc.
Principal Investigator, Quantum Communications and Cryptography

Employed at SAIT since: 1988
Current Responsibilities:

• Since the recent completion of a collaborative project with the University of Calgary, Steve continues his research in Quantum Cryptography on a volunteer basis.

• Develop and teach courses in basic and advanced computer networks (internetworking) with the School of Information and Communication Technologies.

History at SAIT:
Steve began his career at SAIT as an instructor with what was then called the Electronics Department. He later took on the role of Academic Coordinator for the Computer Engineering and Network Engineering programs at the institution. In 2006, Steve devoted half his time at SAIT developing a fully operational Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system between  SAIT and the University of Calgary. Steve continues his work as an instructor.

Previous Related Employment:
Steve was a Lead Engineer with Experimental Engineering division of Pratt and Whitney Canada in Mississauga Ontario, responsible for design and construction of jet engine test facilities.

He also worked for General Electric Canada as a design engineer and for the Canadian Navy as an electronics engineering officer (Combat Systems Engineer).

Education:

• M.Sc. Engineering and Computer Science, University of Alberta
• B.Sc. Physics, University of Toronto

Professional Memberships & Committee Work:

• Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) and Academic Instructor (CCAI)

Got an Idea?

The nature and scope of applied research projects undertaken by SAIT vary with the needs of industry and the community, as well as trends in society. Project Criteria Application Process

Project Criteria
Projects taken on by SAIT Polytechnic's Applied Research department will meet the following criteria:

• fall into an area of expertise within our Schools: Business, Construction, Manufacturing and Automation, Hospitality and Tourism, Information and Communications Technologies, Health and Public Safety, Transportation or MacPhail School of Energy,
• meet an industry or community need
• provide an opportunity for SAIT faculty and students to progress in their field of study.

Application Process
If you are interested in working with SAIT on an applied research project, simply tell us a little about your project by completing a Project Enquiry form (link opens a Word document in new window) and email it to us.

We'll review the information, determine if there is a fit and contact you if we need any additional information.

How to Reach Us