The MAKE+ advantage is diversity. Our team of engineers, technologists, industrial designers, manufacturing specialists and project managers will conduct and coordinate all aspects of your project from business opportunity assessment through to verification and validation of your product’s performance.
MAKE+ has a sub group called PART that is ISO 13485 (Medical Devices) certified.
If you have a potential project in mind, ask a MAKE+ research expert.
Fardin Barekat, BASc (Electrical Engineering)
Research Associate
MAKE+
Email: Fardin_Barekat@bcit.ca
Fardin joined BCIT’s MAKE+ group in 2022.
Fardin has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from University of British Columbia. After graduation in 2011, Fardin gained experience both as Electrical Engineer and Mechanical Engineer in different industries like Automotive, Food, Artificial Intelligence, and Instrumentation and Controls. The combination of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering gives Fardin a unique advantage for design and fabrication of electromechanical systems.
Fardin also co-founded Zen Maker Lab, which offers quality STEM education and innovative programs for kids, youth and adults in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) across the Lower Mainland.
Fardin’s experience include:
- Design of Embedded electronics and controls for integrated systems and subsystems
- Design of mechanical systems and components with SolidWorks and Fusion 360
- Design of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms
- Design of Server Room floorplans including HVAC, electricals and data.
- Working knowledge of different manufacturing methods (e.g., injection molding, machining, 3D printing).
In his spare time, Fardin enjoys biking, hiking and being immersed in nature.
Thom Bellaire, Dipl.T.
Research Analyst, Plastics Technology
MAKE+ and Product and Process Applied Research Team
Email: Thom_Bellaire@bcit.ca
Thom’s training in sculpture and design led him into the plastics field as a possible outlet for creativity and making useful objects. After graduating from the two-year Plastics Technology Program at BCIT in 2000, he joined the BCIT Technology Centre. Prior to pursuing a career in plastics, Thom was a motion capture technician, model builder and animator for a video game company. Today he enjoys the creative and collaborative process of developing innovative medical devices.
Thom works on a variety of medical and assistive device technology projects. He is deeply involved in many aspects of applied research and product development including: requirements and concept development, detailed design, fabrication and verification and validation activities.
Jaimie Borisoff, PhD, BASc
Director, MAKE+
Email: Jaimie_Borisoff@bcit.ca
Dr. Borisoff focuses his research on how technology development can improve accessibility and mobility for people with SCI. One focus of his work is on expanding patients’ ability to interact more fully with others, the environment, and their world. This includes dynamic wheeled mobility, the ability to change your position in a wheelchair to suit different daily activities. Rehabilitation Engineering Design looks at how people use devices in real life and, from these observations, designs better versions of the devices. In the long term, Dr. Borisoff wants to merge current models with newer technologies like robotics and exoskeletons in order to increase the ways in which technology can improve the lives of people with SCI.
Dr. Borisoff is the former Canadian Research Chair in Rehabilitation Engineering Design at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and the Biomedical Engineering Program, both at the University of British Columbia, as well as a Principal Investigator at ICORD.
Education
- PhD, Neuroscience; University of British Columbia
- BASc, Engineering Physics; University of British Columbia
Awards
- Best Pick Wheelchair for the Elevation Wheelchair in Mobility Management (2015)
- Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal (Governor General, 2012)
- Canada Research Chair in Rehabilitation Engineering Design Tier 2 (2011)
- Nominee for the Elevation Wheelchair (Manning Innovation Awards, 2008)
Publications
Google Scholar profile:
News
2021 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dr. Jaimie Borisoff was interviewed by Global News Vancouver on Dec 3, 2021, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to talk about his research, the importance of assistive technology, and helping disabled people live more independently.
Recent projects
- AAPLEwalk™ sit to stand exercise machine
- Adapted ergometers (aROW and aSKI)
- Phone based peer physical activity counselling program for people with spinal cord injury
- Power assist add-on technologies for manual wheelchairs
- Ultralight wheelchair with on-the-fly adjustability of rear seat height, backrest angle, and a “kneeling” function
- Integrated staircase lift for home access
- An integrated exoskeleton-wheelchair mobility concept
Collaborators
Funding Partners
- BC Ministry of Health
- BCIT
- Canada Research Chairs
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
- ICORD
- NSERC
- PRAXIS Spinal Cord Institute
- Rick Hansen Foundation
- SSHRC
University and Community Partners
- ICORD
- Rick Hansen Foundation
- Neil Squire Society
- UBC- Department of Occupational Therapy, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- UBC – Biomedical Engineering
- SFU Mechatronics
- GF Strong
- Tetra Society
- Spinal Cord Injury BC
Industry Partners
Student researchers
The REDLab provides training and mentorship to a wide range of students. Students are engaged in most of our projects and we value the contribution that they make to our team. Our students range from those doing their PhD to undergraduates doing their Capstone and summer research projects. We also engage students for co-op semesters and for part-time employment during the regular school terms.
Our students come from a variety of different backgrounds, including:
- mechanical engineering
- bio-medical engineering
- occupational therapy
- architecture
- health economics
We have hosted students from both local and international educational institutes, including:
Research Centres
Lisa Boulton
Research Associate, Industrial Designer
MAKE+ and PART
Email: lboulton@bcit.ca
Lisa is an Industrial Designer by education, however, she sees her role in the world as more of a translator – specializing in bringing together divergent fields to facilitate innovative new futures.
Lisa’s research has reached global audiences through juried selection for exhibition at Local Wisdom at the University of Arts London and the DESIS Network (Design for Sustainability and Social Innovation) in Milan, Italy, and her work can be found in Kate Fletcher’s Craft of Use: Post-Growth Fashion.
Supporting community and enabling new opportunities, Lisa is engaged with the Vancouver Design Nerds as Project Lead and Steering Committee Member. Her more recent work with the Nerds was a series of co-creative facilitation of urban redesign. Lisa is personally and professionally human-centered with a practice and candor that puts the needs of people first. She’s compulsively creative and a communicator at heart.
Rory Dougall, BSc, DiplT
Research Analyst
MAKE+
Email: RDougall@bcit.ca
Rory works for Dr. Jaimie Borisoff at the REDLab. His work involves the development and testing of assistive technologies. Rory is skilled in the creative concept generation process, designing in Solid Works/CAD, and prototype fabrication.
A graduate from the Mechanical Engineering Technologist Program at BCIT, Rory combines this knowledge with knowledge gained from a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Physics. Previous work experience involved three years of field work as a fish biologist.
Rory is very interested in exploring the intersection of environmental science and mechanical engineering. This can take many forms but in particular, biomedical engineering, green design and biomimicry.
Sara Frederking, DiplT
Research Analyst
MAKE+ and PART
Email: Sara_Frederking@bcit.ca
With MAKE+ since 2000, Sara has been responsible for various aspects of product development and evaluation research studies (recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent and conducting interviews)
Sara is also a member of the Quality Management System that oversaw the original certification to ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 in 2007, and the maintenance of that certification since. Currently Sara is the QS Coordinator for MAKE+.
Matt Greig, DiplT, BTech
Research Associate
MAKE+ and PART
Email: Matt_Greig@bcit.ca
Matt Greig joined MAKE+ after graduating from the Electronics Engineering program at BCIT in 1999.
Matt’s specialized expertise in computer-control electronics has made him a valuable team member on a wide variety of projects. His skills include the following:
- Design and programming of embedded microcontroller systems
- Design and construction on switch mode power supplies
- Design and implementation of mixed signal circuits
- Design and programming of computer controlled power supplies
- Machining, fabrication and welding
- Use and maintenance of PV test and simulation equipment
In his spare time, Matt enjoys Martial Arts and outdoor activities.
Nigel Halsted, DiplT, BTech, MBA
Research Associate, Robotics & Automation (Health Technology)
MAKE+ and PART
Email: Nigel_Halsted@bcit.ca
Nigel’s educational background includes: Biology, Biochemistry, Technology Management and Robotics. He also holds MBA degrees from Queens and Cornell Universities.
Since joining Applied Research in 1997, Nigel has been engaged in the development of numerous health related applied research and prototype development projects. By having deep product development knowledge and a pragmatic perspective on venture development, he brings a holistic approach to solving client’s strategic, business and technical problems. Nigel is deeply involved in the development and management of the MAKE+ Quality Management System that is certified to ISO 9001 and 13485 standards, and teaches and mentors students in the BCIT Prosthetic and Orthotics program.
Areas of expertise
- Project Management
- Quality Management Systems
- Medical Device and Product Development: Design Requirements, Concept Development, Detailed Design, Fabrication, Verification and Validation
- Business Administration, Strategy, Venture Development
- Robotics and Automation
- Technology Management
Nigel enjoys the creative and diverse atmosphere at MAKE+. “Every day is new and exciting here because you never know what kind of great ideas are going to present themselves. MAKE+ allows me to use my training and experience to really make a difference in people’s lives.”
When not at work, Nigel enjoys cycling, kayaking, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Murveena Jeawon, BSc, MSc
Research Assistant
MAKE+
Email: Murveena_Jeawon@bcit.ca
Murveena holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of British Columbia. She plays an important role within the MAKE+ team, where her responsibilities include putting in ethics applications, recruiting and enrolling study participants, diligently collecting, and meticulously analyzing data, and ultimately, synthesizing her findings into comprehensive project reports.
Publications:
- Jeawon M. “Understanding the experiences, needs, and strengths of people with incomplete spinal cord injury who can ambulate”. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2023: 1–10.
- Jeawon M. “Exploring the quality of life of people with incomplete spinal cord injury who can ambulate”. Disabilities. 2023: 3(4):455-476.
Dr. Yvette Jones, PhD
Project Leader, Human Kinetics
MAKE+
Email: Yvette_Jones@bcit.ca
Key areas
- Biomechanics
- Exercise physiology
- Orthotics
- Running mechanics
- Ergonomic assessment
- Medical device development
- Product evaluation
- Canine
Education
PhD (Biomedical Engineering) Strathclyde University
MSc (Human Kinetics) UBC
Awards
Worksafe BC – Workplace Health Innovation – 2012 Award of Merit Recipient (Ergonomic Syringe Adapter for Chemotherapy Delivery)
Research Activities
- Jones Y, Borisoff J. “Influence of Seat and Backrest Angle on Trunk and Shoulder Biomechanics of Manual Wheelchair Users During Inclined Wheeling”. ICORD 2018 Annual Research Meeting.
- Jones Y, Borisoff J. “Influence of Seat and Backrest Angle on Trunk and Shoulder Biomechanics of Manual Wheelchair Users During Inclined Wheeling”. International Seating Symposium, March 2018
- Jones, OY, Raschke SU, Kenyon D, Riches PE. “Inertial Properties of the German Shepherd”. 8th International Conference on Canine and Equine Locomotion (ICEL8), London, UK, August 2016
- Jones Y, Raschke S, Kenyon D, Riches, P. “Body Segment Parameters and Inertial Properties of the German Shepherd Police Dog”. Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Glasgow, United Kingdom, July 2015.
- O. Yvette. Jones. “The Inertial Properties of the German Shepherd”. University of Strathclyde. Dept. of Biomedical Engineering. Thesis [Ph. D] — University of Strathclyde, 2015.
- Analyzing Performance with the BLUR Skate [PDF], Applied Research at BCIT, 2014.
- Rashcke, Silvia U, Wong, Angie and Jones, Yvette. “Evaluation of Canine Ballistic Vests for Effect on Body Core Temperature”. 8th International Working Dog Conference. October 2013
- A canine model for use in assessing and treating injured police dogs
- Identification of Potential Risk Factors for Injury to Police Officers in Using New Technologies
- Development of an Ergonomic Syringe Adapter
Research Collaborators
Industry
Community
- American Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics
- ICORD
- BC Cancer Agency
- BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
Student Researchers
Brittany Pousett, Uncovering the effects of torsion adaptors on activities of daily living (BCIT Capstone Project)
-
- In collaboration with Caroline Soo, BCIT Prosthetics and Orthotics.
- Brittany’s present position: Head of Research, Barber Prosthetics
- Ana Moreno Hernandez. Co-Supervisor Master’s Thesis: Using Measures of External Work to Assess the Degree of Gait Symmetry.
- In collaboration with Dr. David Sanderson at UBC Kinesiology
Research Centres
Rohan Korsch-Sharma, B.Eng, EIT.
Research Analyst, Mechanical Engineering
MAKE+, AAMTECH
Email: rohan_korschsharma@bcit.ca
Rohan has a Bachelor of Engineering, in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria. He gained professional experience in Electro-Mechanical Design and Manufacturing through various companies in the Lower Mainland. Rohan’s work focuses primarily on research and development of electro-mechanical assemblies, components designed through additive manufacturing, and process optimization.
His background as an e-bike mechanic equips him with valuable insights to inform mechanical designs and refine his design process. Coupled with his experience in Linux server deployment, he brings a well-rounded skill set.
His interests include road biking, bouldering, developing his home lab, and technical Minecraft.
Garrett Kryt, MASc, BEng, EIT
Research Analyst
MAKE+ and PART
Email: Garrett_Kryt@bcit.ca
Garrett Kryt has a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and a Masters in Mechatronics Systems Engineering from Simon Fraser University. Garrett’s work focuses primarily on research and development under the REDLab headed by Dr. Jaimie Borisoff.
Garrett combines his love of mechanisms and machine design with a growing skill set in electronics design and prototyping. With previous experience as a bicycle mechanic prior to his education, Garrett is able to draw on his applied mechanical knowledge throughout the design process.
Interesting projects Garrett has been involved with include:
- Design of a novel power-assist wheelchair system
- Power wheelchair control using a Wii U remote
- Design and fabrication of a hysteresis brake dynamometer
- Design of a handcycle car rack for users with disabilities
Johanne Mattie, MASc, BASc
Project Lead, Biomedical Engineering, Human Factors
MAKE+
Email: Johanne_Mattie@bcit.ca
Johanne Mattie has over 25 years of experience related to the research and development of assistive technology and healthcare solutions. She spends most of her time working on REDLab projects related to wheeled mobility and adapted exercise solutions.
Johanne’s areas of expertise include: needs assessment, device evaluation, and human factors engineering. She uses a variety of different methods to better understand the fit between the end users and technology, including focus groups, interviews, simulation, and observational analysis. She also uses a range of sensor technologies and physiologic measures to quantify performance and effectiveness. See Motion Capture lab for available tools and resources.
Education
- MASc, Bio-medical Engineering; Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto
- BASc, Mechanical Engineering; University of British Columbia
Recent projects
- AAPLEwalk™ sit to stand exercise machine
- Adapted ergometers (aROW and aSKI)
- Phone based peer physical activity counselling program for people with spinal cord injury
- Power assist add-on technologies for manual wheelchairs
- Ultralight wheelchair with on-the-fly adjustability of rear seat height, backrest angle, and a “kneeling” function
- Integrated staircase lift for home access
- Testing of prosthetic feet to evaluate biomechanical characteristics, patient preference and activity level
- Scanning, 3-d printing, and analysis of prosthetic and orthotic componentry
- An integrated exoskeleton-wheelchair mobility concept
Collaborators
Researchers
- Dr. Carolyn Sparrey (Simon Fraser University- Mechatronics Systems Engineering)
- Dr. Krista Best, Dr. Francois Routhier, Caroline Rahn (Université Laval, Quebce)
- Dr. Ben Mortenson, Dr. Bill Miller (University of BC – Occupational Therapy)
- Dr. Bonnie Sawatzky (Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia)
- James Laskin (School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Montana)
- Brittany Pousett, Malena Rapaport (Barber Prosthetics)
- Julien Gardan (Université de Technologie de Troyes- Laboratoire des Systèmes Mécaniques et d’Ingénierie Simultanée, Troyes, France)
- Dr. Gary Birch (Neil Squire Society)
- BCIT Prosthetics and Orthotics Faculty
- BCIT Nursing Faculty
Community
Student researchers
- Student supervision: BCIT, other Canadian institutions and international institutions during internships and student projects.
Research centres
Tony Rukavina
Trades Research Specialist
Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI)
email: Tony_Rukavina@bcit.ca
Shadi Sabeti BSc, MSc
Research Associate
MAKE+
Email: Shadi_Sabeti@bcit.ca
Shadi Sabeti has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Biomedical/Biomaterials from the Technical University of Munich. Shadi received her Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering with a major in Ceramics from the University of Tabriz.
Shadi champions the development of the Advanced 3D Printing Hub within the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Her current work focuses primarily on the research of health-related topics, additive manufacturing, and the application of copper in health projects. In this role, Shadi takes advantage of her passion for medical devices and her knowledge of biomaterials to explore the health-related application of advanced additive manufacturing. Her previous experience includes designing mechanical parts, conducting research for medical devices, developing product design requirements, prototyping, laboratory testing, and evaluation.
Gordon Thiessen, Dipl.T., B.Ed.
Research Associate, Mechanical
MAKE+ and PART
Email: Gordon_Thiessen@bcit.ca
Gordon has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta and also is a BCIT graduate of two diploma programs. The first, in Mechanical Engineering Technology, was completed in 1981. The second diploma, in Robotics and Automation, was completed in 1987. The combination of these two diplomas gives Gordon a diverse background in both mechanical and electronic systems.
Gordon worked as an Automation Technologist in the Telecommunications industry where he automated production processes in the manufacture of printed circuit boards for an international corporation. He taught in the Robotics and Automation Technology program at BCIT before transferring to Applied Research in 1998. Gordon continues to work closely with faculty and students on a variety of projects.
Some of the projects that Gordon has worked on include:
- design and fabrication of an automated chocolate molding process
- mechanical redesign of a warehouse dock leveling system
- Automated Flux Dispensing system for analyzing soil samples
- enhancement of a railway crossing arm to reduce accidents at level crossings
- automation of an industrial process that makes oil-absorbing foam pads
- automation of a rubber mat manufacturing process
- a solar-powered digital voice recorder
- solar cell and solar module test equipment
- a WCB-sponsored Tool Support Arm project for the construction industry which received the 2007 Most Innovative Product award from the World of Concrete and the 2008 Vancouver Regional Construction Association Silver Award for Construction Workplace Health and Safety Innovation.
In his spare time Gordon plays soccer and basketball when not working on his 1965 Cobra replica.
Angie Wong, BSc
Research Analyst, Electrical Engineering
MAKE+ and PART
Angie joined BCIT’s Technology & Product Evaluation Group in Applied Research in 2005, working out of the Dr. Tong Louie Living Laboratory. In her previous experience, she has been involved in research and development for new equipment and emerging technologies. This included the design, (laboratory and field) testing, evaluation, and implementation of equipment and public services.
Her desire to make a difference in people’s lives and to improve the quality of life for older adults and persons with disabilities is what attracted her to Applied Research at BCIT.
She currently conducts research on health related topics and assists with projects that address issues affecting seniors, persons with disabilities, health care workers, and/or the general public.