BCIT is strengthening its applied research capabilities with the appointment of two new Canada Research Chairs, recognizing the research excellence of Dr. Anika Singh (she/her) and Dr. Mahsa Khalili (she/her).
Dr. Singh holds the Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Bioactive Delivery Systems, and Dr. Khalili holds the Canada Research Chair in Assistive and Health Monitoring Technologies. Both are based at the BCIT Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI), where Dr. Singh will establish the Food 360 Lab and Dr. Khalili will establish the Inspire Health and Engineering Lab. Their research will build on CARI’s existing expertise in natural health products and assistive technologies through the Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG) and MAKE+ applied research group.
BCIT will receive a combined $1.2 million in federal government funding through the Canada Research Chairs Program to support Dr. Singh’s and Dr. Khalili’s research programs. In addition, Dr. Singh has been awarded $300,000 through the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund to support research infrastructure for her new Food 360 Lab. These appointments are part of a national investment of more than $187 million supporting 220 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs across Canada.
“The appointment of two new Canada Research Chairs is a tremendous achievement for BCIT and an important recognition of our applied research excellence,” says Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, BCIT President. “These highly competitive appointments reflect the calibre of applied research being conducted at BCIT and reinforce the important role BCIT plays in Canada’s innovation landscape.”
The new Chairs continue the history of Canada Research Chairs at the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI). Former Chairs Dr. Paula Brown, Director of the Natural Health and Food Products Research Group (NRG), and Dr. Jaimie Borisoff, Director of MAKE+, previously held Chairs in Phytoanalytics and Rehabilitation Engineering Design, respectively.
“Dr. Singh and Dr. Khalili are world-class researchers, who bring fresh ideas and expertise that will open up exciting possibilities for applied research at BCIT and beyond,” says Dr. Dawn Whitworth, Dean, Applied Research and Innovation. “I’m looking forward to seeing them work with our students, faculty members, and industry partners. These collaborations are essential to turning research into solutions that make a difference in people’s lives.”
Unlocking the health benefits of natural compounds: Dr Anika Singh
Health-promoting bioactive compounds (HPBs) occur naturally in many foods and have the potential to reduce inflammation, support heart health and help protect against chronic diseases. However, their real-world benefits are limited because they break down easily, are difficult to dissolve and are not easily absorbed by the body.
Dr. Anika Singh is addressing this challenge by developing environmentally friendly ways to extract these compounds from underused food resources, such as mushroom stems, berry skins and seafood processing by-products. She is also developing new technologies to protect the compounds during food processing and digestion, helping the body absorb them more effectively.
“My hope is that this research will help food producers develop new foods and natural health products with greater health benefits, while also reducing waste and finding new uses for underutilized resources,” says Dr. Singh. “I’m excited to work with students, researchers and industry partners to turn this research into products and technologies that can make a difference.”
Developing technologies for better health and greater independence: Dr Mahsa Khalii
Mobility impairments affect millions of Canadians and are often associated with serious secondary health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal injuries, and persistent difficulties with mobility and community participation. Despite these significant impacts, individuals with mobility limitations frequently encounter barriers to timely health assessments and must rely on assistive technologies that are not well-suited to their daily lives or adaptable to real-world environments.
Dr. Mahsa Khalili aims to address this challenge by developing wearable sensors, artificial intelligence and adaptive technologies to detect early signs of cardiovascular disease, prevent injuries caused by long-term use of mobility aids, and help mobility devices adapt to real-world conditions such as uneven ground and steep slopes. Her goal is to help people with mobility impairments better manage their health and move more safely and independently.
“The Canada Research Chair appointment is an exciting opportunity to expand my research and address challenges that require interdisciplinary expertise,” says Dr. Khalili. “I am looking forward to collaborating with researchers, health professionals and community partners and creating opportunities for students to contribute to technologies that better meet people’s needs, support them in managing their health and maintaining their independence, and ultimately improve their quality of life.”
About the Canada Research Chairs Program
The Canada Research Chairs Program is a federal initiative that supports research excellence at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Tier 2 Chairs recognize exceptional emerging researchers with the potential to become leaders in their fields. Appointments are for five years and may be renewed once.
BCIT’s continued participation in the program is supported by its Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, which outlines measures to reduce barriers and promote equitable opportunities for researchers and Chairholders.