Sheridan Project Featured in National Applied Research Student Showcase

Researchers team up with SensiMAT to enhance medical technology

For Immediate Release: November 14, 2013
Oakville, Ontario

Canada’s future leaders in applied research are gathering today at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary to showcase designs and creations that will impact real-world activities in industry.  SAIT is hosting the Polytechnics Canada Student Applied Research Showcase, presented by Cisco Systems Canada.  Among the featured projects is a joint project by Sheridan student researchers and SensiMAT Systems that will enhance the care of immobile and wheelchair-bound individuals.

Two Computer Engineering students (Michelle Skolly and Pawan Giri), under the direction of professor Robert Skoczen, worked with SensiMAT  Systems, supported by funding from Ontario Centres of Excellence.  The researchers developed an iOS mobile application and software to enhance the SensiMAT for wheelchairs system, which helps patients and caregivers reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, a potentially serious health risk. The SensiMAT for wheelchairs is a mat with pressure sensors inserted under a wheelchair cushion. Through the new software, these sensors now send pressure data to an application on the user’s or caregiver’s smartphone. SensiMAT ‘s proprietary PressureRisk™ algorithm alerts users of a build-up of pressure, and then recommends and tracks specific pressure-relieving exercises. The SensiMAT for wheelchairs is the first and only mobile application of its kind. 

“Applied research helps to advance the innovation goals of our local communities, our province and our country, while developing meaningful responses to real-world issues,” says Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President and CEO of Sheridan College.  “At a time when success is increasingly tied to innovation, colleges have a tremendous role to play in addressing challenges faced by business and creating practical solutions to better our quality of life.”

Sheridan was recently named first in Ontario, and sixth in Canada, for applied research in the college sector, according to a ranking published by Research Infosource Inc.  It is one of 11 postsecondary institutions that make of Polytechnics Canada – a national advocacy association for applied learning and applied research.  This is the 8th annual student applied research competition.

About Sheridan

Sheridan is one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions, offering over 100 diploma, certificate, and bachelor degree programs in an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. Its aim is to become Ontario’s first university exclusively dedicated to undergraduate professional education – one that will be based on applied learning. The model also focuses on meeting university accreditation requirements so that Sheridan graduates have more pathways to the continued learning that will underscore their personal, career, and industry success.

Media Contact:

Susan Atkinson
905-815-4073
susan.atkinson@sheridanc.on.ca