The Student Research & Innovation Grant (SRIG) program was launched in 2021. It supports students so they can gain research and innovation experiences at KPU.
Several student grant recipients have shared their research objectives, progress, and outcomes in the form of a short podcast. Check them out below!
SRIG 24-05 featuring Dr. Diane Purvey, Provost & Vice President, Academic
Title: In what ways can we visually design the story to effectively convey the message on climate change in the Sustainability Animation project?
Dept: Entertainment Arts
Principal Investigator(s): Kioko Pang, Ravenna San Hom, and Diego De la Rocha
UN Goals: 13, 14
What was the issue being addressed?
How can we design the visual elements of our story to effectively convey the message about climate change? Many current visual representations fail to inspire meaningful, sustainable community action or evoke a lasting emotional impact on audiences.
Provide a brief, lay description of the work undertaken/initiative.
Our project aimed to develop a story that resonates with locals and inspires a community movement against climate change by making the issue more personal and relatable. We achieved this through multiple iterations of the story, incorporating extensive feedback. This included creating storyboards, thumbnails, and several versions of animatics. We refined various elements such as visual symbols, camera angles, movement, scene transitions, and the strategic use of shapes and colors to enhance the story's impact.
What is the expected impact this project will have on the community?
We aim to create visuals that inspire meaningful, sustainable community action and evoke a lasting emotional impact towards climate change.
SRIG Podcast
SRIG 23-26: People diagnosed with borderline personality disorder have varied reactions to their diagnosis – how do these reactions differentially impact their well-being?
Although previous research has examined strategies that people adopt to resist the stigma of mental illness diagnoses and subsequently improve their well-being, no…
SRIG 23-29: What are the experiences, needs and priorities of farmers in the Comox Valley to increase drought resilience?
The research is focused on improving agricultural drought resilience in the Comox Valley. The "Gathering for Resilience" regional dialogue will bring farmers…
SRIG 23-29B : The Hateful Side of Electronic Sports: Misogyny and Transphobia in a “Man’s Space”
This research project will analyze controversial topics in electronic sports (esports). These topics are misogyny, sexism, and transphobia. The participants would…
SRIG 23-33: Masculinity and Attitudes about Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution
This online study examined the effects of masculinity threats on men and their endorsement of dominative ideologies (i.e., social dominance orientation, ambivalent…
SRIG 23-46: Kwikwetlem River Water Quality Study
Sockeye salmon, which historically had a healthy population inhabiting the Coquitlam River, have experienced declines over the last few decades. The sockeye in…
SRIG 24-01: Can AI enable a net reduction of carbon emissions in Supply Chain and Logistics?
Title: Can AI enable a net reduction of carbon emissions in Supply Chain and Logistics?
Dept: Business Graduate Programs (BGP)
Student(s): Sholpan Aralova, Nichol Louis
Supervisor(s): Marcelo…
SRIG 24-05 featuring Dr. Diane Purvey, Provost & Vice President, Academic
How can we design the visual elements of our story to effectively convey the message about climate change? Many current visual representations fail to inspire…
SRIG 24-13: Theory of Mind Personality Project
We originally aimed to figure out what personality traits relate to perspective taking. We presumed more agreeable individuals would display heightened perspective…
SRIG 24-14: Exploring an Individualized Test of Confirmation Bias
This research explores individualized difference in confirmation bias. There were three objectives: (1) replicate recent research demonstrating that a measure of CB…
SRIG 24-15: A Meta Analysis of Indigenous Healing Programs Outcomes
The issue being addressed in the meta-analysis was the evaluation of the outcomes of Indigenous Healing Programs, particularly how they affect various aspects of…
SRIG 24-31: Age-related effects of oxidative stress on Caenorhabditis elegans survival
This project addressed the question of how organisms lose their ability to cope with cellular stress as they age—a key factor contributing to age-related diseases…
SRIG 24-38: How does incarceration and parole affect Indigenous mothers in Canada?
Our research examines Indigenous carceral motherhood – the experiences of Indigenous mothers when they are incarcerated and/or on parole – which is vastly under…
SRIG 24-39: Effect of Allicin on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Expression in Human Splenic Microvascular Endothelial and Fibroblast Cells
This project aimed to explore whether allicin, a natural compound found in garlic, can reduce the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in human splenic…
SRIG 24-44: Cognitive Deficits Following an Induced Not Just Right Experience Among Individuals with High and Low Levels of Obsessive Compulsive Tendencies
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and related tendencies are linked to difficulties with executive functioning, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility and…
SRIG 24-46: Thy-1 Expression and Potential Correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Human Splenic Fibroblasts
The project addressed the lack of established methodologies for transfecting human splenic fibroblasts involving the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein construct. This gap…
SRIG 24-48: COVID-19 in Space: Possible Risks and Preparedness
The present study seeks to explore two key questions. First, what are the possible increased risks COVID-19 poses to human health during space travel? Second, what…
SRIG 24-52: Does congruency between individual expectation and the behaviour reported by a complainant in workplace investigation bias individuals’ judgments of credibility and likelihood of the event?
Workplace investigations are a tool used by organizations to support the health and safety of their employees. Often, they are conducted in the event of allegations…
SRIG 24-56: How can fitting feedback inform the development of the design and functionality of activewear tailored to menopausal women?
Developed for Spring/Summer 2026, Lunavi is a supportive, performance-driven activewear collection designed specifically for women in menopause.
Title: How can…
SRIG 24-57: How can zero waste design processes be integrated into the design and production practices of the bridal wear industry to achieve sustainable innovation?
The average amount of fabric wasted when garments are produced is 15 percent with an annual 12.36 million tons of pre-consumer textile waste from off-cuts in…
SRIG 24-58: How to improve the fit and performance of women’s personal protective clothing (PPC) for Enduro Motorcycle Riding?
Adventure Riding is a style of riding taking place on a wide range of on and off-road terrains that, like street motorcycling, features a predominantly male market…
SRIG 24-61: Navigating Online Hate: The Experiences of Indian International Students in Lower mainland BC, Canada
This research project looked at how online hate affects Indian international students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. I interviewed ten Indian international…
SRIG 24-63: Preventing ACL Re-injury in Women's Snowboarding
The issue being addressed in this project was the lack of gender-specific, supportive, and confidence-boosting protective gear designed for women snowboarders…
SRIG 24-64: How might we design a table that enhances accessibility and promotes greater independence for individuals with trauma paraplegia in their daily routines?
The S6 table addresses a critical gap in the market: the lack of functional, affordable, and user-centered tables designed specifically for trauma paraplegics…
SRIG 24-65: Extending the Lifecycle of Skateboarding Shoes: A Modular and Sustainable Approach
The project addressed the premature breakdown of skateboarding footwear, a recurring problem that impacts both performance and sustainability. Skate shoes are…
SRIG 24-66: Technical Apparel for Wildlife Photographers and Conservationists
Wildlife photographers often work in remote, harsh environments that demand highly functional gear, yet there is a noticeable lack of technical apparel designed…
SRIG 24-67: Inclusive Gear for Female Saltwater Anglers - How might I design inclusive gear for female saltwater anglers that addresses the adventure gap through a design and community based approach?
This project seeks to address the critical lack of women’s-specific saltwater fishing gear. This is a gap rooted in both industry misrepresentation and broader…
SRIG 24-72: Herbal-Infused Seamless Base Layers: Preventing Heat Rash and Enhancing Skin Health for Female Athletes
Heat rash and maintaining skin health.
Title: Herbal-Infused Seamless Base Layers: Preventing Heat Rash and Enhancing Skin Health for Female Athletes
Dept…
SRIG 24-75: How might we design comfortable heels for senior women at social gatherings?
How might we design a dress shoe that combines traditional and modern design elements to improve comfort and stability for senior women during social gatherings?
…
SRIG 24-77: How might specifically designed storage furniture make efficient usage of small living spaces, particularly studio apartments in Canada?
As urban housing becomes denser, many people struggle to find adaptable storage solutions that suit smaller living environments. Traditional furniture often lacks…
SRIG 24-78: Investigating the role of AI database system in optimizing inventory management
This project addresses the inefficiency of traditional inventory management systems in modern supply chain and e-commerce environments. These systems often use…
SRIG 24-79: Understanding Black Women's Experiences with Law Enforcement
The issue being addressed was the unique and often overlooked experiences of Black women in their interactions with law enforcement, specifically how systemic…
SRIG 24-80: Adaptable lightweight jackets that adjust warmth for areas with drastic temperatures or weather changes in the mountains.
Adaptable lightweight jackets that adjust warmth for areas with drastic temperatures or weather changes in the mountains.
Title: Adaptable lightweight jackets that…
SRIG 24-82: Upper Limb Protection for Goalball Athletes
Goalball athletes, who are visually impaired, experience a high rate of upper limb injuries—particularly to the elbows, wrists, and hands—due to repetitive diving…
SRIG 24-83: Multi-Modal AI Approaches in Cybersecurity
The issue addressed by this research project was the increasing limitations of traditional cybersecurity systems in responding to today’s modern and complex cyber…
SRIG 24-84: Developing Innovative Technical Apparel Sleeves to Enhance Snowboarding Edge Transitions and Alleviate Foot Pain
Beginner snowboarders often experience foot pain and instability due to poor edge transitions and boot fit issues. This project aimed to design technical…
SRIG 24-85: How can adaptive apparel be effectively designed for bedridden women with menopause-related symptoms?
The project addressed the lack of adaptive, comfortable, and dignified clothing options for menopausal and bedridden women, particularly those experiencing hot…
SRIG 24-87: Anti-Theft Everyday Carry Bags for Air Travelers
Travel storage, travel security, and ease of carrying traveling items and belongings.
Title: Anti-Theft Everyday Carry Bags for Air Travelers
Dept: Product Design…
SRIG 24-88: Rain Apparel for Scooter Commuters in East Asian Summer Monsoon
This project addressed the lack of suitable rainwear for scooter commuters in Southeast Asia, particularly in hot, humid, and rain-heavy urban environments like…
SRIG 25-03: Characterization of Vesicles Expression in Human Splenic Fibroblasts During Calcium Phosphate-Based Transfection
The project aimed to investigate the formation and molecular characteristics of vesicles produced by human splenic fibroblast cells in response to transfection with…
SRIG 25-05: Welcome to the (Facebook) Neighbourhood: Exploring how community residents use Facebook Groups to address crime
The issue being addressed was community crime and disorder. My thesis explored how individuals use these groups to connect, stay informed, exchange information, be…
SRIG 25-10: Improving IOT Security Through AI Integration with Shodan for Automated Vulnerability Detection and Risk Assessment
The issue addressed in this project was the lack of automated, real-time vulnerability detection and risk assessment for Internet of Things (IoT) devices using…
Hear more student experiences on our SRIG Testimonials page.