Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA)

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https://dspace.library.uvic.ca/handle/1828/14088

VKURA website

This UVic award provides an opportunity for first year students to gain research-enriched and applied experiences in their discipline or field of study. Students gain first-hand experience in planning and undertaking research or creative works.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 139

Artificial intelligence in supply chain resilience: A systematic literature review
(University of Victoria, 2025) Hillard, Joseph
As a research student, I have been involved in conducting a systematic literature review that examines the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing supply chain resilience. My work involved screening and analyzing over 900 academic papers, focusing on those that specifically related to the implementation of AI in supply chain resilience. I began by reviewing titles and abstracts and then conducted a full-text screening to ensure the papers aligned with the research topic. Once the relevant papers were compiled, I extracted key information from each paper and synthesized it into a comprehensive Excel database. Each paper was categorized by AI methodology, supply chain sectors, objectives, challenges, and future research directions. Using this information, I then created visualizations to highlight commonalities and present them.
Career Achievement Project (CAP)
(University of Victoria, 2025) Efraimsson, Olivia
The Career Achievement Project (CAP) is an ongoing research project started by Dr. Rick Cotton approximately 14 years ago, compiling data on more than 30,000 individuals from 242 different professional and occupational national and international halls of fame. The study aims to examine the nature of extraordinary career achievement to identify the key factors that contribute to the development of exceptional success by the top 1-2% of role incumbents in different fields, helping to inform excellence going forward. During my internship I read and analyzed biographies to notice demographic factors that could influence an inductee's level of success. The halls of fame I chose to research were: One Club Creative, Cooperative, National Aviation, Panthéon, ARIA (Australian Radio Industry Association), AICE (Association of Independent Creative Editors), Australian Television, Seedsman, and the International Green Industry Hall of Fame. In this infographic you should notice; 1) majority of inductees are men, 2) the majority of inductees are NOT a person of color, 3) if an individual was a minority, specifically a person of color, they focused on social activism and equality in their careers, and 4) occupational success is subjective, but there ARE certain factors that can help you become successful.
Exploring clustering algorithms on spatial data in video games
(University of Victoria, 2025) Fitsner, Elise
This project looks at how unsupervised machine learning (specifically, clustering data using a Gaussian mixture model) can be used to try to identify different player archetypes in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, using only data that relates to the spatial behaviour of the players. We found that within each side, a player's individual playstyle and the style of the round they were playing seem to have had more influence on the clustering than which map they were playing on, and we were able to identify four distinct styles of play on each side. In future work, this approach could be applied to areas such as cheat detection, improving video game map design, and quantifying effective play patterns to support skill development and training.
Analyzing the broadband divide in the underserved Southern Gulf Islands
(University of Victoria, 2025) Archer, Finnegan
Broadband internet access has rapidly become essential for facilitating social, educational, and economic development. Yet rural communities lacking the economies of scale to justify the upfront costs of traditional cabled connections face a digital divide. To address this, line-of-sight (LOS) technologies help alleviate infrastructure deployment expenses, although they come with unique performance challenges. Starlink, SpaceX's low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite service, connects user terminals to overhead satellites and can outperform the Universal Service Objective (USO). Similarly, cellular networks such as those provided by Rogers and Telus use radio signals optimized for coverage and reliability. Our research explores the real-world performance of these solutions in the Southern Gulf Islands using a vehicular setup equipped with a Starlink Mini dish, an external GPS module, a dashboard camera, and cellular modems carrying Telus and Rogers SIMs. Metrics including latency, iperf3 throughput, GPS location, and cellular SNR were gathered alongside footage to assess performance. Quantitative data analysis demonstrated that regional terrain features, such as dense tree coverage, heavily affect line-of-sight performance.
Fibre reinforcement in 3D concrete printing
(University of Victoria, 2025) Matthew D., Dowdle
This research was centered around 3D concrete printing, an additive manufacturing technique that holds great promise. By utilizing the same concept as what is normally associated with 3D printing, complicated structures can be built automatically and in ways that could have never been done before. This research, more specifically, is centered around the addition of cellulose fibres into a cement mixture to observe how it affects the structural properties of said mixture. Cellulose fibres offer a way of reinforcing the mixture sustainably, given the organic nature of cellulose fibres and the fact that they can be sourced from what would otherwise be waste products. A large amount of time was first spent on finding a control mixture that could be properly printed using more manual methods, including caulk-gun-like apparatuses. This is being expanded upon into a small-scale table-top clay printer, which has been adapted to print this cement mixture.
Decentralized location sharing using blockchain
(University of Victoria, 2025) Rylan, Peebles
Location sharing on smartphones is becoming increasingly common; however, such services rely on a trusted intermediary, in the form of cloud servers owned by tech companies such as Apple and Google. This reliance means transmission of location data is not fully secure, and could be accessed by the company or exposed in the event of a data breach. This project explores the feasibility of using blockchain technology to enable secure, decentralized data sharing, through the development of a proof-of-concept decentralized application (DApp) on the Ethereum blockchain. This project leverages the security and immutability of blockchain to create an alternative to the existing location-sharing model. The design consists of a smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain, developed using Remix IDE, and a mobile application built with Flutter. The Ethereum smart contract is deployed on the Sepolia testnet (thus, real ETH is not used for testing). Coordinates are retrieved from the device GPS and encrypted using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and communication with the blockchain is achieved via an Alchemy API.
Acromial fracture testing and analysis: Research summary and key takeaways
(University of Victoria, 2025) Navsarikar, Zara
This research concerned the testing of foam and plastic scapulas, and the usage of Direct Image Correlation technology to analyze the locations of most and least stress and strain under physiologically accurate loading.
UDL in higher education
(University of Victoria, 2025) Hayward, Kiel
Understanding how UDL has been implemented in university education. Through a scoping review our goal is to map existing research, identify gaps, and highlight effective practice.
Investigating musical activities in BC correctional institutions
(University of Victoria, 2025) Dawkins, Jules
The left side of the poster outlines the purpose, objectives, and intended method of the study, and the encountering of a "roadblock". The right side of the poster outlines the literature review, referencing the number of articles examined and allotted to various categories pertaining to musical activities in carceral settings. Two such categories are expanded upon and more deeply reviewed: music education/recreation focus, and literature that focusses on multiple categories. Visual graphics demonstrate analyzed data: 16 articles, 2 theses, 1 systematic review, and 1 report are analyzed. A pie chart demonstrates the countries from which the articles originate. A demographic analysis of 18 programs referenced in the literature is presented. A pie chart quantifies the program focus. Visual representations gender, age, and BIPOC/cultural minority focus in the various programs. 3 notable programs are briefly described: "Good Vibrations", and "Finding Rhythms", both of which were referenced in 3 pieces of literature, and the "Lullaby Project", which was referenced in 2 pieces.
Pacifier
(University of Victoria, 2025) Nicoll, Mirella
Pacifier is a condensed version of a proposal for a three-part Limited docuseries. This series delves deeply into the involvement of religious institutions within Indigenous communities in Canada. The project serves as the starting point of a much-needed conversation regarding the repercussions of colonialism, including the continued cultural genocide of Indigenous peoples within Canada, specifically regarding the role of religion within these communities. From the doctrine of discovery to modern-day missionaries, the goal is the same: assimilation, monetary gain and the eradication of Indigenous culture. This infographic is a stand-alone piece; however, along with several other slides of content and specifics, it can be used as a future reference point and scouting tool for production, casting, and crew.
Developing & delivering workshops to school-aged children in Saint Mary, Jamaica
(University of Victoria, 2025) Faustino, Julianna
In May 2025, I took a trip to St. Mary Jamaica for a 2-week volunteer initiative in Child & Youth Development. I worked at a primary school alongside their guidance counsellor, with the role of creating and delivering workshops, encouraging children to talk through/about their feelings, and offer one-on-one emotional/educational support as needed. My research question was "How Can I Create a Culturally-Conscious, Simple Yet Expansive Workshop on Respect to School-Aged Children in Jamaica?" This VKURA project focuses on my experience and thought processes throughout the two weeks I was on the field: Learning, adapting, and growing throughout the presentations. It was imperative for me to consider my personal biases, audience, and objectives when creating this workshop: What is my personal definition of respect? What does respect mean to these children? How can we define respect together? For example, I found that the children's general idea of respect focused heavily on providing service to others; it felt important for me to then spend time discussing the significance of self-respect and boundaries.
Roots and routes: Migration, faith, and intergenerational identity among Ismaili Muslim women in Canada
(University of Victoria, 2025) Khushi, Makhani
This research explores how first- and second-generation Ismaili Muslim women in Canada experience belonging, identity, and community through the lens of migration. Using a mixed-methods approach, the project draws on academic literature and primary survey data to examine how gender, culture, and faith intersect across generations. The infographic highlights key migration patterns from countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, India, Pakistan, and Syria, while also mapping intercontinental movement, especially from South Asia to East Africa before settlement in Canada. A generational breakdown of participants adds nuance to understanding identity as it shifts through time and place. Qualitative insights reveal a tension between personal expression and communal expectations, particularly in faith spaces like Jamatkhana. Quotes from participants demonstrate both pride in heritage and challenges navigating hybrid identities. The project centers the voices of Ismaili women who have often been underrepresented in conversations on diaspora and intergenerational migration. Ultimately, this research contributes to broader discussions on multiculturalism, memory, and identity formation in Canadian Muslim communities.
Heywood is dead; I killed him. A semiological approach to critical scholarly editing
(University of Victoria, 2025) Seaberg, Samuel
Critical scholarly editors have traditionally followed the "copy-text" method in establishing new texts of a work; predicating them on the pursuit of "authorial intent". When applied to critical scholarly editing, the semiological work of Barthes pokes holes in the safety net of "authorial intent", leaving editors in a freefall. This poster proposes new grounds for modern editions of early modern plays: that of the editor's. This alternative approach of "editor's choice" editions offers a newfound freedom to both editor and reader; which the poster explores through the problem posed by multi-text plays. This poster suggests the modern text of early modern plays as a contribution to an ongoing conversation; rather than a cosplay of authorial intention.
Canadian climate change literature timeline
(University of Victoria, 2025) Hatch, William
My Canadian climate change literature timeline is an ongoing website project which features a compilation of poems and short stories relating to one or more of 25 climate topics. Common topics include: forest fires, species protection, and pollution. My research involves reading through prominent Canadian literary magazines, citing relevant texts and noting their relevance, then contacting authors to request permission to link copies of the relevant works to the website. The literary works are organized by year and are contextualized with information and imagery I collect about positive and negative climate events. Events include: UN climate conferences, major natural disasters, climate-related political decisions, and fluctuations in global indicators of climate change like Arctic minimum sea ice extent and Co2 PPM (parts per million). The website is designed for the use of high school teachers and students and includes descriptions of suggested exercises. My hope is that the literature on the timeline will provide Canadian students a humanizing understanding of the overwhelming and frightening concept of climate change.
Drivers of youth vaccine decision-making: Insights from the literature
(University of Victoria, 2025) Moriarity, Bailey
Framing the Problem: Why Focus on Youth Vaccine Confidence? While adult vaccination decision-making has an abundence of literature, adolescents and emerging adults continue to show uneven vaccine uptake. My work helped frame the urgency of studying this age group by examining why youth-specific strategies are needed. Young people are not just "mini-adults", their vaccine decisions are shaped by autonomy, social networks, and digital media environments. Peer and parent influence, distrust in institutions, and exposure to social media misinformation all play key roles.
Road to risk: How different cannabis products affect perceptions of road safety and impaired driving
(University of Victoria, 2025) Bellows, Charlotte
Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, the demand for a variety of cannabis products has grown. With an expanding consumer market, driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC) poses a relevant and serious risk to road safety and public health. Different product types (e.g., dried flower, concentrates, edibles, etc.) have unique characteristics, such as THC potency and plant type trends (Tassone et al., 2023). Pre-existing literature on cannabis consumption and DUIC largely treats cannabis use as a homogenous behaviour, disregarding variation between product types and limiting insight into how this variable may influence risk perception. In addition to a background literature review on product prevalence and the multifaceted nature of DUIC risk perceptions, this study uses provincial datasets to profile cannabis users on the basis of product frequency and assess associated DUIC behaviours. By examining differences in risk behaviours and product preferences among user profile groups, the study aims to provide a nuanced view of cannabis product use and perceptions of risk.
Growth at all costs: at what cost?
(University of Victoria, 2025) Watson, Emma
This study draws on survey data collected in Fall of 2023 by Qualtrics, through a 20-minute online survey, regarding citizens' opinions on various environmental policies and growth paradigms. The survey was administered in five countries: Australia, Chile, Mexico, Morocco, and the United Kingdom (UK). Information was gathered on respondents' demographics, including age, income, education level, and gender. The objective of this research is to determine the characteristics and external factors that lead individuals to believe in the growth paradigm "growth-at-all-costs" (GAAC). This paradigm suggests that the government should aim to grow the economy without trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The prominence of this belief—with 15% of all respondents selecting it—suggests individuals are concerned with economic growth and prosperity being diminished at the cost of environmental policies, a concern worsened by recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and Brexit (for respondents located in the UK), which negatively impacted the real gross domestic product and employment rates of the countries surveyed. Understanding the factors that lead citizens to prioritize economic growth over the environment can help policymakers determine where to place emphasis—either on more robust environmental education policies in elementary schools or increased economic and policy communication from the government.
Densifying Victoria's skyline
(University of Victoria, 2025) Andrews, Janet
The regulation of building heights has played a significant role in the history of urban planning and remains a contentious issue in contemporary urban politics. As the capital of British Columbia, Victoria has long resisted calls to increase building heights in contrast to cities like Vancouver. Yet recent developments have seen Victoria’s skyline increasingly shift upwards as the city seeks to address the housing crisis. Designed by a Vancouver-based developer, the proposed One Victoria Place would bring the ethos of what planning theorists call “Vancouverism” to downtown Victoria’s Business Sector Zone. Although One Victoria Place is yet to be approved, the 35-story building has set a baseline for Victoria’s skyline. If approved, the building will be the tallest on Vancouver Island. “Vancouverism” prioritizes high-rise urban development and is influenced by the natural environment surrounding Vancouver. Using One Victoria Place as a case study, the following infographic highlights how “Vancouverism” is coming into the development of Victoria’s downtown core; exploring community input and how it will influence Victoria’s skyline.
The role of five personality traits in predicting substance use patterns
(University of Victoria, 2025) Juteau, Kate
This infographic explores the influence of five personality traits (anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, sensation seeking, impulsivity, and perfectionism) on alcohol and cannabis use. Based on the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS), these traits are closely examined to show how personality influences individual patterns of substance use. It highlights key factors associated with substance use, such as positive and negative reinforcement that motivate alcohol and cannabis use. Since first-year students often have increased autonomy and exposure to these substances, this infographic aims to inform individuals about how their personality may shape their decision-making around substance use and potential misuse in university, especially students who are beginning to navigate university.
Apologies: Beyond words, where's the change?
(University of Victoria, 2025) Lechovolea, Lavinia
This research project examines whether Canadian apologies of historical injustices lead to meaningful change. Using the Political Apologies Database and a provided list of Canadian political apologies, I began gathering an inventory of Canadian political apologies, identifying them by topic, source of the apology, recipient of the apology, and date. Then we will search the Hansard record of parliamentary proceedings for discussions of each apology or the historical injustice that apology addressed to determine what, if any, additional legislative or government action might have been involved in the case. The objective is to determine whether or not democratic principals such as equality, accountability, and minority rights are upheld if followed up by government policy.

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