Government funding is available for colleges and businesses to partner to enhance innovation across Canada. Cambrian R&D provides solutions that improve services, processes, and products.
Applied Research and Development starts with an idea to improve or create a product or process, and refines that idea until it’s ready for use within a business, organization, or commercialization in the marketplace. Essentially, applied research identifies needs and tests solutions, with the aim of making change in the near future.
Cambrian R&D is your dedicated applied research and development arm.
Cambrian R&D is housed in the Glencore Centre for Innovation, which was opened in 2012. In addition to office space and meeting rooms, our facility includes mechanical shops with external garage bay doors for easy access of large equipment, and configurable lab spaces to meet the needs of our changing roster of projects. Situated on Cambrian’s Barrydowne campus, the Glencore Centre for Innovation is steps away from the College’s full suite of shops, labs, and other facilities so crucial to the delivery of our academic programs.
Meet your research team.
Patrick Galipeau-Belair, P.Eng.
Mechanical Engineer
Patrick is a professional engineer and is responsible for all aspects of mechanical engineering for applied research projects. He has a Bachelor of Engineering and a Masters in Applied Science from Ontario Tech University. Patrick brings a wealth of experience from industry having worked as an engineer in research and development for the defense vehicle industry and underground mining industry.
Dr. Madiha F. Khan, PMP
Analytical Research Lead
Madiha has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from McMaster University and is responsible for the biological and chemical aspects of applied research projects, which includes overseeing Cambrian’s new analytical facility. She brings with her more than a decade’s worth of R&D and consultative experience, particularly with SMEs and not-for-profit organizations both locally and abroad. Prior to joining Cambrian College, Madiha was completing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Laurentian University, during which time she focused on advancing green technologies for the mining sector.
Cheick Maiga, P.Eng.
Research Engineer
Cheick Ismael Maiga joined Cambrian R&D in February 2022 as a Research Engineer. He is a senior software engineer who has a MSc.A in software engineering and electrical engineering from Université de Sherbrooke. He is also a professional engineer. Throughout his career thus far, Cheick has worked largely on guidance systems and data collection for 3-D mapping software for autonomous vehicles. He has extensive experience in sensors, positioning, Internet of Things and software implementation for autonomous guidance, mining and sewer applications.
Sara Hicks
Mechanical Designer
Sara joined Cambrian R&D in 2024 as a Mechanical Designer. In this role, she supports mechanical students, operates and maintains all 3D printers and laser cutters, and handles design and drafting tasks. Sara holds a Bachelor of Engineering with honors from Laurentian University. She is currently pursuing her Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation by contributing to various projects.
Meet your management and business development team.
Dr. Mike Commito
Director, Applied Research & Innovation
Mike has been the Director of Applied Research & Innovation at Cambrian College since 2018. Under Mike’s direction, Cambrian has expanded its research portfolio into new areas and has landed several significant research grants, including a Technology Access Centre from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Prior to becoming Director, Mike worked as a Business Developer in Applied Research for more than two years. Mike has a PhD in History from McMaster University.
Steve Gravel
Manager, Centre for Smart Mining
Steve Gravel is the Manager of the Centre for Smart Mining, a federally funded Technology Access Centre that focuses on facilitating new technology adoption in the mining sector by providing mining technology companies with technical services and funding. Prior to leading the Centre for Smart Mining, Steve held a position at the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), where he worked with Ontario SMEs and tech firms as a Business Development and Commercialization Manager.
Lana Benoit, CPA, CA,
Manager of Research Accounting
Lana is the Manager of Research Accounting for Cambrian R&D and the Centre for Smart Mining. She is responsible for all financial aspects of the department, including project accounting, grant compliance and financial reporting, project budgeting, claims submission, and metrics reporting. Lana has over 17 years of both public and private sector experience, which has included working at University Health Network, Ernst & Young, Darby Manufacturing, and, more recently, Health Sciences North. Lana has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and earned her accounting designation in 2006.
Cody Cacciotti
Business Developer
Cody is responsible for working with industry partners to develop and manage applied research projects across all fields of study at the college. Cody brings significant experience in project management from his previous role as Operations Manager at the Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre. Joining Cambrian R&D in March 2019, Cody brings his expertise in education, tourism and economic development along with a diversified skillset in writing, research, public relations and event coordination.
Avril Kingsley
Training Consultant
Avril has over seven years of experience in corporate training, specializing in the mining sector, and has implemented effective training programs tailored to the industry’s unique needs. She has a proven ability to support clients and individual participants, ensuring all training needs are met with the highest standards. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Management Degree, a Business Administration Diploma, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Studies.
Pamela Drouin
Administrative and Communications Coordinator
Pamela joined the Cambrian R&D team in July 2019. In her role, Pamela helps manage the department’s day-to-day operations, planning and organizing of various events, and overseeing marketing initiatives, which includes managing Cambrian R&D social media platforms. Prior to joining Cambrian, Pamela was the Sales Manager of Northern Ontario Business and the Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal. Pamela completed the Business Administration – Management Program at Cambrian College and graduated with honors in 2005.
Let’s bring your idea to life
Growth starts with a simple chat. Get in touch today to see how Cambrian R&D can help.