British Columbia Institute Of Technology Research Articles

Introducing the sound transmission loss suite at the British Columbia Institute of Technology

A sound transmission loss suite is a facility for measuring the airborne sound insulation by building elements such as wall assemblies and partitions. It consists of two neighboring reverberation chambers (called the source and receiving rooms), where the only significant sound transmission path is presented by the test specimen, enclosed in the common wall separating the two chambers. In this talk, an overview of the sound transmission loss suite that was newly built and commissioned at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in late 2023 is given. The suite is comprised of two reverberation chambers with interior volumes of 200 m3 (source room) and 125 m3 (receiving room) and can test for frequencies from 63 to 20000 Hz, making it one of a kind in Western Canada. The talk touches upon the acoustical characteristics of the suite and the relevant test method for measuring transmission loss according to the ASTM E90 standard. [Work supported by Canada Foundation for Innovation—Project No. 36346.]

The Legacy of the Ecocity World Summit 2019

Ecocity Builders is a non-profit organization headquartered in Canada with a core team consisting of academics, architects, engineers and urban planners. Since 1990, they organize the biennial Ecocity World Summit as part of their wider mission and strategies for reshaping cities for the long-term health of human and natural systems. This brief report highlights their collaboration with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in hosting the Ecocity World Summit 2019 in Vancouver. The Centre for Ecocities emerged as a lasting legacy initiative to support the development of socially just cities in balance with nature around the world.

Innovation Leadership in Polytechnics Beyond COVID: Sensemaking and Transformation in an Age of Uncertainty.

The COVID pandemic has and continues to affect us all. It is the all-encompassing catastrophe that has forced us to face uncertainty and question our values and face our challenges in every aspect of society, including academia. It has also been the commonality that binds us all together, our shared experience in an age of uncertainty. For Polytechnics overall, it has also been a call-to-action and has clearly demonstrated our ability to innovate, adapt and overcome. Whether it has been the transitioning to an online, remote workforce or the accelerated use of new technological advances in education, Polytechnics have embraced these challenges and pivoted to meet the needs of students, faculty and industry. As such, Polytechnics have continued to emerge, now well positioned to prepare Canada for a prosperous future and growth through insights learned during the pandemic and innovative new educational program offerings and formats. This paper discusses the critically important role of innovation leadership in Polytechnics beyond COVID. Starting with an example of innovation, I will introduce the new interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Transformation (C4DT) at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. This centre brings people together from across various distinct communities of practise and expertise to confront complex modern challenges through a process of communication, collaboration and sensemaking. Then merging significant literature review, I will examine recent success stories and practise transformations that shine light on Polytechnics innovation leadership role beyond COVID. Finally, I will examine the future of Polytechnics in an age of uncertainty and challenge readers to reflect upon what they have learned over the past year and consider the question, How can their own Polytechnics embrace these insights through sensemaking and transformation to embrace innovation leadership beyond COVID?

Strategies for Energy and Climate Management at the British Columbia Institute of Technology

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is Canada's premier polytechnic. In 2008, BCIT partnered with its local electricity utility to hire a full-time energy manager. The following year, BCIT's School of Construction and the Environment initiated a campus-as-living-lab of sustainability project called Factor Four in the seven buildings it occupies on BCIT's main campus in Burnaby. The purpose was to explore whether a four-fold (75%) reduction in materials and energy use could be achieved without compromising service levels. By 2016, the project achieved a 50% reduction in energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Factor Four attracted over four million dollars in funding, engaged over 250 students from 12 educational programs, and produced over $200,000 savings annually. In 2017, BCIT set an ambitious target to reduce its annual greenhouse gas emissions 33% below 2007 levels by 2023, and 80% by 2050, across all five of its campuses. BCIT’s ultimate goal is to become both greenhouse gas neutral and a net energy producer. By setting ambitious targets and systematically implementing energy efficiency improvements, utilizing waste-heat exchange, fuel switching, and developing on-site renewable energy, BCIT is on track to achieving its energy management and climate change goals.

Polymers, plastics, & more – educating post-secondary students from different disciplines with polymer science

Abstract Polymers are excellent materials that provide concrete examples of concepts and learning objectives covered in different post-secondary level courses. Modules focused on polymer science can be used for teaching general, organic, material and green chemistry. These modules can be tailored to build on the students' prerequisite knowledge. Science 300 is a course offered at Simon Fraser University (SFU) to non-science, post-secondary students focused on the impact of science in society. Prosthetics and Orthotics (PROR) is a diploma program offered at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Both programs have incorporated polymer science as part of the curriculum. Design of the modules illustrates polymers as an important class of materials that possess both beneficial and environmental unfriendly properties. A variety of learning strategies are incorporated within the courses to aid students with understanding polymer science.

The Sting of Sharp Objects: Low Risk for Kids, but Little Community Awareness: Laboratories and hospitals have well-defined approaches for needlestick and scalpel injuries, but fewer protocols and less education in community settings may contribute to improper disposal and heightened fears.

The Sting of Sharp Objects: Low Risk for Kids, but Little Community Awareness: Laboratories and hospitals have well-defined approaches for needlestick and scalpel injuries, but fewer protocols and less education in community settings may contribute to improper disposal and heightened fears.

Analyzing knowledge, attitudes and practices around reusable water bottles


 Background: It has been acknowledged that personal reusable water bottles pose hazards, such as disease-causing organisms, associated with poor water bottle hygiene practices. Currently, there are no recommended frequencies or procedures, or guidelines for personal water bottle cleaning and sanitation. Likewise, there is little information on outbreaks or cases of illness arising from poor personal water bottle hygiene. This may be due to lack of awareness and non-reporting of cases. Therefore, the importance of knowledge, attitudes and practices around reusable water bottles cannot be over emphasized. This research study will ascertain if water bottle hygiene practices among post-secondary education students are adequate to avoid consumption of drinking water with growth of multiple pathogenic microbes like Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Pseudomonas species, Vibrio cholera and viruses. Method: 83 participants were surveyed using an in person administered survey method. The survey was conducted on British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) student sample using the Survey Monkey platform and was delivered in person via an iPad at a survey stand. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the survey data using NCSS version 12 statistical package. Tables and bar charts were used to explain and give interpretation to p-values from the chi-square tests. Results: There were found to be no associations between knowledge level around reusable water bottles and either gender or hygiene practices. However, the survey data did show an association between gender and hygiene level. The female participants were more likely to clean their water bottles more frequently than the male participants. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, a health promotion initiative targeted toward male students is recommended to achieve behaviour change in cleaning practices with reusable drinking water bottles. Moreover, despite the study findings showing a high level of knowledge among participants, this did not translate to better water bottle hygiene practices, as there was no statistical association between knowledge level and hygiene practice. Therefore, more frequent cleaning of reusable water bottles should be encouraged, highlighting the appropriate cleaning agents and method to be used.

Changes in processing and labelling of frozen chicken products available to consumers in Vancouver

Background: Between May 2017 and May 2019, 18 Salmonella outbreaks in Canada were linked to raw chicken, resulting in the recall of 13 chicken products. Most of these products contained frozen raw breaded chicken, such as chicken nuggets, chicken fries, and breaded chicken burgers. (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2019) These products are especially risky for consumers because they may appear precooked, resulting in inadequate food safety measures being taken. (Catford, Ganz, & Tamber, 2017). Due to this concern, as of April 1, 2019, all frozen raw breaded chicken product manufacturers are required to follow one of four Salmonella control measures set out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The simplest option for processors is to precook their products to destroy Salmonella bacteria and produce a ready-to-eat product. (Government of Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, & Food Safety and Consumer Protection Directorate, 2019a) Methods: Data was collected from all frozen chicken products available at 14 retail locations in Metro Vancouver that were randomly selected in previous studies carried out in 2018 and 2019 by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) students. The processing status of the products surveyed in this study (n=466) was compared to those collected in the previous studies done in 2018 and 2019, respectively (n=383; n=415). Other information collected included whether product packaging contained statements of internal temperature, requirements for thermometer use, and additional food safety instructions. Data on these parameters collected in the current study (n=466) were compared to similar data collected in 2008 (n=24) and in 2018 (n=67). Photos were taken of all product labels and relevant data from the photos was compiled in Microsoft Excel. Statistical analyses were done using chi-square tests performed using NCSS 2019 software. Results: The proportion of surveyed frozen chicken products that were cooked as opposed to raw increased from 38% in 2018 to 41% in 2019 to 69% in 2020. The proportion of products containing statements regarding required internal temperatures increased from 58% in 2008 to 96% in 2018 and then decreased to 86% in 2020. 0%, 4.5%, and 1.7% of products surveyed in 2008, 2018, and 2020, respectively, included an indication to use a food thermometer. 79%, 57%, and 25% of products surveyed in the same years included additional food safety statements. Conclusions: This study showed that the ratio of cooked to uncooked frozen chicken products available to consumers in the Metro Vancouver area has increased since the CFIA’s Salmonella control measure requirements for frozen breaded chicken manufacturers were implemented in 2019. The 28% and 26% increase since 2018 and 2019, respectively, suggests that many frozen chicken product manufacturers are complying with the CFIA requirements by using a validated cook process to reduce Salmonella in their products. This study also showed that, since 2019, there has been a significant decline in the proportion of frozen chicken products that contain information about internal cooking temperatures and additional food safety information on their packaging.

Performance evaluation of Active Chilled Beam under cooling operation in real office conditions in a high-performance building

This study investigates the operation of Active Chilled Beam under cooling operation in single occupant office in a high-performance LEED Gold Building at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Vancouver. The thermo-fluid phenomena of room air were studied inside a few offices under cooling operation in stable room temperature conditions. Active Chilled Beams were found performing effectively in cooling mode operation. Surface temperature distribution and the air temperature distribution in the occupied zone were found uniform at all heights and close to the room setpoint. The air velocities were within the recommended air velocity set by ASHRAE Standard for thermal comfort except at the colliding jet between two beams in some offices. The operative temperature measured near the occupant was found close to the room setpoint. The supply air velocity and supply air temperature at both the slots of the beam were found different. It was concluded that the difference in supply air velocity could be due to the uneven pressure distribution in the primary air plenum owing to the connection method of the duct to the primary plenum and the difference in temperature could be due to the circuit arrangement of heat exchanger inside the Active Chilled Beam, which needs further research and investigation of the beam characteristics in a controlled environment.

Measles awareness


 Background Measles is a highly contagious disease which has been the cause of numerous epidemics and outbreaks worldwide. The introduction of the two-dose Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR) vaccine helped to reduce and eliminate the disease in various places and continues to be the most effective method of developing immunity against measles. However, due to high non-vaccination rates and low herd immunity, measles is becoming a serious public health issue again. Additionally, those born between 1970 to 1994 are more at risk of contracting measles because they may have only received one-dose of the MMR vaccine during that time, which is not sufficient to develop immunity. Due to the recent measles outbreaks in Vancouver, B.C, this project surveyed the public regarding their knowledge of measles and the MMR vaccination to determine if they are able to protect themselves from this disease. Methods An in-person survey was conducted at three institutions: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), University of British Columbia (UBC) and Douglas College. The first section of the survey gathered general information from the participant such as year of birth, country of birth, area of study and municipality of dwelling. The second section of the survey included various true or false and yes or no questions regarding measles, MMR vaccination and recent outbreaks. Results Thirty-four people participated in the study. Four factors were analyzed using the chi-square. There was no statistically significant association found between any of the factors, including, country of birth vs. vaccination status (p=0.3952), year of birth vs. vaccination status (p=0.2563), country of birth vs. knowledge of MMR (p=0.7903) and area of study vs. knowledge of MMR (p=0.9875). It is possible that due to small sample size, there was insufficient power to detect any associations. Conclusions Out of the 34 participants, 21 were vaccinated, 4 were not vaccinated and 9 had an unknown vaccination status. Although the chi-square tests showed no association between any of the factors, the descriptive data still shows that we’ve only achieved a herd immunity of slightly over 50% was achieved within our survey population, which is not high enough to protect against measles. This can be a great opportunity for health authorities to educate individuals who are vaccine hesitant or refuse to immu

General radon gas knowledge test assessment for BCIT students


 Background Vancouver is located in a generally low-radon hazard zone. However, other parts of British Columbia such as the BC Interior or Northern BC are classified as high-radon hazard zone (or zone 1) due to the geological composition of rocks and soils in those areas. Despite the significant health risks associated with radon gas exposure, many BC residents and people across Canada have little to no knowledge regarding the topic. Since Post-secondary schools, such as the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), are places where knowledge is distributed and shared to our societies, it is important to assess students’ general knowledge background regarding radon gas. The result can then be extrapolated to the general populations. Methods An electronic survey was conducted to determine whether students in the six schools at BCIT have different background knowledge level regarding radon gas. The survey also determines students’ radon background knowledge based on different geographic regions they reside. The survey was conducted in-person at three main locations across BCIT’s Burnaby campus. It was administered using Google Forms and distributed to participants on Microsoft Surface 2. Results The One-way ANOVA statistical analysis result indicated that there is a significant difference in mean radon survey scores among the six various BCIT schools(p=0.009). In addition, the Tukey Test revealed that students from the School of Health Science have an average radon survey score which is significantly different when compared to students from the School of Business. However, it was found that there is no significant difference in the mean radon survey scores between the School of Business and other schools at BCIT. Nonetheless, it was evident that the School of Health Science students had relatively higher radon survey scores and thus, were more knowledgeable regarding radon gas compared to students from the other five schools. When analyzing survey scores among students residing in various geographic regions, the test showed that there is no significant difference in mean radon survey scores among BCIT students living in various geographic locations(p=0.46). Conclusion Based on the result of the study, the result showed that there is a significant difference in radon gas knowledge among BCIT students who majored in different schools. The School of Health Science students were more knowledgeable regarding the topic of radon gas compared to students in other schools. Nonetheless, all BCIT students achieved an average radon survey score of less than five out of ten, which was considered a failure score (Less than five out of ten). This showed that most BCIT students had very limited knowledge regarding radon gas and there were very limited amount of educational initiatives or campaigns available for students at BCIT. BCIT’s student association is recommended to create educational sessions across campus to raise student awareness regarding radon gas. At the community level, governments and various agencies such as the BC Lung Association need to work together to create radon awareness campaigns across BC and the rest of Canada. In order to get a more accurate representation of the radon gas knowledge level among people in BC, more research studies need to be conducted in other schools or general population groups.

Aerobic colony count assessment on projector remote controls at BCIT major classrooms


 Classroom equipment has been linked to different outbreaks. Surfaces such as tables, chairs, keyboards can harbour pathogens such as Noro virus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Influenza A virus and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Bacteria and viruses can then be transferred to another individual by the mode of touch and leading to potential infections when the individual touches their mouth, nose, eyes or open wound. Institutions usually have their own cleaning and sanitation schedule that covers most of the items in a classroom. However, some common items have been overlooked. Take the project remote controls at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for example. They are often found in filthy condition due to the amount of usage. It is unclear how many sicknesses have been the result of neglecting this device out of their daily cleaning and sanitization schedule. This paper examined the sanitation status of projector remote controls at BCIT. The focus has been placed on major classrooms and laboratories at building SW 1, SW 3 and SE 12 in BCIT. By utilizing the Aerobic Plate Count method, projector remote controls were swabbed using the wet swabbing technique. Swabs were then incubated and results in colony forming units per area in center meter square (CFU/cm2) were collected. A wide range of CFU/cm2 values were observed from projector remote controls. The maximum CFU/cm2 value obtained was 177 and the minimum value was 0. Inferential statistics was performed comparing the mean CFU/cm2 to a stand value of 5 CFU/cm2. Result showed that the mean CFU/cm2 of remote controls in SW 1, SW 3 and SE 12 at BCIT are statistically significantly more than the standard value of 5 CFU/cm2. This suggest that most of the remote controls at BCIT are not in sanitary conditions and BCIT should start to include remote controls into their daily cleaning and sanitization program to prevent students from contracting potential bacteriological infections.

Evaluation of a Redesigned Canadian Undergraduate Nursing Program: A Prospective Cohort Study

The objective of this study was to determine the degree to which the educational outcomes of the accelerated, redesigned bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at The British Columbia Institute of Technology are similar to those of its previous program. A prospective cohort study compared outcomes for the first two classes of students in the redesigned program with those of the final class of students in the original program. Data were gathered from administrative records, focus group discussions, and online surveys for BSN students (later, graduates), faculty, and staff, a focus group discussion with Specialty Nursing faculty, and interviews with program leadership and representatives of provincial health authorities. No differences were found between the two programs for most outcomes. Although hindered by some low response levels, the evaluation data indicate that the British Columbia Institute of Technology's redesigned BSN program's educational outcomes are largely similar to those of its predecessor. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(8):484-489.].

Using WebCT to teach grammar selectively

Teachers of business and technical communication are supposed to teach grammar, but only to a limited extent, according to the literature. Technology program faculty at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and employers of graduates want grammar to be taught, along with an ever-expanding list of other employment-related communication skills. In response to these demands, a series of eight mini grammar lessons was developed for students in four technology programs. The software WebCT was used to facilitate the development and delivery of the lessons, which formed a component of the students’ business and technical communication course. Exercises, self-tests, and quizzes used sentences from workplace documents from the students’ technologies in order to hold the students’ attention and to validate the study of language. For students, this online component proved to be an attractive feature of their course.

A study on allergen knowledge and its perceived importance in food safety


 Background: Studies have shown that one out of every thirteen Canadians suffers from a significant food allergy, and that 1.2 million Canadians may be affected by food allergies in their lifetime. As food allergies are common, many would assume that allergen safety would be a significant component of public health promotion and food education. This study, on food allergen knowledge, is one step towards addressing the deficit that exists with regards to understanding food allergens in public health. Method: The study was conducted by surveying Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) nationwide using an online questionnaire. It was distributed via email with the aid of the Environmental Health faculty at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). The survey was also posted to the BCIT Environmental Health and Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) groups on the online social networking service Facebook. The results helped determine whether opinions, behaviors, and knowledge level regarding food allergens and food allergen safety depended on having a food allergy themselves. Results: The data extracted from the survey was analyzed using the statistical software NCSS. The results of the Allergen Knowledge portion (t-test) concluded that there is no association between the score of the Allergen Knowledge test, and whether or not the participants have a food allergy, inferred by its p-value of 0.268010. The results of a chi-square test indicated that there is a borderline association between how often EHOs educate restaurant operators on allergen safety, and whether or not they have a food allergy (p = 0.049) Conclusion: The t-test performed concluded that the participant’s knowledge regarding food allergens was not dependent on the presence or absence of a food allergy. The second statistical analysis (chi-square test) supported an association between how often EHOs educated restaurant operators on allergen safety, and whether or not they have a food allergy. Health Authorities can use these results to provide a basis for establishing a food allergen training program for EHOs in the future, thereby raising awareness and helping to better manage the presence of food allergens in public health.

A comparison of recreational water illness awareness and frequency of swimming


 Objective: Swimming pools have potential to create health hazards that range from physical, chemical to biological. Biological concerns center on communicable diseases which can be spread through poor hygiene practices. To prevent the spread of disease, swimmers must be informed and practice appropriate hygiene. This study aims to determine whether the frequency of swimming had an influence on swimming pool hygiene knowledge. Method: Survey questions focusing on risk factors for communicable disease spread, and personal hygiene practices were developed using the pool operation handbooks, input from environmental health instructors at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, as well as past surveys from other studies. Pool patrons were surveyed at Hillcrest Community Centre in Vancouver. Scores from these tests were then analyzed in NCSS9 using one-way ANOVA tests and Two-Sample t-tests. Results: 167 validated surveys were analyzed. The most often incorrectly answered questions were in regards to the duration of avoiding swimming after diarrheal illness, pre-swim hygiene, and after bathroom use hygiene. No statistically significant difference in mean test score was found in individuals that swam more than once a week, more than once a month, or less than once a month. Statistically significant differences in mean test scores were found for individuals that read signs, and age group. Conclusion: From the data, it is observed that those who swam more frequently were not more informed on pool hygiene issues than those who swam less. The sample size (n=167) for this conclusion may be too small, since beta value was 87.5%.

Do UOC students fit in the Net Generation profile? An approach to their habits in ICT use

<p>Some authors have stated that university students born after 1982 have been profoundly influenced by digital technologies, showing different characteristics when compared to previous generations. However, it is worth asking if that is a current observable phenomenon. Are those students born after the 80s really more familiar with ICT tools than those born in previous generations? Do they show different study habits and learning paths? Different research lines (Kennedy, et al., 2010; Bennett, Maton, & Kervin, 2008; Gros, García, & Escofet, 2012) highlight that scientific data is rarely used when discussing this generation’s characteristics; however, none of them have proved in statistical terms that college students do not fit in the Net Generation characteristics and that their habits of ICT use in social and professional activities do not differ from older generations. The international research project, Digital Learners in Higher Education, seeks to develop a sophisticated and evidence-based understanding of university learners in different institutional contexts and the perception of cultures in their use of technology in a social and educational context. Data has been collected from four institutions in Canada and Spain: the British Columbia Institute of Technology, the University of Regina, the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), and the University Rovira i Virgili. In order to develop this project, we used a multi-case study embedded design (Yin, 2009). The UOC’s case is deeply analysed in this paper to affirm that the Net Generation is more speculative than real and that includes students’ perception about this phenomenon, and guidelines are proposed in an eLearning context.</p>

A Report of Contemporary Rammed Earth Construction and Research in North America

Contemporary stabilized rammed earth (SRE) draws upon traditional rammed earth (RE) methods and materials, often incorporating reinforcing steel and rigid insulation, enhancing the structural and energy performance of the walls while satisfying building codes. SRE structures are typically engineered by licensed Structural Engineers using the Concrete Building Code or the Masonry Building Code. The construction process of SRE creates structural walls of relatively high compressive strength appropriate for a broad range of heating and cooling climates. The incorporation of rigid insulation creates a high mass interior wythe that is thermally separated from the exterior, resulting in improved thermal performance. Modular aluminum reinforced formwork allows walls to be built without the use of through ties, common in concrete construction. The North American Rammed Earth Builders Association (NAREBA) collaborated with Unisol Engineering Ltd. and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) on a battery of tests to obtain preliminary data to be used in support of engineering design. The tests included compressive strength comparisons, pull out rebar testing of both horizontally and vertically placed steel, simple beam tests, and the deflection of two composite wall columns with an insulation core and two types of reinforcing steel connections between the RE wythes.

Research at the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Centre for Architectural Ecology: Advancing Living Architecture

Research at the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Centre for Architectural Ecology: Advancing Living Architecture

Development of an ISO 13485 AND FDA QSR Compliant Quality System for an Academic R&D Group: From Concept to Certification

The British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) Health Technology Research Group (HTRG) is a team of multidisciplinary researchers that provides medical device development and evaluation services to clients from medical device companies, health care organizations, and academia. Researchers include biomedical engineers, biomechanics and anthropology scientists, plastics, mechanical, electrical, robotics/automation technologists, trades researchers, and industrial designers. In 2000 the HTRG embarked on the development of a quality system that complied with the design and risk management requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Design Controls, Health Canada’s Canadian Medical Device Conformity Assessment System (CMDCAS), and the ISO 13485 Medical devices—Quality management systems—Requirements for regulatory purposes (ISO 13485). An initial system was developed and launched in 2002. In 2005 we further developed the system to be fully compliant with all requirements of ISO 13485 and obtained certification of the system in 2007. The BCIT HTRG is currently the only ISO 13485 certified academic medical device research group in Canada. The benefits of the quality system for industry clients, students, and the academic research team are discussed as well as the challenges faced in implementing a quality system in an academic research setting. The HTRG has worked with a number of multinational and international companies and would not have been able to attract these clients without operating under a certified system. Our research team is able to shorten the development time from concept to commercialization as prototypes that are developed under a certified quality system can be evaluated in surgical settings. The research staff has been able to access new research funding in part due to the quality system. The major benefit to BCIT’s biomedical and other engineering students is hands-on experience with a working quality system prior to graduation. The challenges associated with introduction and acceptance of a quality system in an academic setting are also discussed along with strategies to increase acceptance of the system. Challenges include overcoming resistance from researchers that perceive quality systems as a constraint on their creativity and as a new administrative burden, managing the costs associated with developing and maintaining a certified quality system, and interfacing with outside departments in an academic environment. Strategies for overcoming these challenges include involving all researchers in the initial development of a system and creating an efficient electronic system that is easily accessed.