Think Tank - February 13th, 2026

Creating a community-driven research hub in the downtown core: Working together for data driven solutions
Adrian Guta, PhD
School of Social Work, University of Windsor
Wayne Ambrose-Miller, PhD
School of Social Work, University of Windsor

The School of Social Work at the University of Windsor and WE-SPARK Health Institute are convening local leaders to develop a community health research strategy grounded in the School's downtown presence and long-standing commitment to serving Windsor-Essex, with a particular attention to equity-deserving communities. The session will focus on identifying shared research priorities, potential data and partnership configurations and governance and ethics considerations, with the aim of forming collaborative working groups. Participants from across the health and human services continuum are invited to help define shared research priorities, partnership models, and collaborative teams for future funding opportunities, including large-scale research infrastructure competitions.

Mapping Complex Chronic Disease Processes: A Novel Approach to Identifying Potential Root Causes
Marcel Dufour, President & Chief Research Analyst
Boomslang Analytics Inc

Boomslang Analytics Inc., in previous association with the Master of Computer Science Program at the University of Windsor and WE-SPARK Health Institute, are aiming to bring together the biggest and brightest Canadian post-secondary and hospital-based research institutions, patient advocacy groups, long-term sufferers of complex chronic disease, along with Natuopaths, to learn more about a patient-centric novel framework development with BOTH the research community and the patient in mind. 
Adoption of this framework would advance outdated siloed research methodologies, incorporate and utilize already existing patient data, and explore and access novel patient data streams thereby improving study/trial results, reducing time for study completion, over the long-term substantial cost reduction, enhanced drug development, and greatly improved patient results. Combining the field of complex chronic disease research with a patient-centric focused analysis will be a GLOBAL first, allowing CANADA to be at the forefront of health innovation.
This session will focus on providing an overview of the novel approach, the benefits associated with its adoption, and why partnering with small business will provide your organization with access to a forward-thinking model. The presenter is seeking to connect to post-secondary and hospital-based research institutions, patient advocacy groups, government assistance and potential funding programs, and government program leads interested in advancing patient-centric, data-driven innovation in complex chronic disease research. 

Designing Healthier Buildings: Adding Health Risk Insights to Building Information Modeling
Rajeev Ruparathna, PhD
Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Windsor

Canadians spend over 90% of their time indoors, yet buildings can unintentionally harm occupants through exposure to pollutants. These exposures are linked to respiratory diseases, cancers, and chronic health issues. Current sustainable design tools focus on energy and cost, leaving health impacts largely unaddressed. Using an engineering background, this project introduces a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based tool to empower architects and engineers to make informed decisions that prioritize well-being alongside sustainability goals. The presenter is seeking collaborators in environmental science, computer science, and related fields (e.g., public health, data analytics, human factors) to help develop this innovative platform.

If you have any questions/ideas for our Think Tanks or would like to present at a future Think Tank, please contact us at wesparkhealth@uwindsor.ca. To learn more about these events, please visit our Think Tank webpage!