Engineering is in Nolan Card’s DNA and as a third-generation Price Faculty of Engineering student, he is carrying on a proud family tradition. Thanks to funding from an Undergraduate Research Award (URA), Card is spending his summer working with Dr. Joe LoVetri (Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering) and his team conducting groundbreaking research in breast cancer screening technology.
“I’m taking this opportunity with my URA to see how research might play a part in my future career,” says Card. “While I’m still a little unsure about exactly what I want to do, this summer has opened my eyes to how important research is and the impact it could have on people.”
Card’s summer has revolved around recreating and improving on the phantom designs needed to test and calibrate new breast cancer screening equipment being developed in Lovetri’s lab. The phantom designs he is working on are meant to mimic specific properties of breast tissue, skin and the tumors the team is trying to detect.
“I've successfully reproduced earlier designs and identified clear processes that anyone can follow to recreate all parts of the phantom,” says Card. “I've also been experimenting with the recipes to make them easier to produce, and with sound speed and permittivity values closer to those of a real breast.”
LoVetri and his team will use the simulated breast models to test their dual-mode imaging technology, which is the first in the world to couple ultrasound with microwave imaging.
This new equipment will be an additional test aimed at diagnosing breast cancer and is designed to overcome the challenges present in current breast cancer screening and diagnostic techniques. Commonly used mammography imaging technology uses ionizing radiation and compression of the breast that patients find uncomfortable or painful.
The first human study for this patent-pending imaging technology is subject to regulatory and ethics approvals, which is planned for later this year. The results of these approvals would dictate the next steps for this innovative UM technology.
Reflecting on his summer, Card says “This URA has given me the opportunity to learn from a remarkable team of dedicated researchers who want to help save lives through technology. It has shown me all the opportunities I have as an engineering student.”
The URAs are funded through the Office of Vice-President (Research & International) and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU), along with support from faculties. These awards provide undergraduate students with access to exciting research opportunities.
The application period for Summer 2027 starts in mid-January. Find more information here.
For nearly 150 years, UM has transformed lives through groundbreaking research and homegrown innovation. We push the boundaries of knowledge and do the hard work here in Manitoba to move our community and the world forward. With a spirit of determination and discovery, we are shaping a better future for our province and beyond.
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