Self-directed group projects for summer 2026
Looking to gain hands-on experience this summer while working with other motivated students? Join a self-directed group project and collaborate on real-world challenges, develop practical skills, and bring ideas to life.
Create with emerging and immersive technologies
Design and create projects using emerging and immersive technologies with INNOVA and uOttawa Library.
Subject
- Develop initiatives using cutting-edge technologies (Immersive VR and 360° media, holographic technologies, interactive classrooms, light board, podcast and digital platforms, etc.)
- Gain access to new technologies (free of charge)
Activities
- Design and produce projects that incorporate new technologies
- Produce examples of teaching and learning innovations
Outcomes
- Deliverables: podcasts, videos, activity guides, interactive sessions or multimedia productions
- New skills: digital literacy, digital innovation, teaching and learning, technological support, creative problem-solving
Turn data into insight and real impact
Join a project with Career Development and Experiential Learning at uOttawa focused on analyzing graduate outcomes data to generate insights and strengthen how institutions understand and support student transitions to the workforce.
Subject
Work with three years of data from uOttawa’s Early Graduate Outcomes Survey to explore trends in employment, job alignment, skills use, and job meaningfulness.
This project combines quantitative and qualitative analysis, including the use of AI tools, to generate insights and inform strategies that enhance survey impact and institutional decision-making.
Activities
Analyze datasets across multiple cohorts to identify key trends and patterns.
Use AI tools to examine qualitative responses (themes, sentiment, insights).
Develop a clear and engaging infographic to communicate findings.
Formulate recommendations to improve survey reach, engagement, and use of results.
Outcomes
Deliverables: Analytical summary of key insights and trends, infographic presenting findings, recommendations brief to enhance reach and impact
New skills: Data analysis and interpretation, Use of AI for research and insight generation, Data visualization and communication, Strategic thinking and problem-solving
AI-powered construction takeoff automation
Join a project with DAS10 Inc. to explore how artificial intelligence can streamline construction estimating by automating material takeoffs from architectural drawings.
Subject
Work as a consulting team to develop a proof of concept (POC) for an AI-powered solution that analyzes residential exterior drawings and automatically generates material quantities. The project focuses on applying machine learning models to identify building components (e.g., siding, soffits, trims) and produce structured data to support construction planning and cost estimation.
Activities
Design and develop an AI-based approach to process architectural elevation drawings (JPEG format) using tools such as C# and Microsoft Visual Studio.
Train and test models using a provided dataset of residential building designs.
Identify, classify, and measure construction elements (linear and surface quantities).
Collaborate with DAS10 Inc. through mentoring sessions, feedback cycles, and project reviews.
Outcomes
Deliverables: Proof of concept (POC) application, structured material takeoff output (e.g., JSON / bill of materials), project documentation and summary of findings
New skills:Applied AI and machine learning, Data analysis and model training, Software development (C#, Visual Studio), Problem-solving in construction and engineering contexts, Collaboration with industry partners