• RNAO

• Nursing Innovation Grant

Bay River College 2022
Infection Prevention and Control Course

University of Toronto 2018 – 2019
Entrepreneurial Certificate Courses

George Brown College 2017
Critical Care Certificate Program

Ryerson University 2015
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

St. Paul Secondary School 2010
High school Diploma (OSSD)

Frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses, will use these copper-infused scrub uniforms to reduce odour, support ergonomic movement, and minimize the risk of healthcare-acquired organisms. The integrated curved pocket panel inside the pants provides a smoothing effect and functional support while maintaining style, comfort, and antimicrobial protection during high-stress clinical shifts.

The scrub pants are the first to combine a proprietary integrated curved pocket support panel with copper-coated antimicrobial fabric, engineered specifically for the needs of healthcare professionals. Unlike conventional scrubs that often feel tight or accentuate lower abdominal bloating, this design offers gentle core support without compression; creating a flattering, ergonomic fit.

The connected inner pocket system is uniquely constructed to redistribute the weight of tools and personal items, reducing pressure on the hips and preventing pocket sag (a frequent issue during long, demanding shifts).

The copper coating provides natural antimicrobial and odour-reducing properties, helping reduce microbial presence on clothing between washes. This innovation bridges fashion, function, and infection control in one thoughtfully designed garment. Created by a nurse, for nurses, it directly addresses both the physical demands and hygiene risks present in clinical environments.

Healthcare uniforms today are often designed with cost and uniformity in mind, rather than functionality, infection prevention, or the real needs of nurses. Many nurses report discomfort, lack of core support, poor pocket construction, and scrubs that draw attention to bloating or apply pressure to the lower abdomen. Meanwhile, access to antimicrobial garments remains limited due to regulatory hurdles and high production costs associated with medical device classification.
My innovation addresses these challenges by introducing a thoughtfully designed scrub pant that combines comfort, ergonomic support, and antimicrobial protection. I source the base garment from a trusted manufacturer in China, then have it professionally copper-coated and assembled in Canada using a Health Canada–registered copper application process. While I do not own the copper coating technology itself, I plan to pursue medical device registration for the complete garment to enhance its credibility and clinical impact.

This innovation enhances the nursing work environment by improving uniform function, comfort, and hygiene; areas that are often overlooked but contribute significantly to job satisfaction, self-image, and safety. Comfortable and supportive uniforms reduce physical strain, especially for nurses experiencing bloating, fatigue, or postpartum body changes, allowing them to focus on patient care without discomfort or distraction.

In clinical settings, improved hygiene through copper-infused fabric may help reduce bacterial contamination on garments, a known vector for healthcare-associated infections. Nurses wearing this innovation will also experience less odour retention.

Educational institutions could also adopt these uniforms for nursing students to support practical training environments where infection control and self-care are critical. Over time, such garments may become a standard in healthcare attire, improving workplace conditions and performance across the system.

As a registered nurse and coroner investigator with the office of the chief coroner, I have deep insight into frontline challenges and system gaps in infection control, comfort, and professional identity. This innovation will be implemented initially through Copper Medical, my start-up focused on reimagining nursing attire through science and thoughtful design.

Within my professional network, I will pilot the innovation by engaging local nurses in the Greater Toronto Area through a limited product release and a “Lab-Tested by Nurses” campaign. Participants will receive pants to wear during shifts and return for post-wear laboratory testing to measure bacterial load. This not only provides real-world data but also fosters early adopter advocacy among frontline workers.

I have established a relationship with George Brown College’s textile innovation lab and plan to work closely with their team for testing and data collection. This lab will also serve as a springboard for textile validation and refinement.

Beyond my local network, I aim to partner with nursing schools and clinical training programs to offer the scrubs as part of a “clinical readiness kit” for nursing students, emphasizing infection control education, and ergonomic support. This will normalize the use of advanced uniforms and establish a standard of excellence early in nursing careers.

To encourage wide adoption, I plan to produce educational TikTok videos, supported by healthcare influencers, that demystify copper benefits, showcase lab results, and tell real stories of nurses who feel supported by the design.

Additionally, I aim to collaborate with long-term care and acute care facilities to provide early access trials; especially in units with high infection risks. I will gather feedback on durability, comfort, and perceived hygiene.

Commercial distribution will begin online, with an option for wholesale to hospitals and uniform suppliers at a later time. RNFOO support will provide credibility and open doors to additional funding and innovation ecosystems like OBIO or MaRS.

Through storytelling, user data, and strong visual branding, this innovation has the potential to transform not only what nurses wear but how they feel in what they wear.

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