Researchers Drs. Sunny Li, Mojtaba Zabihi and Joshua Brinkerhoff /UBCO

By Vernon Matters Staff

Cleaner air

UBC Okanagan engineers create new system to clean indoor air

Nov 12, 2025 | 11:06 AM

With winter coming and more time spent indoors, UBC Okanagan researchers are working on a new way to keep the air cleaner and reduce the spread of colds and other respiratory illnesses.

A team of mechanical engineers, including doctors Sunny Li, Mojtaba Zabihi and Joshua Brinkerhoff, has designed a ventilation system that removes exhaled air before it spreads through a room. Unlike most systems, which blow air at high speeds or need people to stay in one place, this design moves air around each person and captures contaminated particles as they breathe.

“Good indoor air is key to reducing the spread of airborne disease, especially in shared spaces,” said Li, a professor in the School of Engineering. “Canadians spend almost 90 per cent of their time indoors, so the quality of that air really matters.”

Computer tests showed the new system cut the chance of infection to about 9.5 per cent—far lower than standard ventilation, which was over 90 per cent. It also removed up to 94 per cent of airborne pathogens when placed correctly.

“Our design creates a gentle, targeted airflow that catches and removes exhaled aerosols almost immediately,” said Zabihi, the study’s lead author.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

16h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

18h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

19h ago

Brinkerhoff said the system could work well in “places like clinics, classrooms or offices where people are close together.”

The team hopes to test the design in real spaces soon.

—