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Inspiration Abounds at Trent University Durham Research Day 2015

Collaborative forum reveals strength and diversity of research capabilities at Durham campus

Inspiration Abounds at Trent University Durham Research Day 2015
Inspiration Abounds at Trent University Durham Research Day 2015

Think. Talk. Discuss.  Faculty, students and alumni did just that did when an incredible wealth of in-house research took centre stage at Trent University Durham Research Day on April 8.

Professors alongside graduate and undergraduate students from several academic departments took to the podium during the day-long event to share their research findings and expertise on a diverse range of topics running the gamut from “The Intricacies of Automobile Insurance Privatization” to “The Mysterious Case of the Philandering Officers and Naughty Nuns in Nineteenth-Century Portugal.”

Co-chaired by Psychology professor Dr. Beth Visser and English professor Dr. Rita Bode, the casual forum brought academics and community members together to celebrate and support multi-disciplinary research achievements and promote dynamic discussion.

“It’s always so invigorating,” said Professor Visser about the annual event. “The depth and breadth of research here is amazing. I can’t think of any other place where you get that kind of multidisciplinary perspective. It really is a great day.”

Ashley Toohey, a graduate student in the Psychology department valued the opportunity to present her work and learn new perspectives from other researchers. She recognizes the collegial atmosphere fostered throughout the day. “It bring us together as a community to celebrate each other’s research,” she said.

The event also served as a source of inspiration for undergraduates who are searching for their own research topics or are looking ahead to future education. Fourth-year Sociology student, Shaun Murphy, believes as students become familiar with their professors’ research they will also be more engaged in class.

“I think the whole purpose of university is to broaden your perspective on things and being introduced to various topics is really helpful toward widening your horizons,” she said. 

Committed to life-long learning, some senior members of the Oshawa community came to campus to attend the event, simply to learn something new.  Trent alumna Rosemary Spencer ’83 stated, “I find the talks are just brilliant. Whenever there is something that I can come to, I do because I think you always need to learn.”

Through vehicles such as Trent University Durham Research Day, Prof. Visser encourages the public to come and see that there is so much going on here on campus.  “We want to let the community know what we are doing here, to share in it and see that it is important,” she said. “People know we’re a great teaching institution. They also need to know we are a great research institution.”

Posted on Friday, April 10, 2015.

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