Trent Community Research Centre
**Due to concerns about COVID-19 and the goal to increase social distancing, the Trent Community Research Centre in the Student Centre is now closed to staff and students, and all visitors. Our services will continue remotely and we are currently working through the transition. Please email all inquiries to tcrc@trentu.ca.**
Welcome to the Trent Community Research Centre!
For nearly 25 years, the Trent Community Research Centre has facilitated meaningful, and purposeful community-based research projects in Peterborough City and County, Durham Region, and Northumberland County.
Community-based research brings together the knowledge and research needs of the community with the research expertise of Trent University faculty and students. Research questions come from a wide range of community groups and organizations including local municipalities, social service agencies, conservation authorities, and community interest groups. Centre staff work alongside faculty to support students in their work and help guide projects toward successful outcomes for both the local community and students.
How do I get started with a Community-Based Research Project?
The work involved and time commitment needed for project completion can vary greatly. Community-Based Research (CBR) projects can be carried out as full- or half-credit undergraduate courses, undergraduate or Master's thesis, major research paper, PhD dissertation, or as an assignment within a course. Projects can commence at the beginning of Fall, Winter, or Summer terms. The TCRC provides support to students in the selection of projects that match their interests and program requirements, and ongoing support throughout their research.
Community Organizations submit project proposals to the Trent Community Research Centre . Once projects have been reviewed by research staff, faculty and community experts, these opportunities are promoted to students and instructors. Centre staff work alongside faculty to support students in their work and help guide projects toward successful outcomes for both the local community and students.
Project Spotlights
Every year, the TCRC supports over 100 Trent students as they do community-based research in the Peterborough area. The opportunity to do research that has an immediate, positive impact in their community often motivates students to do outstanding work. Browse the following examples of completed projects to get a sense of the exceptional work students do with us.
Exploring Indigenous Perspectives and Experiences of the Healthcare System
Tonya-Leah Watts assisted the PRHC’s plan by researching and reviewing current health care policies and conducting interviews with community members. With what she learned Tonya-Leah was able to develop key messages on ways the PRHC can improve their patient care and form stronger bonds with the Indigenous communities, which were presented to stakeholders.
Tonya-Leah's project won the Innovative Presentation: Oral Presentation Award at the Celebration of Community Research in March 2019.
Comparative Analysis of Peterborough Police Service Relative to Service Area
There have undoubtedly been changes in Peterborough's demographic due to continuous migration flows. Samantha and Raquel's project aimed to identify the gap between PPS and the citizens they serve. This allows for better understanding of the community by the PPS and facilitates better programing and relations to the community by the PPS.
Samantha and Raquel’s project won the TCRC Community Impact Award at our Celebration of Community Research in March 2019.
Best Practices in Municipal Agrifood Systems Initiatives
In 2014, the FF&F Working Group put out a report documenting how local activities aligned with the 'AMO Best Practices in Local Food Guide for Municipalities' entitled 'Peterborough in Context'.
The research conducted by Matt, Marina and Carly provided an updated report after evaluating what had changed in Peterborough County's local food system since the aforementioned report was released.
Matt, Marina and Carly’s project won the TCRC Poster Award at our Celebration of Community Research in March 2019.
Peterborough’s Perception of Immigration
In 2015, the New Canadians Centre wanted to learn more about how residents of Peterborough perceived the city’s immigrant community.
Sabina Thiessen conducted interviews, distributed questionnaires, and designed a focus group to help the New Canadians Centre find the answers they were looking for. Sabina’s research found that people’s opinions about immigration are generally positive, though there are also common concerns and worries about increasing immigration levels.
The Fenians are Coming!
In the past few years Lang Pioneer Village has showcased historical re-enactments of Fenian raids, but realized that their historical work could use more background research. Creighton Avery’s project documented the historical connection of the Peterborough area militia units to the Fenian raids of 1866 to 1870.
For her efforts, Creighton was awarded the Innovative Presentation award at the 2013 Community Innovation Forum.
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