Available Projects

We are now accepting applications for Winter + Summer 2023.

Below is a list of available projects for Peterborough and the surrounding area. If you are a student researcher and see a project that you are interested in or would like to learn more about, please complete a STUDENT APPLICATION FORM.

U-Links Centre for Community Based Research

Also listed below, are projects offered by the U-Links Centre for Community Based Research, which partners students with projects in Haliburton County.
Please Note: Student travel between Peterborough and Haliburton County is provided. 
Learn more about U-Links Projects here

#4992 - GiveLo Community Synergy

GiveLo helps to facilitate the support of Peterborough’s grassroots establishments and non-profit organizations by making it easy to give locally. GiveLo.ca is Peterborough’s one-stop shop for e-gift cards for local stores, and to make donations to local non-profit organizations.  

The student enrolled in this project will undertake a program evaluation that will inform GiveLo.ca’s future directions, helping to answer some of the following questions:  

1. Are there other programs or systems similar to GiveLo.ca? 

2. Why do members of the public get involved in the Peterborough community, and what would encourage others to do so? 

3. How can GiveLo.ca bring more support to our local charities, and how can GiveLo.ca help with fundraising? 

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of GiveLo.ca? 

Research Theme(s): Social, Economic

#4993 - Exploring Ways of Encouraging the Local Business Community to Utilize Undergraduate Students
 

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that works to strengthen the greater Peterborough business community. As a community organization, it is our goal to increase connectivity between Trent undergraduate students and Peterborough’s business community. In doing so, we hope to encourage more Trent graduates to remain in the community for work.  

The student undertaking this work will investigate the following research questions, design, and facilitate a survey and/or series of interviews: 

1. What should businesses do to engage with students, to hire after graduation? 

2. What should post-secondary institutions do to engage with students so that students can find employment in the local business community? 

3. What should students do to engage with businesses to find employment within the local business community? 

Research Theme(s): Social, Cultural, Economic

#4995 - Modernization of Membership Organizations 

The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization fully funded through membership registration. As an organization, we work with members to strengthen the greater Peterborough business community.  

In this project, a student will help our organization identify the best practices that other membership organizations use to support their Members. Potential questions to be answered include: 

1. What do Member organizations do to best serve their Members? 

2. How have member organizations evolved their practices to meet member needs? 

3. What are the primary challenges, risks, and opportunities associated with enhancing member service delivery?  Which Chambers of Commerce across Canada/Ontario are excelling in meeting member needs? What has led to their success? 

Research Theme(s): Social, Cultural

#5006 - Insight into Plan A Peterborough’s Community Uptake 

Plan A Peterborough is a local chapter of a national staffing agency that connects healthcare professionals with flexible work arrangements in various healthcare settings. Built with long-term growth and sustainability in mind, Plan A supports healthcare professionals build a work schedule that fits their schedule and lifestyle while increasing the availability of healthcare staff in high-demand care facilities.  

Since its recent launch in the Peterborough area, Plan A has seen limited interest and a lack of applications from health care professionals. The student undertaking this project would assist Plan A Peterborough in identifying the cause for this lack of interest and would identify possible solutions to increase uptake. 

Research Theme(s): Social

#5027- The Impact of Work Culture on Employee Engagement 

The Workforce Development Board (WDB) is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to provide labour market information, coordinate employment and training services, and engage employer communities. This study will provide insight into WDB’s understanding of workplace culture and its relationship to employee retention.  

The student undertaking this study will carry out surveys and consultations with employers and employees to explore the meaning of work culture at a local level, and to inform policies and practices that have a positive impact on retention and attraction of workers.  

Research Theme(s): Social, Cultural

#5063 - Lived Experience and Social, Health and Economic Impacts of Inaccessible Housing vs Accessible Housing

The Accessible Housing Network (AHN) is a non-partisan collaboration of Canadian non-profit organizations working to support the human rights of persons with disabilities to end the extreme lack of accessible housing. To support their work, AHN is asking the following questions regarding barriers to the development of accessible housing: 

1. What organizations within Canada support seniors and people of all ages with disabilities? 

2. What circumstances, policies, and pieces of legislation are cited by government agencies (municipal, provincial, and federal) as barriers to the development of accessible housing, and how can these barriers be addressed? 

3. What barriers (systemic, social, attitudes, etc.) deter the construction of new accessible housing by developers? 

In addition, AHN is interested in better understanding the representation of persons with disabilities within census data. The student undertaking this project may also explore the factors and rationale that influence a person’s decision to self-identify as having a disability. 

Research Theme(s): Social, Economic

#5071 - Insight into Peterborough's Disabled Community 

The Council for Persons with Disabilities works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by promoting equality, opportunity, and inclusion in the Peterborough region so everyone can contribute and thrive. Acknowledging the beneficial relationship between community, health, and wellbeing, and recognizing that those with a disability often experience a sense of social isolation, this project is intended to build connections amongst those who are isolated within our community.  

The student undertaking this study will help to clarify our understanding of the demographics and characteristics of Peterborough’s disabled population and will seek to identify appropriate ways to foster a sense of belonging amongst these individuals as members of the Peterborough community.

Research Theme(s): Social

#5086 - Sustainable Garden Practices

Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.  

The student undertaking Tecasy’s Sustainable Garden Project would review literature and best practices used by other gardens and would provide recommendations or a manual summarizing sustainable garden practices specific to Tecasy Ranch.  

Research Theme(s): Environment

#5090 - Sustainable Garden Practices: Soil Management

Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.  

The student undertaking Tecasy’s Soil Management Project would collect and analyze soil samples to assess the quality and would conduct research to identify strategies and best practices that support the growth of a variety of crops. This project should consider environmentally responsible practices and erosion-control measures to maximize crop yields.  

Research Theme(s): Environment

#5091 - Sustainable Garden Practices: Insect

Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.  

Recognizing the impact that both insect pests and pollinators can have on crop yield, Tecasy Ranch is interested in better understanding the methods that can be used to control pests, or limit the impact of pests, while supporting pollinators. The student undertaking this project would assess the expected presence and absence of insects on Tecasy Ranch and would conduct research to identify and propose best practices for insect management on the Ranch.  

Research Theme(s): Environment

#5103 - Grassroots Community Development at Meadowvale Mississauga 

Happy Neighbourhoods, a community group based in the City of Mississauga, works to build a sense of belonging within their community. They recognize a need to deepen a sense of connection and support within their community and are interested in learning how they can better address these needs.  

The student undertaking this project would connect with community members to identify specific needs as required to build connections and to provide social support within the community. Specific questions may include: 

1. What supports and connections do community members want and need? 

2. What supports and connections would support increased community involvement and uptake of social support programs for the general public? 

3. How can an improved sense of community be fostered? 

Research Theme(s): Cultural, Social

#5104 - Development of a Sustainable Annual Fundraising Plan   

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) is a feminist, not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence and harm. In Peterborough, we offer crisis support, advocacy and accompaniment, individual counselling, group counselling, workshops, and prevention education. In our three surrounding communities of City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland, we work with local agencies to provide responsive healing support and prevention education events. 

The student undertaking this project will develop a sustainable fundraising plan which will give KSAC a source of reliable donations to strengthen our services which ultimately benefits the cultural and social health of our community. Specific questions to be addressed in this plan may include: 

1. What is the scope of existing KSAC fundraising initiatives? 

2. What are the untapped resources for fundraising partnerships in the community? 

3. What are other successful SACs doing for fundraising in cities of a similar size? 

4. What do best practices look like for similar not-for-profit fundraising? 

5. What could an annual fundraising plan for KSAC look like and what are the key elements that need to be incorporated? 

6. How can a fundraising partnership with KSAC benefit local businesses? 

7. How can KSAC attract local businesses to partner with us in fundraising initiatives? 

Research Theme(s): Economic, Social

#5106 - Biodiversity Research for City of Peterborough, The Green Network Plan for City of Peterborough

The purpose is to supplement existing data that the City has regarding the biodiversity of Peterborough (and lay the foundations for an urban biodiversity conservation map). The increased data collection would help the City in policy making, planning and development. The City has commitment towards sustainable development which includes maintaining and supporting existing biodiversity. Maps can reveal patterns between a specific landscape and the organisms that live there. Identifying different species of organisms, classifying them into categories, and mapping the data for conservation and management for the future.

The goal of the project is to provide the City with relevant data on selected parcels of land and the larger role they play within the region. Regional Landscape Planning which allows site planners to understand their projects in their broader context and consideration when land use and open space policy decisions are being made. 

#5109 - Exploring Client Engagement with Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (CVITP) 

The Trent Accounting Society (TAS), in collaboration with The Happy Wanderers, is a non-profit organization that provides students with the opportunity to improve and master their accounting skills and provide knowledge about Accounting designations and the Trent Business School’s Accounting Specialization program. TAS offers free income tax preparation assistance for students and community partners who work with clients to complete and file their annual tax returns. 

The student undertaking this project will conduct a gray literature review to identify best practices for user engagement, barriers to access, and pandemic-related impacts in similar programs. 

Research Theme(s): Economics, Social

#5118 - Indigenous History and Relations at Ashburnham Memorial Park

The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park. 

AMSG is committed to a collaborative and inclusive approach and is seeking to improve its understanding of Indigenous history associated with this key local landmark.  The student undertaking this project will engage with local Indigenous communities and available historical resources to explore this history, and to help build relationships that will improve collaboration in a respectful and meaningful way.  

#5119 - Biological Inventory at Ashburnham Memorial Park 

The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park. 

AMSG is committed to preserving biodiversity within the park, and is interested in updating existing data accounting for the presence and absence of various flora and fauna. The student undertaking this work may explore and seek to verify observations in public-source data such as iNaturalist and eBird and/or may conduct a thorough biological inventory of species observed at the site.  

#5120 - Public Use and Perceptions of Ashburnham Memorial Park

The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park. 

AMSH is seeking to better understand how Ashburnham Memorial Park is perceived and used by the public. The student undertaking this study would explore existing survey data and would seek to collect additional data to address this need. Analysis of the data collected will help to inform future actions to increase stewardship and safety within the park.  

#5123 - History and Impact of Summer Explorations in Canadian Cultures

This project is hosted by the School for the Study of Canada at Trent University, and is in honour of the 50th Anniversary of Canadian Studies. The end goal is to create a book outlining the history of Summer Explorations in Canadian Cultures (SECC) which was an academic, experiential program which ran from 1997-2005 at Trent University. International academics interested in the study of Canada attended from all over the world to participate in seminars, lectures, workshops and community events for two weeks each summer. The program was hosted by the Canadian Studies program at Traill College and later by Julian Blackburn College and showcased Trent's Canadian Studies program on the international stage. This project will benefit the Canadian Studies department and Trent University by making a record of the global impact this program had on the field of Canadian Studies, as well as the return benefits for Trent University and the scholars who participated.

#5125 - Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Farming on Small and Medium farms  

The Peterborough and Kawarthas Economic Development wants to see if carbon markets could provide an alternative source of income for Peterborough farmers. We aim to better understand the status of carbon market regulation in Canada and Ontario and existing protocols and research on how to measure carbon sequestration in agricultural and agro-forestry soil. 

The student undertaking this project will explore the feasibility of involvement in the carbon credit market and will propose strategies to track carbon sequestration on small and medium farms. 

#6001 - Canadian Armed Forces Simulation Training Department: Simulations Assessment
 

The Canadian Armed Forces Simulation Training Department is in search for a student to gather useful information and develop a Performance Management Framework for the simulation that guides strategic decision-making on training and resource allocation. The Canadian Army training system must be prepared to adjust and react to emergent threats to ensure adequate training is being delivered to a broad audience and be able to generate tailored capabilities regarding specific missions.

Under the Army's 2021 modernization strategy, simulation is to be increased in all forms of training. Despite the appetite to enhance the use of simulation, there is a lack of an appropriate performance measurement framework behind the simulation, which is what the proposed student will be aiding in. 

#6003 - The Need for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Brock Township)
 

The Township of Brock is a rural municipality with a population of approximately 12,000 and are currently in the infancy stages of forming a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee. To develop this committee, the development of an introductory training module to address leadership and inclusivity must begin. The Township of Brock is searching for a student to help develop background research on inclusive communication, cultural competency, empathy and belonging, and unconscious bias, as well as researching best-practices for the creation of a professional training module.

By the end of the project, the student undertaking this project will have created an introductory training module to reach the goal of improving the cultural competency within the organization and enhance the ability to empathize and encourage a sense of belonging for staff, council, and the public that they serve.

#6007 - Feasibility study for low/no-waste wool production in Ontario

Mariposa Woolen Mill processes natural fibres including sheep's wool, alpaca, and mohair into artisanal textile materials. The organization strives to use ecofriendly soaps and sustainable practices to offer customers earth-friendly products. They are working to expand the uses and applications for wool as a natural alternative to many synthetic materials within different industries. 

The student undertaking this project will explore the feasibility of a zero to low-waste manufacturing facility for the production of wool, with the goal of improving the environmental sustainability of existing manufacturing processes. 

#6016 - Development of a Patient Engagement Evaluation Framework

CarePartners is a home care provider that provides Personal Support Workers (PSWs), rehabilitation services and nursing care for patients in homes, schools, retirement homes, clinics, and workplaces. The organization's services are available across Ontario, both in urban and rural communities. 

CarePartners is seeking to develop a framework for the evaluation of patient engagement, capturing perspectives of both patients and caregivers. The student undertaking this work will review existing evaluation methods and will identify additional strategies to drive proactive engagement with patients, with the goal of ensuring a positive patient experience. 

#6022 - Lawn Bowling Hall of Fame

Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club has partnered with Trent Valley Archives and the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame to create this project for a student. The purpose of the project is to enhance the image of the gender equal aspects of the lawn bowling sport. It will demonstrate the links of lawn bowling to the social, cultural, environmental and economic health of our community. The plan is to use the technique of group biography also prosopography to illuminate the history of lawn bowling in Peterborough.

#6023 - Shaping Community: Factors Influencing Buying Local

FriendLily is an e-commerce site that retails products from Canadian small businesses and contributes a percentage of the retail price to charities. The purpose of this project is to examine the factors that influence the individuals choice to buy local. Themes that the student may look at include prices on local vs chain goods and what factors may influence consumers to purchase higher-priced goods at a local business, such as proximity, relationships, and local investment. The student researcher will work with FriendLily to gather information through random and targeting interviews, researching demographics, and analyzing the market differences between small town residents and larger city residents. 

#6024 - Shaping Community: Volunteering

FriendLily is an e-commerce site that retails products from Canadian small businesses and contributes a percentage of the retail price to charities. The purpose of this project is to examine why people choose to volunteer, and what perceived barriers exist that limit volunteering. Some of these barriers that may be examined include time, travel, and scheduling. In addition, the student researcher will be asked to look at the outreach from volunteer organizations and how this effects volunteering rates, as well as the way that charities effect local communities. The student will be asked to gather information through random interviews, as well as research demographics and analyze any market differences between small town and larger city residents. 

#6025 - Solutions for Rising Commercial Insurance Rates

This research project, in collaboration with Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, will have the student researcher survey local businesses, talk with insurance companies, and work with stakeholders to create a series of potential solutions to the recent rise in commercial insurance rates. Rising insurance is one of the leading barriers for local businesses, and costs in some sectors have more than doubled in only a year or two. The Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce would like to find out more about what specific liabilities we might be able to advocate for changes to so that commercial insurance rates can be more easily managed. The main research questions that will be focused on include what has changed to make these rates rise, and are there specific areas we can advocate for the governments to shift liability to lower rates?

#6026 - The BCC as a Welcoming, Inclusive Community Hub

Buckhorn Community Center aims by 2031 to have strengthened their reputation as an independent, vibrant, and multifaceted community hub and tourist destination. Their goals are to create a welcoming, inclusive, and innovative place for social, arts, recreation, and wellness endeavours. To help achieve this goal, they are in search of a student to research the characteristics of an accessible community hub in rural communities, the current state of accessibility of Buckhorn Community Center, and how they can improve.

#6028 - Cybersecurity Risk Gap Analysis and Digital Migrations

The CFEO is looking for a Management Information Systems student to help analyze and assess their Network's cybersecurity risk gap. This student will work with staff members to implement quick fixes, and develop a roadmap for improvements and migration to full MS Teams/Sharepoint hosted environment, budget, and procedures to capture improved processes.

#6029 - Analyzing Regional Economic Profiles and the Performance of Community Programs

The CFEO is in search of a business related student to work with them to analyze regional economic profiles of their member offices, including labour market intelligence. This student will also be responsible for creating summary reports and effectively analyzing the performance of the Community Futures Program.

#6030 - Employment Profile of Deaf Population in Ontario - Deaf Population vs Employers

Deafblind Ontario is in search of a student to identify and explore employment opportunities and rates for deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-verbal community members, and analyzing the barriers to employment and potential differences by region. This student would develop a report based on literature review, and a scan of public records, as well as conducting a survey of deaf/hard of hearing employees or employers.

#6031 - Assisting Marginalized People Who Fall Outside Traditional Social Programs

The purpose of this project is to find solutions for people who are struggling with poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, addictions, and mental health, but are not accessing available services. For example, there is a tent encampment outside a shelter in our community. We would like to know more about why people would rather sleep rough in a tent than access an available shelter bed only metres away. The issues are more visible downtown, but are prevalent throughout the community. Others aren’t accessing addictions supports available. We as a business community want to help people who are falling through the social services cracks to improve their standard of living, which will have the added benefit of helping our downtown feel more welcoming and safe.

#6034 - Baxter Creek Benthos Survey

The Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance has proposed a project to assess the Baxter Creek watershed through collection of data on benthos species. This opportunity will provide students with a hands-on learning experience, as well as being trained and demonstrate their Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN) certified skills. Students will determine the identification of benthic species and then used benthos baseline data to determine associations with water quality and habitat assessment within the watercourses and water bodies on the Baxter Creek subwatershed. This data collection will further the current knowledge of the site and will aid in creating a stream rehabilitation action plan to help preserve the area for generations to enjoy.

#6035 - Baxter Creek Watershed Forest Resource Analysis