Students are currently conducting community based research projects for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. These projects in-progress span across a diverse range of programs and provides students with valuable real-world learning experiences while contributing to meaningful solutions for local organizations.
- Business Administration
- Biology
- Computing & Information Systems
- Environmental & Resource Science
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
- Forensic Science
- Gender & Social Justice
- Master of Management
- Philosophy
- Sociology
Business Administration
#6411: Short Term Rental Business, Licensing, Community Impact and Benefit
City of Kawartha Lakes
The City of Kawartha Lakes regulates Short-Term Rentals (STRs), which are properties rented for 28 days or less, benefiting tourism, businesses, and providing affordable housing. However, communities worry about potential disruptions to neighbourhood dynamics. This project will assess if the benefits of STRs outweigh the drawbacks for community support.
Student Researcher: Caleb Khan
Faculty Supervisor: Karen Pinto
Biology
#6405: Perception and knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among post-secondary students 18-30 years of age in the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario.
Immunize Canada
The student undertaking this project will explore the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of post-secondary students aged 18 to 30 regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine to better understand local awareness and barriers to vaccination.
Student Researcher: Natalya Blanchard
Faculty Supervisor: Kirk Hillsley
#6412: Strategies for Implementing Sepsis Guidelines within Paramedic Services
Dalhousie Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Emergency Medical Services
The student undertaking this project will write a manuscript on the facilitators and barriers to implementing the surviving sepsis guidelines within Paramedic Services. This research will inform EMS organizations about promising practices to improve sepsis care.
Student Researcher: Emma Brouwer
Faculty Supervisor: Amy Greer
#6423: Soil Health Analysis for Growing a Permaculture Food Forest
True Peace Toronto
The goal of this project is to analyze the nutrient content in the soil of our food forest. Our food forest has been baring very little fruits for the last several years and we suspect it may have to do with the quality of the soil. This project will help us understand if nutrient deficiencies are the cause of the unproductivity we are seeing in our fruit trees. At most, it will help us understand our soil better so we can rule out nutrient deficiencies and learn how to amend the soil to grow and produce better food and medicine.
Student Researcher: Shreema Satra
Faculty Supervisor: Karen Thompson
Computing & Information Systems
#6279: Fish Community Analysis in Baxter Creek at Zion Line
Freshwater Conservation Canada
Brook Trout (Savelinus fontinalis) abundance at the Zion Line reach of Baxter Creek is depressed compared with other reaches in the watershed. The primary goal of this project is to restore native Brook Trout populations in the Zion Line reach of Baxter Creek. Early stages of this project will analyze available data from this reach and compare/contrast with accepted research on similar habitats - biological data includes fish community and aquatic invertebrates, and physical data includes morphological habitat measurements. If the early work supports the pursuit of habitat restoration, next steps would include the design of instream and riparian restoration methods. Once a final plan is approved and permitted by necessary agencies, work onsite could be completed by Trout Unlimited members and volunteers, and students engaged in this project.
Student Researcher: Liam Atwood
Faculty Supervisor: Quazi Rahman
Environmental & Resource Science
#6386: Understanding and Addressing Illegal Dumping: A Case Study of Ashburnham Memorial Park
Asburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG)
The purpose of this project is to understand the psychological and social factors that contribute to illegal dumping in small towns, using Ashburnham Memorial Park as a case study. By examining why individuals engage in this behaviour and exploring effective strategies used elsewhere to reduce dumping, the project aims to identify practical, community-based solutions. The findings will support cleaner public spaces, enhance community pride, reduce municipal cleanup costs, and promote environmental stewardship.
Student Researcher: Meghan Elliott
Faculty Supervisor: Stephen Hill
#6421: Addressing Transit Gaps in Peterborough County
Peterborough County
This project explores how the lack of rural transit options in Peterborough County townships affects residents’ access to employment, healthcare, and essential services that support overall well-being. Through surveys and engagement with residents, the project will gather data and lived experiences to better understand the impact of transportation barriers. The goal is to identify key transit gaps, assess their social and economic consequences, and build a strong, community-informed case for improved rural transit solutions.
Student Researcher: Kala Leeder
Faculty Supervisor: Tapan Dhar
#6431: Designing Landscapes for Water and Wildlife
Otonabee College
We are looking for a student to support an exciting ecological design project focused on enhancing biodiversity and managing seasonal water flow in a naturalized space on campus. The student will be responsible for mapping the existing topographic features of the space. This mapping work will help inform landscaping recommendations that support controlled seasonal flooding and create conditions that attract and sustain a diversity of native plant and animal species. This is a great opportunity for a student interested in ecology, geography, environmental science, or landscape design to gain hands-on experience in applied research and ecological planning. The student will work closely with faculty and other project partners and may have opportunities to contribute ideas to the final landscape plan.
Student Researcher: Natalie Caines
Faculty Supervisor: Autumn Watkinson
#6437: Trends in Turtle Populations in Ontario’s Highlands
The Land Between
This project will analyze seven years of community-science turtle data to assess population health, age and sex ratios, and species trends along highly traveled corridors in Ontario’s Highlands. By using mileage as a proxy for search effort, the study will normalize observations and strengthen the reliability of population trend estimates. The work will involve data cleaning, statistical analysis, and comprehensive reporting, with implications that extend beyond ecology to land-use and infrastructure planning. Results will help guide road management decisions, highlight priority areas for mitigation, and provide evidence to support the installation of ecopassages and other protective measures. Ultimately, the project will generate critical insights into how development impacts turtle populations and inform practical solutions to reduce mortality and safeguard species at risk.
Student Researcher: Karmin McDonald
Faculty Supervisor: Tom Whillans
#6436: Assessing Critical Wetland Needs For Overwintering Success for Snapping Turtles
The Land Between
This project will assess wetlands in Ontario’s Highlands to determine their role in supporting the overwintering needs of snapping turtles, a species at risk. Using 8 km grid ranges, the approximate limits of snapping turtle travel, the project will quantify wetland basin availability on average across various “districts” and then evaluate their suitability for overwintering through remote sensing, to understand the average number of potential sites if adaptation to new areas is required due to wetland losses. Statistical analyses will then be applied to measure the significance of wetland distribution and quality to overwintering success. The results will provide critical insight into habitat requirements, and guide land-use planning, as well as policies to protect overwintering habitats.
Student Researcher: Esme Batchelor
Faculty Supervisor: Tom Whillans
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
#6396: Supporting Farmland Access in the Kawarthas
Kawartha Land Trust
The purpose of this project is to gauge the perspectives and interests of landowners in agricultural land trusts. Specifically to explore their perspectives on some of the following: Perceptions of the threat to local farmers and farmland; Their perceptions of ecological and local food focused farming; Their reaction to existing agricultural land trust materials (questions, concerns, interest); Explore the conditions under which landowners would be willing to participate in an agricultural land trust program.
Student Researcher: Erika Inglis
Faculty Supervisor: Karen Thompson & Daniel Amoak
Forensic Science
#6399: Exploring the Viability of a Cash-First Food Bank Model in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Food Source
This research project explores the shift seen in some regions, such as the West Coast of Canada, where food banks are moving away from accepting non-perishable food donations in favour of cash contributions. The goal is to assess whether this cash-first model—intended to improve access to healthier food could be effective in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The study will examine local donation patterns, operational capacity, and community attitudes toward cash-based giving. Findings will help determine what infrastructure, outreach, and policy changes would be required to successfully implement a similar model in this rural context.
Student Researcher: Caity McConnell
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6400: Implementing Planning Act Changes at the Municipal Level
Peterborough Kawarthas Homebuilders Association
This project aims to conduct a systematic review of grey literature to understand how changes to the Planning Act at the provincial level are being translated and applied at the municipal level. The focus will be on identifying timelines, processes, and the practical aspects of these changes. The goal is to provide valuable insights into how municipalities adapt to legislative changes, offering guidance for stakeholders in Peterborough-Kawarthas.
Student Researcher: Lara Merdian
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6402: Deterring Sexual Crimes
Elizabeth Fry Society
Deterring sexual crimes takes a multifaceted approach including strong legal frameworks, clear definitions of consent, penalties, support systems, victim impact, mental health, technology, addiction, education, reducing stigma, addressing underlying causes, healthy relationships, and a strong focus on prevention of future offences. There are very few programs to assist anyone with urges to commit sexual based offences against adults or children. The reality is it’s extremely stigmatized, so those struggling are afraid to come forward. Society as a whole should be encouraged to face this epidemic head-on to offer offenders a better understanding of their behaviours and offer substantial support before crimes are committed, thus protecting future victims of sexual crimes.
Student Researcher: Emily Haefling
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6404: “Why NOT Policing”? Understanding Barriers to Recruitment of Service-Driven Youth
Barrie Police Service
Despite a continued need for dedicated and community-minded individuals in policing, many young people who are drawn to helping professions such as social work, nursing, or mental health services are actively choosing careers outside of law enforcement. This research project seeks to understand the underlying reasons why service driven youth are not considering policing as a viable career path. The student undertaking this project will explore the perceptions, misperceptions, and structural deterrents to joining the police profession, aiming to generate data-driven insights that will inform and transform recruitment strategies. The goal is to reshape how policing is “sold” to prospective candidates by increasing transparency about the realities of the job, highlighting its community impact, and addressing concerns around culture, values, and public trust. Ultimately, the findings will support a recruitment narrative that better aligns with the motivations of a new generation committed to public service and social betterment.
Student Researcher: Matthew Makaroff
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6417: Addressing Stigma: Barriers to Housing and Re-entry for Justice-Involved Individuals
Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC)
This student undertaking this project will explore how stigma related to housing insecurity, interactions with the justice system impacts individuals’ ability to access stable housing and reintegrate into the community. It aims to identify key sources of stigma, from landlords, employers, service providers, and the broader public, and develop practical, evidence-based resources to reduce these barriers.
Student Researcher: Kayla Cira
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6418: Shifting Models of Support – Exploring the Transition from CTS to HART in HKPR
Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC)
This project examines the perceptions of Ontario’s recent shift from Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) to the emerging Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub model. In December 2024, the Ontario government passed legislation that led to the closure of 10 supervised consumption sites (SCS) across the province by March 31, 2025. To replace these services, the government announced the opening of HART Hubs. Unlike CTS sites, HART Hubs do not provide supervised drug consumption; instead, they focus on connecting individuals with recovery, treatment, and mental health supports. The student undertaking this project will conduct interviews and surveys with service providers and explore how this transition is perceived, the anticipated benefits and challenges, and its broader impact on service delivery. By comparing CTS, HART, and other harm-reduction approaches, such as physician-led models in Timmins and Paramedics in Lindsay, the project aims to evaluate how these models address the needs of people in the HKPR region.
Student Researcher: Rio Flanagan
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6419: A Regional and National Review of Alternatives to Criminal Charges
Human Service and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC)
This project explores the growing use of Pre-Charge Diversion and informal police-led aversion practices as alternatives to traditional legal processes. With a focus on the HKPR region, the research will investigate how law enforcement agencies determine when diversion is appropriate, and how restorative outcomes are shaped to reduce harm to the victim, the community, and the accused. The project will also examine diversion and aversion models across Canada to identify best practices that enhance community safety, reduce recidivism, and support vulnerable populations through non-punitive pathways.
Student Researcher: Rylin Wormington
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6420: Developing an Evaluation Framework for the Outreach LINK Program
One City Peterborough
The Outreach LINK program provides case management and peer-led support to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Peterborough, with a focus on those who are underserved by existing services. The student undertaking this project will support the development of an evaluation framework to guide future assessments of the program’s effectiveness. Collaborating with staff, the project will identify meaningful outcomes, evaluation tools, and key indicators.
Student Researcher: Abby Auger
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6424: From Silence to Story: The Role of Media in Community Response to the CGE Plant’s Toxic Legacy
John Ball Legacy
The former CGE plant in Peterborough, along with several other industrial sites, was known to be a highly toxic worksite. The health and safety of workers, their families, and the surrounding communities were severely affected. Although these were well-paid jobs, many workers remained silent about the hazards, resulting in a “blanket of silence” that allowed cancer and other occupational diseases to take a devastating toll. While parts of this story have been told through events, media, and past TCRC projects, what remains missing is an analysis of how and why this toxic legacy occurred. The student undertaking this project will examine and document media coverage between 2004 and 2018 through the activities of the OEHC-P Coalition, asking questions such as: “How did this toxic legacy happen?” and “Why were the media not reporting on workplace toxicity?” Building on earlier work by PLCW-3004H students supervised by Dr. Nick Cristiano (“Media Analysis #1,” A Paradox in a Company Town), this project aims to explore the media’s role in shaping public narratives and influencing justice and compensation efforts for those harmed by the plant’s operations.
Student Researcher: Savannah Barbosa
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6425: Neurodivergence in the Criminal Legal System
John Howard Society of Ontario
The project investigates how ADHD, Autism, and other forms of neurodivergence intersect with involvement in the criminal legal system, focusing on pathways to incarceration and barriers to fair treatment. The goal is to inform policy and practice that promote equitable and appropriate treatment, reduce recidivism and support individuals with neurodivergence.
Student Researcher: Alex Hanlan
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6426: Acquired & Traumatic Brain Injury in the Criminal Legal System
John Howard Society of Ontario
This project should explore the intersections between Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and involvement in the criminal legal system, examining how cognitive and behavioral impacts contribute to justice system contact. The goal is to identify gaps in support, inform policy, and promote rehabilitative approaches that reduce incarceration and improve outcomes for people with brain injuries.
Student Researcher: Kayley Thomas
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
#6427: Sexual Violence Prevention and Response: International and Domestic Student Perspectives
Consent at Trent
This project builds on a previously completed community-based research project (#6309) that explored student perceptions on sexual and gender-based violence, with a specific focus on how such violence is framed in pop culture, social media, and through prevailing social norms. Building on that, this project focuses on the diverse perceptions of sexual and gender-based violence among international and domestic students in post-secondary institutions. The aim is to better understand how factors such as culture and identity influence how students from different communities perceive sexual and gender-based violence. By examining the differences in how international and domestic students perceive these issues, this research will shed light on gaps in understanding and support systems across diverse student populations.
Student Researcher: Ellianna Wilson
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic
Gender & Social Justice
#6381: Understanding Barriers to Healthcare Access for Immigrants, Refugees and other Newcomers in Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton and Their Impact on Health Outcomes
Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team
The Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team (KLH OHT) is committed to advancing equitable, accessible, and person-centered care for all residents within our rural region. As part of our equity mandate, we are seeking to better understand the experiences and health trajectories of immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in our rural region. Despite arriving in Canada in relatively good health, national and international research shows that this population often experiences a decline in physical and mental health within two years, due in part to barriers in accessing care and broader social determinants. Early community engagement suggests similar challenges exist locally, but data specific to Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton is limited. This project will explore those barriers, examine their impact on health outcomes, and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve equitable access to healthcare services.
Student Researcher: Success Odia
Faculty Supervisory: Ellen Buck-McFadyen
#6398: Understanding Food Bank Demand and Supply Trends in Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes Food Source
This project aims to examine the growing gap between food bank demand and available donations in the City of Kawartha Lakes. By analyzing data from local food banks, the study will validate trends showing increased community need alongside a decline in food donations. The research will also highlight the unique challenges rural food banks face, such as limited access to large corporate donors. Findings will support evidence-based decision-making for future fundraising, resource planning, and advocacy to better serve food-insecure residents in the region.
Student Researcher: Stevie Lanigan
Faculty Supervisor: Kelly McGuire & May Chazan
Masters of Management
#6439: Improving Paramedic Service Delivery Through KPI Tracking
District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB)
We aim to improve our evidence-informed decision-making by better leveraging data and analytics to enhance the delivery of paramedic services in the district. This project will help identify gaps in our current data and guide the development of tools to support more effective decisions. A key goal is to understand how other small paramedic services track a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs). By exploring different KPIs, we hope to identify which ones we are already tracking and which ones we could begin to monitor.
Student Researchers: Ali Ahad Mansur, Michael Acquah, Mohammed Mubarik, Nurea Meherin, Obakore Obukohwo
Faculty Supervisor: Rob Elkington
#6440: Identifying KPIs for Enhanced Paramedic Service Delivery
District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB)
We aim to improve our evidence-informed decision-making by better leveraging data and analytics to enhance the delivery of paramedic services in the district. This project will help identify gaps in our current data and guide the development of tools to support more effective decisions. A key goal is to understand how other small paramedic services track a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs). By exploring different KPIs, we hope to identify which ones we are already tracking and which ones we could begin to monitor.
Student Researchers: Pedro Marin, Rizwana Ferdous, Shiru Fan, Swakhar Ghosh, Yan Wang
Faculty Supervisor: Rob Elkington
#6441: Enhancing Paramedic Service Delivery with KPI Insights
District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board (DTSSAB)
We aim to improve our evidence-informed decision-making by better leveraging data and analytics to enhance the delivery of paramedic services in the district. This project will help identify gaps in our current data and guide the development of tools to support more effective decisions. A key goal is to understand how other small paramedic services track a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs). By exploring different KPIs, we hope to identify which ones we are already tracking and which ones we could begin to monitor.
Student Researchers: Adenike Logo, Hemanth Prakash Gnanaprakasam, Irene Gorni, Talal Shakeel, Tien Tieu
Faculty Supervisor: Rob Elkington
Philosophy
#6403: Identification and Dissemination of Resarch-Engaged Teaching Materials in Support of SIM-Related International Education
Trent School of Business
The student undertaking this project will work as part of a research team to identify teaching resources (videos, activities, demonstrations, guides) relevant for the teaching of social issues in business and management. This will include teaching in the following areas: individual ethical decision-making; leadership ethics; ethics in corporate governance; organizational level ethics; ethics of capitalism(s); sustainability and regenerative business. The work will be disseminated to professors of business and management in business schools around the world. It therefore has strong potential to influence the teaching and learning of social issues in management (business ethics) around the world.
Student Researcher: Kasonde Mutale
Faculty Supervisor: Sheldence Simola
Sociology
#6283: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Community Support Team (CST) Program Evaluation
Peterborough Youth Services
Over the past 3 years, many of the Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Child Youth Mental Health (CYMH) programs, services and processes have undergone comprehensive program reviews resulting in the introduction of new services and interventions, greater clarity of language and process definitions, program/service descriptions, service referral screeners and communication tools such as brochures and web-based media. PYS is now at the point of needing to implement program and outcome evaluation processes to ensure and maintain quality service and desired outcomes. The student undertaking this project will evaluate the Community Support Team (CST) program, which provides community-based services to moderate to high-risk youth.
Student Researcher: Abigail Moffatt
Faculty Supervisor: Beth Torrens
#6316: Addressing Barriers to Volunteerism in Peterborough
Volunteer Peterborough
Volunteer Peterborough aims to bring together dedicated community members and organizations seeking volunteer supports. In order to better attract and serve both volunteers and organizations, we need to better understand why people do, or do not, volunteer. By identifying the barriers facing those who might otherwise volunteer, we aim to develop strategies to alleviate barriers in hopes of better attracting and retaining much-needed volunteer supports for organizations in our community. The student undertaking this project will help identify barriers that may deter or prevent someone from volunteering, and will begin to identify possible solutions to alleviate barriers.
Student Researcher: Anna Hykawy
Faculty Supervisor: Deborah White
#6430: Public Opinion Survey on Domestic Violence
Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network (PDAN)
This project aims to address Recommendation 24 from the Renfrew Coroner's Inquest by conducting an annual public opinion survey within Peterborough City and County. The survey will gather demographic information, including residence location, and use standardized questions to assess public attitudes toward domestic violence/intimate partner violence. The findings will inform the revision and strengthening of public education materials, incorporating feedback from communities, experts, and international best practices. By identifying gaps, needs, and priorities in public education and outreach, this project will enhance the effectiveness of PDAN's initiatives providing valuable local data to support the goal of ending gender-based violence in the community.
Student Researcher: Cloie Hanlon
Faculty Supervisor: Stephanie Ehret
