2025 Project Highlights

Explore the Community-Based Research (CBR) projects completed through the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) during the 2024–2025 academic year. Use the menu below to browse projects by department and discover how students partnered with local organizations to create real-world impact: 

• Biology
• Business Administration
• Environmental & Resource Science
• Forensic Science
• Global Development Studies
• History
• Masters of Management
• Mathematics
• Policing & Community Wellbeing
• Political Studies
• Psychology
• Sociology

Biology

#6286: What Amputees Want to Know as They Consider Osseointegration
Amputee Coalition of Canada
The aim of this project was to conduct preliminary research for creating a decision support tool for amputees considering osseointegration. It involved analyzing questions and answers on Facebook groups, along with interviews from individuals willing to expand on their posts. The research also included a qualitative review of osseointegration support sites. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for decision-making while emphasizing the importance of advancing knowledge in this area.
Monisha Kelkar
Faculty: Sarah West & Kristen Woodend

Business Administration

#6106: Exploring Options and Planning for a Car Share Program
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is exploring a Car Share program to support its affordable condo projects. The initiative aims to provide convenient transportation for residents without cars, reduce the need for personal vehicles, and lower GHG emissions. By minimizing parking space requirements, more land can be dedicated to housing, and in turn promote practical transportation and sustainable living. This project involved research through surveys of Habitat residents to understand their vehicle usage, along with an analysis of existing Car Share programs. The goal was to develop a simple, user-friendly car share system tailored specifically for Habitat for Humanity residents.
Cameron Conroy
Faculty: Raymond Yip-Choy

Environmental & Resource Science

#5118: Indigenous History & Relations at Armour Hill
Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group
The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as Armour Hill. Committed to a collaborative and inclusive approach, AMSG aimed to deepen its understanding of the Indigenous history associated with this significant local landmark. This project focused on reviewing archival documents to uncover connections to local Indigenous communities. It also aimed to develop recommendations for how AMSG could continue its efforts by engaging with Indigenous members and approaching these conversations in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Binita Ann Mathew, Doreen Atambo, Ian Cyr, Julia Simpson, Zwena Gray
Faculty: Tom Whilans

#6087: Public Use and Perceptions of Ashburnham Memorial Park
Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group
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.” It is hoped that these changes will increase stewardship and respect for the historical and environmental aspects of this park (bird watching, hiking, astronomy, war memorial ceremonies, school visits, tourism, etc.) while decreasing the known negative behaviours that occur on the hill (speeding, reckless driving, breaking bottles, garbage dumping, illegal fireworks, etc.).This project aims to understand how the public perceives and utilizes Ashburnham Memorial Park. The findings will help AMSG enhance its advocacy efforts and expand its reach by identifying best practices for community outreach.
Emily Beesley
Faculty: Stephen Hill

#6144: Monitoring Environmental Degradation in Simcoe County (Aggregate Extraction)
AWARE Simcoe
The goal of this project was to inform the community in and around Simcoe about the potential impacts of aggregate extraction and to assess how current policies regulated the processes involved in aggregate washing. The main concern of the project centered on the implications for the Alliston aquifer. Key questions addressed included the potential impact of current aggregate washing and extraction practices, particularly in relation to groundwater degradation, and what management approaches and policies could or should be implemented to effectively regulate these activities in the Simcoe region.
Claire Hinde, Harmanpreet Kaur, Phelisha Williams, Trystan Pilgram
Faculty: Tom Whilans

#6227 Millbrook Sustainable Development Project: An Agri-Ecotourism Assessment
Baxter Creek Watershed Association
This research project focused on understanding the agri-tourism and eco-tourism assets in the Millbrook area. Its goal was to explore how other communities had transformed local resources into regional tourist attractions and how these insights could be applied locally. The project examined available assets, mapped them, and provided a roadmap to guide the local community in developing a regional tourism plan.
Maxim Tandon
Faculty: Roger Picton

#6259: Research Towards a Seasonal Field Guide for the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre
Camp Kawartha
This project focuses on developing a field guide for use at the Camp Kawartha Environment Centre. The guide follows best practices in environmental education and incorporates the lived experiences of Camp Kawartha’s outdoor educators. Designed for all seasons, it allows educators and visitors to connect with the natural world through storytelling, fostering a deeper appreciation of the surrounding environment.
Eve Lockhart
Faculty: Stephen Hill

#6271: Brook Trout Restoration in Baxter Creek at Zion Lane
Trout Unlimited Millbrook
Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) abundance in the Zion Line reach of Baxter Creek is lower than in other parts of the watershed. The primary goal of this project was to develop a restoration plan for native Brook Trout populations in this area. The project analyzed historical and current data and compared it with similar habitats. The resulting recommendations will help guide future actions by Trout Unlimited.
Jessica Livingstone
Faculty: Autumn Watkinson

#6275: Natural Capital of the Baxter Creek Watershed: Ecosystem Services Valuation and Implementation
Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance
The Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance (BCWA) is a local organization in the Cavan-Monaghan, Ontario area working to improve the health and sustainability of the Baxter Creek sub-watershed area. This project aimed to evaluate the potential of Ecosystem Service Valuation (ESV) for the Baxter Creek watershed to enhance watershed management strategies in alignment with Ontario’s provincial guidelines. The study characterized the watershed’s ecological, hydrological, and social features to identify optimal approaches for integrating ESV into the Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance’s (BCWA) geodatabase, ensuring evidence-based decision-making.
Aaron Shimkofsky, Crystal Van Lare, Nico Ossa Williams, Scott Cecchin
Faculty: Tom Whillans

#6317: An Exploration of the Potential of Peterborough Schools to Support Local Biodiversity and Limit Exotic Species
Trent School of Education
The main focus of this project was to create a framework that could guide teachers in teaching about biodiversity. The project included preparing student research activities that could be conducted on school property, identifying links to the curriculum, and offering biodiversity maintenance recommendations to increase biodiversity levels in schoolyards. The project aimed to engage both teachers and students in a purposeful way while addressing barriers that could limit outdoor learning.
Erich Stephans, Jody Thompson, Kareena Chote, Luke Hoorntje, Shelby Sparks
Faculty: Tom Whillans

#6358: Self-Guided Tour of Trent Nature Areas
Trent School of the Environment
The goal of this project was to develop the script and graphics for a self-guided tour of Trent University’s Nature Areas. The tour aimed to engage a wide range of audiences, including children, by providing easy-to-use, visually appealing content. The project focused on creating an overall map of the foot trails, along with detailed maps of the individual Trent Nature Areas, highlighting key features such as terrain, biodiversity, and historical context. In addition to showcasing the natural and historical significance of each area, the self-guided tour was designed to promote sustainability messages and provide safety tips for visitors. The research also explored what types of content would best engage diverse users and attract more visitors to these Nature Areas.
Daniel Run, Abby McDonald, Kallista Laite 
Faculty: Tom Whillans

Forensic Science

 #6095: The Impact of Municipal Policy on Housing Security
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association
This project investigated how municipal policies affected residential construction and housing insecurity. It examined policies that supported or hindered new housing, assessed the implementation of municipal housing plans, and analyzed their overall impact on development. The findings informed potential policy improvements to enhance housing security and affordability.
Vanessa Estrada
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6113: Legacy of the Trent Community Research Centre: From Student Researchers to Community Engaged Professionals
Trent Community Research Centre
Throughout its history, TCRC has facilitated research that supports work done in our community while providing valuable research-based work-integrated learning opportunities to students. This project explored the influence of participating in community-based research on the professional trajectory and development of former student researchers involved with the Centre.
Paris Amery
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6220: Dalhousie Youth Support Services – Exploring Trent in DYSS Enrollment
Dalhousie Youth Support Services
This project involved reviewing 20 years of program data from Dalhousie Youth Support Services (DYSS) to assess trends in participant characteristics and needs. The student analyzed changes over time, such as participant ages and offenses, to help inform updates and improvements to DYSS programming.
Josephine Whalley
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6270: Impacts of and Best Practices in Response to Public Incivility
City of Kawartha Lakes 
This project explored the impact of public incivility on municipal staff, particularly following the pandemic. It examined how staff encounter angry comments, unrealistic expectations, and even physical threats, affecting their work and personal lives. The project focused on assessing current policies and processes, staff safety, and how to handle incivility while balancing citizens’ rights and municipal efficiency.
Johnny Girotti
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6276: Just Housing for Individuals Post-Incarceration
Human Services & Justice Coordinating Committee
This project explored new and existing supportive housing models for justice-involved individuals, focusing on the challenges identified by past student research, such as the reluctance of property owners to house individuals with complex needs. The project also examined the need for permanent and short-term affordable housing solutions for individuals with criminal records and complex needs, as highlighted by community service providers.
Chelsea Grundy
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6277: Best Practices in Community Re-Integration
Human Services & Justice Coordinating Committee
This project explored supports for individuals with addiction and mental health issues immediately following release from custody, focusing on access to naloxone to prevent overdoses. It involved gathering insights into current and best practices in community reintegration efforts.
Mina van der Mark
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6278: Peterborough Community Support Court: An Evaluation
Human Services & Justice Coordinating Committee
This project focused on evaluating the Community Support Centre (CSC) in Peterborough, a unique model that works alongside the regular court system. The project examined how CSC assists individuals charged with criminal offences, addressing substance abuse, mental health concerns, and intellectual disabilities. It assessed the effectiveness of CSC’s comprehensive assessments, supervised treatment, professional support, and multi-agency collaboration in supporting clients.
Jessica Feeney
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6284: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Family Program Evaluation
Peterborough Youth Services
This project focused on evaluating the Family Program within Peterborough Youth Services (PYS). It aimed to assess the program’s effectiveness in providing rehabilitation support to families of youth in conflict with the law, addressing factors that contribute to re-offending and ensuring quality service and desired outcomes.
Chloe Hunt
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6285: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Family Program Evaluation
Peterborough Youth Services
The Intensive Support and Supervision Program (ISSP) offers an alternative to custody for youth with mental health concerns or disabilities. This project developed an evaluation tool to ensure the program maintained quality service delivery and achieved desired outcomes for the participants.
Alisha Gopinath
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6309: Sexual Violence Prevention and Response: Community Engagement and Student Perspectives
Consent at Trent
This project explored student perceptions of sexual and gender-based violence, focusing on how these issues are framed in pop culture, social media, and social norms. It aimed to understand how the normalization of violence affects students’ views and experiences within post-secondary institutions. 
Katherine McCowan
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

#6311: The Unity Project Review in Practice
One City Peterborough
This project reviewed the Unity Project in practice, evaluating its outreach response in downtown Peterborough. The team provides on-call support from Tuesday to Saturday, assisting businesses by offering de-escalation and support for individuals in crisis. The review focused on how the project improves community safety, reduces unnecessary 911 calls, and lowers dispatch costs.
Shaela Pharis
Faculty: Mira Kapetanovic

Global Development Studies

#6231: Peterborough Youth Services Crisis Response Service Program & Outcome Evaluation
Peterborough Youth Services
The aim of this project was to evaluate the Crisis Response Service (CRS) and determine the most appropriate structure, form, and content of an evaluation tool for the service. This project will enable PYS to enhance the CRS program, to better provide services for children and youth with urgent mental health crises placing them and/or others at serious risks of harm.
Leon Wickramage
Faculty: Paul Shaffer

#6240: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Parent/Caregiver Support Services Program Evaluation
Peterborough Youth Services
The aim of this project was to determine the most appropriate evaluation tools for the needs of the Caregiver Support Services Program. Research included identifying measures to test the program’s effectiveness, accessibility, inclusivity, as well as the most appropriate way to receive client feedback. Laura Moledina
Faculty: Paul Shaffer

#6242: Effectiveness of Employment Support Services for International Students
Workforce Development Board
The aim of this project was to better understand how colleges and universities work to support international students in their pursuit of employment, identifying common and best practices, and opportunities to enhance supports for international students. Research for this project included literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, focus group and data analysis.
Reese Andison
Faculty: Paul Shaffer

#6282: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Directed Counselling Program Evaluation
Peterborough Youth Services
Over the past 3 years of the PYS Child Youth Mental Health (CYMH) programs, services and processes have undergone comprehensive 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. The aim of this project was to develop an evaluation instrument for the Directed Counselling Program.
Karen Huaman Rodriguez
Faculty: Paul Shaffer

History

#6096: The Oral History of Peterborough County Wardens 
Peterborough County
The aim of this project was to honour past Wardens of Peterborough County by creating an oral history through which their impact and legacy are documented and preserved. Research included environmental scans, interviews and culminated in the Warden’s Wall website. This project will benefit the cultural health of our community by recognizing and honouring past leaders.
Claire Pidduck
Faculty: Caroline Durand

#6347: New Canadians Centre – Immigration and Settlement in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong in 1825 and Present-Day
New Canadians Centre
This project compared the settlement experiences of Irish immigrants in 1825 with those of current immigrants in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong. Students created a comparative report and presentation using local archives, interviews, and academic sources to promote public understanding of immigration and encourage community-wide support for newcomers.
Abigayle Stoddart and Lily Prime
Faculty: Christoper Dummitt

Master of Management

#6170: Paramedic Leadership & Advocacy
Nova Scotia Paramedic Professional Association
The purpose of this project was to document the best practices of paramedic associations in meeting the needs of their members. A secondary purpose was to understand why these practices, methods, or programs were effective. The NSPPA and other associations struggled to direct their advocacy efforts to the appropriate channels within complex emergency medical service systems, such as those observed in a public utility model. Findings will help to guide the future direction of NSPPA as they grow as an association.
Group 1 (Fall): Hafsoh Omobolarin Aranseola, Maliha Mahjabeen, Yousuf Aftab Diwan

Group 2 (Fall): Hamza Mumtaz, Kshitij Malsane, Pengcheng Zhang

Group 3 (Winter): Rishabh Singh, Shuvo Ghosh, Ukamaka Uzu, Farhan Alam

Group 4 (Winter): Adebayo Ogunleke, Allison Gallacher, Nataliia Gasanova, Farzana Yeasmin

#6274: Analysis of Building Permits, Housing Starts, and Development Charges in Peterborough
Peterborough Kawarthas Homebuilders Association
This project focused on analyzing building permits, housing starts, and development charges in the city over the past decade. The goal was to understand the relationship between permits issued and housing starts, evaluate the effectiveness of development charges, and assess the financial impact on the city’s fund.
Group 1 (Fall): Al Fahad Limon, Afarat Rabbi, Muhammad Faraz

Group 2 (Fall): Bilal Mumtaz, Faizan Imran, Shivneet Singh, Sabit Kabir

Group 3 (Fall): Parth Manek, Rishabh Mishra, Rishabh Rishabh

Group 4 (Winter): Atharv Aher, Diana Atokple, Nayeem Julhash

Mathematics

#6349: Scale and Combination of Discrete Magnetogram
Geomagnetic Laboratory, Natural Resources Canada
The “magneto” project aimed to produce high-quality digital data from historical analog magnetogram records in Ontario. Sponsored by the precursor to the National Resources Canada Geomagnetic Laboratory, this student project focused on digitizing and scaling data for one calendar year to share with the scientific community.
Joey Frost-Xenopoulos
Faculty: Wesley Burr

Policing & Community Wellbeing

#6313: A Paradox in a Company Town: A News Media Analysis of the Canadian General Electric (CGE) Plant’s Toxic Legacy
John Ball Legacy Group
This project conducted an in-depth investigation into the toxic legacy of the former CGE/GE plant in Peterborough. It examined how hazardous workplace exposures impacted workers, their families, and the broader community, and explored why these harms persisted over time. The research also considered whether earlier actions, such as medical intervention or regulation, could have reduced the health and environmental consequences.
Jess Galante, Payton Hutcheson, Keelan Smith, Braden Kinmond
Faculty: Nick Cristiano

#6356: Re-evaluating Policy Chaplaincy: Assessing the Case for Reimplementing the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Chaplaincy Program
Durham Regional Police Service
This project conducted research to support the re-establishment of the Durham Regional Police Service Chaplaincy Program. It explored how to design an inclusive, evidence-informed model that offers emotional, moral, and spiritual support to DRPS members and their families across diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Amber Polijanowski, Drew Burt, Sarah Labidi, Tamara Ramsaywack
Faculty: Nick Cristiano

Political Studies

 #5063: Lived Experience and Social, Health and Economic Impacts of Inaccessible Housing vs Accessible
Accessible Housing Network
The purpose of this project was to gain insight into the housing accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities within the Peterborough region. The research conducted aimed to produce a starting point for the development of future surveys the AHN can implement. Work done on this project is intended to be used by AHN to lobby all levels of government for enforced accessible housing standards across Canada, as well as gain insight into the experiences of individuals with disabilities within Peterborough.
Ashley Chartier
Faculty: Jonathan Greene

#6362: Best Practices for Volunteer-Run Social Programs for Newcomers
New Canadians Centre
This project conducted a comprehensive literature review of academic and grey literature to identify best practices for volunteer-run social programs for newcomers to Canada. The findings aimed to support the New Canadians Centre in making informed decisions on structuring their volunteer programs to better serve newcomers.
Aiden Anderson, Ella Roth, Emily Rose
Faculty: Bharati Sethi

#6363: Best Practices for English Language Training for Newcomers
New Canadians Centre
This project evaluated best practices for English language learning and training for newcomers in small centres through a comprehensive literature review. The research examined academic and grey literature on current practices in communities like Peterborough, identifying potential gaps in available services.
Beth Vreugdenhil, Beth Wallace
Faculty: Bharati Sethi

#6364: Identifying Gaps in Supporting Newcomer Education through Volunteer-Led Initiatives
New Canadians Centre
This project conducted a comprehensive literature review examining academic and grey literature on gaps in economic volunteer-run tutoring programs for newcomers in Peterborough and Ontario. It aimed to identify challenges and areas for improvement in supporting newcomer education through volunteer-led initiatives.
Camryn Vanderklooster, Jayden Luscombe
Faculty: Bharati Sethi

Psychology

#6237: Alternative Communication Methods for Deaf Hard-of-Hearing Adults
DeafBlind Ontario Services
The aim of this project was to assess communication strategies employed in the home, workplace and healthcare settings by adults with developmental disabilities, who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or use non-traditional communication techniques.
Nirja Satra
Faculty: Sebastien Paquette

Sociology

#6224: Understanding the Domestic Violence Epidemic: Public Perceptions and Paths to Prevention in Peterborough City & County
Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network and Peterborough Public Health
This project addresses Recommendation 24 from the 2022 Coroner’s Inquest into the triple homicide in Renfrew County, Ontario. It is a longitudinal study featuring an annual public opinion survey on attitudes towards domestic and intimate partner violence within Peterborough City and County. By collecting valuable local data, the research findings will inform updates to public education materials, enabling PDAN to better tailor these resources to the community. This effort aims to support the goal of ending gender-based violence by identifying gaps, needs, and priorities in public education and outreach, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of PDAN’s initiatives.
Brooke Ambury
Faculty: Stephanie Ehret