Annual Celebration of Community-based Research Recognizes Excellence
Trent University’s annual Celebration of Community-Based Research at Market Hall on March 27th marked a significant milestone with 126 students showcasing 59 student-led research projects in collaboration with 36 local government, non-profit, charity, conservation, and community interest groups.
The 2025 Celebration of Community-Based Research featured:
- a dynamic research poster showcase – opportunity for researchers to share their work, exchange ideas, and receive feedback from peers and community
- five student presentations on topics including social justice, housing, and the environment
- a keynote speech titled "The World Needs More of You" by Rich Janzen, the Executive Director of the Centre for Community-Based Research
- an awards ceremony honouring outstanding student, community, and faculty leaders
As we reflect on the successes of the past academic year, we invite you to explore the impactful research outcomes and join us in celebrating the dedication and ingenuity of our students, faculty, and community partners.
Student Awards
Award for Innovative Poster Presentation
Presented to the student(s) who have demonstrated highly effective communication and presentation skills in the design of their research poster. Judges looked for high standards of design and information presentation, effective and imaginative use of space, and communication
of research process and results.
Winner:
Drew Burt, Amber Poljanowski, Sarah Labidi, and Tamara Ramsaywack
#6356: Durham Regional Police Service Chaplaincy Program
Durham Regional Police Service
Faculty Supervisor: Nick Christiano, Policing and Community Well-being
Award for Innovative Oral Presentation
Presented to the student(s) who have demonstrated highly effective communication and presentation skills in the design of their oral presentation. Judges looked for high standards of design and information presentation, effective and imaginative use of space, and communication of research process and results.
Winner:
Jessica Livingstone
#6271: Brook Trout Restoration in Baxter Creek at Zion Lake
Trout Unlimited Millbrook
Faculty Supervisor: Autumn Watkinson, School of Environment
Provost Award for Academic Achievement
Awarded to the project that best demonstrates rigorous community-based research practices to produce results of particularly high academic merit.
Winner:
Jessica Feeney
#6278: Peterborough Community Support Court: An Evaluation
Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic, Forensic Science
Community Impact Award
Presented to the project that shows clear engagement with community needs and interests and illustrates the principles of a community-first approach to research
work, creating the potential for significant impact within the community.
Winner:
Brooke Ambury
#6224: Community Knowledge and Perspectives of Domestic Abuse
Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network
Faculty Supervisor: Stephanie Ehret, Sociology
Award for Commitment to Professional Learning and Partnership
Presented to a student (or group of students) who exemplified dedication, creative thinking and problem-solving, and professionalism throughout the completion of their Community-Based Research project, helping to strengthen partnerships within and outside of the University.
Winner:
Ashley Chartier
#5063: Lived Experience and Social, Health, and Economic Impacts of Inaccessible Housing vs Accessible Housing
Accessible Housing Network
Faculty Supervisor: Jonathan Greene, Political Studies
Community Award
Award for Community Commitment to Student Learning
Presented to a community partner for their commitment to meaningful student learning and their support in bringing academic studies to life.
Winner: Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee
Faculty Awards
Growth Impact Award
Presented to a Faculty Supervisor who supervised their first Community-Based Research project in the current academic year, exemplifying commitments to community interests, student achievement, and expansion of personal and professional horizons.
Winner: Dr. Stephanie Ehret
Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research
Presented to a Faculty Supervisor who has demonstrated a commitment to Community-Based Research and the support of student achievement.
Sponsored by Trent University, Office of Research and Innovation
Winner: Dr. Mira Kapetanovic
