Thank you for joining us at Trent University’s annual Celebration of Community-Based Research at Market Hall on March 26th. This marked a significant milestone with 180 students showcasing 70 student-led research projects in collaboration with 41 local government, non-profit, charity, conservation, and community interest groups.
The 2026 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
- six student presentations on topics including volunteerism, sepsis and paramedicine guidelines, turtle habitats, mental health, and support services
- an awards ceremony honouring outstanding student, community, and faculty leaders
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(s):
Dallyn Rai, Levi Gaboury, Olivia Di Maio, Tanner Potts, TylerMcDonald, and Vedanth Devadiga
#6508 – Stewardship in Green Infrastructure
Host Organization: Green Communities Canada
Faculty Supervisor: Tapan Dhar, School of Environment
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:
Emma Brouwer
#6412 – Investigating the Role of Paramedicine in Sepsis Care
Host Organization: Dalhousie University - Department of Emergency Medicine
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Amy Greer, Biology
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:
Emma Brouwer
#6412 – Investigating the Role of Paramedicine in Sepsis Care
Host Organization: Dalhousie University - Department of Emergency Medicine
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Amy Greer, Biology
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:
Rio Flanagan
#6418 – Exploring the Transition from a Harm-Reduction to a Treatment Model of Support in Ontario
Host Organization: Human Services Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC)
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic, Forensic Science
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:
Matthew Makaroff
#6404: “Why NOT Policing”? Understanding Barriers to Recruitment of Service-Driven Youth
Host Organization: Barrie Police
Faculty Supervisor: Mira Kapetanovic, Forensic Science
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: Meghan Ward, The Land Between
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. Robin Quantick
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.
Winner: Dr. Stephanie Rutherford
