Hands-On Community Research On Display at Annual Celebration
Creativity, problem-solving and partnerships were key themes on display at the Trent Community Research Centre’s (TCRC) Celebration of Community Research, an annual showcase of students’ community-based research projects hosted in Champlain College’s Great Hall March 27, 2018.
A total of 30 projects completed by over 40 Trent University students answered questions posed by a variety of local organizations and non-profits.
Research topics included: health care experiences for the LGBTQ+ community; understanding the increase in mental health calls to Peterborough Police; and public transportation needs, just to name a few. Each display and student experience also showcased the significant impact community-based research is having on local organizations, and the broader community.
“We put so much work into our projects. It’s really rewarding to share them with the community,” explained fourth-year Forensic Science student Scottie Curran, who completed a research project with the Peterborough Police Service investigating the increase in mental-health related calls to the Service since 2010.
“Community-based research puts the community’s needs and questions at the forefront of the project, and gives our students an incredible opportunity to not only help solve real, local issues, but also gain important skills for their future careers,” said Dr. John Marris, executive director of the TCRC. “When we bring together the students, their hosts, and the final projects, it is empowering to see the quality and impact of the work that comes from this program.”
As a part of the Celebration of Community Research, a number of Trent students were honoured with awards:
- Innovative Presentation Award (Sponsor: The Workforce Development Board and Trent University’s Centre for Teaching & Learning)
- Winner: Jennifer Boesche “How Much Can We Grow?”
- Runner-up: Abby Sparling “What Motivates Community Gardeners”
- Academic Achievement in Community Setting Award (Sponsor: Trent University School for the Study of Canada and Trent University Faculty Association)
- Winner: Lillian Hamlin “Ecopassage Analysis”
- Runner-up: Nhu Nguyen “Records Analysis, Community Support Court”
- Community Impact Award (Sponsor: Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3908 and Literacy Ontario South Central)
- Co-winner: Kasandra Tancorre “Best Practice in Host Home Development”
- Co-winner: Shannon Shillinglaw and Kathleen Walker “Accessibility in Downtown Peterborough Businesses”
Learn more about community-based research and other experiential learning opportunities.
Posted on April 4, 2018