Hosted during Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Month, Trent University’s annual Celebration of Community-Based Research marked a record year, with 180 students presenting 70 student-led projects—the highest number in the Trent Community Research Centre's history—supported by 28 faculty across 17 programs and developed in collaboration with 41 local government, non-profit, charity, conservation, and community interest groups.

One of the projects earning top honours at this year’s showcase was produced by Emma Brouwer, a Biology and Linguistics dual-major student in the Medical Professional Stream. 

Through her community-based research project, Investigating the Role of Paramedicine in Sepsis Care, Emma (Lady Eaton College) partnered with the Dalhousie University Department of Emergency Medicine to explore how early intervention in pre-hospital settings could improve outcomes for patients facing this life-threatening condition. 

Her work examined the evolving scope of paramedicine, identifying opportunities for earlier detection, faster response, and more integrated care between emergency services and hospital systems. By focusing on real-world application, the project contributes to a growing field that positions paramedics as key players in preventative and responsive healthcare. 

Emma’s research stood out for both its academic rigour and practical relevance, earning her the Provost Award for Academic Achievement, which recognizes exceptional scholarship and impact in community-based research. She was also recognized for her ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, receiving the Award for Innovative Oral Presentation.  

"Our dynamic community-based research (CBR) and community service learning (CSL) programming through the Trent Community Research Centre allow students to apply their academic learning in the context of a professional setting, while helping students gain practical experience and expand their professional network,” said Dr. Mark Skinner, provost and vice-president Academic at Trent. “These experiences prepare emerging Trent graduates for future careers while supporting community development.” 

Award Recipients for 2025-2026: 

• Provost Award for Academic Achievement
  Emma Brouwer, Investigating the Role of Paramedicine in Sepsis Care, Dalhousie University Department of Emergency Medicine
  Presented to the student that best demonstrated rigorous community-based research practices to produce results of particularly high academic merit. 

• Award for Community Commitment to Student Learning  
  Meghan Ward ’16 (Lady Eaton College), The Land Between
  Presented to a community partner for their commitment to meaningful student learning and their support in bringing academic studies to life.  

• Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research  
  Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, Trent School of Environment
  Presented to a faculty supervisor for their commitment to Community-Based Research and student achievement and support of student achievement.  

• Growth Impact Award 
  Dr. Robin Quantick ’78 (Gzowski College), Trent School of Business
  Presented to a faculty supervisor whose commitment to Community-Based Research and/or Community-Service Learning contributes to the expansion of community-based education programming exemplifying their responsiveness to community interests and student achievement. 

• Community Impact Award
  Rio Flanagan, Exploring the Transition from a Harm- Reduction to a Treatment Model of Support in Ontario, Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC)
  Presented to a project that shows clear engagement with community needs and interests and has the potential for significant impact within the community. 

• Award for Commitment to Professional Learning and Partnership
  Matthew Makaroff, Why NOT Policing? Understanding Barriers to Recruitment of Service-Driven Youth, Barrie Police
  Presented to a student who exemplified dedication, creative thinking and problem-solving, and professionalism throughout the completion of their project, helping to strengthen partnerships within and outside of the University.  

• Award for Innovative Poster Presentation
  Dallyn Rai, Levi Gaboury, Olivia Di Maio, Tanner Potts, Tyler McDonald, and Vedanth Devadiga, Stewardship in Green Infrastructure, Green Communities Canada
  Presented to the students who have demonstrated highly effective communication and presentation skills in the design of their research poster.  

• Award for Innovative Oral Presentation
  Emma Brouwer, Investigating the Role of Paramedicine in Sepsis Care, Dalhousie University Department of Emergency Medicine
  Presented to a student who has demonstrated highly effective communication and presentation skills in the design of their oral presentation. 

Coordinated by the TCRC and Careerspace, the event—made possible in partnership with the Business & Higher Education Roundtable, and with support from the Government of Canada—underscores the mutually beneficial nature of connecting students with organizations seeking original research. Students gain career-enhancing experiences and earn academic credit while addressing local challenges through applied research. 

This year’s showcase also acknowledged the generousity of donor support to TCRC, as part of the Momentous Campaign, whose multi-year funding in 2023 has allowed for the thoughtful growth of community-based education programming while ensuring quality outcomes for the community host organizations involved. Donor support enabled each recipient to receive a financial prize in addition to a certificate and award. 

Visit the TCRC’s website for more program, project, and event details.