In a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, Trent students embarked on a journey of discovery through community-based research, forging meaningful partnerships with local organizations to address pressing issues and drive positive change in their communities.

Trent University’s annual Celebration of Community-Based Research at Market Hall on March 28 marked a significant milestone with 103 students showcasing 57 student-led research projects – nearly double the previous year – in collaboration with 38 local government, non-profit, charity, conservation, and community interest groups.

Hosted during Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Month, the 2023/24 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 business, housing, and the environment 
• community panel titled “Building Capacity through Collaboration” with representatives from Innovation Cluster, New Canadians Centre, and Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance 
• an awards ceremony honouring outstanding student, community, and faculty leaders

"We are delighted to witness an increase in the number of students who are enrolling in community-based research projects as they recognize the value of this collaborative learning opportunity," says Kevin Whitmore, director of Careerspace at Trent. “As we saw at the event, work-integrated learning makes a difference not only for the community, but as students work on these projects they gain a whole host of skills and a sense of pride as they connect with the local community and their organizations.” 

Coordinated by the Trent Community Research Centre (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.

"The Trent Community Research Centre serves to advance community priorities through research partnerships with community members, and Trent students and faculty. These collaborations help to generate knowledge and insights that advance the social, cultural, economic, and environmental well-being of our region,” says Brittany Finigan, project coordinator for TCRC. “These partnerships centre the needs of the community while providing students with valuable opportunities to apply their academic skills in a practical setting to conduct research tailored to the specific needs of Trent’s local communities.”

This year’s showcase, hosted in downtown Peterborough to accommodate the growing participation and interest of both students and community interest groups, was also supported by a generous gift to the TCRC that aided expansion and allowed for two new additional awards.

Award for Commitment to Professional Learning and Partnership – presented by Careerspace to Regan Mania (Gzowski College), fourth-year Sociology student for her project “Exploring Use of GIS Technology in Policing” in partnership with Peterborough Police Service

Growth Impact Award - presented by associate dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Suzanne Bailey to first-time project supervisor Dr. Kirk Hillsley, assistant professor of Biology

Additional student, faculty, and community award recipients included: 

• Award for Innovative Poster Presentation - Madeleine Hardacre-Pearce (Gzowski College), fourth-year Sociology student who studied “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Services Provided by Peterborough Child and Family Centres” in partnership with Peterborough Child and Family Centres 
• Award for Innovative Oral Presentation - Olivia Gatez (Gzowski College) fourth-year Environmental Science student & Riley Bowman (Traill College) fourth-year Biology student who presented “The State of Herptile Biodiversity on the Trent University Symons Campus” in partnership with Trent University Facilities Management 
• Provost Award for Academic Achievement - Keyana Kamps (Champlain College), fourth-year Forensic Science student who performed a “Groundwater Review of Former Millbrook Jail Lands and Watershed” in partnership with Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance (BCWA) 
• Community Impact Award - Toryn Ruzicki (Champlain College), fourth-year Forensic Biology student who presented “Reaching Out to Downtown Businesses: Assessing the Effectiveness of the Unity Project’s Outreach Program in Downtown Peterborough” in partnership with One City Peterborough 
• Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research – presented to Dr. Kaitlyn Fleming, assistant professor with School of the Environment, for her support of student achievement 
• Award for Community Commitment to Student Learning - presented by Deputy Minister Tina Namiesniowski to Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group for its commitment to meaningful student learning and support in bringing academic studies to life

Community-based research projects are one of the many experiential learning opportunities that Trent offers its students, providing a unique and rewarding opportunity to directly, immediately, and positively contribute to the region. Conducting research that directly benefits the community is motivating and enlightening, empowering students to become informed on important topics and explore potential professional trajectories. 

“Completing a community-based research project with the Trent Community Research Centre has allowed me to strengthen my relationships in Peterborough, both inside and outside of the University, while putting into practice the research skills I learned over the course of my degree,” says Elisa Knight (Traill College), fourth-year Canadian Studies and International Development student who worked with Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) to investigate high school students’ interest in skilled trades. “It has also inspired me to consider community-based research as an interesting option for graduate work and my career path in general following graduation.”