Student voices and research took centre stage at Trent University’s Board of Governors meeting on March 27, as governors engaged directly with graduate researchers, student leaders, and varsity athletes during the Board’s annual student luncheon. 

President Cathy Bruce and incoming Board Chair Mike Lavallée commented on the critical value of student perspectives for effective University governance.  

“Student voices and their research are central to a responsive learning community,” said President Bruce. “Our annual student leaders luncheon allows the Board of Governors and Trent students to connect and reflect on the critical and leading-edge academic work at this university.”  

President Bruce also pointed to ongoing efforts to support student success, including access to renewable scholarships and bursaries for students in financial need, student jobs, and paid co-op opportunities. 

Graduate research in three minutes
Governors also received a preview of Trent’s upcoming Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, where graduate students present complex research in under three minutes. 

Dr. Craig Brunetti, dean of Graduate Studies, emphasized the central role graduate students play in advancing research at Trent. 

“The largest number of researchers at Trent are graduate students, which makes the profile of knowledge generation distinct here at the University,” said Dean Brunetti. “Grad students are integral to the function and mission of Trent. Their research is addressing complex issues and contributing to innovation across a range of fields.” 

Four graduate students shared their research at the Board meeting: 

• Mutza Dunzvara (Sustainability Studies) – examining barriers to development in Zimbabwe, with a focus on sanctions, energy production, and policy insights  

• Pratik Poudel (Environmental & Life Sciences) – exploring the spread of invasive cattail hybrids in North America  

• Dmitry Mishchenko (Advanced Modelling and Quantitative Methods) – analyzing data-driven decision-making in small businesses  

• Khadeja Haque (Sustainability Studies) – investigating environmental justice and disparities in healthy living environments  

All four students will compete at Trent’s 3MT® final on April 9 at Market Hall, with the winner advancing to represent the University at regional and national competitions. 

Peterborough community report highlights regional impact
The meeting also featured a presentation on the University’s many positive contributions to the Peterborough region through research, partnerships, volunteer activity, and economic impact. 

“Trent’s impact on the Peterborough region is reflected in the everyday work of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “From the hundreds of students conducting research with and for local organizations, the economic impact of the thousands of visitors to campus, and the extensive array of public talks that community members attend, Trent is a vital contributor to the social, cultural, economic and recreational vitality of this region.”   

Highlights from the 2025 report include: 

• Trent’s economic impact locally is more than $930 million annually, generating more than 8 percent of the GDP in the Peterborough region 

• More than $124,000 donated by Trent staff, faculty and retirees to the 2025 United Way campaign, contributing to a 60-year total exceeding $3 million  

• Nearly 23,000 volunteer hours contributed by faculty and staff, while more than 500 students engaged in volunteer community service for academic credit 

• 52 undergraduate co-op students in 17 academic programs are working with local employers across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors  

• More than 32 community-based research projects involving 10 areas of study and 25 host organizations, addressing local priorities such as housing, family wellbeing, and social infrastructure