Available Projects

We are now accepting applications for Winter 2025. 

Below is a list of available projects for Peterborough and the surrounding area. If you are a student researcher and see a project that you are interested in or would like to learn more about, please complete a Student Application Form.

U-Links Centre for Community Based Research

Also listed below, are projects offered by the U-Links Centre for Community Based Research, which partners students with projects in Haliburton County. For a more up to date list, please visit ulinks.ca/available-projects
Please Note: Student travel between Peterborough and Haliburton County is provided. 

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#5118 - Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group - Indigenous History and Relations at Ashburnham Memorial Park

 The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park. 

AMSG is committed to a collaborative and inclusive approach and is seeking to improve its understanding of Indigenous history associated with this key local landmark. The student undertaking this project will engage with local Indigenous communities and available historical resources to explore this history, and to help build relationships that will improve collaboration in a respectful and meaningful way.  

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

     

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#6133: Journal of Undergraduate Studies at Trent - Researching Student Engagement With Clubs and Groups on Campus   

The Journal of Undergraduate Studies at Trent is a levy group founded in 2007. The Journal works to highlight the research being done by undergraduate students and provide opportunities in academia. The Journal also employs undergraduate students in a number of roles, such as editors, reviewers, and proofreaders. The Journal is looking to engage more students with our group, as there has been a history of instability. We want to know how to engage students on a level that matters to them. The student and community groups in Trent and Peterborough are a key part of the cultural and social landscape and ensuring they are able to work with students on key issues is vital. The student working on this project will be building on work conducted in the fall semester (completion of a literature review and research design took place in the fall semester), so this project will focus on the collection and analysis of data in order to create a report with recommendations for JUST to increase student participation in the journal. 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

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#6144: Aware Simcoe - Monitoring Environmental Degradation in Simcoe County (Aggregate Extraction)

Information gathered through this set of studies will inform the community of current management approaches, potential impacts of activities and current management strategies, and will propose best practices for management of land use activities.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

  

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#6149: Karbon Brewing - Crafting a Handbook for Sustainable Brewing: Developing a Guide to Sustainable Beer Production (Business Practices)

As a leader in sustainable brewing, Karbon is committed to cleaner production at every stage. Committed to achieving net-neutrality, the company is seeking assistance to explore best practices in all areas of production and the value chain. Information gathered through this series of studies will not only inform Karbon's practices but will also lay the foundation for a Sustainable Brewing Framework that can be used as a benchmark for other companies into the future. This project will specifically focus on sustainable business practices (packaging, transportation, refrigeration, and general business operations). 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

       

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#6214: Womens Mosque of Canada - Expanding the Awareness on Honour-Based Violence in Canada - A National Project

This project will focus on the health and well-being of South Asian women within the context of Honour-Based Violence (HBV) prevalent across diverse communities in the GTA and across Canada. Our approach is guided by the World Health Organization’s comprehensive definition of Women’s health. South Asian women’s holistic health—encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being—is often adversely affected by barriers hindering access to support, especially in the face of HBV. This includes instances of physical, sexual, and emotional violence against women. Through targeted advocacy and educational efforts, we strive to create a supportive environment that fosters health and resilience among South Asian women.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

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 #6226: EasySips - Market Validation of Sustainable & Innovative Cups for Promotional Use in Local Businesses in Peterborough

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the market potential for innovative cups intended for promotional use by local businesses in Peterborough, offering a multifaceted range of benefits. Socially and culturally, the project will bolster community engagement and cultivate local pride by partnering with local businesses for promotions. Environmentally, the use of innovative cups that are biodegradable and plastic free will promote sustainability and help reduce the community's environmental footprint. Economically, by providing local businesses with effective promotional tools, this project is expected to stimulate economic activity and support job creation within the community.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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 #6230: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) - Adolescent Differential Response Service Program Evaluation 

Over the past 3 years, many of the Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Child Youth Mental Health (CYMH) programs, services and processes have undergone comprehensive program reviews resulting in the introduction of new services and interventions, greater clarity of language and process definitions, program/service descriptions, service referral screeners and communication tools such as brochures and web-based media. PYS is now at the point of needing to implement program and outcome evaluation processes to ensure and maintain quality service and desired outcomes. A program requiring an evaluation is the Adolescent Differential Response Service, which serves children/youth ages 10-17 and their families to provide safety, well-being and permanence to those at risk of experiencing or who have experienced abuse or neglect.  

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 
   

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#6241: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Case Management/Service Navigation Service Program Evaluation

Over the past 3 years, many of the Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Child Youth Mental Health (CYMH) programs, services and processes have undergone comprehensive program reviews resulting in the introduction of new services and interventions, greater clarity of language and process definitions, program/service descriptions, service referral screeners and communication tools such as brochures and web-based media. PYS is now at the point of needing to implement program and outcome evaluation processes to ensure and maintain quality service and desired outcomes. A program requiring an evaluation is the Case Management/Service Navigation Service, which serves children/youth ages 10-17 and their families experiencing mental health issues who are in need of timely and effective interventions, placing the child or youth and family at the center to best meet their needs.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6267: Forests Ontario - Ontario’s Heritage Tree Program’s Future

Forests Canada is looking for a new ‘host’ for its 14 year Ontario Heritage Tree Program: https://forestscanada.ca/en/program/heritage-tree.

The Ontario Heritage Tree Program has been recently assessed and found to be an important community tree recognition and preservation program in the province. The goal of this project is the identification of a qualified not-for-profit organization able to take on the hosting of this program. A strategic business plan for the Ontario Heritage Tree Program needs to be created and utilized to find the new host for the program. The plan should incorporate program goals, administrative processes, outreach needs, and long-term financial planning. This plan would be the tool used when discussing with candidate new hosts. Their feedback would be recorded, compared and needs assessed with a focus on what is needed to by the new program host. 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

    

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#6174: Blue Sky Community Healing Centre - The Shift Away From Colonial ‘Journalism’  

We are passionate about empowering young Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to be acknowledged as the next generation of storytellers on Turtle Island, and exploring how a shift away from colonial journalism can be a catalyst for healing, including land-based activities. ‘Journalism’ and the ‘news’ are social constructs. Both were created by white settler colonizers in order to frame, communicate and protect a very specific narrative. A shift in perspective is desperately needed, healing collective trauma and beginning again from a place of unity. The ideal place for this is on the land, renewing a human commitment to interconnectedness (All My Relations). Only from this place can we begin to shift what has been forced upon us. Instead of attempting to 'decolonize' institutional elements in place, we return to the storytelling of our ancestors, rooted in ceremony, respect and love. "Sharing" a story, rather than stealing a story. A return to the 'Circle' concept. The Circle represents that there is neither beginning nor end; everyone is equal; everyone belongs; everyone is welcome; everyone brings gifts and value to the Circle; everyone is safe in the Circle. This shift will be led by young Knowledge Keepers representing any and all genders, cultures, abilities, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Once this new being is birthed, the group will develop a model to teach and amplify this form of storytelling, partnering with libraries to create low-watt, community-based radio stations. 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

           

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#6275: Natural Capital of the Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance - Ecosystem Services Valuation and Implementation 

This project involves a detailed Ecosystem Service Valuation (ESV) for the Baxter Creek subwatershed using GIS-based methods. The first step is to compile or delineate the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) sites within the watershed through image interpretation and data aggregation. Next, conduct a literature review to assign ESVs to these ecosites. Finally, implement the ESV data into the BCWA geodatabase. The goal is to inventory the ESV for the Baxter Creek subwatershed based on current literature and ecosites, and to use this inventory to inform watershed planning.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

     

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#6283: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Community Support Team (CST) Program Evaluation

PYS is needing to implement program and outcome evaluation processes to ensure and maintain quality service and desired outcomes. A program requiring an evaluation is the Community Support Team (CST), which provides community-based services to moderate to high-risk youth who are on probation. The program delivers intensive, frequent and rehabilitative services, where interventions target criminogenic needs which are linked to the probability of reoffending. Services are based on "what works" literature and best practices for service delivery. Services are youth centred, and reflective and responsive to the youth, family and community strengths and needs.

The program focused on four main goals:

1. Improved functioning and positive social behaviour

2. Increased skills and abilities

3. Increased youth engagement with supports

4. Decreased re-offending

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6285: Peterborough Youth Services (PYS) Family Program Evaluation

PYS is needing to implement program and outcome evaluation processes to ensure and maintain quality service and desired outcomes. A program requiring an evaluation is the Intensive Support and Supervision Program (ISSP). The ISSP program provides the youth justice system with an alternative to custody program for young persons who have been identified with serious mental health concerns and/or intellectual disabilities, which were a factor in their offending behaviour. Youth are offered participation in effective rehabilitative services in the ISSP which assist the young person and family to achieve and maintain an optimal level of functioning, including counselling, vocational, social and educational supports, service coordination and advocacy.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6279: Trout Unlimited Canada - Fish Community Analysis in Baxter Creek at Zion Line 

Brook Trout (Savelinus fontinalis) abundance at the Zion Line reach of Baxter Creek is depressed compared with other reaches in the watershed. The primary goal of this project is to restore native Brook Trout populations in the Zion Line reach of Baxter Creek. Early stages of this project will analyze available data from this reach and compare/contrast with accepted research on similar habitats - biological data includes fish community and aquatic invertebrates, and physical data includes morphological habitat measurements. If the early work supports the pursuit of habitat restoration, next steps would include the design of instream and riparian restoration methods. Once a final plan is approved and permitted by necessary agencies, work onsite could be completed by Trout Unlimited members and volunteers, and students engaged in this project.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6280: Trout Unlimitied Canada - Brook Trout Restoration in Baxter Creek at Zion Lin

Brook Trout (Savelinus fontinalis) abundance at the Zion Line reach of Baxter Creek is depressed compared with other reaches in the watershed. The primary goal of this project is to restore native Brook Trout populations in the Zion Line reach of Baxter Creek. Early stages of this project will analyze available data from this reach and compare/contrast with accepted research on similar habitats - biological data includes fish community and aquatic invertebrates, and physical data includes morphological habitat measurements. If the early work supports the pursuit of habitat restoration, next steps would include the design of instream and riparian restoration methods. Once a final plan is approved and permitted by necessary agencies, work onsite could be completed by Trout Unlimited members and volunteers, and students engaged in this project.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6287: Vendalite Gabriel Incorporated - Assessing Carbon Output of Petroleum based Votive Candles (Part 1)

Each day, countless candles are used in churches around the world. As the world changes, beeswax candles have been replaced with petroleum-based candles, and an increasing number of churches are switching to electronic candles which are safer, cleaner, and have a lower carbon footprint. In order to better understand and measure the carbon emission differences between petroleum-based and electronic candles, Vendalite is seeking assistance in estimating the carbon output of traditional candles used in Roman Catholic churches. This information will be used to better advocate for a transition to lowercarbon options such as electronic candles. As the use of religious based votive candles is a world wide market, measurement of carbon emissions on an international scale is required.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

      

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#6288: JA-NEO Vision 2027 - Fostering a Pathway to Skilled Trades for All Students 

Students that take on this research project will engage in research to help direct Junior Achievement (within Northern and Eastern Ontario division) improve their programming that looks to promote youth engagement in the agricultural and skilled trades sectors. This project will look at the existing framework for promoting these sectors in the region and conduct research that will help continually improve local programming with the goal of promoting skilled trades.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

      

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#6270: City of Kawartha Lakes - Short Term Rentals, Community Impact and Benefit

​​We have Short Term Rentals in our communities and the municipality regulates and licenses these businesses. Statements have been made that STR’s come at a price to the community; owners reap the rewards and for some owners it is a revenue source and for others simply making a property affordable that may otherwise be unattainable. On the other hand, STR rentals impact the community in negative ways such as the neighbourhood party house in an otherwise quiet neighbourhood. Does STR based tourism, really support these communities and other businesses in a positive way? ​ 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

     

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#6310: Green Communities Canada - Best Practices for Engaging and Enabling Community Stewardship for Green Infrastructure Projects

Since 2021, Green Communities Canada (GCC) has been advancing green infrastructure in cities and towns throughout the country through our Living Cities Canada Fund. GCC supports grassroots environmental organizations to help them advance urban green infrastructure through projects such as depaving, rain gardens, pollinator patches, and miyawaki-style “mini forests.” GCC is connected to 30+ community organizations working on green infrastructure across the country. The project aims to identify best practices to enhance citizen stewardship committees and their structures to support green infrastructure sites. We seek to understand the current stewardship activities conducted by GCC members and identify effective strategies for engaging community volunteers. Core goals of this project are identifying methods of incentivizing volunteer participation and finding ways to ensure the monitoring and maintenance of green infrastructure sites, thus promoting long-term sustainability.  

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

      

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#6312: Canadian Family Health Counselling - Understanding the Neuroscience and Biology Behind Neural Network Therapy® (NNT) as a Therapeutic Modality 

The purpose of our project is to determine the connection between neurobiology impacted by Neural Network Therapy (NNT) and sustained improvements in mental health and well-being. The science of practical exercises compared to traditional talk therapy increases the longevity of emotional health. We hypothesize that this doing approach is getting on the right side of science. We'd love to work with an undergraduate biomedical science student who will conduct research on the effectiveness of one or two of the key NNT exercises. 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

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#6313: The John Ball Legacy Group - Paradox in a Company Town - An Historical Analysis 

The former CGE plant in Peterborough, and in several other industrial sites, has been documented to have been a highly toxic worksite. The health and safety of the workers, their wives/widows, their families, Peterborough City and County, downstream communities and the environment were impacted in many ways. The OEHCP completed their mandate in June 2018 just before the end of the Ontario Wynne government’s last term. Mostly these plant jobs were both well-enough-paid, jobs in what became worksites with a toxic legacy, especially the GE plant. There appeared to be a “blanket of silence” in the Peterborough community and beyond that tolerated a heavy burden of cancer and other occupational diseases contributing to multiple grief for many. Parts of this story have been told through events, the media and other TCRC projects. What is lacking is an analysis of “how and why”? Were there opportunities earlier for others, such as the plant medical team, to reduce exposures earlier? ​ 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

           

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#6314: Le Voyageur Outdoor Products - Market Analysis of a New Insect Protection Garment 

This company has designed and manufactured a new, unique and highly effective insect protection garment called “The Tick Suit”. Comprehensive market analysis of the potential marketability of this suit needs to be completed to assist this inventor and his manufacturing team to determine the best path moving forward for website design, and advertisement to specific target corporations, universities, militaries, government bodies etc. Although some market analysis has been done by this inventor, much more needs to be done.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

    

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#6315: Le Voyageur Outdoor Products - Biological Assessments to Support the Need for a New Improved Insect Protection Garment

In order to support the marketing aspect of LVOP’s plans, comprehensive and pursuasive Biological information needs to be collected and presented to the public to encourage the sale of this suit. This project focusses on the collection of biological facts, such as tick, mosquito and blackfly anatomy and how their physical strengths and weaknesses can be countered/controlled by the features of the tick suit. Example, Proboscis (biting mouth parts) length, width and strength needs to be compared to the thickness of the 3 layered mesh panels. Secondly, the life cycle of ticks/mosquitoes, blackflies needs to be analysed. Discussion also needs to be made around the medical break-throughs in vaccines and antibiotics, and the difficulty with which certain diseases (eg. Lyme disease) are diagnosed due to their ever-changing symptoms. 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

    

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#6316: Volunteer Peterborough - Addressing Barriers to Volunteerism in Peterborough 

​​Volunteer Peterborough aims to bring together dedicated community members and organizations seeking volunteer supports. In order to better attract and serve both volunteers and organizations, we need to better understand why people do, or do not, volunteer. By identifying the barriers facing those who might otherwise volunteer, we aim to develop strategies to alleviate barriers in hopes of better attracting and retaining much-needed volunteer supports for organizations in our community. The student(s) undertaking this project will help identify barriers that may deter or prevent someone from volunteering, and will begin to identify possible solutions to alleviate barriers. ​ 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6317:  Trent University School of Education - An Exploration of the Potential of Peterborough Schools to Support Local Biodiversity and Limit Exotic Species 

This project will measure biodiversity on several school yards across the city. It will also document the occurrence of exotic species on these landscapes. Based on the findings, recommendations will be made to school boards in the area regarding next steps in supporting local biodiversity while also making these spaces more enjoyable places to be, for those accessing them.  

 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6321: EVdrop Technology Inc. - Sustainable Transportation 

The project seeks to understand current and emerging painpoints associated with transitioning to, and adopting EV (electric vehicle). The outcome is to guide identification of services solutions that deliver a delightful charging experience for the EV user, and in turn, will increase utilization of these costly infrastructure being built. Further, this would promote more sustainable energy in the transportation industry. These projects not only provide valuable insights for the EV charging industry, but also help students apply research methodologies and critical thinking to real-world challenges in sustainable transportation.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6322: Easyfits Technology Inc. - Sustainable eShopping and eSelling Powered by Technology and back-to-basics Shopper Behavior Understanding

This project aims to create a Sustainable eShopping and eSelling micro-ecosystem that empowers small businesses, entrepreneurs, and school organizations through accessible selling technology. By integrating EasyFits' virtual try-on feature into templated e-commerce storefronts, the initiative seeks to reduce returns due to poor fit, enhancing user satisfaction and increasing store productivity. The research encompasses three key areas: developing technology, studying consumer behavior, and promoting social responsibility. Students will collaborate with local organizations to assess community attitudes toward virtual try-ons, conduct experiments on shopping behavior, and analyze social media influences. Ultimately, the project will create educational resources and campaigns to raise awareness about sustainable fashion, promoting informed consumer choices and responsible shopping habits.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

  

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#6323: Software Engineering Project with Durham Workforce Authority (Part 1)

The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) are working on enhancing their platform to automatically gather and display local job fairs, career fairs, and job training events happening in the Durham Region. The current system successfully pulls job listings for the DWA Job Board using webhooks and APIs, however, setting up a similar feature for local events has been challenging due to the variety of websites where these events are posted. The Durham Workforce Authority site setup for DWA users is ready but is not automatically pulling event data. The goal is to enable the site to aggregate event information from various sources like Eventbrite, Meetup, and local community organizations, including Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade. A DWA staff member will review and approve events before they go live. Ultimately, DWA aims to replicate the success of the job board by centralizing career-related events from multiple sources in one convenient location. 

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#6324: Software Engineering Project with Durham Workforce Authority (Part 2)

The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) is looking for a student researcher with knowledge in mobile app development using SDKs to work on developing a mobile app that integrates key features from the DWA website, such as the job board, labor market reports, and the jobs map, into a mobile-friendly platform for Android and iOS. The goal is to make these essential tools more accessible to the community through a dedicated mobile app. This project will begin with the creation of a demo app, with potential future development supported by DWA. Ultimately, the app would provide the community with easy access to DWA’s resources from their smartphones. 

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#6325: Communication Audit - Building the Foundation for a Communication Plan

Help the Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic improve its internal and external communications  by using your research, analytical and interviewing skills to conduct a comprehensive review of all communications activities at the clinic. To work with us, a student studying communications would be an asset. This project would also be of interest to a student studying business, policy/political science, or healthcare. This comprehensive review of the organization's internal and external communications will determine the current effectiveness and consistency of communications methods, materials and processes, such as what's working or what isn't working and how to improve communications going forward. This review would involve a variety of tasks including in-person interviews, an online review of existing communications materials and online surveys. In-person work would be minimal and some research could be done virtually. Based on the results of the research and review, the student would then make recommendations about specific strategies to improve communications with various audiences.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

    

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#6328: Vendalite Gabriel Incorporated - Software Update and AI Integration for Gabriel App

The focus of this project is manufacturing innovative electronic candles designed for use in religious facilities. These candles simulate traditional votive candles, offering a safe alternative for spiritual practices. The Gabriel APP has been developed to allow users to remotely light a 5-day votive candle from anywhere in the world. This feature is available at locations equipped with the electronic candle system, enabling the spiritual act of lighting a candle. The next phase of this project involves upgrading Gabriel to a web-based system. The upgrade will integrate AI-driven features where applicable, enhancing both functionality and user experience. 

 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

    

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#6329: Innovation Cluster - Data Collection for SME’s working in innovative industries in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

Data Collection of regional SME’s operating within the NAICS codes that match the target industries of CleanTech, HealthTech/MedTech, AgriTech, and Digital IT. The project’s objective is to research and develop a database of detailed information of small and medium-sized private and public enterprises (SMEs) with 10 to 500 employees. This initiative is designed to boost local economic growth, drive innovation, and promote partnerships within these critical sectors.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#5071: Council for Persons with Disabilities - Insight into Peterborough's Disabled Community

People who identifiy themselves with having a disabily experience low perception of social support and far more likely to be socially isolated. The degree to which the individuals are connected to their communities has a significant impact of their health and wellbeing. This is also true in the case of the pedriatic population, and the distressing feeling of social isolation has a strong influence on the children's mental health. We hope to bridge the gap between those who are isolated and the community by identifying Peterborough's comprehensive disabled population and the different approaches that can be initiated to interact with them. This will help us to continue to grow our programs and better our services.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6030: DeafBlind Ontario Services - Employment Profile of Deaf Population in Ontario 

Deafblind Ontario is in search of a student to identify and explore employment opportunities and rates for deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-verbal communities members, and analyzing the barriers to employment and potential differences by region. This student would develop a report based on literature review and a scan of public records, as well as conducting a survey of deaf/hard of hearing employees or employers. 

 

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

         

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#6345: New Canadians Centre - Informing services and programs for newcomers in Peterborough

The purpose of this project is to collect and analyze literature that will help the New Canadians Centre make better decisions on the design and delivery of their services. This will improve the quality of programs and services for our clients. The research will draw information on the best practices for newcomer integration including language learning, employment training, and building social belonging.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6347: New Canadians Centre - Immigration and Settlement in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong in 1825 and Present-Day

With the upcoming Nine Ships 1825 Bicentennial celebrations throughout 2025, the New Canadians Centre aims to reflect on the immigration and settlement experiences of the Irish immigrants arriving in 1825 and compare it to the experiences of immigrants settling in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong today. The purpose of this project is to promote more public education and understanding of the immigrant settlement experience and the importance of immigration, including the parallels and differences that exist across time. The project seeks to encourage the work of welcoming as a community-wide effort. It will benefit the social, cultural, environmental and economic health of community by demonstrating that what is good for newcomers is also good for the community. We are asking students to inform this project by writing a comparative report and conducting a presentation, drawing from local archives, primary sources, academic articles, grey literature, and interviews with New Canadians Centre staff.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

   

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#6346: Gamiing Nature Centre - Toward Better Times

This project involves conducting a survey within and around our community to identify its current needs and priorities. The goal is to evaluate how Gamiing can better align its offerings with these needs and enhance community engagement.  

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

      

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U-Links Centre for Community Based Research Projects:

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Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biomonitoring Projects

​(Multiple Projects Available - Visit U-Links website for full list)

NOTE: These projects may involve a field component (semester dependent).

Benthic macro-invertebrates (or  “benthics” or “benthos”) are aquatic, spineless organisms that live on the bottom of water bodies. Since the late 1980’s they have been used as biological indicators for common aquatic pollutants as they spend part or the entirety of their lives in the water. The use of benthics as an indicator of water quality is now used throughout the world and has been widely used in Ontario since the early 2000’s.

These community-based research projects are ideal for an undergraduate student as a full-term project and will include field work early in the fall. These projects can also be completed in the winter semester, which includes a lab component but no field work. Students are recommended to have OBBN certification or other previous field work experience. These projects are designed to be full year projects, starting in September and ending in April.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

     

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#5029: Delineating the Velocity of Climate Change in the Haliburton Highlands for the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust

NOTE: This project can be completed remotely

The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust has as its mandate “to conserve plants, wildlife and clean water of Haliburton County to ensure a legacy of forests, fields and wetlands, and the species they nurture.” To achieve this goal the HHLT is acquiring lands of ecological and cultural significance for conservation purposes. Informed and science-based decision-making is necessary to acquire and manage these landscapes in perpetuity as is the main responsibility of HHLT. Analytical landscape evaluation processes and tools are seen to be key to HHLT decision-making for new acquisitions, land management, monitoring and stewardship endeavours.

This project has as one its purposes to critically review one method available for estimating the velocity of climate change in the Haliburton Highlands region.  A second purpose is to recommend how this method can be applied by the HHLT for achieving its mandate of landscape conservation. This project is designed to for a single semester.

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

     

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 #5081: Serenity Wetland Assessment

Serenity Wetland Assessment (Available for SPRING and SUMMER Semesters!)
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
Many of the wetlands in Haliburton County remain unclassified, with their provincial significance unknown. The Serenity Wetland Alliance (SWA), is a volunteer group dedicated to the protection of the Serenity Wetland in Highlands East, ON. The purpose of this project is to gather relevant data and complete an inventory of species present through research and fieldwork, to initiate an Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of this project will promote the awareness of wetlands and their importance, and support other groups and organizations who are considering seeking protections for wetlands in their communities. This project is designed to be conducted in the spring and summer semesters, from May-August.

*This project is best suited for a small group at the graduate level

Sustainable Development Goals(s): 

    

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#5094: Underground Greenhouse Feasibility Study for Haliburton County

NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.

The purpose of this project is to research the feasibility of building an underground greenhouse/walipini for growing food in Haliburton County 12 months a year. How can sustainable features such as fishpond irrigation, geothermal and ceramic wood heat be integrated into the design? What innovative, local, or green engineering and construction features can be used?  This project would aid in sustainability and self sufficiency for growing food in Haliburton County and provide an ongoing educational component to the area. This project is designed to span one full school term, from September to April. 

Sustainable Development Goals(s):