2023 TCRC Celebration of Research Recognizes Student Success!
The 2023 Trent Community Research Centre Annual Celebration of Research was held in-person on Wednesday March 22nd, 2023. Every year, the TCRC typically supports Trent students as they conduct community-based research across the region. The opportunity to do research that has an immediate, positive impact in their community often motivates students to do outstanding work.
Our 2023 Celebration of Research featured:
- Presentations from current student researchers.
- The opportunity to speak one to one with students to learn more about their projects.
- Our annual student award showcasing outstanding research contributions.
2023 TCRC Celebration of Research Celebrates Student Researchers!
Innovative Presentation: ORAL PRESENTATION
Presented to the student(s) who have demonstrated highly effective communication and presentation skills in the oral delivery of their presentation. Judges looked for high standards of design and information presentation, effective and imaginative delivery, and clear communication of research process and results.
Sponsor: County of Peterborough
2023 Winner: Ganga Sivarajan, Forensic Science, “Review of the Situation Tables in HKPR”, HOST: Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee
Innovative Presentation: POSTER PRESENTATION
Presented to the student(s) who have demonstrated highly effective communication and presentation skills in the design of their research poster. Judges looked for high standards of poster design and information presentation, effective and imaginative use of space, and communication of research process and results.
Sponsor: Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee.
2023 Winner: Amber Titterton and Julia Beggs, Gender and Social Justice Studies, “Market analysis for developmental teenage programming at Five Counties Children's Centre”, HOST: Five Counties Children's Centre
Provost Award for Academic Achievement in a Community Setting
Awarded to the project that best demonstrates rigorous community-based research practices to produce results of particularly high academic merit.
Sponsor: Trent University Office of the Provost & Vice-President, Academic Dr. Michael Khan
2023 Winner: Rachel Dickinson, Forensic Science, “Community Engagement in Support of Transitional Housing for Complex Clients", HOST: Brain Injury Association Peterborough Region
Community Impact Award
Presented to the project that shows clear engagement with community needs and interests, and illustrates the principles of a community-first approach to research work, creating the potential for significant impact within the community.
Sponsors: CUPE Local 3908 and OPSEU Local 365
2023 Winner: Chelsea Reid, Forensic Science, “Exploring the Viability of a Community Health Centre Approach in HKPR”, HOST: Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee
Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research
Awarded to a Faculty Supervisor who has demonstrated a commitment to Community-Based Research, and the support of student achievement.
Sponsor: Trent University Office of Research and Innovation
2023 Winner: Deborah White Professor, Sociology. Professor White supervised the following project: “Engaging at Risk Youth in Alternative Settings ".
Award for Community Commitment to Student Learning
Presented to a community partner for their commitment to meaningful student learning and their support in bringing academic studies to life.
Sponsor: Trent University Office of External Relations and Development
2023 Winner: Tecasy Ranch
2022-2023 Completed CBR Projects
#5055 - Regional Analysis of Strategic & Community Action Plans
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) leads Peterborough’s economic growth by attracting talent, innovation, and investments that create desirable jobs and an irresistible place to live and visit. Throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas, several organizations have developed strategic plans and active community plans that speak to or have a role in economic development. The student undertaking this project will review current strategic and active community plans, identify actions and deliverables in each, and assess the alignment of these with those included in PKED’s 2020-2024 Future Ready Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.
Student(s): Charlene Allen & Tahmid Ar Rafid
Department: International Development Studies
Organization: Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development
#5065 - FASD and Best Practices for Supportive Housing
A support group for mothers of adopted children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is seeking assistance in identifying available resources and support for their children. Mothers within this group have identified a particular lack of resources and support for young adults living with FASD, many of whom are currently experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and higher rates of criminalization. The student undertaking this project will explore existing models for funding, and housing supports specific to individuals with FASD, and will identify best practices for support of individuals within this demographic.
Student(s): Leili Esken
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: FASD Moms
#5073 - Engaging At Risk Youth in Alternative Settings
Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) is a public board overseeing the governance of schools throughout the City and Counties of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and the District of Muskoka. In all, the board supports over 16,000 students attending 41 elementary schools, seven secondary schools, and six alternate education and training centres. The board is currently seeking to understand and increase uptake of non-academic programming covered through their alternative education programs for at-risk youth within the board.The student undertaking this project will identify current approaches used by TLDSB to engage with and encourage participation by at-risk youth accessing programs through Alternative Education Centres and will highlight current barriers that limit attendance and engagement. In addition, this student will identify best practices and successful models utilized by other institutions that can inform future approaches.
Student(s): Brooklyn Bartlett
Department: Sociology
Organization: Trillium Lakelands District School Board
#5082 - Friends of the Muskoka Watershed’s (FMW) Citizen Science Program
The Friends of the Muskoka Watershed (FMW) is a Canadian non-profit organization working to address the most severe threats to the Muskoka watershed, foster knowledge needed to address threats to the watershed and motivate the public and policymakers to act in protection of the watershed. FMW’s AshMuskoka project is a citizen science project that enriches understanding of the soil quality and tree vitality benefits of wood ash additions, harnessing community engagement and collecting widespread geographic data. The student undertaking this project will support the continued success of this citizen science project by helping to better understand why members of the community may or may not participate in a citizen science project.
Student(s): Serena Karevich
Department: International Development Studies
Organization: Friends of the Muskoka Watershed
#5092 - Sustainable Garden: Socioeconomic Impact
Tecasy Ranch is a private property featuring a community garden that grows and distributes food to those most vulnerable to food insecurity. The organization is seeking support for a series of projects intended to maximize the food production of their garden while maintaining an eco-friendly and sustainable approach. Tecasy Ranch is interested in measuring the socioeconomic of their project. The student undertaking this project will further consider the impacts that food donations have for marginalized communities, and will explore opportunities to expand on current partnerships for the distribution of produce.
Student(s): Maia Sitzer
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: Tecasy Ranch
#5102 - Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere: State of the Bay Lesson in a Backpack
For almost 20 years, GBB has contributed to eastern Georgian Bay’s education community through science-based youth programs. Lessons-in-a-Backpack were designed for use by educators in a school setting and meet the Ontario curriculum, with over 25 lessons for grades 1-9 currently available.Student researchers will contribute to the expansion of these current offerings through the development of two new LIAB packages. They will develop two new curriculum-linked lessons and resources packages to accompany the 2023 launch of GBB's State of the Bay Ecosystem Health Report, which provides a snapshot of the environmental health of eastern and northern Georgian Bay. Lessons will help inform students of the health of their local region using age-appropriate language and content.
Student(s): Sophia Ramirez-Hennessey
Department: Environmental Studies
Organization: Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere
#5102 - Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere: State of the Bay Lesson in a Backpack
For almost 20 years, GBB has contributed to eastern Georgian Bay’s education community through science-based youth programs. Lessons-in-a-Backpack were designed for use by educators in a school setting and meet the Ontario curriculum, with over 25 lessons for grades 1-9 currently available.Student researchers will contribute to the expansion of these current offerings through the development of two new LIAB packages. They will develop two new curriculum-linked lessons and resources packages to accompany the 2023 launch of GBB's State of the Bay Ecosystem Health Report, which provides a snapshot of the environmental health of eastern and northern Georgian Bay. Lessons will help inform students of the health of their local region using age-appropriate language and content.
Student(s): Mitchell Montero
Department: Environmental Studies
Organization: Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere
#5105 - NPLC Strategic Plan, Environmental Scan and SWOT (2023-26)
The 360 Clinic has an interdisciplinary team with expertise in providing primary care to people with health risks including poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, experiences of violence and trauma, serious mental health issues and social isolation. We focus on improving health equity and access to the social determinants of health – things like food, income and safe housing. 360 Clinic staff are linked with many community partners and provide outreach to connect with individuals who may be reluctant to have health care or who are unable to access health care. The clinic has same-day “when needed” scheduling for patients. Laundry and shower programs assist with the practical needs of low-income people and homeless individuals and also provide a low-threshold way for people to connect with the clinic. The students undertaking this project will conduct a SWOT analysis as the basis for developing the next Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic strategic plan. Given that the clinic serves a vital but marginalized segment of the community, the resultant plan, based on the project outcomes, will benefit and address the social determinants of health for clients.
Student(s): Francesca Bravo & Irene Suvillaga
Department: International Development Studies
Organization: 360 Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic
#5112 - Revival of Half-way Houses in Ontario
The Human Services Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC) is working with a student researcher to explore the potential of the 'half-way house' supportive housing model in Ontario. This model of housing has been widely viewed as successful in terms of supporting complex clients requiring 24/7 supportive housing. Broadly, this research complements the results of previous community-based research projects that focused on the viability of transitional housing post-incarceration. This new study will explore the ways in which the half-way house model has been effective at supporting complex clients, how it has been shown to reduce occurrence of interactions with the criminal justice system. It will further explore how this model is currently being applied in Ontario, and how it could be applied within the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge region.
Student(s): Mitchell Whalen
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: Human Services Justice Coordinating Committee
#5116 - Mental Health Readiness in Forensic Science
Trent University's Forensic Science Department prepares students for careers in forensics. The Department is seeking a student to support the development of a mental health readiness program to better prepare forensic science students for the realities placements. The student undertaking this work will consult with a number of industry experts to create a mental health training program that will better prepare students for the industry and the personal challenges they may face within their education and career.
Student(s): Nicholas Eke
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: Trent Forensic Science Department
#5117 - Community Engagement in Support of Transitional Housing for Complex Clients
The Brain Injury Association of Peterborough supports members of our community coping with acquired brain injury (ABI) through the delivery of specialized programming designed with clients in response to their specific needs. This research project will examine how community members can serve as a bridge for complex clients through the provision of stable housing. The student undertaking this research will develop an overview of the ways in which stable housing can support complex clients and reduce the likelihood of contact with the criminal justice system. They will further explore models for transitional housing used in other jurisdictions and will explore the ways in which these models can be implemented in the Peterborough region.
Student(s): Rachel Dickinson
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: Brain Injury Association of Peterborough
#5124 - Temporal Study of Invasive Species on Trent Campus to Inform Management Plans
With approximately 1,400 acres of land situated on the banks of the Otonabee River, and with over 30km of nature trails, Trent boasts beautiful natural spaces that support many native species. However, invasive species have become increasingly prevalent over the years. This study will explore the historical trends of documented invasive species in the Trent Nature Areas with a specific focus on common buckthorn and dog strangling vine. It will explore the perceptions of lands managers as they relate to invasive species management, and will propose some possible management strategies for the control of these species in the Trent Nature Areas.
Student(s): Kira Nixon
Department: Environmental Science
Organization: Trent Nature Areas Stewardship Group
#5125 - Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Farming on Small and Medium farms
The Peterborough and Kawarthas Economic Development wants to see if carbon markets could provide an alternative source of income for Peterborough farmers. We aim to better understand the status of carbon market regulation in Canada and Ontario and existing protocols and research on how to measure carbon sequestration in agricultural and agro-forestry soil. The student undertaking this project will explore the feasibility of involvement in the carbon credit market and will propose strategies to track carbon sequestration on small and medium farms.
Student(s): Victoria VanSlyke
Department: Environmental Science
Organization: Peterborough and te Kawarthas Economic Department
#6005 - Community-Based Researcher in Residence
Trent University’s student run newspaper, The Arthur, is an outlet for many students to indulge in journalism and creative writing. Acknowledging the importance of student lead discussions, The Arthur wants to build opportunities of collaboration and community happenings for students in the Peterborough-Nogojiwanong or University community within a research environment. This project will develop a students research and journalism skills while researching an ongoing issues in the community. The student undertaking this project will develop a topic which may include dissecting online journalism in relation to the pandemic, social and economic impacts of industrial expansion, or the evolution of physical and digital archives at Arthur Newspaper.
Student(s): McKenna Campbell
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: The Arthur
#6008 - Establishing a New Normal in Alternative Education for At-Risk Youth
Dalhousie Youth Support Services is a community organization providing support to youth who have had contact with the criminal justice system, within the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County. The organization is seeking to expand their capacity in order to support more youth, with the goal of providing support to at-risk youth prior to contact with the criminal justice system, with the goal of reducing the likelihood of future encounters. The student working with Dalhousie Youth Support Services will explore models for the support of at-risk youth, and will assess whether these models are suitable for implementation by DYSS.
Student(s): Bryce Hunt-Parker
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: Dalhousie Youth Support Services
#6010 - Magneto-Scale and Standardization
The “magneto” project is a long-running endeavor aiming to produce high-quality scientific data in digital format for a large corpus of historical analog magnetogram records from Ontario. The data was recorded and stored by the precursor to the National Resources Canada Geomagnetic Laboratory. The research involved in this project is the completion and development of algorithms for the successful digitization of analog magnetic field traces from over 100 years of historical daily records.
Student(s): Jessica Dobbin
Department: Math
Organization: Natural Resources Canada
#6010 - Magneto-Scale and Standardization
The “magneto” project is a long-running endeavor aiming to produce high-quality scientific data in digital format for a large corpus of historical analog magnetogram records from Ontario. The data was recorded and stored by the precursor to the National Resources Canada Geomagnetic Laboratory. The research involved in this project is the completion and development of algorithms for the successful digitization of analog magnetic field traces from over 100 years of historical daily records.
Student(s): Robyn Hawthorne
Department: Math
Organization: Natural Resources Canada
#6011 - Developing an Evaluation Framework to Support the Human Trafficking Response Team
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) is a feminist, not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence and harm. They work with people of all genders aged 16+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence or harm, whether recent or historic. This can include but is not limited to, gender-based sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, non-contact sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, workplace sexual harassment, other forms of sexual harassment, and all forms of sexual assault. The student working with KSAC will help the organization better understand the needs of trafficked individuals through a review of the literature and through conversations with support staff, and will develop a tool that can be used to assess quality of care through the perspective of survivors.
Student(s): Meradith Korteweg
Department: Forensic Science
Organization: Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
#6012 - Faces of Leadership
Faces of Leadership aims to create a space for nurturing and growing local leaders. Through the Leadership Circle workshop circle, the project will support the development of a new and more inclusive understanding of leadership and the many ways in which it is actioned, and will also empower equity-deserving groups with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity to see themselves as leaders and seek opportunities for representation in spaces that have been historically and primarily occupied by white voices. This project is entirely focused on women and gender-diverse people who experience barriers to leadership opportunities due to the intersectionality of race, gender, (dis)ability, class, age, and other social factors.
Student(s): Serena Karevich
Department: International Development Studies
Organization: City of Peterborough
#6013 - Exploring the Effectiveness of Neural Network Therapy
This student undertaking this project will seek to explore the connection between the neurobiology impacted by Neural Network Therapy and sustained improvements in mental health and well-being. They will evaluate the extent to which Neural Network Therapy affects behaviour change and emotional health. Information gathered has the potential to inform future practice in mental health care.
Student(s): Jillian Buykes
Department: Biology
Organization: Canadian Family Health Counselling
#6014 (6000) - Accommodation and Return to Work Policy and Procedure Enhancement
The Municipality of Clarington has an Early and Safe Return to Work Policy (2006) and an Employment Accessibility Standard Policy (2014) and is seeking to review and update these policies in response to ongoing improvement in employment practices. Students will review existing policies, gather feedback, and provide recommendations on an enhanced Accommodation and Return to Work Policy and a Procedure for managers to proactively offer accommodations throughout the employment cycle, not just during onboarding.
Student(s): Athence Mro & MD. Tawhidul Islam
Department: Masters of Management
Organization: City of Clarington
#6014 (6000) - Accommodation and Return to Work Policy and Procedure Enhancement
The Municipality of Clarington has an Early and Safe Return to Work Policy (2006) and an Employment Accessibility Standard Policy (2014) and is seeking to review and update these policies in response to ongoing improvement in employment practices. Students will review existing policies, gather feedback, and provide recommendations on an enhanced Accommodation and Return to Work Policy and a Procedure for managers to proactively offer accommodations throughout the employment cycle, not just during onboarding.
Student(s): Md. Arif Hossain and Rahain Hoque
Department: Masters of Management
Organization: City of Clarington
#6022 - Lawn Bowling Hall of Fame
Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club has partnered with Trent Valley Archives and the Peterborough Sports Hall of Fame to create this project for a student. The purpose of the project is to enhance the image of the gender equal aspects of the lawn bowling sport. It will demonstrate the links of lawn bowling to the social, cultural, environmental and economic health of our community. The plan is to use the technique of group biography also prosopography to illuminate the history of lawn bowling in Peterborough.
Student(s): Isabel Kropman
Department: History
Organization: Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club
#6027 - Experiences with sport-related concussion in Peterborough County
Utilize a survey to determine the experience of Peterborough athletes after a concussion. Kid athletes, their parents, and adult athletes will be among the subjects.This project began to survey the need for a concussion clinic in the Peterborough region to help streamline the diagnosis, return to play, and return to school processes. HeadsupCAN is the new research partner for this project, allowing it to be a community-based research project. The research questions include: What is the range of experiences Peterborough residents have when interacting with the medical community after experiencing a concussion? The survey asks respondents to answer questions on the following topics: How did the concussion happen? Who were the first responders? Who did people go to for diagnosis? What were people told regarding their return to play or school? Who, if anyone, monitored their transition through the return to play/school protocol? What happened when they returned to play or school?
Student(s): Jhaelyn Gomme
Department: Psychology
Organization: HeadsUP Canada
#6040 - Exploring Affordable Options for Private Water and Septic Technologies: Informing Planning for Affordable Housing
Many communities and areas of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County do not have municipal water or municipal sewage services available. This creates barriers to constructing affordable housing in those areas and limits the opportunities for affordable housing for residents who live in those communities. This research project will investigate whether other communities in other areas have overcome the lack of municipal services to build affordable housing successfully. This will be done through literature review, as well as surveys and interviews of those with knowledge of the latest private water and septic system technologies, and those who have completed successful affordable housing development projects on private services.
Student(s): Ryan Sankar & Hilary Wright
Department: Environmental Science
Organization: City of Kawartha Lakes
#6043 - Creation of an Ecological Restoration Plan for Otonabee Gravel Pit Conservation Area
Otonabee Gravel Pit Conservation Area, located in the township of Otonabee South-Monaghan, Ontario, is the site of a newly decommissioned gravel pit. Since gravel operations ceased in the mid to late nineteen-nineties, the site has become naturalized and now features a complex of ponds and varied terrestrial habitat that is home to many native species. It is also a popular site for hiking and bird watching. Otonabee Conservation is interested in further restoring the site to its natural state to improve habitat and public safety. This study would provide information vital to the creation of an ecological restoration plan, and would propose a possible plan for consideration by the Conservation Authority.
Student(s): Luigi Richardson, Henrique Pacheco & Kevin Gevaert
Department: Environmental Science
Organization: Otonabee Region Conservation Authority
#6045 - Exploring Feasibility of Softwood Compost as an Alternative to Peat Moss for Propagating Blueberries
Peat moss is currently the primary material used in the propagation of blueberries. Peat bogs around the world are also a critical carbon sink. In many parts of the world, peat harvesting is being stopped in order to preserve this vital carbon sink. As a result, prices for peat are increasing, adding to financial stress for farmers. This project would explore the feasibility of an alternative to Peat moss for propagation of blueberries and bedding/potting material for started plants in hopes of providing a more sustainable and more cost-effective option for propagation. If successful, this alternative could be explored as an option for other growers.
Student(s): Madison Weber, Dana Scott-Thomas & Jack Scott
Department: Environmental Science
Organization: Wilson's Fresh Blueberries
