Celebrating the Impact of Community-Based Research
First-ever virtual celebration of research highlights partnerships between Trent University and local community
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, Peterborough
More than 41 Trent students will present experiential learning projects, completed in partnership with local non-profits, community organizations and government agencies, at the University’s first-ever virtual Celebration of Research on Friday, March 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The event will showcase a variety of student research including vaccine hesitancy among local groups, service delivery enhancements for individuals with mental illnesses, the impact of financial institutions leaving rural communities, transitioning public facilities to renewable energy, and best practices for evaluating Indigenous programs for youth, to name a few. The event will culminate in an awards ceremony.
“Experiential and community-based learning is a cornerstone of the student experience at Trent. These projects help students bring their theoretical skills learned inside the classroom to life in a practical and impactful way,” says Tracy Al-Idrissi, associate vice-president, Careers, Experiential Learning & University Registrar. “I congratulate all the participating students for completing projects that will generate positive change and growth in our community.”
Community-based research projects are facilitated and supported by the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC). The TCRC connects Trent students with organizations in need of original research. Students are provided with career-boosting opportunities and earn academic credit while producing applied research that responds to the needs of the local community and beyond. Participating students, studying in a range of programs, this year worked with a diverse group of community partners and organizations including: Peterborough Public Health, the Ayalik Fund, Kawartha Land Trust, Sustainable Cobourg, Natural Resources Canada and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.
“This year, our students completed research projects remotely with 21 organizations locally in Peterborough and across Canada,” says Kelly Zatorski, manager of Careers & Experiential Learning at Trent. “These projects not only benefit the community but allow our students to gain real hands-on experience that will benefit them far beyond their time at Trent. They have produced incredible results and we look forward to sharing their projects in our Celebration of Research.”
Highlights of the 2021 virtual Celebration of Research include:
- Presentations from current student researchers
- The opportunity to speak one-on-one with students to learn more about their projects
- Presentation of student awards showcasing outstanding research contributions
Community members and media are welcome to attend to learn about community-based research completed by Trent University students this year – register today.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
About the Trent Community Research Centre
The Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) facilities meaningful and purposeful community-based research projects and is based out of Careerspace at Trent University. The TCRC connects students and faculty at Trent University with local organizations to create community-based research, service learning, and experiential education opportunities that enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic health of our communities. Our mission is to be a catalyst for community change through research.
For more information contact:
Cara Walsh, communications & media relations officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca