Excellence in research was on full display as Trent students presented experiential learning projects completed in partnership with local non-profits, community organizations and government agencies, at the University’s annual Celebration of Community-Based Research.

Coordinated by the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) and Careerspace, the event showcased a variety of student research projects including Heart Failure Readmissions During COVID-19, Police-Worn Body Cameras, and the Environmental Impact of Cyclocross Racing, to name a few.

“Experiential learning is a key ingredient in the student experience at Trent. By partnering with our local community, we are able to bring the theory out of the classroom and into the world,” says Kevin Whitmore, director of Co-op, Careers, & Experiential Learning at Trent. “These opportunities allow Trent student to enact positive change in our local community and help them to build critical thinking and life-long learning skills, preparing them for a successful career.”

Opportunities to make a difference

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.

“Not only do these projects have positive impacts on our local communities, but the projects themselves offer our students essential hands-on learning in unique learning environments,” says Ryan Sisson, coordinator of Community-Based Research at Trent. “These connections are one of the incredible ways that students can gain essential experience while making a profound difference that will long outlive their time at Trent.”

Award-winning impact partnering with Peterborough Police Service

Sabrina Wolanczyk, a fourth-year Forensic Science program student from Lady Eaton College won the Community Impact Award, sponsored by CUPE Local 3908 and OPSEU Local 365, highlighting their outstanding work with the Peterborough Police Service to analyze community perspectives on police-worn body cameras.

“I am honoured to be the 2022 recipient of the Community Impact Award. This award reflects the importance of my project and the hard work that has gone into it. This project will forever be one of the most memorable achievements during my time at Trent,” says Sabrina. “It has been a pleasure working in collaboration with the Peterborough Police Service. I am very thankful for being given the opportunity to work on such an important community project. I would also like to thank my faculty supervisor, Dr. Joel Cahn, for his continued support and guidance throughout this whole process. My hope is that my research and contribution has made a positive impact on the community and has aided in enhancing transparency between the Peterborough Police Service and the community.”

2021/22 Celebration of Community-Based Research Award Winners

• Amelia Metcalfe and Therese Salumu, International Development Studies students from Lady Eaton College, took home the Oral Presentation award (sponsored by County of Peterborough) for their work with The Mount Community Centre entitled, “Best Practices of Establishing a Community Hub in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong ON.”
• Katarina Laakmann, an Environmental Resource Sciences student from Lady Eaton College, took home the Poster Presentation award (sponsored by Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee) for their work with Peterborough Kawarthas Economic Development entitled,  “50% Shift to Local Food by 2030: Economic Report 2022.”
• Holden Lowes, a Biology student from Lady Eaton College, took home the Provost Award for Academic Achievement in a Community Setting award (sponsored by Trent University Office of the Provost & Vice-President, Academic Dr. Michael Khan) for their work with Peterborough Regional Health Centre entitled, “Comparing Predictors of Heart Failure Readmissions Before and During COVID-19.”

Learn more about experiential learning opportunities at Trent University.