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File photo/Central Alberta Online.
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) students, faculty, and staff shared innovative research projects during the Fourth Annual Research Showcase on March 12.
“The Research Showcase demonstrated the multi-disciplinary research that is initiated by students, faculty, and staff across the Polytechnic, providing significant impact for academia, industry, and communities,” said Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. “As a polytechnic institution, we strategically integrate applied research with education and training to help advance Alberta’s priorities and productivity.”
This year, the showcase featured three poster displays and 18 presentations on a variety of subjects. Many of the applied research projects included interdisciplinary collaboration between students, faculty, and partners.
During the event, there were seven breakout sessions covering topics in humanities, science, technology, and wellness.
One session featured a research project titled Identification of Vertebrate Prey Within Black Bear Scat. It showcased collaboration between Taylor Eaton, an RDP student, Ramona Maraj, Ecologist Team Leader II with Parks Canada, and Sandra MacDougall, an RDP Biology instructor.
MacDougall has been extensively involved in applied research about wildlife in Alberta, including black bears. With a grant valued at almost $475,000, MacDougall has engaged students and partners to examine the characteristics of a recolonizing population of American black bears within the Bear Hills Biosphere region. This study has been helping to inform land use planning, wildlife management, and educational outreach.
Keynote speakers, Dr. Choon-Lee Chai and Dr. Jones Adjei, RDP Sociology instructors, shared their research titled Immigrant Settlement Experiences in Central Alberta. The collaboration with local organizations has helped to advance knowledge about how to best support immigrant success in the region. RDP learners, including paid student research assistants, have participated in the research, enhancing their experiences and helping to support immigrants as they engage in the labour force.
The diverse opportunities for RDP students to participate in applied research and share their findings create a multi-faceted impact.
Students are not only able to make industry connections but also have unique opportunities to participate in collaborative, experiential learning to further develop their competencies through applied research.
By integrating applied research with education and training at RDP, students are equipped to address the needs of industries and communities as they prepare for rewarding careers.
**With information provided by Red Deer Polytechnic
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