Southeast College is preparing for a busy fall of research, collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Tanya Andrist, executive director of innovation and applied research, joined us in studio this week to highlight the college’s upcoming work.
She reflected on the recent graduation of students from Ocean Man First Nation.
“It was such a validation of that program. We were so proud of the students and also the partnership out at Ocean Man — it was a great day,” Andrist said.
With that milestone behind them, the college is shifting focus to its role as the Centre of Sustainable Innovation. Andrist said the summer was spent advancing research, and this fall the priority is on building and sharing that work.
“We were working on projects, and this fall we’re actually not going to run our computer science class until the new year,” she said. “Instead, we’re focusing on research projects and knowledge mobilization.”
Andrist and instructor Ryan Gustafson will be presenting at conferences in the coming weeks, starting with the ICED Rural Conference in Estevan on Sept. 23 and 24.
“It’s going to be such a showcase of innovation, and we’re privileged to share the knowledge we’ve gained from our research projects,” Andrist said. “We’re also headed to Calgary to present at another educational conference about our work in Estevan.”
One project involved collaborating with entrepreneur Ma Fii Lii Rasaad, who teaches traditional Indigenous beading. The college supported her in developing an artificial intelligence–driven app to deliver tutorials and training.
Another project involved researcher Juill Reap, who will also take part in the Estevan conference.
“A research centre draws other academics, it draws business, and it strengthens the reputation of Southeast College,” Andrist said. “That’s why we have the Centre of Sustainable Innovation here in Estevan and across the region.”
The college also works closely with the Southeast TechHub (SETH), supporting local projects in energy and technology.
“We’re pretty involved in a lot of things that are going on — and that’s because good things are happening here with energy and innovation, whether we’re talking about future nuclear or renewables south of town here in Estevan,” Andrist said.