On Thursday, April 30, Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) hosted its fifth-annual Research Day at the college’s Oshawa campus. Staff members from ORSIE were joined by the DC Leadership Team, student and faculty researchers and community and business partners to share the importance of research on campus and highlight the applied research and innovation projects currently underway.

The day focused on areas significant to the local and provincial economies and highlighted the agriculture, health care, gaming and wearable technology sectors. Diverse breakout sessions were held throughout the morning and Courtney Cole, founder and CEO of ForAHealthyMe Inc. delivered the keynote address about the convergence of economics, aging, demographics and the role of technology in the delivery of healthcare. DC’s rapid prototyper was also demonstrated for those in attendance.

“Over the past five years the college’s research agenda has advanced significantly thanks to the creativity and expertise of our faculty, staff and students,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic. “Under the leadership of ORSIE many unique applied research projects have been supported, helping us all prosper through innovation.”

Since launching five years ago, ORSIE has made incredible strides in the pursuit of the college’s applied research agenda by responding to business and industry needs for practical solutions through applied research and innovation activities, while providing real-world experiences for students. As part of DC’s research agenda ORSIE has entered into several agreements with local small and medium-sized businesses in the environmental, energy, social sciences and humanities fields, developing strategic research plans, forming an ethics board and receiving significant research funding from several government agencies. 

“There is an incredible commitment to research that runs through every level of the organization and applies to faculty, staff and students alike,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The work ORSIE has undertaken to drive the research agenda forward in the pursuit of research excellence, is something to be shared and celebrated. Research Day gives us an opportunity to do just that.”

Research Day concluded by honouring both student and faculty researchers for their contribution to applied research projects on campus.

The following students received awards:

• Third place went to Alfred Massardo, a second-year student in the Computer Programmer Analyst program.
• Second place winners included Steven Murray, a third-year student in the Computer Programmer Analyst Program, and Kenneth Gardner, a third-year student in Electronics Engineering Technology Program.
• Draven Majoor, a third-year student in the Electronics Engineering Technology program, was awarded as top student researcher.

The following faculty members received awards:

• The third place recipient was Kay Corbier from the School of Health & Community Services.
• Second place went to Lauren Fuentes from the School of Science Engineering & Technology.
• Andrew Mayne from the School of Business IT & Management was awarded as the top faculty researcher.

ORSIE will continue to be instrumental in ensuring academic quality and building successful partnerships. A broad range of research and scholarly initiatives will continue to be supported for the benefit of faculty, students, industry and the community. More information about ORSIE’s research areas and projects can be found here.