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MRC Studio becomes DC’s second Technology Access Centre with new grant

The Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio at Durham College (DC) has been recognized as a national leader in extended reality (XR) innovation, receiving a $1.75-million Technology Access Centre (TAC) grant from the federal College and Community Innovation (CCI) program.

The funding will provide $350,000 annually over the next five years supporting their work with industry partners to develop immersive XR solutions that are transforming training, simulation, and workforce development across multiple sectors.

While XR technologies have traditionally been associated with gaming and entertainment, their applications are expanding into fields such as advanced manufacturing, energy, defence and hazardous workplace simulation. Through the MRC Studio, DC researchers are helping organizations leverage these technologies to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences that improve training outcomes and operational readiness.

“This recognition amplifies our reputation as a centre of excellence and shows potential clients that our teams are at the leading edge of the very advanced technologies that they’re working with,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research.

Jason Hunter, Senior Manager of the MRC Studio, noted they have already been working with industry partners to transform traditional learning materials into immersive, hands-on XR experiences that improve engagement and practical training outcomes.

“We are seeing broader adoption of the technology, and have adapted our services and expanded our efforts to help organizations leverage its potential,” he said. “We’re getting really good traction from our partners who are finding new ways for XR to engage their clients in training.”

The new grant is a perfect complement to the $1.886 million funding the MRC Studio received earlier this year from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – College Fund and the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) for the building of a state-of-the-art immersive research stage.

“That grant equips us well from an infrastructure point of view. We have the equipment and the expertise, and now through Tech Access Canada we can maintain that expertise and start to deliver long-term projects with partners,” explained Hunter.

With this funding, the talented professionals at the MRC Studio will continue to develop their skills as they contribute to the business community, while offering terrific experiential learning opportunities for DC students to work with emerging technologies and contribute to research projects.

This is DC’s second TAC designation — The AI Hub also received TAC funding in 2023.

Learn more about the MRC Studio and Durham College’s applied research initiatives.

Durham College helping business prepare for Canada’s defence spending boom

With Canada making a generational investment in defence spending, there are substantial new opportunities for businesses and Durham College (DC) is well-positioned to support their success. 

Members of DC recently attended an Invest Durham event — Building Durham Region’s Defence Industrial Base — which brought together the private sector, government and post-secondary institutions.  

The event’s keynote speaker was Bernie Derible, Ontario’s first Military and Defence Representative — a role created by the government to promote the province’s defence industry in global markets, attract new defence investment to the province and help Ontario companies take advantage of growing export opportunities.  

“Focusing on defence requires collaboration across sectors, and Durham College has an important role to play in supporting the skilled workforce, learning, and innovation needed to help our region respond to these emerging needs,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Through our academic programs, research and development, compliance expertise, corporate training and innovation initiatives, we are helping develop the talent, skills and business capacity needed to leverage this opportunity while advancing Durham Region’s role as a strong contributor to provincial and federal priorities.” 

Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research at DC, explains that the college is part of an innovation ecosystem ready to support small and medium businesses looking to expand into the defence sector.  

“Durham College has great strengths in research and development, and we’ve been offering R&D services to small and medium enterprises (SME) for the last 15 years,” she said. “We currently have three mature research centers across the AI Hub, the Mixed Reality Capture Studio, and the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, who all possess expertise in their particular fields to support companies to innovate and to address problems.” 

As well, DC’s Corporate Training Services is ready to work with businesses to upskill and reskill their workforce, helping to keep companies competitive and ahead of industry demands. 

A panel discussion at the Invest Durham event on building defence-ready capacity featured Sushant Katare, Senior Cybersecurity Manager at DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, and Doug Hart, Business Manager and Strategist for DC Corporate Training Services. It was moderated by DC’s Robin Young, Executive Director, Business and Workforce Development. 

“Working collaboratively to advance the defence sector in Durham Region is how we will rapidly increase capacity,” said Sandra Austin, Commissioner, Community Growth and Economic Development – Invest Durham. “Post-secondary institutions like Durham College are critical to this, as research and innovation, workforce development, and specific expertise such as cybersecurity each play a role in advancing our regional economy. Durham College will play a key role in how we secure Durham Region’s meaningful participation in this provincial and national priority.”  

In his keynote address, Derible emphasized the importance of what has been called a generational moment. 

“What we’re going through right now is a gigantic nation-building, growth-mindset exercise,” he said, adding that he believes Prime Minister Mark Carney has under-estimated the 125,000 new jobs that will be created and Ontario stands to gain 50,000 jobs alone. 

He also described the development of the defence sector as a sovereignty issue in Canada, a point that McKee Demczyk describes as vitally important given global shifts. 

“Protecting what we have, protecting our infrastructure and our intellectual property from foreign interference, those needs have never been stronger than they are right now,” she said. “Those are conversations that Durham College is actively involved in, and we want to make sure that we not only protect ourselves, but we help our small and medium enterprises and companies in this space so they know how to protect themselves as well.” 

She adds that DC is ready to provide top-notch professional services for businesses entering the defence sector. 

“We work with the pace of the industry,” she said. “Our delivery times are very much aligned with industry requirements, and we have certified professionals to work with you to identify your business needs and deliver solutions.” 

Learn more about Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS) at Durham College.

New name, stronger connection: DC introduces RITS

Durham College (DC) has brought together its applied research, institutional research, co-op, and corporate training teams under a new name – Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS) – reflecting their evolution and growing role in helping industry and community partners leverage DC’s talent, expertise, and capabilities.

“RITS combines Corporate Training Services’ strengths in business development and relationship management with the specialized technical expertise and research capacity of DC’s five research centres,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “Together, the team provides a single point of connection for our partners and creates measurable impact for people, organizations, and communities.”

As industry needs continue to evolve, RITS is focused on strengthening partnerships and forging new opportunities in priority areas including AI, immersive simulations, defence, and nuclear and energy sectors. Through these areas of focus, RITS leverages DC’s talent, technology and applied expertise to address real-world challenges and contribute to economic and community development.

RITS’ integrated approach also supports dynamic learning opportunities for students and employees while helping organizations and communities access the specialized knowledge, training and innovation they need to grow.

To learn more about RITS services or to explore partnership opportunities, visit the new RITS website.

Durham College joins Canadian Nuclear Association to support Canada’s energy workforce

Durham College (DC) has joined the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) as an affiliate member, strengthening its role in preparing the skilled professionals needed to support Canada’s growing nuclear sector and providing new opportunities for collaboration with industry leaders on education, skills development, and long-term workforce planning.

DC supports the development of the expertise and skills needed across clean energy through specialized academic programs, corporate training, applied research, and immersive learning experiences. The membership complements DC’s leadership role in the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium and builds on long-standing partnerships with organizations including Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power, Ontario Tech University, and a broad network of regional nuclear suppliers.

“Education has an important role to play in preparing people with the skills employers need today and into the future,” said Robin Young, Executive Director, Business and Workforce Development, Corporate Training Services at DC. “Our partnerships with industry allow us to respond quickly to changing workforce demands and create learning opportunities that connect students and professionals with meaningful careers. Joining the Canadian Nuclear Association strengthens those connections so we can contribute to the future of the sector.”

As part of the CNA membership, Young will serve on the CNA Workforce Planning Advisory Council, bringing the college’s expertise to national discussions on future skills needs and workforce planning.

“We are pleased to welcome Durham College as an Affiliate Member of the Canadian Nuclear Association,” said George Christidis, President and CEO, CNA. “As Canada’s nuclear sector continues to grow, partnerships with leading educational institutions are essential to building the skilled workforce needed to support the industry’s future. We look forward to working with Durham College to strengthen talent development and help prepare the next generation of nuclear professionals.”

Through this partnership, Durham College looks forward to helping strengthen Canada’s nuclear workforce and contributing to a skilled, adaptable talent pipeline that will support the sector’s continued growth.

Making an impact: Amanda Cappon’s applied research journey

Amanda Cappon never expected applied research to become such an important part of her work — but today, the Durham College (DC) faculty member is helping create meaningful change in the community through collaborative research initiatives. 

“Applied research means I get to interact with people and hear the stories of those living through these experiences — and understand the impact it has on clients and organizations,” said Cappon. “That is research I love and want to get behind.” 

Cappon’s passion for applied research, however, was unexpected. Her introduction to research prior to her time at DC was discouraging, and it wasn’t until she met colleague Lorraine Closs (retired) and discovered DC’s Social Impact Hub that her interest was piqued. The Social Impact Hub supports researchers in community-engaged research projects leveraging faculty expertise, student talent and strong community partnerships. 

That experience became a turning point; reshaping Cappon’s understanding of what research could be. Through this work, she discovered how applied research at DC connects students, faculty and community partners to create practical solutions for real-world challenges. 

Through her work with DC’s Social Impact Hub, Cappon co-led a multi-year research project with a diverse and inclusive steering committee titled Raising Resilient Families: Empowering Parents with Cognitive Challenges. The primary community organization and partner for this project was the Starfish Parent Support Program,  The project combined research evidence with lived experience to develop meaningful supports and resources for parents with cognitive challenges, including a post-birth advocacy document, parent and peer-led support groups and offered specialized training (the Step-by-Step Parenting Program) for social service and child protection workers to have increased awareness of how to best support parents who have cognitive challenges. 

“Applied research is exactly what it sounds like — research that is directly applied to support those impacted,” Cappon exclaimed. “As can be imagined, this is a population of parents who experience widespread stigma and discrimination. This was important work for me.”

The project has already created lasting change in the community. The EarlyOn now offers dedicated programming times exclusively for parents with cognitive challenges and their children. During these sessions, DC’s Early Childhood Education students provide hands-on support to parents and families, creating an inclusive and supportive environment. 

The project wrapped in January and was nominated for the 2026 Community-Based Research Canada Award of Excellence in Community-Campus Research Partnership. “To me, this nomination means that others value the research we have done and the community collaboration we demonstrated throughout the project,” Cappon said.

Today, Cappon brings those experiences back into the classroom. She encourages students to participate in applied research opportunities that help them build practical skills while contributing to initiatives that make a difference. Her journey reflects how applied research at DC can transform perspectives and is driving meaningful impact in our communities. 

Durham College, Johnson Controls celebrate three years of driving engineering innovation

Durham College (DC) and Johnson Controls are working together to bring the best in engineering technology education to students across Durham Region.

Since 2023, the multinational company has contributed close to $400,000 in grant funding to DC. The successful partnership has made a profound impact on DC’s Electromechanical Engineering Technology (EMTY) program by:

  • Delivering $56,000 in bursaries for students facing financial barriers
  • Funding the purchase of Building Automation Trainers and 3D Printers
  • Expanding hands-on learning opportunities that align education with industry needs
  • Pairing 27 students with mentors from Johnson Controls

“Through our partnership with Johnson Controls, we’ve been able to drive excellence in teaching and learning for those interested in pursuing a career in automation and engineering technology,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students.

“This partnership is a meaningful example of applied workforce innovation in action, highlighting how industry, education, and community collaboration work together to support student success, meet labour market needs, and drive regional economic growth.”

Last week, representatives from Johnson Controls as well as Oshawa City Councillor Jim Lee joined Dr. Choi and EMTY program coordinator Beau James for a tour of DC’s Integrated Manufacturing Centre.

One of those representatives was System Team Leader Ken Scott who, like a number of his colleagues at Johnson Controls, is a proud DC alumnus. In fact, that history played a key role in the creation of the partnership.

“Why was Durham College chosen? I would say it’s because so many of our employees got their start here,” said Scott, who reminisced about his days as a student working on his first traffic light project. “We know the value of the program; it has a sound curriculum crafted through outreach to industry partners. We know that DC students will bring value to Johnson Controls. We’re hoping that this collaboration can continue well into the future.”

The partnership continues to evolve. This year, a $5,000 grant went to the Robotics Club at O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute, and third-year students enjoyed an experiential learning trip to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. In addition, plans continue for a new teaching lab at DC; the Johnson Controls Building Automation Laboratory.

Johnson Controls continues to look to DC for new talent, with two 2026 graduates already having secured full-time jobs and one current student preparing for their summer co-op. With such a clear pathway available, it’s no surprise that enrolment in the program has been steadily rising since the partnership began in 2023.

Wherever our EMTY graduates end up, they’re sure to make us DC Proud.

“It’s inspiring to hear about our DC graduates who have been recruited by industry and have become leaders in their sector. It really does speak to why we do what we do,” said Dr. Choi.

Durham College and Ayrshire College advance international partnership through immersive training innovation

Durham College (DC) and Ayrshire College are strengthening their international collaboration through a project that emphasizes workforce development, learning innovation and industry-focused education.

At the centre of this project is a 3D mixed-reality model of a Boeing turbine engine, managed by DC’s Corporate Training Services and developed by DC’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio (MRC). The interactive model allows students to explore the engine in detail, virtually disassembling components to better understand how the technology is built, maintained and serviced.

“Our partnership with Ayrshire College demonstrates how collaboration can transform workforce development. Together, we are creating immersive learning experiences that give learners a deeper understanding of complex systems, while preparing them for the evolving demands of industry,” said Robin Young, Managing Director, Business and Workforce Development, Corporate Training Services at Durham College.

The model was developed after Ayrshire College secured funding in 2025 to enhance programming through advanced learning technologies, with DC working closely with partners in Scotland to bring it to life. A DC delegation recently travelled to Scotland to meet with Ayrshire College partners and participate in a funders’ event celebrating the launch.

During the visit, representatives from both colleges also identified priority areas for future work, with a focus on initiatives that respond to evolving industry and labour market needs.

“Partnerships like this are vital in ensuring our learners are equipped for the future world of work,” said Alistair Rodgers, Director of Enterprise Development, Ayrshire College. “Working with Durham College allows us to bring innovation to life through immersive, industry-relevant learning that enhances both skills development and learner experience. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality education that responds to the needs of employers, supports economic growth, and creates meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities both locally and globally.”

Established in 2025 through the Scottish Educational Exchange Programme (SEEP), the partnership enables both colleges to pursue joint initiatives in applied research, skills development and industry engagement. By combining their expertise in workforce training and immersive technologies, they are creating new opportunities for learners and strengthening the global exchange of knowledge.

Durham College highlights research and development expertise at international tradeshow HANNOVER MESSE in Germany

Durham College (DC) is embracing an opportunity to showcase the college’s research and development capabilities to an international audience at one of the world’s most important tradeshows, HANNOVER MESSE.

The event runs from March 31 to April 4 in Hanover, Germany and DC will be represented by Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research and Robin Young, Director, Corporate Training Services.

“Durham College is thrilled to be exhibiting its research and development expertise at HANNOVER MESSE with its partners across Durham Region,” said McKee Demczyk. “Canada is the partner country for this year’s event, and more than 230 exhibitors and 250 delegates from Canada will be showcasing their technology and expertise across the tradeshow.”

DC’s exhibition partners include Invest Durham, local area municipalities, Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham, Spark Centre, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, and Project Arrow. The college will focus on pitching cutting-edge technology services including: Artificial Intelligence Training and Advisory Services, 3D Product Video Production, Virtual Reality Training Development, Customized Corporate Training, and Cybersecurity Training and Services.

“We will also engage in preliminary discussions with international postsecondary institutions to contribute to research projects of global significance,” said McKee Demczyk. “We look forward to showcasing our expertise to international clients and partners and growing the international market for our future-focused business services.”

Through HANNOVER MESSE DC is hoping to create enhance partnerships with the local business community while building awareness of the college on the international stage.

“We have already been having very productive conversations with companies attending the tradeshow, and we look to deepen those partnerships while in Germany to launch real and meaningful collaboration on research and development projects.”

In July 2024, the government of Canada and the European Commission signed an agreement allowing Canada to participate in Horizon Europe funding calls under Pillar 2. Horizon Europe fosters opportunities for collaboration on international research and innovation.

“Now that Canada is eligible to participate in funding calls, Durham College hopes to develop international research partnerships where we can apply our cutting-edge technologies and services to consortiums who have come together to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges,” said McKee Demczyk.

Engineering brilliance on display at DC Innovation Showcase

The ingenuity and dedication of Durham College (DC) students was on full display at the 2025 DC Innovation Showcase last week.

Organized by the DC Engineering Club and held in the Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR), the event challenged students to present innovative projects aimed at addressing climate change, while competing for over $5,000 in prizes.

Members of the DC community and industry professionals attended, engaging with students about their cutting-edge projects and the real-world applications they have.

“Events like these are my favourite because they are student-led. This showcase is a reflection of not only the passion and the dedication that our students bring to their studies here at DC, but live demonstrations of the solutions they envision and test for societal challenges,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “This powerful platform allows students to showcase their incredible work while cultivating meaningful connections and building on the knowledge they have learned in labs, classrooms and work placements.”

A panel of industry professionals evaluated the prototypes based on criteria such as creativity, feasibility, and potential impact.

The top prize in the individual category went to Mechanical Engineering Technology student Nathan Colburn for his full carbon fibre bike frame.

“A lot of us in the Mechanical Engineering program work on tons of different things outside of school. This is an opportunity to show off what we can do,” he said. “It’s fun being able to show everyone different concepts and ideas.”

In the group category, the team of Mechanical Engineering Technology students Douglas Aubrey-Sleeper, Joshua Dervent, and Wyatt Martorino took the gold for their ‘KERS Bike.’ By incorporating a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), it can operate like an electric bike without the use of a battery.

“We’re just happy that we showed up and got good feedback from everybody. We were really happy with the experience,” said Aubrey-Sleeper.

With so many creative and boundary-pushing projects on display, the event lived up to its name as a showcase for the talented future professionals at DC.

“It was inspiring to see innovative projects tackling real-world challenges, with valuable interdisciplinary collaborations that brought together diverse perspectives,” said Tania Clerac, Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Information Technology. “Our students truly showcased the power of innovation and their potential to make a lasting impact on society. I’m proud of the amazing work and excited for what’s to come!”

Here are the complete results of the competition.

Individual Category

  • Gold Winner – “CFG-01” by Nathan Colburn, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Silver Winner – “Arduino Dual Plant Hydration System” by Jack Koebel, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Third-year Finalist – “CFG-01” by Nathan Colburn, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Second-year Finalist – “Roll Up Charger” by Braiden Daschuk, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • First-year Finalist – “Thermal Battery Optimizer” by Thomas Heine, Electronics Engineering Technology

Group Category

  • Gold Winner – “KERS Bike” by Douglas Aubrey-Sleeper, Joshua Dervent, and Wyatt Martorino, Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Silver Winner – “Fire Barrier” by Ridley Singh and Dash Darbyson, Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices
  • Bronze Winner – “Medical Robot” by Xie Zonghuo, Brendan Mcbride and Ryan Groskopf, Electronics Engineering Technology

Durham College research links nutrition education to enhanced wellness and nutrition literacy

Does knowing more about nutrition help people make more nutritious choices? That’s the question that Dr. Erin Dancey, a faculty member in Durham College’s (DC) Fitness and Health Promotion program and research lead with the Social Impact Hub, set out to answer in a recent study evaluating the changes in nutrition literacy in students taking introductory nutrition courses.

Turns out, yes. In this case, the nutrition courses had a positive impact on students’ nutrition literacy, with both domestic and international students showing significant improvements in their ability to understand and apply information about healthy nutrition. The nutrition courses covered various aspects of healthy eating and dietary behavior in alignment with Canada’s Food Guide.

Other findings that stood out included an upward trend in wellness, especially among international students. However, the study also revealed food insecurity, referred to as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, emerged as a negative impact on academic success. 

Supported by the Centre for Teaching and Learning, the study recruited students in the Fitness and Health Promotion program who were taking an introductory nutrition course, plus students from the Dental Hygiene program enrolled in a similar course. The study was inspired by the observation that a lot of international students seemed to struggle to navigate new food pathways, such as where to find nutritious food.

Students participated by responding to standard questionnaires on the topics being explored, including nutrition literacy, household food security and a wellness inventory. They took the questionnaires as a baseline at the start of the course and again at the end to measure growth in their knowledge.

Dancey says the findings of this study have important implications for educational planning and support systems at DC and beyond. “The biggest takeaway from this study was the negative correlation between food insecurity and academic success and the importance of increasing access to food resources for at risk students. Learning more about nutrition literacy, understanding what constitutes healthy food, where to access it, and how to prepare it are all important for students to know,” said Dancey.

At DC, Dancey notes that nutrition literacy resources are available at the Campus Health and Wellness Centre and The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, for example through their FoodIQ campaign that includes a food security and literacy toolkit.  Calling attention to these existing resources and looking for places to develop more and increase nutrition content in courses will help to make nutrition literacy more mainstream.

Meanwhile, Dancey is also working on exploring nutrition literacy in other contexts, with a current study supported by DC’s Social Impact Hub that looks at the impacts of a newcomer community kitchen program created by the Community Development Council of Durham. The study will be published on the Barrett Centre Portal in the new year.

 

Want to take action now to support food security at Durham College? Donate to the Food Access Bursary! Last year, 1,150 students benefitted from generous donations from DC employees, alumni and the Durham College Student Association. This year, the Durham College Alumni Association will match donations to the Food Insecurity Bursary up to $10,000, and donations are welcome until December 31. Gifts of more than $20 are eligible for a charitable donation receipt for income tax purposes in the 2024 tax year.