On Thursday, April 28, Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) hosted its sixth annual Research Day at the Oshawa campus. Staff members from ORSIE were joined by the DC Leadership Team, student and faculty researchers and local business partners to share the importance of applied research on campus. With a focus on projects in areas of local and provincial economic importance, such as agriculture, health care, energy efficiency and wearable technology, the dynamic forum allowed DC’s research community to showcase its most up-to-date applied research and innovation projects.

This year’s event featured the first public unveiling of the As Real As It Gets (ARAIG) wearable gaming suit. Developed by Inventing Future Technology Inc. (IFTech), an Oshawa-based startup company, in collaboration with DC and the Spark Centre, ARAIG is designed to take the immersive gaming experience to a whole new level by stimulating an individual’s senses with localized directional feedback.

“The research culture at DC supports and encourages individuals at all levels of experience to take part in and lead interdisciplinary research projects, which provides excellent learning opportunities for our students,” said Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic. “For a student studying in the Computer Programmer or Game Development program, imagine the excitement and pride they would feel in being a part of the interactive, wearable technology we saw demonstrated here today.”

The keynote address for the event was delivered by Dr. Darren Levine, manager of the Innovation and Research Unit, Commissioner’s Office in the Social Services Department at The Regional Municipality of Durham. Dr. Levine stressed the importance of unlocking creative potential by having employers give their employees the courage, space, tools and resources to share their ideas – resulting in possibilities for change, improvement and research.

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

The following students received the Outstanding Student Researcher Awards:

• Third place – Samander Mirzad, third-year Electronics Engineering Technology student
• Second place – Alison Mitchell, second-year Social Service Worker student
• First place – Andrew Prandovsky, third-year Electronic Engineering Technology student

Several DC faculty members were also honoured for their work in promoting applied research:

• Ali Taileb, School of Science, Engineering & Technology
• Anna Rodrigues, School of Media, Art & Design
• Clair Cornish, School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology
• Fabiola Longo, School of Health & Community Services
• Keri-Ellen Walcer, School of Business, IT & Management
• Vlad Chiriac, School of Justice & Emergency Services

“Research and innovation has always been at the heart of what we do as one of Ontario’s leading post-secondary institutions,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “The applied research opportunities offered at DC, in conjunction with our FastStart DC and Accelerator programs, are invaluable to students entering the workforce as employers are looking for graduates with innovative skills that meet market demands.”

ORSIE continues 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.