Durham College faculty, staff, student researchers, industry collaborators and other guests joined the college’s Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI) on May 1 when the college hosted its third annual Research Day on campus.

Titled Prosperity through Innovation and designed to provide a first-hand look at the innovative applied research projects the college currently has underway, the event highlighted research and initiatives in the areas of entrepreneurship, engineering, education, health care, information technology and the humanities via 12 different breakout sessions. Topics focused on industry success, faculty expertise and student experience.  

“Since its inception, ORSI has created a strong applied research agenda for Durham College,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, ORSI. “An agenda designed to respond to the significant business and industry need for practical solutions through applied research and innovation activities while remaining focused on providing unique and real-world experiences to students.”

The college also celebrated the success of ORSI; recognized all student and faculty researchers and its Research Advisory Committee and Research Ethics Board; and honoured the top student and faculty researchers of the academic year.  

Alex Dvorkian, professor,School of Science & Engineering Technology, was named the Top Faculty Researcher for 2012-2013 with Hossein Ahari, professor, School of Science & Engineering Technology, coming in second and Rob Braithwaite, professor, School of Science & Engineering Technology, finishing third.

In addition, Anthony Smeelen, a third-year Computer Programmer Analyst program student, and Nicole Ottley, a third-year Biotechnology Technologist program student, were named co-winners of the Student Researcher Award.

Brad Morris, a third-year student in the Electronics Engineering Technology program, and Adam MacDonald, a third-year student in the Electronics Engineering Technology program, were named co-second place winners and John Harvey, a third-year Mechanical Engineering Technology program student, finished third.

Since its inception in 2009, ORSI has established a strong applied research environment at Durham College. Through the creativity and expertise of faculty, staff and students, the college has sustained the engagement of several community partners and small- and medium-sized businesses, launching several research projects and collaborations in just a few years.

In addition, it has also received funding from several government funding agencies such as the Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Ontario Centres of Excellence, Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and more.  

“There is great value created through applied research partnerships with colleges in a wide range of sectors,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Partnerships that are generating economic, social and environmental benefits for Durham Region, Ontario and Canada. Durham College is proud to be a part of this innovation network and I am pleased with our level of accomplishment in just three short years.”