Faculty researchers share initiatives at Whitby Fall Research Showcase

On November 23 Durham College (DC)’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) welcomed faculty researchers to its Whitby campus to share their current and future applied research initiatives at its Whitby Fall Research Showcase. Projects in the areas of agriculture, craft brewing and new energy technology were highlighted.

“There are some amazing applied research projects taking place at the college’s Whitby campus,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, ORSIE. “This showcase was our chance to share the work being done by faculty with the support of our students, as we partner with industry and local businesses to provide innovative solutions and advance the research agenda in a number of unique areas.”

Agricultural research projects:

Dr. Ross Stevenson, faculty researcher from the School of Science & Engineering Technology, discussed his project to find a suitable variety of okra that can be grown locally, which, given the increasing demand for growing ethno-cultural vegetables, brings research opportunities to Durham College.

Greg Moran, faculty researcher and research co-ordinator from the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology and Shane Jones, faculty researcher from the School of Science & Engineering Technology, shared their cold-frame technology research, which will allow fresh vegetables and greens to be grown year round, even during cold Canadian winters.

Dr. Riaz Shah, faculty researcher from the School of Science & Engineering Technology, spoke about the pest management research that he is planning with local apple growers and also discussed the research equipment he will be using including a reach-in incubator and Potter Spray Tower.

New energy technology:

Faculty researchers Lauren Fuentes and Phil Jarvis from the School of Science & Engineering Technology, shared details about research being undertaken at the Whitby campus’s Smart House project, while faculty researcher Dr. Ali Taileb from the School of Science & Engineering Technology announced a new energy technology project and discussed the type of research this will support; Ray King, principal inventor at Dynacurrent Technologies Inc. was also on hand to discuss where the new energy technology will lead.

Craft brewing:

Chris Gillis, manager of applied research business development, ORSIE, shared his work with the craft beer industry, outlining their specific research needs, while illustrating how DC’s new brew line capabilities will help in supporting craft brewers.

For more information about applied research at DC, please visit ORSIE’s webpage.