Making an impact: Amanda Cappon’s applied research journey Posted on June 11, 2026 at 3:19 pm. 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 AI Hub partners with eCampusOntario to deliver free learning modules across Canada Posted on February 23, 2026 at 1:11 pm. Durham College (DC) is partnering with eCampusOntario on a new national initiative to make foundational artificial intelligence skills more accessible to Canadians. Through this partnership, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals micro‑credential series – a free, bilingual, and fully accessible program will be available to equip Canadians with foundational AI skills for today’s evolving workforce. As employers increasingly seek workers with digital fluency and AI literacy, many Canadians also need flexible, barrier‑free ways to build new skills while balancing work or navigating career transitions. This initiative responds to that need by making accessible AI learning available to anyone, anywhere. The seven-module, web-based series was designed and developed by DC’s AI Hub, one of five research hubs of excellence and a leader in AI navigation and adoption. The program covers foundational topics like AI types, safe and responsible uses, data management, and practical tools specifically with non-technical learners in mind. “As a future-focused institution committed to supporting lifelong learning, Durham College is proud to leverage our AI Hub’s expertise to transform innovative research into accessible AI courses with meaningful impact,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “By partnering with eCampusOntario, we are able to share these courses with learners across the country, helping to build confidence in AI literacy and gain the skills in this emerging technology demanded by an evolving workforce.” Each module takes 20 to 30 minutes and includes interactive examples, self-assessments, and alignment to labour-market frameworks. Aligned with accessibility standards, Canadians can access modules immediately through Skills for Jobs Canada and the Micro‑Credentials Portal, earning digital credentials and badges to recognize their achievement. “People need practical ways to build confidence with AI without cost or complexity,” adds Robert Luke, CEO, eCampusOntario. “By working with Durham College, we are making foundational AI learning easy to start and accessible to everyone. This partnership is part of our broader commitment to remove barriers and help learners across Ontario and Canada build the skills they need for work now and in the future.” Through this industry-informed approach, DC and eCampusOntario are helping Canadians gain confidence in AI, adapt to a rapidly changing workforce, and prepare for the future. Visit the Skills for Jobs Canada and the Micro‑Credentials Portal to explore the AI Fundamentals micro‑credential series and start your AI journey today. Durham College highlights research and development expertise at international tradeshow HANNOVER MESSE in Germany Posted on March 27, 2025 at 9:27 am. 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. Durham College celebrates ranking as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges Posted on December 5, 2024 at 9:15 am. Durham College (DC) is proud to once again have been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. DC placed 24th in the annual ranking and was highlighted as second among medium-sized colleges for our number of paid student researchers and third for industry research income as a percentage of total college research income. DC also moved up in the ranking to fifth overall in both research partnerships and completed research projects. Powering DC’s research success is DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), which moved four of its five applied research centres into the new Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR), last year. In addition to centralizing DC’s research presence on campus, ORSIE continues to engage industry, business and community partners from the wider Region of Durham as it seeks out meaningful ways to collaborate in solving our community’s applied research challenges. This year, ORSIE is proud to highlight several initiatives: Hosting the ORSIE Impact Expo in October, where close to 150 visitors explored DC’s applied research centres. Researchers were on hand from the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and the Social Impact Hub, each eager to answer questions and share projects. Recognition for the AI Hub, a new Technology Access Centre (TAC), with the Tech-Access Canada’s Tri-Pillar Excellence Award. This award highlights the AI Hub’s strengths in all three areas of research, training and technology. Last year, the AI Hub was awarded an annual grant of $350,000 per year over the next five years from the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program. The Social Impact Hub launching a project to study and improve mental health care for Black communities thanks to a $360,000 federal grant. DC continues to create meaningful applied research and co-operative education work terms for students, supported in part through the Diane Blake Student Success Initiative. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for our research expertise and proud to have developed the Centre for Innovation and Research as a hub to connect our research centres across the campus,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research. “Within the business community, organizations are recognizing Durham College as an essential partner for their innovative ideas and that collaboration means more opportunities for our students as well.” To learn more about DC’s applied research centres, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie. To learn more about ORSIE, read the 2023-2024 Annual Report. Durham College study examines impact of exercise on physical and mental health for forensic patients Posted on September 19, 2024 at 8:28 am. Researchers at Durham College (DC) are partnering with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Abilities Centre in Whitby to examine barriers to exercise for forensic patients and how community-based exercise could impact their physical and mental health. Dr. Erin Dancey, a faculty member in DC’s Fitness and Health Promotion program, is leading the three-year project through the college’s Social Impact Hub. The research is made possible through a $350,000 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CHIR) which was announced on September 13. “We’re interested in the impact of exercise on not just physical fitness, but as a means to increase social connections and improve mental health and wellness and quality of life,” said Dancey. “We met with Ontario Shores and they were already trying to think about ways to get their patients exercising more and the Abilities Centre is close and aims to provide an inclusive space for all individuals in the community, so it all came together.” The overall goal of the project is to develop exercised-based treatment options that will reduce health disparities and inequities experienced by Canada’s forensic patient population, people who have been found not criminally responsible for an offence or unfit to stand trial by the courts due to mental illness and are hospitalized and receiving treatment to improve their mental health. Forensic patients with mental illness are more sedentary, have reduced levels of physical fitness and are at a higher risk for obesity as compared to the general population for several reasons including the impact of medication on metabolic health and barriers to exercise while accessing care in a hospital setting. While other studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise for people living with mental illness, there is limited research focusing specifically on forensic patients. “It’s interesting, important research for patients in an institutional, hospitalized setting because it has the potential to improve their quality of life,” said Dancey. The first phase of the research project will look at barriers to engaging in community-based exercise for patients receiving forensic psychiatry care at Ontario Shores. In the second phase, patients participating in the study will engage in community-based exercise at the Abilities Centre and the researchers will investigate the impact on physical fitness, quality of life, social isolation, mental health and sleep quality. At DC, Dancey will work with Faculty of Heath Sciences faculty member Dr. David Copithorne and Jennifer Bedford, a faculty member in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design. The project also comes with experiential learning opportunities for students from both faculties. “We will hire Fitness and Health Promotion students as well as Community Mental Health students as research assistants so they will gain experience with the research ethics approval process, data collection, fitness assessment and prescription, and working with a vulnerable population and community partners,” said Dancey. “We’re also going to hire Media, Art and Design students to help create a video outlining the project findings as well as infographics that will share our results with a broader audience.” Benefits of the research may include creating a low-cost treatment for people living with mental illness that can be used in combination with medication which could be expanded to patients in the general psychiatry and outpatient clinics at Ontario Shores and elsewhere. It also provides the Abilities Centre and other similar community recreation centres with new tools and ways to support a marginalized group, people living with mental illness.
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