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Red Deer Polytechnic hosts Research Showcase

Event featured 20-plus presentations from staff, faculty and students
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The work of Red Deer Polytechnic faculty, staff and students was on full display at the annual Research Showcase earlier this week.

On Thursday, there were more than 20 presentations featuring some of the currently applied research being conducted at the post-secondary institution. Topics spanned several disciplines including animation and visual effects, education, nursing, science and sociology.

“The Research Showcase demonstrated the vast research that is led by learners, faculty, and staff from across the institution, addressing challenges and opportunities in industry and society,” said Dr. Paulette Hanna, interim academic vice-president.

“As a polytechnic, we connect our applied research, education, and training to develop skills, knowledge and solutions that provide meaningful impact for Alberta and further abroad.”

Payton Baltzer, one of the students who participated in the showcase, presented two different research projects, including one in which he studied the home range size of female elk at Elk Island National Park in Fort Saskatchewan. This study saw Baltzer and a fellow student map out the area where the elk occupied to not only understand their behaviour, but also the differences between populations and seasons.

“Being able to present at a formal event is a very beneficial experience as public speaking and conferences are a part of many different jobs in the field. It will also be good practice for the future conferences and presentations, I will be a part of later this year,” said Baltzer.

Each year, RDP faculty, staff and students complete more than 100 applied research projects in various disciplines. The post-secondary institution collaborates with industry, non-profit organizations and community groups, among other partners, to research and identify solutions for myriad issues that affect Albertans and citizens further abroad.

RDP ranks 38th in applied research on Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges 2022 list by Research Infosource Inc. The ranking highlights that in 2021, Red Deer Polytechnic attracted $2.6 million in applied research investment. It is also ranked first in the country in annual growth in research income.

More details about the research taking place at RDP, including details of the annual Research Showcase presentations, is available online at www.rdpolytech.ca/research.