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Red Deer Polytechnic Research Showcase highlights projects

Red Deer Polytechnic hosted its first annual Research Showcase to show off recently completed and in-progress research, and scholarly activity undertaken by students, faculty and staff.
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Red Deer Polytechnic hosted its first Research Showcase Thursday. (Contributed photo)

Red Deer Polytechnic hosted its first annual Research Showcase to show off recently completed and in-progress research, and scholarly activity undertaken by students, faculty and staff.

The online event, which was held Thursday, was designed to mirror a conference, with a variety of sessions and a panel discussion for participants to learn about the projects and engage with the researchers.

“The Research Showcase provided an opportunity for us to collectively celebrate and share the scholarly activity that is happening at Red Deer Polytechnic,” said Dr. Maureen Toews, associate vice-president of teaching, learning and research.

“Featuring research projects in this type of showcase format really highlighted not only the breadth of activity that is undertaken at our institution, but also the depth of analysis that researchers – whether students, faculty or staff – engage in throughout their projects.”

Thirty-six researchers shared details about their projects during the 21 lightning talks and roundtable discussions presented throughout the showcase. Research topics ranged from using plasmonic nano-technology in the medical field to a case study of MicroSociety students to understanding creativity and its impact on wellbeing.

Kira Weddell, who is enrolled in the Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biological Sciences, presented on the topic of bats in central Alberta.

“Having the opportunity to gain research experience that directly applies to the field of study I am pursuing is very motivating and has inspired me to seek out similar opportunities,” said Weddell.

“Gaining real-world and applicable experience through this opportunity has helped to prepare me for my future experimental endeavours and has allowed me to see the complexity and importance of doing research.”

Kylie Thomas, vice-president of academic and provost, said as a polytechnic institution, RDP is “uniquely positioned” to have research opportunities that are practical, applied and integrated within the work students and faculty engage in on a daily basis.

“Across our programming, there are opportunities to connect with and undertake research that directly impacts our community partners and organizations now, while also advancing knowledge and processes for the future,” said Thomas.

“We’re so proud of the research that takes place at Red Deer Polytechnic, because it positively benefits our students, employees and community members from across the region.”



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