Annual Research Showcase Celebrates Applied Research and Innovation

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to recognize and celebrate its vast applied research that helps create tangible outcomes to specific challenges across our province, and beyond. On March 12, members of the Polytechnic community shared its innovative research projects and scholarly activity at RDP’s Fourth Annual Research Showcase.

“The Research Showcase demonstrated the multi-disciplinary research that is initiated by students, faculty and staff across the Polytechnic, providing significant impact for academia, industry and communities,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. “As a polytechnic institution, we strategically integrate applied research with education and training to help advance Alberta’s priorities and productivity.”

This year, the Polytechnic’s Research Showcase featured three poster displays and 18 presentations about a variety of subjects. Many of the applied research projects that were presented involved interdisciplinary collaboration between students, faculty and partners, highlighting actionable outcomes in communities and industry. Seven breakout sessions, which covered topics in humanities, science, technology and wellness, complemented the experiences of attendees.

As an example, one session featured a research project titled Identification of Vertebrate Prey Within Black Bear Scat. It showcased collaboration between Taylor Eaton, an RDP student, Ramona Maraj, Ecologist Team Leader II with Parks Canada, and Sandra MacDougall, RDP Biology instructor.  

MacDougall has been extensively involved in applied research about wildlife in Alberta, including black bears. With a historic grant valued at almost $475,000, MacDougall has engaged students and partners to examine the characteristics of a recolonizing population of American black bears within the Bear Hills Biosphere region. This study has been helping to inform land use planning, wildlife management and educational outreach.  

As keynote speakers, Dr. Choon-Lee Chai and Dr. Jones Adjei, RDP Sociology instructors, shared their research titled Immigrant Settlement Experiences in Central Alberta. This collaboration with local organizations has helped to advance knowledge about how to best support immigrant success in the region. RDP learners, including paid student research assistants, have participated in this research, enhancing their experiences and helping to support immigrants as they engage in the labour force.  

The diverse opportunities for RDP students to participate in applied research and share their findings create multi-faceted impact. In addition to making industry connections, students have unique opportunities to participate in collaborative, experiential learning and further develop their competencies through applied research. By integrating applied research with education and training at RDP, students are equipped to address the needs of industries and communities as they prepare for rewarding careers.  

This Research Showcase aligns with several of the Polytechnic’s strategic drivers, including Learner Impact, Research & Creation and Innovation Ecosystem Spaces, as identified in the institution’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Productivity & Social Impact.  

As one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Polytechnics and Colleges, Red Deer Polytechnic has four areas of focus: Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare and Health Technology, Energy Innovation and Social Innovation.  

RDP’s Fourth Annual Research Showcase was sponsored by Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN), NOVA Chemicals and RDP Cultural Activities Trust Fund. 

For more information about the Fourth Annual Research Showcase, session details, please visit: rdpolytech.ca/showcase-program.