RDP Students’ Research Advances Provincial Priorities
The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) community continues to recognize and share research that creates vast institutional, industrial and societal impact.
Red Deer Polytechnic recently hosted the Student Science Conference and Agora Student Conference which showcased a breadth of applied research that has been conducted by RDP learners.
“As a polytechnic institution, we align education, training and applied research opportunities to create innovation ecosystem spaces that help address the needs of industry and communities,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “The Student Science Conference and Agora Conference are examples of unique student experiences offered at RDP that create positive economic and social impact and lead to meaningful employment.”
At the Student Science Conference, attendees were able to view 28 poster projects highlighting a variety of subject areas while discussing the objectives and findings with student researchers. Guests were also invited to select from 20 formal student presentations, which showcased a variety of scientific topics.
Additionally, the Student Science Conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Michael T. Woodside, Department of Physics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, and Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, at the University of Alberta. Dr. Woodside shared his research that found unique RNA structures in viruses, such as knots and frameshifting sites, that act as an antiviral drug targets. By attacking these targets, antiviral drugs can help impede the activity of a virus.
The Agora Conference at Red Deer Polytechnic showcased the creativity and academic work of students in Humanities, Social Sciences, Justice and Social Work programs. Featuring more than 40 research projects and 15 art installations, the event fostered collaboration and intellectual exchange. It also offered students crucial opportunities to build career skills, such as effective communication and knowledge dissemination. By blending academic achievement with professional development, the conference enriched students’ learning experiences and prepared them for future success.
Some of the exceptional work that was showcased at the Agora Conference will be published in the annual Agora Journal. Along with the journal sharing this work with a larger audience, it also provides opportunities for students to gain experience editing, fact-checking and relationship building with authors, while being guided by Red Deer Polytechnic faculty.
While the Student Science Conference and Agora Conference highlight research that is conducted in specific academic disciplines at RDP, applied research occurs across the institution by students, faculty and staff and in collaboration with industry partners.
As one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Polytechnics and Colleges, RDP has four areas of focus: Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care & Health Technology, Energy Innovation and Social Innovation.
Related News
