SPARK: Humber's Research & Innovation Quarterly, Issue 2

Humber’s Research & Innovation Quarterly | Issue #2 | Dec 2021

Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) Restructured Funding Opportunities through: x Seed Research and Innovation Fund x Cultivate Research and Innovation Fund Why Social Innovation?

Project Updates What are our faculty up to?

What are our students saying?

And much more

Humber Receives Funding PREVIEW Innovation Workshop Buffet Employee Spotlights Humber SPARK Is …

We have some ideas.

Let us know what YOU think, check out the back cover page.

CONTENTS ISSUE #2, DEC. 2021

Ginger Grant, PhD. Dean, Office of Research & Innovation Anju Kakkar, KMbS/Managing Editor, Humber Press, Office of Research & Innovation Saran Davaajargal, Editorial Assistant, Humber Press, Office of Research & Innovation Andrea Chan, Graphic Designer, Office of Research & Innovation Humber Press 205 Humber College Blvd.

Toronto, ON M9W 5L7

Why Social Innovation?

HumberPress@humber.ca humberpress.com @Humber_Research @Humber_Research linkedin.com/showcase/ humber-research/ humberresearch On request, this document is available in alternate formats.

Email Humber Press at humberpress@humber.ca

COVER PHOTO BY POPTIKA FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

The Voices of SPARK 4

Dean’s Message

6

Editor’s Note

7

Employee Spotlights

Previews 11

Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education: Call for Papers

12

Innovation Workshop Buffet

33

16

SoTL Seed and Cultivate

12

41

Features

Research Process

16

Seed and Cultivate Research & Innovation Funds

41

Humber College Broadcast-Broadband Convergence B2C Lab

33

Why Social Innovation?

43

Researchers and the Scope of Research

49

Humber’s Students are Researchers and Innovators

Cover Story

New Research Projects 22

SoTL Projects

Extras

26

Tri-Council Grants Awarded This Fiscal Year: NSERC Engage, NSERC CCSIF

54

Article References

56

Develop Your Spark

57

Quips and Quotes

38

Smart Textile-Based Wearables

THE VOICES OF SPARK

Dean’s Message

WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION of SPARK—where we celebrate our researchers and innovators at Humber.

In the previous issue, we began by giving you an idea and a sneak peek at what is happening in our growing Humber research community—proud to say that we grew and endeavoured even during the unprecedented pandemic.

Ginger Grant, PhD. Dean, Research and Innovation

In this issue, we share more stories about expanding a dialogue around the words research and innovation and how we are building a research culture one step at a time.

We are talking about restructured funding opportunities and why social innovation matters.

Our approach to developing a research culture can be explained in three simple questions, and we encourage you to reflect on these: 1.

2.

3.

What do you love to do?

What do you want to do more of?

What resources do you need to make this happen?

We are born researchers—born curious. That is where you start. Simple curiosity. We focus on our polytechnic approach—solving problems. The pandemic surfaced many interesting questions that allowed us to start thinking differently about our world of work. What did we learn? What questions are now being asked?

4

|

SPARK

THE VOICES OF SPARK

One of my favourite authors, Roberto Verganti, wrote “Design-Driven Innovation” in 2009 (see image below). At the time, he was a professor in the School of Management at the Politecnico di Milano (hmm—another polytechnic).

He now spends his time between the Stockholm School of Economics and as a visiting professor at Harvard Business School, where he continues to teach Design Theory and Innovation Practice.

Radical Change Incremental Change

STEM Technology

He caught my attention when I read about his belief that innovation is a change in meaning. At that point, I was hooked. When we combine the best of technology with the best of design, what happens? What could happen?

Disruptive Technology-Driven Innovation Design-Driven Innovation of Meaning

Market Driven User Centered Incremental Innovation

Incremental Change

Radical Change

Meaning

Design Driven Innovation by Roberto Verganti

STEAMS Verganti, R. (2009). Design Driven Innovation: Changing the Rules of Competition

by Radically Innovating What Things Mean. Harvard Business Review Press.

So, as we approach this holiday season and the upcoming New Year, let us reflect upon what changes in meaning have surfaced in our new world of work. That is also the focus of our next big grant application.

Come play in our new sandbox of curiosity, research and innovation, and see what sparks fly.

Stay safe. Stay curious. We hope to see you in the New Year.

COLLAGE OF IMAGES BY VANDATHAI, YEVGENIJ_D AND PIYAPHONG FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 5

THE VOICES OF SPARK

EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear readers,

IT IS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN. As we say goodbye to 2021, and as we prepare to welcome 2022, it is our sincere hope that despite the hurdles, disruptions, and challenges, you have found reasons to express gratitude, celebrate the magnanimity of life, and count your blessings. Let us welcome new beginnings. Through it all, we remain committed to working, supporting, and collaborating with you.

The Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) expresses sincere thanks to you all—faculty, researchers, students, leaders, industry and community partners and members of our growing research community. Humber’s vision to lead, transform and differentiate is only possible because of you. We are indeed stronger together.

In this issue of SPARK, we highlight newly structured funding opportunities available to emerging and seasoned researchers, we acknowledge the impact of social innovation, and we celebrate the remarkable efforts of our growing Humber research community.

Humber SPARK is a collaborative space. We wish to extend an invitation to you, dear readers; please connect with us if you want to submit a completed article to be featured in SPARK. Is there a project you are working on?

Is there a past project that you would like to share with a broader audience? Has a related book inspired you?

Have your students come up with innovative and frugal PHOTO BY SERG-DAV FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

6

|

SPARK

solutions to a problem? Are you collaborating with a peer on an interdisciplinary project? Have you collaborated with an industry/community partner? Connect with us and share your story.

We are passionate about creating an environment, a safe space, a “Research Ba,” where change and failure are seen as opportunities to learn and grow. Building a sustainable research culture requires taking risks, failing, learning and trying again. We strive to make research accessible and approachable to everyone, and we aim to demystify innovation. Many new projects are on the horizon; and we encourage you to watch out for regular news and updates on our social media platforms.

I leave you with one of my favourite quotes from stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from AD 161 to 180, “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Wishing you a very peaceful end of the year and a hopeful and prosperous New Year 2022.

Until next time, Anju Kakkar, KMbS/Managing Editor, Humber Press, Office of Research & Innovation

THE VOICES OF SPARK

coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.

Henry Ford

Employee Spotlights

MEET SOME OF OUR EMPLOYEE ROCK STARS

By Anju Kakkar

The team at the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) advance Humber’s research profile and help drive the impact of research completed at the college. They are miracle workers who keep the running of an organization and the team well-oiled and functioning at its best. They do so tirelessly behind the scenes.

We would like to take the time to highlight some of our rock star coworkers that keep us leading, transforming and differentiating.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY GOODSTUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTCOK

SPARK | 7

THE VOICES OF SPARK

Tanya Perdikoulias, BA (Hons.), PM Certificate, Operations Manager,

A LIFELONG STUDENT WHOSE FAVOURITE QUESTION IS “WHY?”

[…] ORI continues to evolve along with our team. We are seen as all-inclusive contributors. We are encouraged to prosper and grow beyond what we were hired to do. That freedom to demonstrate what makes our hearts and minds happy, in turn, makes for a wonderful work mindset and culture—a feeling of positivity and freedom to be oneself. That’s ORI!”

Under the direction of ORI’s Dean, the Operations Manager is accountable for providing confidential operations, financial and project support to allow the Dean, departmental management and support staff to function efficiently and effectively.

Tanya is assisted by the Resource Manager, Jaqueline Nicol and the Finance Manager, Duarte Ribeiro, to deliver on the asks and responsibilities of a growing research team at ORI. Tanya embodies the qualities of a keen lifelong learner, a researcher and an empathetic leader. Her leadership style has been impacted and refined through the opportunities she had to immerse herself in Japanese culture and philosophy.

Tanya spent close to a decade working in a Japanese environment, both in Japan and with the Consulate General of Japan in Toronto. This exposure provided a leadership perspective of teamwork mixed with hard work—a “rising tide raises all boats” outlook. She inspires and encourages others to achieve their highest potential by cultivating a safe, healthy and harmonious work environment. She leads by example.

Tanya acquired her BA in Applied Linguistics, Communications Disorders from Brock University in 1997, followed by a one-year post-grad diploma in

8

|

SPARK

Public Relations from Niagara College, while she was applying to work in Japan on the JETAA Programme. Tanya began working at Humber College in 2011 as the Assistant to the Sr. VP of Planning and Corporate Services & CFO. In 2017, she moved to administratively support the Sr. VP Academic and AVP Academic. In mid-2018, she began her career as the Operations Manager in ORI. Tanya brings with her varied experience and skill sets shaped through her years of work experience, such as Executive Assistant to Deputy Registrar & COO, and Board Chair of two Health Boards: the Health Boards Secretariat, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, ON, and Executive Assistant to the Consul General of Japan in Toronto.

Get to know Tanya a little better: x When she is not at work, she is behind the camera … click-click. x Secret talent: “I play shortstop in a women’s competitive softball league.”

Also, fun Instagram post creator. x A fun fact: “I taught English in Japan for three years and then, longing for something a little different, I worked at a Japanese spa for a year.”

THE VOICES OF SPARK

Jaqueline Nicol, B. Com. (Hons), Resource Manager,

EMBRACES A THIRST FOR CHANGE AND INNOVATION

Jaqueline, aka Jackie, completed the Hospitality Management Program from Humber in 2008 and acquired a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in 2010 from the University of Guelph. She began her career with Humber in 2013 as a Program Support Officer in the (then) School of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism, spending a great deal of time ensuring that students were supported throughout their Humber journey.

In her role as Resource Manager at ORI, Jackie is tasked with coordinating, tracking and supervising the human resources components of grant administration which includes financial operations.

She continues to apply her expertise and experience to collaborate with and educate the Humber community on matters pertaining to research policies and procedures. She also oversees salary expenditures across the department.

Jackie’s desire to grow both in her career and life paved the path to research; she humbly implies that she “stumbled upon research” and transferred to ORI (then Applied Research & Innovation) as the Administrative Coordinator. Jackie’s exceptional ability to apply her skills in areas of operations, finance and HR allowed her to get involved in all areas of research, along with the opportunity to work closely with project coordinators and team leads. As a member of both the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Board and the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA), Jackie is diligent about conducting her work with care and a systematic mindset.

She has participated in the Leadership Development for Women: Early Career Program in 2016 from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Jackie has also recently completed the Basadur Simplexity Thinking program—a framework for problem solving and a pathway to innovation.

Jackie embodies a “let’s figure it out” attitude with grace. She continues to work closely with the Operations Manager and our Dean to develop internal processes and funding guidelines.

Get to know Jackie a little better: x She is currently pursuing two certifications: Project Management Certificate from Humber and Research Administration Certification from Mohawk Continuing Education, endorsed by CARA. x When she is not at work, she takes care of her family and spends time with her children; “I am a minimalist and I like the simple pleasures of life.” x A favourite movie: “The Pursuit of Happyness;” “I enjoy feel-good movies, also sports documentaries and shows such as “Last Chance U” on Netflix.”

In 2017, I began working with the Office of Research & Innovation and so began my journey with what is truly becoming a powerhouse at Humber. I am a graduate of Humber College, and I am so grateful to be establishing such a rewarding career here. I have many friendships that were established on day one, that I still carry close to me today.

SPARK | 9

THE VOICES OF SPARK

Manivannan Kannan, B.Com. Project Coordinator,

A GO-GETTER AND SELF-MOTIVATED TEAM PLAYER

My experience at ORI, from day one, has been very educative, exciting, and inspiring. I am delighted to work with a lovely team, an amazing boss and supportive management who value our ideas. We strive to perform at our best in research and think out of the box to achieve successful outcomes. I am very grateful to work with Michel and the ORI team.

In one word: ORI and the team—ASTONISHING!”

10

|

SPARK

Manivannan, aka Mani, holds a Bachelor of Commerce from SRM University, India. With his heart set on Canada, he arrived in Ontario in 2018 and completed Lambton College’s post-grad diploma in International Business Management in 2019. During his time in Lambton, Mani grabbed an opportunity to participate in a field study project with Bombardier. He excitedly shares that this was when his interest in project management peaked.

Mani joined ORI in December 2020 as a Project Assistant and soon rose to his current role as Project Coordinator.

Mani has been a part of an internal research team at ORI that conducted a skills mapping analysis (watch out for their paper in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education (JIPE): “Practical Innovation: Beyond COVID” in January 2022). Mani works closely with Senior Project Manager Barath Roy Michel—assisting with research projects’ data analysis, data visualization, creating dashboards, and providing backend support for facilitated workshops, like Tableau training for a cohort of Project Management post-grad (PMPG) students.

Mani and other project coordinators are a part of what they call a “Data Club,” a group of highly motivated team members passionate about all things “data related.”

Along with Project Coordinator Juan Garcia Felipe, Mani is playing a vital role in the development of Humber’s “Change Leadership/Management Methodology” Framework—an alternative capstone project, led by Raeshelle Morris, Innovation Program Manager, ORI and Cheryl Francis-Nurse, Program Coordinator, Project Management post graduate program. Mani also provided timely assistance to ORI’s Knowledge Mobilization Specialist and Managing Editor, Humber Press, Anju Kakkar, by handling graphic design and maintaining ORI’s news and social media platforms for a short period. He continues to assist with data collection and annotated bibliographies from time to time.

Get to know Mani a little better: x Recent Certifications: Graphic Design, Power BI, Tableau and many more through LinkedIn Learning x The next certification he has in mind: Short term: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®, Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), HR Analytics; Long Term: Project Management Professional (PMP) x A secret talent: Cooking, photography.

PREVIEWS

Watch out for our Special Issue in January/February 2022

Practical Innovation: Beyond COVID FOr the latest issues, visit jipe.ca

Call for Papers

Call for Papers

“Beyond Sustainability: Regenerative Design”

“Indigenous Education and Research in a Polytechnic Context”

Expressions of interest (EOI) are invited.

Deadline for EOI: February 20th, 2022 Visit JIPE.ca for more information Enquiries can be submitted to: humberpress@humber.ca

Expressions of interest (EOI) are invited.

Deadline for EOI: June 2nd, 2022 Visit JIPE.ca for more information Enquiries can be submitted to: humberpress@humber.ca

SPARK | 11

PREVIEWS

INNOVATION WORKSHOP BUFFET

WHAT IS IT AND WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE

By Saran Davaajargal THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION (ORI) continues to innovate and meet the needs of our industry partners and our growing research community at Humber through value-added offerings. A prominent example of this is our Innovation Workshop Buffet series, offered free-of-charge, 90-minute long virtual training sessions, developed and curated by our team of experts.

These workshops primarily focus on developing creative problem-solving skills, promoting values-based innovation and adopting design thinking methodologies. We offer these workshops to our industry partners to empower them to incorporate these skill sets into their workforce for effectiveness and competitiveness in the age of innovation. Industry partner representatives, faculty and staff at Humber who have participated in these workshops have gained valuable insights.

ORI has successfully facilitated two seasons of the Innovation Workshop Buffet series. The Fall 2021 Innovation Workshop Buffet was offered from October 14th to November 19th, 2021. The workshop participants have been able to expand their learning, explore human-centred frameworks, re-think problem solving and learn how to effectively make an impact on their audiences.

12

|

SPARK

PREVIEWS

Fall 2021 Innovation Workshop Buffet by the numbers

10 133 Sessions held

Participants attended

92%

% Of surveyed participants who responded “satisfied/very satisfied” with the session

We are delighted to have received encouraging feedback, and due to popular demand, ORI will continue to offer these workshops. The Winter 2022 Innovation Workshop Buffet series is scheduled from February to March 2022.

Here’s a little sneak peek at what you can expect Do you want to learn more about Human-Centred Design?

Develop your ability to understand others’ perspectives better? Learn skills that will help you generate impactful solutions? Then join our Introduction to Human-Centred Design workshop. The workshop is facilitated by our Senior Project Manager Camila Perez Pena.

Camila is a passionate Strategic Innovation Designer and Project Manager convinced that human relations, collaboration, and co-creation can change the world.

She knows that both public and private organizations are developed in a dynamic and multidimensional environment in which meeting the needs of their internal and external stakeholders becomes the main challenge to keep or increase the value they deliver to the economy, industry, and society.

Regardless of our backgrounds, we are all designers.

Learning outcomes of Introduction to Human-Centred Design: x Explore how this framework can allow you to perceive the world through the lens of others x Build deep empathy and generate impactful solutions that reflect the voice of your users x Reflect deeply and discover hidden motives that drive people Here is what an Introduction to Human-Centred Design workshop participant shared: “The most important takeaway for me was the whole thought process around Human-Centred Design and how I can apply it while working with Humber students in the design and development phase of our project.”

—Humber faculty

PHOTOS BY PROSTOCK-STUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 13

PREVIEWS

Want to create feasible and user-focused solutions? In the age of innovation, you need to discover your own and your organizations’ values to inspire, direct and evaluate innovation. How can you explore your own Values Perspectives? We recommend the Introduction to Design Thinking and Introduction to Values-Based Innovation workshops. Both workshops are facilitated

by ORI’s Innovation Program Manager, Raeshelle Morris.

Raeshelle holds a master’s degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph, a double-major honours bachelor’s degree in Management and Organizational Studies from the University of Western Ontario. She is also a certified project manager (PMP) trained in Creative Problem Solving, Values-Based Innovation through ValuesPerspectives, Design Thinking, Change Management and Human-Centred Design.

Learning outcomes of Introduction to Design Thinking x Learn essential design thinking techniques, mindsets, and behaviours x Understand the design thinking process x Understand how to grow ideas into powerful solutions

Learning outcomes of Introduction to ValuesBased Innovation x Understand your values perspectives x Understand the importance of values alignment for organizations x Understand the impact of values alignment on business model innovation An industry partner participant, who attended the Introduction to Design Thinking workshop, expresses: “Design thinking is a great avenue to open up to more possibilities and to provide more chances to address real problems. It is [mindset that helps us identify] where the real issues are so we can solve problems more effectively.”

—Workshop participant

Have you ever got stuck while solving a new challenge?

Ever wonder why you work so well with some people and not so well with others? Then the Introduction to Creative Problem Solving* workshop is for you. In this introductory workshop, we explore how to effectively solve challenges and create new opportunities. We also examine how the Basadur Simplexity Profile developed by Min Basadur, PhD., sets the stage for optimizing how we solve challenges and opportunities both individually and collectively.

This workshop is facilitated by industry expert Debra Pickfield. She is a dedicated “Minion” who has facilitated Simplexity sessions for over ten years and watched groups navigate from frustration to “ahhh—we get it” as they explore the real issue seeking to be solved. Debra’s commitment to recognizing problem solving as a key driver of innovation is what brings her to Humber College, and she is looking forward to sharing her passion and supporting anyone or any team as they learn new skills to approach any opportunity or challenges facing them.

Debra possesses MBA in Leadership and BA in Social Sciences (Economics).

Learning outcomes of Introduction to Creative Problem Solving x Understand your unique problem-solving profile x Understand how to navigate working with team members who may have different views on creative problem solving x Explore the problem-solving process *This introductory workshop is a pre-requisite for Simplexity Level 1 for Problem Solving.

A participant, one of our valued industry partners, shares an insight: “Bringing together a diverse group of individuals creates opportunities for meaningful interactions in defining and solving a problem or challenge.”

—Workshop participant PHOTOS BY PROSTOCK-S TUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

14

|

SPARK

PREVIEWS

Last but not least, ORI is offering the Introduction to Data Analytics & Storytelling (Excel & Tableau) workshops, where we will have some fun learning the essentials of data analytics tools and how to use them in telling a great story about your data. Data storytelling is the best way to use data to create new knowledge and new decisions or actions. This workshop is facilitated by our data experts, Barath Roy Michel and David Weisz.

Barath holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in Human Resources. He worked as an HR Business Partner in TVS ASL, with an opportunity to dive into multi-million dollar client projects located in the Middle East. His key deliverables were related to recruitment, training, quality improvement, HR budgeting, performance metrics, data maps, agile implementation, and data analysis.

David is a data journalist and educator passionate about storytelling, spreadsheets and pandas (both furry and Python varieties). David is also the creator of Data Driven, Canada’s premier data journalism symposium.

He is currently exploring new ways to collaborate on data-driven storytelling as a co-founder and director of Humber College’s StoryLab.

L earning Outcomes of Introduction to Data Analytics & Storytelling (Excel & Tableau) x Working knowledge of MS Excel, how to build Pivot Tables and how to crunch data x Tableau functionality and how to build basic visualizations x How to tell better stories about your data If you want to expand your learning, cultivate the art of creative problem solving, explore a humancentred framework, develop a design thinking mindset, understand and align values to support business model innovation and have fun learning how to effectively convey a story through your data, join us for the Winter 2022 Innovation Workshop Buffet series.

ORI looks forward to meeting you at the virtual table!

To register and see all our upcoming events, please visit humber.ca/research/upcoming-events

Industry Partners Every Thursday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Workshop

Date

Introduction to Human-Centred Design

Feb. 3

Introduction to Design Thinking

Feb. 10

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving— Simplexity

Feb. 17

Introduction to Data Analytics & Storytelling—Excel

Feb. 24

Introduction to Data Analytics & Storytelling—Tableau

Mar. 10

Introduction to Values-Based Innovation

Mar. 17

Humber and Guelph-Humber Faculty and Staff Every Friday from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Workshop

Date

Introduction to Human-Centred Design

Feb. 4

Introduction to Design Thinking

Feb. 11

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving— Simplexity

Feb. 18

Introduction to Data Analytics & Storytelling—Excel

Feb. 25

Introduction to Data Analytics & Storytelling—Tableau

Mar. 11

Introduction to Values-Based Innovation

Mar. 18

SPARK | 15

FEATURES

SEED AND CULTIVATE RESEARCH & INNOVATION FUNDS FOR EMERGING AND SEASONED RESEARCHERS SoTL REDEFINED

By Anju Kakkar and Camila Perez-Pena AT THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH & INNOVATION (ORI), we understand that the work of faculty is divided into four independent functions or scholarships which, as described by Ernest L. Boyer in his Model of Scholarship (1996), are interconnected and consolidate the holistic approach of their role as educators. The Scholarship of Discovery allows faculty to explore the world around them and gain knowledge by conducting research. This is followed by the Scholarship of Application, in which insights are applied in a practical manner to solve real-life problems. The Scholarship of Integration allows faculty to capitalize on the diversity of disciplines, knowledge and skills by connecting them in meaningful and substantial ways. Finally, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) invites educators to reflect on their teaching in every aspect of their scholarly life.

Humber’s SoTL was incorporated into the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) family on 1st April, 2021. We acknowledge that our goal and promise to our community is to welcome research and teaching as two functions that build on each other. These two functions are equally important to enrich the development and growth of faculty members’ journey as researchers and educators. The ORI team thrives on encouraging reflective and critical thinking by understanding and communicating that regardless of how research or teaching is being conducted, what is truly valuable for both teachers and students alike, is the opportunity to build new knowledge, to experience a novel

16

|

SPARK

FEATURES

We acknowledge that our goal and promise to our community is to welcome research and teaching as two functions that build on each other

PHOTO BY JULIJA KUMPINOVICA FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 17

FEATURES

understanding of the world surrounding them, to gain or perfect their skills and abilities. In short, to learn, unlearn and relearn.

Let’s take a brief moment and ask ourselves, “What is critical reflection?

What do we mean by discovery? Is a systematic inquiry not the same thing as a focused curiosity? Is it not Research, plain and simple?” Before we continue, let’s also remember the Learning aspect in SoTL. Research, be it applied research, phenomenon-driven research, or research in the form of capstone projects and SoTL, is as much about learning as teaching.

Learning is an accepted and celebrated aspect of research.

At ORI, learning is the key that leads to demystifying research and making it accessible to all by welcoming the rich curiosity and range of various passions, interests and unanswered queries that are waiting to be investigated. We are eager to build a collaborative learning culture where failure, risk or uncertainty are not judged but celebrated. These experiences lead to the exploration of broader and more complex topics and scenarios that would not be considered in a traditional environment.

One thing that this pandemic has taught us is that regardless of how prepared we think we are, there will always be an

Teaching

PHOTO BY KEEMMIDO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

18

|

SPARK

unexpected challenge to face; therefore, having a proactive mindset to the various phenomena that are occurring or could occur is the best response to a world of constant and fast change. We are a hub for professional development, inquiry and discovery in which both emerging and seasoned researchers can interconnect their roles as educators and as researchers in such a way that they are not perceived as independent functions, but as complementary—two sides of the same coin—that can take place both inside and outside the classroom.

“What is research?” if not the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.

(Merriam-Webster, n.d.). ORI encourages and supports the research community to engage in a holistic conversation encapsulating “research.” Applied research and an innovative mindset are competent skills that can lead the Humber community in developing resilient citizens

Learning

TEACHING AND LEARNING GO HAND-IN-HAND

SOWING THE IDEA

“I think that the thing I most want you to remember is that research is a ceremony. And so is life. Everything that we do shares in the ongoing creation of our universe.”

—Shawn Wilson, Author, Research is Ceremony

FEATURES

SEED

Research & Innovation Fund

Seed Research & Innovation Fund THE RESEARCHER’S JOURNEY

who are empowered to thrive in an ever-changing era of innovation and digitization. At ORI, we also embody the very same mindset; we house emerging researchers and innovation experts, and we embrace research as a ceremony.

Restructured Funding Opportunities Our first step to achieve this goal was to restructure the funding opportunities we provide by making them more flexible and open to accommodate the diversity we are proud of witnessing among our growing research community at Humber College. This is why, as of October 1st, 2021, the Teaching Innovation Fund (TIF) was replaced by the Seed and Cultivate Research and Innovation Funds.

The Seed and Cultivate funds will assist us in creating pathways for emerging researchers who are willing to grow from curiosity in the classroom to crossing boundaries with discovery and application of knowledge in practical applied research opportunities. These new programs go hand-in-hand with the ongoing workshops and seminars that we offer and are focused on strengthening qualitative and quantitative research skills and sparking interest in novel ways of initiating, developing, and disseminating their work to share with future researchers.

Think of research as a massive green field—rich, abundant and filled with a wide scope of discovery and wonder. These “research green fields” are sustainable, and the “sky is the limit” when it comes to research. Think of emerging researchers and initial research projects as “seeds” being planted in the richness of research. As researchers observe the seeds they have sown begin to flourish and “cultivate,” these emerging researchers, in turn, cultivate into savvy researchers.

Think of students as “gardeners” assisting in sowing the seeds of discovery and embracing, adopting and learning along the path of discovery and research.

x “Discovery-oriented” x Ideal for Emerging Researchers. x Funding amount: $1,500, up to $4,500

CULTIVATE Research & Innovation Fund

Cultivate Research & Innovation Fund x “Design-oriented” x Possibility of investigating with external partners. x Funding amount: $5,000, up to $15,000 A more in-depth description of these new funding programs and detailed standard operating procedures can be found online in the SoTL Handbook (https://issuu.com/humber_research/ docs/sotl-handbook).

Scholarshi Teaching anp of Handbook d Learning

researchpr ojects@hum ber.ca humber.ca/ research

PHOTO BY RIDO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 19

FEATURES

CULTIVATING THE RESULTS

In line with these restructured funding opportunities, ORI has decided to establish a collaboration with the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) team.

This collaboration aims to expand the reach of the researching faculty who are willing to provide students with authentic and unique intercultural opportunities.

COIL-SoTL projects will explore research from a global lens by allowing educators the opportunity to evaluate their teaching and learning initiatives in an international context and connect with partner institutions from across the globe. These one-of-a-kind opportunities are set to support the development of 21st-century skills, which directly responds to Humber Learning Outcomes (HLOs) and aligns with Humber’s Centres of Innovation (COIs) for comprehensive internationalization.

“For ORI, cross-disciplinary opportunities are paramount to achieving a collaborative culture in which the [faculty] can feel confident and safe to explore their passions and interests. We foresee the COIL-SoTL collaboration to be the perfect scenario in which both emerging and seasoned researchers will find the resources and support needed to bring authentic, unique, and meaningful intercultural initiatives to life. We expect that this collaboration will motivate and encourage more faculty members to conduct research with an international lens and will enrich their journey as they become global research and education leaders.”

—Camila Perez Pena, Senior Project Manager, ORI

20

|

SPARK

FEATURES

COIL

SoTL

“We are all researchers, though we may initially not recognize it. We want to create opportunities for everyone to engage and participate in research. So, connect with us and let us support you. You may have an idea or a curiosity and that’s all it takes begin your research journey.

Through research that is accessible and approachable, ORI aims to expand and encourage dialogue that fosters creativity all the way to innovation.”

—Anju Kakkar, KMbS/Managing Editor, Humber Press, ORI

Deeper understanding to inform future directions!

THE COLLABORATIVE ONLINE INTERNATIONAL LEARNING (COIL)-SOTL COLLABORATION

This collaboration is the first step towards an institutional integration that we consider vital to achieve, solidify, and maintain an outstanding reputation among Canada’s academic institutions as leaders spearheading the philosophy of research, innovation and education.

The Office of Research & Innovation looks forward to working with the Humber community and supporting their initiatives by nurturing a culture of collaborative learning, co-creation, innovation, curiosity, and research.

We are thrilled to support your initiatives; if you are interested in applying for one of our SoTL funds, please submit your Notice of Intent (https://ncv.microsoft. com/ZaxPYVLmBD) or reach out to researchprojects@ humber.ca for more information about our opportunities, workshops and more.

REAPING THE FRUIT OF RESEARCH

PHOTO BY DOGU_PHOTOGRAPHER FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 21

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

SoTL Projects Have a look at the breadth and depth of SoTL projects initiated this fiscal year (April to November 2021) PROJECT TITLE: Course Syllabi Design and Learning/

Engagement

Principal Investigator: Jennifer Ball Faculty: FLA Project summary: The Investigator will work with a professional graphic recorder to design and deploy a hand-drawn “live” digital mind-map model of the course syllabus for a new course, GGRN 100: Foundations of Sustainability. Images on this syllabus can be hyperlinked to the free (open-access or Humber Library hosted) resources and to the bios of guest speakers. Most importantly, this re-designed course syllabus would visually depict the purpose and relationships of the unit topics and reading, watching, and listening materials. As a result, the Investigator predicts that they will observe a greater engagement with the course syllabus. They would also like to know if the graphic syllabus draws attention to the course/program in the sense that students may share it with others outside of the course/program.

TOP PHOTO BY FIZKES FROM SHUTTERSTOCK. ILLUSTRATION BY MILLETSTUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

22

|

SPARK

Faculty/Department Acronyms x x x x x x x x

Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology (FAST) Faculty of Business (FB) Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness (FHSW) Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Innovative Learning (FLA) Faculty of Media & Creative Arts (FMCA) Faculty of Social & Community Services (FSCS) Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) Student Success & Engagement (SSE)

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

PROJECT TITLE: Development of a New Change

Management/Change Leadership Methodology and Framework (Phase 1)

Principal Investigator: Raeshelle Morris Faculty: ORI Co-Investigators: Cheryl Francis-Nurse, Dilash Krishnapillai Project summary: In today’s world, companies that can adapt and thrive in change are more successful. Humber is planning to develop its Change Leadership Methodology and Framework, which it would first integrate with initiatives offered by the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI), as part of their Innovation Training Offering. This will be incorporated with the PMPG Simulation Tool to support Humber’s academic programs and finally recommended to industry through corporate training. A team of Project Management post graduate program (PMPG) students have been identified as part of the Alternative Capstone Project to undertake this research in the Fall of 2021.

The students would be involved in primary and secondary research of existing change models and would be working closely with subject matter experts, faculty, research assistants, and members of ORI and PMPG departments to develop a new model, which can be used as a learning tool at Humber and later be leveraged by industry.

PROJECT TITLE: Incorporating Praxis into Child and

Youth Care Post-Secondary Education PROJECT TITLE: Cross Discipline Co-creating Virtual

Reality Space Exploration

Principal Investigator: David Neumann Faculty: FMCA Co-Investigators: Ahmed Raza Sagarwala, Rossie Kadiyska Project summary: The Investigators will explore the process to integrate a co-creative, collaborative multiprogram VR design flow process at Humber. Students from multiple programs will work together on a co-created VR project, alongside their instructor who will provide feedback and evaluation in VR.

Principal Investigator: Melanie Zuzarte Faculty: FSCS Project summary: In Phase 1, the Investigator will gather data from Humber College Child and Youth Care students which will illustrate, using a humanistic lens, to Child and Youth Care Educators, how students would like to experience elements of care in the classroom. In Phase 2, Child and Youth Care Educators may propose pedagogical strategies when weaving in elements of care into praxis within the learning life-spaces which in turn may inspire Child and Youth Care students’ future clinical practice.

The Investigator will analyze the data informed by Humber College Child and Youth Care students and Child and Youth Care Educators lived academic experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and curate pedagogical strategies within the form of “Care Workbook” deliverable for Child and Youth Care Educators academic practice.

PHOTO BY PROSTOCK-STUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 23

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

TWO-EYED LAND-BASED PLAY AND CO-LEARNING

PROJECT TITLE: Incorporation of Emerging

Technologies into the Classroom

Principal Investigator: David Neumann Faculty: FMCA Project summary: The investigators are exploring the process, technology requirements, and pedagogical considerations needed to sustainably incorporate emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality into the curriculum. Through “proof of process” multi-disciplinary research projects they can bring a team of industry stakeholders, students, and faculty from different disciplines together and create a small project that investigates a specific potential opportunity for emerging technology to be incorporated into the curriculum within 1-2 terms. The project’s success is measured based on the insights gathered about the challenges and opportunities a specific technology may bring to student learning. Most projects have multiple phases with workshops, faculty professional development, and other opportunities for staff, students, and faculty to engage with the project process as well.

PROJECT TITLE: Leading from the future: Sustainable

denim—local live case study in sustainable fashion (Phase 5)

Principal Investigator: Rossie Kadiyska Faculty: FB Co-Investigator: Vladimira Steffek, PhD. Project summary: The Investigator’s goal is to develop a case collection of fashion innovation and sustainability inspired by the work of local Humber alumni. This phase of the project will be the fourth case with a focus on fashion retail post-COVID. With more cases being written and published, they aim to create a course that relies on these case studies—thus making Education for Sustainability a part of the current curriculum.

PROJECT TITLE: The Importance and Impact of

Mentorship in Higher Education

Principal Investigator: Anisha Jahagirdar Faculty: SSE Co-Investigators: Joanne Cerdan, Mahfam Nikoo Project summary: The Investigators are interested in what role mentorship plays for students as they transition into higher education, specifically into a college environment. Furthermore, they would like to understand

PHOTO FROM HUMBER COLLEGE

24

|

SPARK

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

how are mentors and mentees impacted by the social, emotional, and academic aspects of this experience.

Students who participated in the First Year Experience mentorship program during the 2020-21 year, either as a mentor or a mentee, will be invited to participate in interviews to discuss their experience in the program.

PROJECT TITLE: Two-Eyed Land-Based Play and

Co-Learning

Principal Investigator: Louise Zimanyi Faculty: FHSW

of knowing, requires research participation from both the dominant and Indigenous societies to assure research validity that honours both perspectives. To that end, the Investigators will be working with an Indigenous partner, the Maamaawisiiwin Education Research Centre (MERC).

Through the use of pre and post surveys as well as focus groups, both students and the faculty teaching the course will have the opportunity to voice their experiences.

PROJECT TITLE: Virtual Reality Applications in

Mechanical Maintenance Lab

Principal Investigator: Reza Madjlesi

Co-Investigators: Lynn Short, Bora Kim and Lyndsay MacDonald

Faculty: FAST

Project summary: The Investigators will explore how a new course in Two-Eyed Land-Based Play and Co-Learning (ECE 234) engages and impacts the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical realities of the learner and faculty. ECE 234 is a culturally focused landbased course informed and shaped by the traditional territories and lands that Humber College is located on and the work of Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall. Marshall’s pedagogical approach of Two-Eyed Seeing, or education that balances both Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways

Project summary: The Investigator will convert a lab session of the industrial maintenance lab into virtual reality. Students in the lab will scan a QR-code on a gearbox and will see the internal parts of the gearbox on the screen of their smartphones. Students can move around the internal parts and look at exploded views of the parts. Hot spots will be added to the VR presentation of the gearbox. Students will get detailed info on the type of bearing and the way to find replacement bearings for the gearbox through a session that combines virtual reality with PDF files and videos.

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND LINKEDIN FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND REGULAR UPDATES linkedin.com/showcase/humber-research @humber_research

PHOTO BY 13_PHUNKOD FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 25

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

TRI-COUNCIL GRANTS AWARDED THIS FISCAL YEAR (April to November 2021)

26

|

SPARK

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

Data-driven innovation is critical to the competitiveness of Canadian businesses

PHOTO BY PROSTOCK-STUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 27

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

PROJECT TITLE: Digital Transformation of Operational

Processes

Awarded: $25K

NSERC Engage

Partner: NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada Ltd.

Engage grants connect innovative companies with the knowledge and expertise found in universities and colleges. These grants aim to solve company-specific problems and develop research partnerships between the private and post-secondary sectors.

Project summary: NTN Corporation manufactures and distributes a wide range of ball and roller bearings, serving the automotive, industrial and recreational markets.

Existing operational processes are no longer effective.

This project’s research outcomes would be implementing and testing digital transformation models in all aspects of operations, including manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain, which could contribute to the enterprise’s survival within the pandemic and beyond. This research project will identify the best digital transformation model, digitally linking the operations of all three sectors, manufacturing, engineering and supply chain.

PROJECT TITLE: New post-COVID-19 and nature-

PROJECT TITLE: Indoor Navigation System-Wayfinding

based, architectural solutions for enhancing personal wellness at home

Principal Investigator: Mark Stoiko, FB

Awarded: $25K

Awarded: $25K

Partner: Circuit Plus Inc.

Partner: Kirkor Architects and Planners

Principal Investigator: Daryoush Mortazavi, PhD., FAST

Principal Investigator: Phil Fung, FAST

Project summary: Daily shoppers, visitors and patients, who rely solely on in-person experiences, spend a long time finding their destined items and location, with continuous interactions, which increases the risk of contagious diseases like COVID-19. Circuit Plus Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and tests electronic devices in different categories—Industrial, commercial, and health care for low power, high-efficiency devices and can provide applied solutions for the enterprises currently unfulfilled in the market. Circuit Plus is experiencing challenges in the form of a lack of knowledge in new technologies and expertise in embedding this technology in products. The research team will develop and test a mobile application and a most reliable solution for indoor wayfinding leveraging IoT technology, cloud computing, and mobile app development.

Project summary: Toronto-based Kirkor Architects and Planners seek novel architectural solutions to promote building occupant wellness for the “new normal”—a trend of remote working, at-home learning and athome leisure expected to persist beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Kirkor seeks an empirical understanding of how biophilic features—natural elements that enhance wellness outcomes—can be integrated into their future architectural designs. The Humber team will therefore experimentally test types of putative biophilic features able to be incorporated into building infrastructure (e.g., houseplants, food crops, nature imagery and aquarium fish) for their wellness-enhancing effects.

28

|

SPARK

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

PHOTO BY POPTIKA FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 29

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

PROJECT TITLE: Digital Transformation of Ontario’s

ADR Sector

Awarded: $25K Partner: ADR Institute of Ontario Principal Investigator: Mary Lee, FAST Co-Investigator: Rameen Sabet Project summary: The global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have abruptly shifted the Ontario Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) sector towards the use of online dispute resolution and virtual platforms for courts, tribunals, and other dispute resolution hearings and processes. The ADR Institute of Ontario’s (ADRIO) current database management system (DMS) has limited functionality to provide client relationship management and related client-practitioner engagement identification. The technical challenge experienced by ADRIO is their limited resources and expertise to change the existing DMS into a more intuitive and accessible customer interface. This project aims to transform how ADR practitioners interact with their clients, better understand the needs and challenges experienced by ADR practitioners and identify new evolving practices.

ILLUSTRATION BY PHONLAMAI PHOTO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

30

|

SPARK

PROJECT TITLE: Robotic Painting Arm Development

Awarded: $25K Partner: Mechatronic Diagnostics Ltd. Principal Investigator: Seyed-Youns Sadat-Nejad, FAST Co-Investigator: Mehrdad Iravani-Tabrizipour Project summary: Mechatronic Diagnostics Ltd. is an automotive diagnostic and repair centre and is challenged in finding expert painters and reducing the health hazards for its existing painters. This project aims at developing an automated painting robotic system that is installable in the painting booth. The proposed solution will allow the industrial partner to operate vehicle painting in their repair shop booth in an automatic manner, which will optimize the workforce and increase staff safety.

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

NSERC CCSIF The College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grants allow researchers at colleges/polytechnics and community organizations to co-create innovative solutions to complex social challenges.

PROJECT TITLE:

Developing a Best Practice Model for Mental Health Crisis Care: A Community-Engaged Approach

Awarded Amount: $360K Partners: (a) TAIBU Community Health Centre and (b) Middlesex-London Paramedic Service Principal Investigator: Polly Ford Jones, PhD., FHSW Co-Investigators: Sheryl Thompson and Danielle Pomeroy Project summary: When experiencing a mental health crisis, many people rely on emergency services such as 9-1-1 dispatchers, paramedic services, police services and hospital emergency department services. Many of these first response services lack sufficient resources and training and have few options to offer when providing care.

This project will bring together community-based service providers and emergency care providers to develop a best practice model for response to mental health crisis care. This project plans to highlight and develop practices that appropriately support all members of the community requiring emergency mental health support with particular attention paid to those of lower socioeconomic status, Black and Indigenous communities, People of Colour, and LGBT2SQ+ and immigrant communities. In addition to a best practice model, the project aims to co-develop workshops and training for practitioners working in these fields.

PROJECT TITLE:

Digital Narratives: Indigenous Economic Development

Awarded Amount: $360K Partners: (a) Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business and (b) First Nations University of Canada Principal Investigator: Audrey Wubbenhorst, FMCA Project summary: Research by CCAB argues that economic development in Indigenous communities correlates positively to social impact. In addition, Indigenous economic development contributes to the overall Canadian economy. While the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for more Indigenous content in Canadian classrooms, there is little available for post-secondary professors. This project will start to close that gap through a series of multimedia cases of successful Indigenous business models. Each year will focus on a different theme: Entrepreneurship (Year One), Collaboration and Partnerships (Year Two) and Skill Development (Year Three). The research team will deliberately include cases from across Canada reflecting the diversity of Indigenous communities. Working with First Nations University, the research team will pilot these materials with students and “test” them for usability and engagement.

PHOTO BY FIZKES FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 31

FEATURES

32

|

SPARK

FEATURES

Why

Social

Innovation?

By Anju Kakkar and Sarah Nieman IF WE WERE TO ASSOCIATE “APPLIED RESEARCH” SOLELY WITH TECHNOLOGY, such as Industry 4.0, digital sensors and networks, 3D printing and green technologies, we would be ignoring one of Humber’s largest research areas: Social Innovation.

Though it has many definitions, social innovation research, in essence, builds partnerships to develop new and innovative solutions to systemic social problems. The goal is IMPACT; building healthier and more resilient communities and social systems that will improve the lives of everyone. We continue to witness increasingly harsh effects as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as time goes on, and it is evident that we need more social innovation in our communities—measurable, impactful and sustainable social innovation. In fiscal 2021, Humber has received CCSIF funding for two grants totalling $720K (read more on page 31).

What Is Social Innovation?

“Social innovation is the process of developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social progress. Social innovation is not the prerogative or privilege of any organizational form or legal structure.

Solutions often require the active collaboration of constituents across government, business, and the non-profit world.”—Sarah A. Soule, Neil Malhotra, Bernadette Clavier, Stanford University, Center for Social Innovation

At Humber, we proudly focus on community development through social innovation research. The research projects that faculty and community partners undertake aim to address social challenges. Social innovation research is about co-creation, and our research brings all stakeholders together—including those the targeted problem impacts the most—to take collective action.

In 2020, Humber College received five multi-year grants totalling $1.6M in research funding from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), a fund managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Four CCSIF projects are being led by professors in the Faculty of Social & Community Services (FSCS), and one CCSIF project is being led by Ginger Grant, PhD., Dean, Office of Research & Innovation (ORI).

From affordable housing initiatives to cannabis education to measurement of the impact of 21st-century experiential learning on new immigrants’ workplace performance and Indigenous economic development, these projects represent only a sample of the impactful research undertaken by the Humber community.

PHOTO BY POPTIKA FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 33

FEATURES

Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) has identified five key research areas, and, you guessed it, Social Innovation is one of those key areas. So, what do social innovation projects look like?

They pursue a raison d’être All applied research comes from a need; as phenomenondriven research, social innovation must respond to a complex, social challenge that may not have a straightforward answer.

Consider the work of Daniel Bear, PhD. Daniel is a professor in Humber’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree program, part of the Faculty of Social & Community Services. He and his team realized that there is a gap in education for young cannabis users. Daniel’s project, Engaging and Educating Young-Adult Cannabis 2.0 Consumers (grant amount $344K), set out to develop an evidence-informed base of information for cannabis consumers, in order to reduce potential harms resulting from frequent and long-term smoking of cannabis, or inaccurately dosing new cannabis 2.0 products. This research is in partnership with the Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP) and the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA).

“If our cannabis education research project does a little bit to help people make better or more informed choices about how they are going to consume cannabis, then we can safely state that we have taken one more step forward in the right direction.”

—Daniel Bear, PhD.

This project represents the first concerted effort to develop a scientifically accurate, harm-reduction-focused cannabis 2.0 public education campaign that is based on a human-centred design approach, with synchronized materials for both consumers and retailers. The research team seeks to understand how young people in Canada are engaging with public education information about cannabis and to use that information in collaboration with our partners to create more effective, stigma-free, honest public education materials. You can read more on Cannabis Education Research, a website dedicated to this research. Phase 1—Data Collection is now complete.

The research team is in Phase 2—Development and

PHOTO BY FGUNN FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

34

|

SPARK

CANNABIS PRODUCTION

Production. Daniel is supported by Ashley Hosker-Field, PhD., professor in the Faculty of Social & Community Services, and Marilyn Cresswell, professor in the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts, and four research assistants, Annemarie Antunes, Carter Mooney, Diarra Bakary and Stefania Piedimonte.

They collaborate with community partners Applied research often engages external partners, which build relationships between the college and industry, provides student research assistants with the opportunity to work on industry-focused problems, and plays a role in ensuring college programming is relevant. Tina Lackner is a professor in Child and Youth Care Practitioner programs.

Tina’s project, with research partner Sara NickersonWhite, PhD., Experiences of hope, self-compassion and authentic collaboration: Foundations for a consumerinformed compassion-based human services delivery framework in a Canadian Context (grant amount $323K), aims to develop and establish a guiding framework that can aid Canadian Human Service (HS) Organizations and service providers in their ability to be responsive to the aspirations and preferences of consumers in ways that strengthen their ability to lead self-directed lives.

What began as four has blossomed into eight community partners from across Canada collaborating on the project: x Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion—Central Offices in Toronto, ON; Calgary, AB; and Moncton, NB x Family Transition Place—Orangeville, ON x Heartache2Hope—Oakville, ON x Hope Resource Centre Association—Westlock, AB x Lutherwood—Waterloo Region, ON x Southwest Nova Transition House Association —Juniper House—Southwestern, NS x Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation—Toronto, ON x Wellspring London and Region—London, ON

FEATURES

These partners are primarily non-profits, supported and managed by volunteers. And while pauses due to COVID-19 put so many activities on hold, Tina believes taking a step back allowed the research team to develop deeper and more meaningful relationships with their community partners.

“We had to delay our project by a year out of respect for the organizations and the communities they support. This period of rest gave us time to honour the process they needed, to clearly understand the scope of this research.

As a result, we have nurtured deeper relationships with our partners [who] firmly believe in the concepts and are aligned with the trajectory of this study.”

—Tina Lackner

The research team is collecting stories of hope from people who have participated or worked in human service programs at any of the partner organizations. The next step will be collecting stories of self-compassion (year 2) and stories of authentic collaboration (year 3). This is done through the research team’s website, Share Your Stories, dedicated to this study. Tina is supported by two research assistants, Kevin Pedrosa and Raquel Sinclair.

They develop robust research methods Researchers use a variety of methods to explore their research question. Many social innovation projects engage in some level of community-based participatory research due to their collaborative nature: how can you really know you have made change and impacted a community unless you include them in the research methodology?

Affordable Housing Needs in South Etobicoke (grant amount $360K) has become an urgent issue, with over 25,000 projected units in the city books. Housing affordability, defined provincially and federally, is spending less than 30% of a household’s pre-tax income on housing. Minimum wage earners need to spend 70% of their income to afford the average asking rent of a onebedroom apartment in Toronto (ACORN, 2018).

“We are adopting the attitude of being researchers WITH our partners and the community; not just researching their cause for them.”

—Salomeh Ahmadi

Some achievements to date include a National Housing Day event in November 2020 and 2021, workshops on: Above Guideline Rents, Housing Rights and Community Benefits, the formation of an Advisory Group, presentations to over 40 organizations at the South Etobicoke Community Coordination Plan cluster, and to 43 individuals, a monthly community newsletter, and the launch the South Etobicoke Housing Affordability (SEHA) website and social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter.

As a result of a network with Toronto Community Benefit Agreements, the research team developed a tool that was used to leverage social procurement through development projects. They also conducted a workshop session that inspired an ad hoc residents and agencies group to form on Community Benefits for South Etobicoke, RESEARCH ENGAGING COMMUNITY

In her research, in collaboration with community partner LAMP Community Health Centre (LAMP CHC), Salomeh Ahmadi considers how a Community of Practice (CoP) can sustain advocacy efforts that support new models for affordable housing through social policy change. The first phase of the project focused heavily on engaging communities and agencies impacted by the rising cost of housing and the inaccessibility of affordable housing.

PHOTO BY RAWPIXEL.COM FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 35

FEATURES

with an aim that some of those benefits be given back to the communities most impacted.

With the Affordable Housing Needs in South Etobicoke study, the research team is moving into Phase 1 of collecting data, interviewing, and working in focus groups.

Salomeh is supported by two research assistants, Sarah Mushi and Tasfia Naoshin.

For National Housing Day (22nd November, 2021), the research team hosted an online viewing, moderated by Salomeh Ahmadi, of the documentary Push, followed by a Q&A with Global Director of The Shift, Leilani Farha, activist and Canadian human rights lawyer, previously the United Nation’s special rapporteur on adequate housing.

They involve students Experiential learning is a key component of applied research. Participating in social innovation research allows student research assistants to engage with the kind of complex social problems they may face in their future careers.

Ann Corbold, professor in the Bachelor of Social Science in Criminal Justice and Police Foundations programs, is working with The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan and Street Culture Project (Regina) on Community Agency Partnerships: Best Practices for the Creation of Healthy Communities (grant amount $219K). This project is particularly complex, aimed at identifying the wraparound support services needed for at-risk youth to avoid the criminal justice system. On this project, the research assistants are given autonomy to think critically and come up with actionable solutions. The practical nature of the work allows Ann to better explain social concepts and social innovation out in the field as they are making real change happen. She states, “The students are making outstanding contributions to the project study, and it is impressive to watch them apply their research and analytical skills towards a social cause.” Currently, Ann is assisted by Ashley Hosker-Field, PhD., professor in Faculty of Social & Community Services as co-investigator and research assistants Gabriel Hutchcraft and ShellyAnn Marshal.

MAP DATA ©2019 GOOGLE

36

|

SPARK

HOUSING IN SOUTH ETOBICOKE

“The resilience and persistence of front-line community workers are why change happens. They never give up because they know full-scale change takes time and commitment. Obstacles such as lack of funding and resources become challenges. They adapt and keep going. They aren’t doing it for money or acknowledgment; they are doing it to make their communities a better place for everyone.”

—Ann Corbold

The research team has completed Phase 1—Data Collection—the quantitative part. They are diving into Phase 2—Interviews—the qualitative component. A support program at each of the partner agencies will be assessed to see whether or not they are: (1) traumainformed; (2) low barrier to access; (3) free from systemic racism; and (4) aligned with their commitment to reconciliation.

FEATURES

They support Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs) In collabOration with ACCES Employment, one particular CCSIF project will Measure the impact of 21st Century Experiential Learning on New Immigrants Workplace Performance (grant amount $360K).

The key objective of this study is to develop an evidenceinformed base of information which will help measure the impact of both implemented and planned experiential learning opportunities on the employment readiness and actual employment of the ITPs who participate in ACCES’ bridging programs. The aim is to determine efficacy and effectiveness from both an ITP and employer perspective and to use this data to inform decisions about which are and which are not effective.

Ginger Grant, PhD., Dean, Office of Research & Innovation (ORI), is the principal investigator and is supported by co-investigator Raeshelle Morris, ORI’s Innovation Program Manager. The project team comprises Barath Roy Michel (Data Analysis Expert), Juan Felipe Garcia (Project Coordinator) and Fatima Momin (Research Analyst).

The research team is in the process of analyzing data from surveys, conducted by ACCESS about several training programs offered, on understanding the skillsets and mindsets brought by ITPs to the Canadian labour market. Assessments have been done on individuals enrolled in the following ACCES Programs: Financial Services, IT, Sales & Marketing, Leadership, Supply Chain, HR, Healthcare, Electrical Engineering, Newcomer Women.

Four assessments have been done by the participants: (1) FourSight Thinking Profile, (2) 21st Century Skills, (3) Five Behaviours of a Team, and (4) Agile EQ. The project team is currently analyzing the data qualitatively and quantitatively before presenting their complete findings to ACCES Employment.

One preliminary finding is based on the peak preferences of the FourSight thinking profiles and the ranking between the profiles and the programs. The research study identified that communication skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and knowledge of relevant software were the most required skills in the job market across the programs offered.

“The data we gathered and analyzed was eye-opening, primarily because we noticed a high preference towards the Clarifier and Developer FourSight profiles. This could well be in line with a new immigrant’s mindset as they tend to ask many questions, prefer facts over ambiguity, are cautious and have a structured approach. It would definitely be interesting to revisit (if possible) the same sample group and understand if their preferences have changed or not (especially considering that preferences do not reflect ability).”

—Barath Roy Michel

CONCLUSION Social Innovation research pushes us to do better.

Research in this field benefits everyone involved on a holistic level. It brings faculty, students, industry and community partners together with a collective goal to make the world a better place one step and one research project at a time. Social Innovation research encourages us to think deeply in engagement with community partnerships to come up with thought-provoking and sustainable solutions to social issues for the good of all.

Is there a pressing issue on your mind? Would you like to engage in a partnership with a community organization to tackle any social issues? Connect with us and let’s spark an idea together.

PHOTOS BY MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 37

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

HUMBER COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH CANADA’S UNIVERSITY HEALTH NETWORK (UHN) Collaborating on a Multi-Institution Research Platform to Develop Smart Textile-Based Wearables

By Dianna Dinevski NESTLED IN THE HEART OF Toronto’s medical and technical research community, you can find over 50+ exceptional researchers working on advancing smart textiles to improve healthcare for Canadians and hopefully many more around the world.

The breadth of research and innovation at Humber College coupled with Humber’s rising rankings in research partnerships has led to a ground-breaking collaboration with Canada’s University Health Network and other academic institutions. This is a testament to Humber’s commitment to continued partnership with a growing research community and propelling Humber’s innovation capacity.

PHOTO BY LOOK STUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

38

|

SPARK

The University Health Network (UHN) is the top-ranked research hospital in Canada, and under its rehab research arm, the KITE Research Institute, UHN is leading efforts to introduce a revolutionary new research platform into the medical research landscape. Together with seven other academic institutions— Humber College, The University of Toronto, Centennial College, George Brown College, OCAD University, Ryerson University and Sheridan College—UHN has formed the FIBRE (Fabric-BasedResearch) platform. One of the first of its kind, FIBRE also includes commercial and international partners, such as Vee Technologies Inc. (headquartered in New York, U.S., and Bangalore, India, with an office in Canada) and

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

SONA College of Technology (headquartered in Tamil Nadu, India). Together they are making a difference in the $13.5B medical wearables market and growing every day.

The focus is to bring a human-centred design approach to improve accessibility and health for Canadians through smart textiles.

Some of the core research and technology development areas of the grant include: Core 1 Material Synthesis and Characterization— develop, evaluate smart yarns & materials Core 2 Bio-compatible Implant Design—use of yarns in biomedical & surgical applications Core 3 Sensor & Actuator Fabrication—advanced manufacturing of smart textile components Core 4 Design, Exploration and Product Development— inclusive design, assembly, testing Core 5 Validation, Integration & Safety—validation in clinical settings Core 6 Data Acquisition & Analytics—development of computing approaches Together, the UHN FIBRE mission is “to make care accessible to people through technology by designing, introducing and integrating smart textiles across the healthcare system.”

“This initiative will help bring together multidisciplinary expertise in order to develop textiles and garments that can support the growing needs of the healthcare sector for people in Canada, India and beyond— a team science approach to solving today’s greatest health issues and a key element of UHN’s research strategy.

The health benefits are far-reaching and will serve to help individuals experiencing chronic illness, ageing as well as those living with disabilities.”

FIBRE IS LEADING THE WAY The highly specialized multidisciplinary research team encompasses technical expertise needed to develop next generation smart textiles, including areas of biomedical sciences, engineering, industrial design, applied computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, occupational health, rehabilitation medicine, signal processing and multi-sensory integration.

The UHN FIBRE partnership identifies potential research projects, pursues ideas to improve patient care which will result in increased safety for citizens and develops innovative products by designing, prototyping, testing, educating and commercializing advanced products.

Several R&D projects will be funded through this initiative with an objective to improve the lives of people living with health-related challenges by creating products that will find commercial applications.

—Bradly G. Wouters, PhD., Executive Vice President, Science and Research, University Health Network

ILLUSTRATION BY NADYA_ART AND S_MARIA FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 39

NEW RESEARCH PROJECTS

THE HUMBER FIBRE TEAM Humber was a natural technical partner with expertise in industrial design, advanced sensing and product design.

The research team at Humber comprises Dennis Kappen, PhD., Maryam Davoudpour, PhD., George Paravantes as well as many more faculty members who are now getting involved.

Dennis is a professor of Industrial Design with the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology. He focuses on user experience design and human-centred innovation techniques within the realm of product design and technology applications. His research primarily focuses on the application of assistive technologies to motivate older adults to empower their physical, emotional and cognitive skills. He enjoys using Augmented Reality and Mixed-Reality systems for multi-modal interactions in semi-autonomous vehicle design. His co-authored work, with co-recipient George Paravantes, in AR, received the Humber President’s Research Excellence Award.

George Paravantes is with the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts and teaches both user-experience design and interaction design with a focus on empathy towards behaviours and interaction with products and interaction services. George’s global experience allows him to understand the impacts of emerging technologies and their implications on people’s lives.

Canadian Academic Partners

International Academic Partners

40

|

SPARK

Maryam is a professor of Electronics with the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology. She is the newly elected and first female Chair of IEEE, Toronto Chapter. Founded in 1903, IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology, with 400,000 members in more than 160 countries. Maryam brings a wealth of experience as an electronics professor in the Faculty of Applied Science & Technology at Humber, and declares, “Research is my life.”

These three leading professors are making a difference and continue to forge forward and advance research in wearable technologies.

Lastly, Dianna Dinevski is also part of the team as the Humber representative on the UHN FIBRE Steering Committee. Dianna is a Research Specialist, Grant & Business Development at Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation. She brings years of college research and business management experience to the Humber research team to bolster industry-academic partnerships to strengthen Canadian global competitive advantage.

For more information about UHN FIBRE at Humber, please contact Dianna at dianna.dinevski@humber.ca or Maryam Davoudpour maryam.davoudpour@humber.ca.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

HUMBER COLLEGE BROADCAST-BROADBAND CONVERGENCE B2C LAB HUMBER COLLEGE IS LEADING THE way towards the development of Canada’s first Broadcast-Broadband Convergence B²C Lab to explore multisectoral data delivery applications enabled by the new Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 television broadcast standard, set to replace the current ATSC 1.0 standard in North America. The ATSC 3.0 standard runs on an IP (internet protocol) backbone and can integrate with other global data delivery standards including Wi-Fi and 5G. This extensible standard offers enhanced audio and visual features, robust broadcast mobility and is currently the world’s most efficient one-to-many data delivery system.

Housed in Humber’s 90,000 square foot Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation at North Campus, the core mission of the B²C Lab is to advance ATSC 3.0 technology and 5G convergence research, development, testing and deployment—creating innovative broadcast television experiences and datacasting applications supporting a host of industries and new business models. Humber’s B²C Lab will be the first industry research lab in North

B2C LAB HOUSED IN HUMBER’S BARRETT CENTRE FOR TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

America equipped with both an ATSC 3.0 broadcast system and 5G core network, including an RF antenna test chamber supporting over-the-air testing of a wide range of wireless devices and prototypes.

With an accomplished team of faculty researchers and students, the lab will foster partnerships with the Canadian private and public sector leading to technology and business innovation at the local, regional and national levels, illustrating how the broadcast industry can support the digital transformation of other industries.

ATSC 3.0 datacasting opportunities offer a wide range of applications from Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, geo-targeted emergency alerting, programmable advertising, distance learning, smart agriculture, forestry and mining and more.

TOP PHOTO BY METAMORWORKS FROM SHUTTERSTOCK, BOTTOM IMAGE FROM HUMBER COLLEGE

SPARK | 41

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

ATSC 3.0 Features Elevated Capacity (Multiple Data Streams)

Advanced Functionality • Spatial Scalability • Improved Frame Rates • High Dynamic Range • Wide Colour Range

Improved Reception & Penetration

• Indoor Coverage • Mobile & Vehicle Compatible • IoT Compatible

Advanced Security Encryption

• Content Encryption • Secure Path to Transmission • Source Validation

Enhanced Accessibility

• Dialogue Enhancement & Selective Audio/Video • Descriptive Services • Custom Caption Capabilities

Hybrid Broadcast & Broadband Interoperability

• Internet Protocol (IP) Compatible • Shares Common Clock with 5G • Return Channel Communication • Data-Casting Capability • Two-Way Transmission

Industry Applications Entertainment: New video, audio, and data-casting capabilities, as well as compability with existing web protocols, open opportunities for immersive customer experience and subscription-based entertainment services.

Public Safety & Targeted Emergency Communications: Uninterrupted, direct communication channels and network agnostic casting will enhance situational awareness, emergency messaging and coverage.

Advertising & Marketing: Return-channel capability via broadband, audience measurement, and synergies between linear TV & internet based protocols will improve market reach and exposure—enabling personalized experiences/advertising for consumers.

Automated Vehicle Services: Data-casting capabilities can deliver in-car infotainment system experiences and telematic services such as map updates, real-time traffic updates, software-firmware updates to fleets and individual vehicles.

Smart Agriculture, Telemedicine & IoT Applications: Improved coverage and data-casting capabilities enable automated device activation and monitoring, which can be used for a variety of applications.

Remote Learning & Education: Building (concrete) penetration, robust coverage, improved video & audio capabilities will enable new online learning & streaming services that create new enhancements and efficiencies in distance education.

ATSC 3.0 FEATURES, ADVANCED FUNCTIONALITY AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

atsc 3.0 Benefits to Companies Television Interactivity: The convergence of broadcast TV with broadband internet content delivery opens the door to new interactivity in TV programming.

Linear TV programming can be designed to integrate with internet delivered content. Other features in 3.0 broadcasts include geo-targeting, addressable advertising (dynamic ad and content exchange) to regain revenue source through a highly personalized advertising experience, hybrid Pay-TV services offering multi-screen bundles with security and DRM, premium tiers of service, multiple camera angles and customization possibilities for sports, essentially TV “video on demand”—all invaluable resources in revenue growth that can occur in the directto-consumer base for broadcasters.

Data Delivery: Internet and mobile networks struggle to meet the ever-increasing demands of streaming video and other bandwidth-hungry content. ATSC 3.0 is currently the world’s most efficient one-to-many data delivery system with return channel capabilities via broadband.

A managed heterogenous network that incorporates both ATSC 3.0 broadcast and 5G delivery can serve as a capacity multiplier for end-users and address gaps in network coverage.

42

|

SPARK

GPS Augmentation: Countless industries such as avionics, telecommunications, agriculture, and transportation rely on GPS to enhance productivity, increase safety and improve security. Gaps where GPS is not available through satellite coverage due to jamming or poor reception (underground parking, tunnels, etc.) can be supported with broadcast transmission via ATSC 3.0. The new robust standard can penetrate buildings and concrete, and with precision time protocol inherent in its design, ATSC 3.0 can deliver GPS augmentation and back-up for critical services including transportation.

ATSC Press Release (https://www.atsc.org/news/ humber-awarded-3-million-in-grant-to-research-nextgeneration-broadcast-technology-atsc-3-0/) For further inquiries, please contact Orest Sushko, Director B²C Lab at: orest.sushko@humber.ca Website: b2convergence.ca

Full-time and part-time faculty are welcome to reach out and learn more about the B²C Lab and how they can participate in R&D in this new broadcast and data delivery standard. Please contact Orest Sushko, Director B²C Lab at: orest.sushko@humber.ca

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

RESEARCHERS AND THE SCOPE OF RESEARCH THAT THEY LEAD

ON ANY GIVEN DAY, THE HUMBER COLLEGE COMMUNITY is abuzz with research activities. From collecting and analyzing data to collaborating with industry partners to coming up with new insights, our community is flourishing with new ideas and discoveries every semester. In this issue, we are highlighting just a few of the exciting research projects at Humber.

Let’s go on a journey from digital transformation to regenerative design, teaching diversity in classrooms, and student empowerment.

By Anju Kakkar and Saran Davaajargal ILLUSTRATION BY GRINBOX FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 43

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

The first research project in this issue’s spotlight is Digital Transformation of Operational Processes (grant amount $25K), led by Mark Stoiko, professor in the Faculty of Business (FB).

Funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Engage grant, the research project is a collaborative endeavour with industry partner NTN Bearing Corporation Ltd. The key challenges that motivated the project are the inefficiency of the existing operational processes at NTN Ltd., and the lack of knowledge and resources of moving from legacy operations into digital operations. This project’s research outcomes would be implementing and testing digital transformation models in all aspects of operations, including manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain, which could contribute to the enterprise’s survival during the pandemic and beyond.

Mark is an expert in business planning, marketing, and research. He is equipped with eight years of digital transformation experience, during which he worked with five companies and fourteen industry partners on digital transformation projects.

Mark shares that thinking like a researcher felt incredibly familiar to him, given his natural inclination with mean absolute deviations (MADs). He has applied quantitative methods in applied research towards political studies, including voting behaviour and religiosity in Canada, to name a few. In the past few years, he has presented his work and observations at several conferences on teaching and learning and entrepreneurship practices.

As an educator, Mark inculcates in his students with a desire to search for meaning, to have an inquiring mind, and a philosophical approach to research.

He encourages his students to pursue purpose, understand social injustice, ILLUSTRATION BY GOLDEN SIKORKA FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

44

|

SPARK

question their realities, participate experientially, and conduct research on matters closest to their hearts to unearth new learnings.

We were deeply moved by these reflective words from Mark: “One of the great revelations in my collective experience with teaching and learning is that research, much like other aspects of life, participates in the three transcendentals—three properties of being: truth, beauty and goodness—the interplay and connection with truth, beauty in discovery, and goodness in impacting real change. I celebrate the privilege of being an instructor who chooses to interplay with objective truth—it is attainable, reachable, understandable—the best part is that it is teachable.

If a concept can be understood and explained, then by definition, it can also be taught.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF OPERATIONAL PROCESSES: IMPLEMENTING AND TESTING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MODELS IN ALL ASPECTS OF OPERATIONS, INCLUDING MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING, AND SUPPLY CHAIN, WHICH COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE ENTERPRISE’S SURVIVAL DURING THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND.

—Mark Stoiko

Mark Stoiko Faculty of Business

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

The next project in our spotlight is New post-COVID-19 and nature-based, architectural solutions for enhancing personal wellness at home (grant amount $25K), led by Phil Fung, professor in the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology (FAST).

The research is highly relevant for the current times when our homes also serve as office spaces, schoolrooms, chat rooms, makeshift gyms, retirement homes, and more. Phil tells us, “The current pandemic is not just a physical pandemic; it is also a mental health pandemic. We are born with an innate connection with nature. However, urbanism has distracted us from the healing powers and positive effects of connecting with nature. I pondered, if only we could learn from nature; why is it so hard to realize how our wellbeing is directly associated with nature?”

With funding from the NSERC Engage grant, Phil is collaborating with Torontobased industry partner Kirkor Architects and Planners to create novel architectural solutions to promote building occupant wellness for the “new normal”—a trend of remote working, at-home learning and athome leisure expected to persist beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The Humber College research team will experimentally test types of acknowledged biophilic features able to be incorporated into building infrastructure (e.g., houseplants, food crops, nature imagery and aquarium fish) for their wellness-enhancing effects.

Kirkor will apply these insights to developing data-supported solutions for safeguarding Canadian wellness amidst rapid changes in living and working arrangements.

Phil has dedicated his career to being an advocate of sustainability, bio-inspired design, and regenerative design that help restore natural balance in life. In the

course of his career, Phil designed and patented his Vertical Indoor Ecosystem— Vertical Indoor Garden (VIGA™)—in early 2014, which was based on biomimetic and biophilic design principles.

OUR WELLBEING IS DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH NATURE.

Keeping his students engaged through capstone projects is a high priority for Phil.

He stresses that hands-on experiential learning and exposure to community and industry needs is the only way students can truly learn. An example of Phil’s active engagement with his students is the Off-Grid Organic Food Shed project with the City of Brampton. Phil learned of the Brampton Backyard Garden initiative through one of his students and decided to get involved. As a result, Phil conducted a seminar about the Food Shed, and Humber students were involved in a capstone project.

On his motivations for conducting research, Phil remarks: “To me, research has to have a purpose. I want to ensure that my research has a path to commercialization, to come up with something that will help people as an end result. It is my desire to make the world and our ecosystem more regenerative.”

—Phil Fung

Phil Fung Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology

PHOTO BY RYAN KELEHAR FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 45

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

FACULTY MEMBERS AND STUDENTS EXPERIENCE DIVERSITY IN THEIR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE EVERY DAY.

Faculty members and students experience diversity in their academic experience every day. Soheila Pashang, PhD., in the Faculty of Social & Community Services (FSCS) notes, “Diversity is considered a sensitive topic, but it should not be.

It is part of our reality in life.” It was her commitment to diversity that ignited her latest Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) research, Pedagogy and Practice: Teaching Diversity in Classrooms. When asked where the initial spark for her research idea came from, Soheila shares that the challenges she encountered in her classroom “sparked” her to conduct this research. She recalls, “Teaching a class on diversity was more challenging than teaching other courses. As a professor, I found myself constantly having to manage the classroom dynamic around topics students had strong views on.” Soheila is an experienced social worker and adult educator, researcher, and academic writer. She highlights that their research is among a very few in Canada to explore Soheila Pashang, PhD. barriers that might hinder diverse groups Faculty of Social & of students from reaching their potential.

Community Services PHOTO BY FREEOGRAPH FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

46

|

SPARK

“Having [Humber’s] administration committed to social justice was instrumental to the project—their support made it a major project that I had not envisioned at the beginning.”

—Soheila Pashang

The research team applied anti-racism, anti-oppression, intersectionality, feminist and equity theoretical frameworks and utilized these theories in order to situate this research in existing teaching and curriculum practice, as well as to locate and understand the various ways in which diversity education impacts students and faculty inside and outside classroom spaces. This was possible by applying anti-colonial and decolonizing theory to examine the benefits of diversity in education and cross-pollinate with current classroom praxis and our wider society (Dei and Asgharzadeh, 2001).

The research project team is an excellent example of the faculty-student collaboration Soheila deeply values. The research team, led by Soheila Pashang, comprises Jaspreet Bal, PhD., and

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

HUMBER IS COMMITED TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION, AND IS WILLING TO ENGAGE IN CHALLENGING DIALOGUE TO STRENGTH INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY.

Christine McKenzie, professors at Humber College, Joanna Amirault, PhD., and Theresa Knott, PhD., Associate Deans of FSCS at Humber College. The team was joined by external investigators Neil Price, Dean at Fleming College; Rai Reece, PhD., Ryerson University faculty; and research assistants, Trisha Harber, Juan Jeramaillo, and Valentina Tasillo from Humber College.

Soheila recalls, “It was an incredible experience. I started with the mindset of lifting a small project and ended up with a major project alongside my research team.” In particular, Soheila notes that the tremendous support from the Dean and Associate Dean of FSCS has enabled the project to be what it is.

The findings of this research project uphold Humber’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and a willingness to engage in challenging dialogue to strengthen institutional capacity. Humber’s Strategic Plan 2018-2023 clearly asserts this. Diversity education requires a willingness to confront, challenge, form allyship,

advocate, influence and negotiate change.

Mediating such dialectic dynamics as an educator demands extensive experience with critical pedagogy and a willingness to disrupt systems of racialization and marginalization.

In addition to students, diversity educators may experience both direct and vicarious forms of microaggressions, including complex and uncomfortable teaching moments. The impact of these teaching moments requires further contemplation about interrelated questions surrounding who should teach diversity education, who the target audience is, what is the impact of the selected pedagogical content on the ever-growing globalized cohort of students and whether existing pedagogies adequately prepare students to become equity-seeking global citizens. Responding to these important questions requires further cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary research and collaboration.

PHOTO BY PROSTOCK-STUDIO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 47

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

In 2018, Andrea had the opportunity to work closely with Principal Investigator Ammar Al-Qaraghuli, who received funding from Ontario Centre of Innovation (formerly Ontario Centre of Excellence) under the College Voucher for Technology Adoption (CVTA) program to develop a mobile app for ACHIEVE™ in partnership with Humber. Through the project, several students were hired to develop the ACHIEVE™ app in a collaborative endeavour.

Reflecting on why she created ACHIEVE™, Andrea shares, ACHIEVE™ PLATFORM

Finally, the ACHIEVE™ methodology co-founded by Andrea Wilson, professor in the Faculty of Business (FB). In Andrea’s words, ACHIEVE™ is a “proven 7-step trademarked methodology that provides you with the necessary knowledge, tools and support that will help you find balance, achieve your goals, and unleash your full potential.” The 7-step methodology begins with: Assess the gap, Choose to do and who, Have a plan, Involve others, Excite, Venture and Evaluate and celebrate.

Andrea proudly shares that she applies the ACHIEVE™ methodology in her classrooms as well. She truly believes that our students are aspiring leaders. This 7-step mindset will help them gain clarity, confidence, tools, and accountability strategies in a supportive community to realize their goals and dreams.

“When you adopt a research or a researchers’ mindset, you begin to create like an artist.”

—Andrea Wilson

Andrea Wilson Faculty of Business

She has mentored numerous students through participation in capstone projects with ACHIEVE, offering students a chance to further develop their employable skills through experiential learning opportunities in professional training and management development services.

ACHIEVE™ PLATFORM SCREENSHOT PROVIDED BY ANREA WILSON

48

|

SPARK

“I want to help students figure out what success looks like to them. To me, it is all about holistic success as relational, emotional, mental health & wellbeing are as equally important as career and financial success. Empowering students with tools and measures to discover their authentic self and innate strengths while figuring out how to work on their apparent non-strengths, that’s what drives me.”

—Andrea Wilson

Conclusion As faculty members and researchers demonstrate, the possibilities for conducting research are boundless. No matter what the interest is, there is always an opportunity to get involved and explore queries and curiosities. Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation is committed to supporting faculty through the journey of research and innovation. Visit ORI’s website to learn more about ongoing research projects, the growing community of researchers at Humber, partnerships and collaborations, and the impact and endless possibilities that you can become a part of.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Humber’s Students are Researchers and Innovators

By Anju Kakkar AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN polytechnic education, Humber College has clearly defined Pillar #1: Career-Ready Citizens as a priority in developing 21st-century skills in Humber’s Strategic Plan 2018-2023. The institution’s learning outcomes outlined in the HLO Framework incorporate these essential skills and guide curriculum development that builds the very competencies required for our students to succeed in the real world.

At the Office of Research & Innovation (ORI), we are proud to support seasoned and emerging researchers who leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of research and innovation. A common thread that runs through every research project is the involvement of student research assistants. When we interact with the lead and co-investigators of research projects, we are reminded of their appreciation and acknowledgement of the contributions of research assistants who work closely with researchers, supporting them along the journey.

What does a student Research Assistant do?

Depending on the scope of the research project, a research assistant has a wide range of responsibilities and roles, from collecting, interpreting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews to supervising other students working on the project and preparing progress reports.

These research assistants provide valuable support and conduct research using research methodologies, strategies and techniques as mentored by the supervising researcher. In turn, they gain hands-on work experiential learning opportunities in an academic setting. They also gain an invaluable opportunity to further develop critical skills required in today’s job market such as communication and organizational skills, multitasking, problem definition and problem solving, adaptability and time management. Indeed a STEM to STEAMS opportunity.

ILLUSTRATION BY GRINBOX FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 49

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

MICROSA WATER PURIFICATION PROJECT THAT ANXHELO PARTICIPATED IN

Anxhelo Mecollari is one such student turned Humber employee. Anxhelo is a research assistant in the Barrett CTI, providing expertise in mechanical and machining services in the Product Prototyping Facility located inside building (CTI 110). He oversees the day-to-day operations, maintenance and demonstration of the prototyping shop, which includes maintaining the milling, CNC machine and other equipment. He collaborates with faculty members and trains students how to use the machines, providing hands-on student learning. He also provides additive manufacturing expertise and support for applied research, capstone projects and industry events. Anxhelo is currently working on a project involving designing a new platform for a research project, “Power Supply Design-Phase 2”—to fabricate the platform using a milling machine and other equipment in the prototyping shop.

His research journey began when he joined Dhimitri Gusho, professor in the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology, as a research assistant to innovate and develop a MICROSA Water Purification Project with industry partner Mikroen Solutions.

“This applied research project gave me hands-on experience and helped me learn more about the importance of developing sustainable tools. My hunger to get involved in further projects began here. I continue to stay motivated to participate in as many projects as I possibly can. Research has taught me so much because of the experiential learning opportunities. I have learned a lot about myself too. I have realized that I not only enjoy participating in research but that I would love to lead my own research project someday. I owe a lot of my success to inspiring faculty members, and just like them I would love to teach someday and give back to students.”

—Anxhelo Mecollari Anxhelo confidently states that someday he would want to lead an applied research project of his own, and we are happy that he further shares Humber would, without a doubt, be his academic institution of choice to partner with.

MICROSA WATER PURIFICATION PROJECT PHOTO FROM A VIDEO POSTED BY DHIMITRI GUSHO ON YOUTUBE

50

|

SPARK

Anxhelo Mecollari, 2020, Advanced Diploma, Mechanical Engineering Technology

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Michallia Marks and Caelan PrescottBrown are current research assistants working alongside Mark Stoiko, professor in the Faculty of Business. Mark is the Principal Investigator on a research project, “Digital Transformation of Operational Processes,” funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Engage grant, in partnership with NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada Ltd. We asked Michallia and Caelan if they had a message for their peers and students to encourage them to participate in research and this is what they had to say: “Encourage yourself to participate in research and push yourself out of your comfort zone because that is the only way you will really learn and get better. Research is the best way to get hands-on experience. Through research, you will find out what you want to or do not want to do and what you understand and do not understand. You can then work on acquiring those skills.”

—Caelan Prescott-Brown “With research, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You get to learn, and you get paid to do it. The skills and competencies you gain while working on a research project will take you far.

The information will never go to waste. It will look great on your portfolio. You will learn to interact with real-life situations and solve real-world problems with the industry. It is an invaluable experience.”

—Michallia Marks

Mark shares that Caelan experienced valuable personal growth being a team lead in the research project and showed he was effective in building and managing client relations. In addition, Mark observes that Michallia remains highly motivated to learn and discover how digital transformation of manufacturing is being applied with an industry partner. His confidence in their abilities was evident in his remarks, “It is a win for the industry partner and for Humber College.”

Caelan and Michallia were quick to acknowledge their unwavering gratefulness and thanks to Mark Stoiko. “He is great.

He encourages us to keep going and always looks ahead. He believes in us, and that gives us confidence,” says Caelan. Michallia remarks, “He doesn’t micromanage at all. He is always available for any queries. He ensures we are clear on what we’re supposed to do and what’s expected of us. He’s really easy to work with.”

Caelan Prescott-Brown 2021 Digital Business Management Honours Graduate

Michallia Marks 2021 Digital Business Management Honours Graduate ILLUSTRATION BY MONICAODO FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

SPARK | 51

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Darian Bloomfield may not have had the opportunity to participate as a research assistant, but he had a chance to upskill and acquire critical thinking and problemsolving skills when he was encouraged to adopt the “How Might We” methodology for problem definition while participating on a condensed project during his Industrial Design program. The project “The Enchanted Object” was facilitated

by Dennis L. Kappen, PhD., and Glenn Moffatt, professors in the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology.

The project focused on interweaving the significance of enchantment in the design of everyday objects while imbibing inspirations from the intersection of design and culture. Instead of the usual expectation of designing a product within a specific problem, students were asked to bring to class an enchanted object or an object of value to them. They were asked to define the things that made that object valuable and design a product/prototype that embraced and reflected those values.

Darian named his project “Harmony” and chose his acoustic guitar as the enchanted object. He associated memories such as it being his first big purchase, playing the guitar with his father, developing an artistic skill, reducing stress and making meaningful connections.

Darian designed an ergonomic chair to complement the guitar. The result is this beautiful prototype, which Darian soon hopes to build as a gift for his father.

Darian was quick to acknowledge that the skills he developed at Humber gave him a competitive advantage and assisted him to achieve success in the workplace.

CHAIR RENDERING PROVIDED BY DARIAN BLOOMFIELD

52

|

SPARK

DARIAN’S PROJECT “THE ENCHANTED OBJECT” ERGONOMIC GUITAR CHAIR

Soft skills such as communication, time management, problem solving and design thinking can be the most practical skills a student can acquire while working on applied research projects. These skills and competencies are in high demand and amplify employability opportunities in the real world.

A special shoutout to our aspiring students and research assistants; we thank you.

We have a question for our research assistants; move on to the next page for an opportunity to submit your answer via a video submission for a chance to be featured on our social media platforms. So, what are you waiting for?

Darian Bloomfield, 2020, Bachelor of Industrial Design

Research assistants: What skills did you develop while working on a research project? How was your overall experience?

Submit your video answers to us via email at humberpress@humber.ca with the subject “Research Question” followed by your name.

To submit, please fill out and e-sign this Video Submission Consent Form (https://ncv.microsoft.com/l8BejY0kYO). Videos should be between 45 seconds and 1 minute.

COLLAGE IMAGES BY MCLITTLE STOCK, LAURITTA, FIZKES AND DJOYOTRUE FROM SHUTTERSTOCK

EXTRAS

Article References Dean’s Message Verganti, R. (2009). Design Driven Innovation: Changing the Rules of Competition by Radically Innovating What Things Mean. Harvard Business Review Press.

City of Toronto. (2021). Community Benefits Framework. https://www. toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customerservice/long-term-vision-plans-and-strategies/community-benefitsframework/ Family Transition Place https://familytransitionplace.ca/ First Nations University of Canada https://www.fnuniv.ca/

Editor’s Note

Gertten, F. (Director). (2019). Push [Film]. WG Film.

Humber College. ORI. (2021). I’ll meet you at the ‘Ba.’ https://www. humber.ca/research/ill-meet-you-at-the-ba/

Heartache2Hope https://heartache2hope.com/

Innovation Workshop Buffet David Weisz. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ davidaaronweisz/ Debra Pickfield. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrapickfield-0b740124/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Employee Spotlight: Camila Perez Pena.

Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/employeespotlight-camila-perez-pena/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Employee Spotlight: Raeshelle M. Morris.

Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/employeespotlight-raeshelle-m-morris/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Employee Spotlight: Barath Roy Michel.

Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/employeespotlight-barath-roy-michel/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Bringing Data to Life! The Art of Data Storytelling. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/ bringing-data-to-life-the-art-of-data-storytelling/

Hope Resource Centre Association https://www.hoperesourcecentre.net/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Audrey Wubbenhorst.

Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rockstaraudrey-wubbenhorst/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Social Innovation Researcher Salomeh Ahmadi, Faculty of Social and Community Services. https://www. humber.ca/research/social-innovation-researcher-salomeh-ahmadi/ LAMP Community Health Centre https://lampchc.org/ Leilani Farha. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilani-farha6664698a/ Lutherwood https://www.lutherwood.ca/ Middlesex-London Paramedic Service https://www.mlems.ca/ Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council https://www.nserccrsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

(2021). College and Community Innovation program – College and Community Social Innovation Fund. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ Professors-Professeurs/RPP-PP/CCSIF-ICC_eng.asp

Humber College. (2021). Fall 2021 Innovation Workshop Buffet. https:// humber.ca/staff/events/ori-event-fall-2021-innovation-workshopbuffet

Share Your Story. (2021). Research Study Info. https://shareyourstories. ca/research-study-info/

Seed and Cultivate Research & Innovation Funds

South Etobicoke Housing Affordability https://ows.ptn.mybluehost.me/ blog/

Boyer, E. L. (1990). Scholarship reconsidered: Priorities of the professoriate (Exp. ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Humber College. (2018). Lead, Transform, Differentiate: 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. https://humber.ca/strategic-plan/ Humber College. SVPA (2021). Our HLO Framework. http://humber.ca/ svpa/ilos/hlo-framework/ Humber College. (2021). About Centres of Innovation. https://humber.ca/ about/campusesfacilities/research-and-innovation/about-centres-ofinnovation.html Research. 2021. Merriam-Webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster. com/dictionary/research SoTL Handbook: Seed and Cultivate Research and Innovation Funds https://issuu.com/humber_research/docs/sotl-handbook

Southwest Nova Transition House Association - Juniper House http:// www.juniperhouse.ca/ Stanford Graduate School of Business. (2021). Defining Social Innovation. https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/experience/about/centersinstitutes/csi/defining-social-innovation Street Culture Project (Regina) https://www.streetcultureproject.ca/ Taibu Community Health Centre https://www.taibuchc.ca/en/ The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan https://www.sk.johnhoward. ca/ Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation https://wellspring.ca/ Wellspring London and Region https://wellspring.ca/london-region/

Grant Applications Awarded

Why Social Innovation?

ADR Institute of Ontario https://adr-ontario.ca/

Acces Employment https://accesemployment.ca/

Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business https://www.ccab.com/

ACORN. (2018). Redefining Affordable Housing in Toronto. https:// acorncanada.org/resource/affordable-who-redefining-affordablehousing-toronto

Circuit Plus Inc. https://www.circuitplusinc.com/

Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business https://www.ccab.com/ Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion https://ccdi.ca/ Canadian Public Health Association https://www.cpha.ca/ Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy https://cssdp.org/ Cannabis Education Research https://www.cannabiseducationresearch. ca/

54

|

SPARK

First Nations University of Canada https://www.fnuniv.ca/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Mark Stoiko. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rockstar-markstoiko-professor-business-faculty-of-business/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Phil Fung. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rock-star-philfung/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Audrey Wubbenhorst.

EXTRAS Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rockstaraudrey-wubbenhorst/ Kirkor Architects and Planners https://kirkorarchitects.com/ Mechatronic Diagnostics Ltd. https://mechatronic-group.com/ Middlesex-London Paramedic Service https://www.mlems.ca/ Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

(2021). College and Community Innovation program – College and Community Social Innovation Fund. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ Professors-Professeurs/RPP-PP/CCSIF-ICC_eng.asp Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. (2021).

Engage Grants. https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/professorsprofesseurs/rpp-pp/engage-engagement_eng.asp NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada Ltd https://ntn.ca/ Taibu Community Health Centre https://www.taibuchc.ca/en/

Smart Textile-Based Wearables Kite Research Institute https://kite-uhn.com/ SONA College of Technology https://www.sonatech.ac.in/ University Health Network https://www.uhn.ca/ Vee Technologies Inc. https://www.veetechnologies.com/

Researchers and the Scope of Research That They Lead ACHIEVE™ https://achievepotential.ca/ Ammar Al-Qaraghuli. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ aalqaragholi/ Dei, G. J. S., & Asgharzadeh, A. (2001). The power of social theory: The anti-colonial discursive framework. The Journal of Educational Thought (JET)/Revue De La Pensée Éducative, 297-323.

Feinstein, C. (2021). Brampton approves first off-grid organic food shed. Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/local-brampton/ news/2021/05/08/brampton-approves-first-off-grid-organic-foodshed.html Humber College. (2018). Lead, Transform, Differentiate: 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. https://humber.ca/strategic-plan/

Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation https://humber.ca/barrettcentre-for-technology-innovation/ Caelan Prescott-Brown. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cprescott-brown/ Dhimitri Gusho. (2018). Water Purification Video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_BdkM38RsQ Glenn Moffatt. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennmoffatt-7853591/ Humber College. (2018). Lead, Transform, Differentiate: 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. https://humber.ca/strategic-plan/ Humber College. SVPA. (2021). Our HLO Framework. http://humber.ca/ svpa/ilos/hlo-framework/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Everyday Innovators! Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/everyday-innovators/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Dennis Kappen. Humber College https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rockstar-denniskappen/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Mark Stoiko. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rockstar-markstoiko-h-business-faculty-of-business/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Humber Research Project Success Story: Power Supply Design. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/ research/humber-research-project-success-story-power-supplydesign/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Migrating from STEM to STEAMS. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/migrating-from-stem-tosteams/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Soft Skills—Hard Demand. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/soft-skills-hard-demand/ Michallia Marks. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ michalliamarks/ Mikroen Solutions https://mikroen.com/ NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada Ltd https://ntn.ca/

Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Mark Stoiko. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rockstar-markstoiko-professor-business-faculty-of-business/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Phil Fung. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rock-star-philfung/ Humber College. ORI. (2021). Faculty Rock Star: Andrea Wilson. Humber College. https://www.humber.ca/research/faculty-rock-star-andreawilson/ Kirkor Architects and Planners https://kirkorarchitects.com/ Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp NTN Corporation Ltd https://ntn.ca/ Office of Research & Innovation, Humber College https://www.humber. ca/research Ontario Centre of Innovation https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ Soheila Pashang. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/soheilapashang-b113881b/

Humber’s Students are Researchers and Innovators Anxhelo Mecollari. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ anxhelo-mecollari-b4b817187/

SPARK | 55

EXTRAS

Develop Your Spark

WHAT’S ON OUR BOOKSHELVES

Title: How to Win Friends and Influence People

Title: The Intelligent Investor

Author: Dale Carnegie

Author: Benjamin Graham, Jason Zweig (Contributor), Warren Buffett (Contributor)

Recommended by: ORI team About: A classic and timeless bestseller, this book will teach you how to get people to like you, win people to your way of thinking, change people without arousing resentment and so much more.

56

|

SPARK

Recommended by: ORI team About: This investing book is considered the stock market bible and is one of the most important books to read on how to reach your financial goals.

Using Graham’s philosophy of “value investing,” this book will teach and inspire you to understand the financial market.

Title: Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap … and Others Don’t Author: Jim Collins Recommended by: Andrea Wilson About: To find the keys to greatness, Collins’ 21-person research team read and coded 6,000 articles, generated more than 2,000 pages of interview transcripts and created 384 megabytes of computer data in a fiveyear project. The findings will surprise many readers and, quite frankly, upset others.

Title: Your Brain On Nature: Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive, While Protecting Your Brain Health for Life Author: Eva M. Selhub and Alan C. Logan Recommended by: Phil Fung About: Physician Eva Selhub and naturopath Alan Logan examine not only the effects of nature on the brain, but the ubiquitous influence of everyday technology on the brain, and how IT overload and its many distractions may even be changing it.

EXTRAS

re·search /’rēˌsərCH, rəˈsərCH/, noun 1. Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.

Zora Neale Hurston

Quips and Quotes

Greatness is not a function of circumstance.

Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.

Jim Collins

Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn— and most fools do. But it As the Danish philosopher Søren takes character and selfKierkegaard noted, life can only be understood backwards—but it control to be understanding must be lived forwards. and forgiving.

Benjamin Graham

Dale Carnegie

Even if you are a master, you are always learning, always being an apprentice.

Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way.

Eva Selhub

Charles Bukowski

PHOTO: UNSPLASH/ANDREJ LIŠAKOV

SPARK | 57

EXTRAS

58

|

SPARK

EXTRAS

SPARK | 59

SPARK is a magazine for you, the Humber community. In these pages we share the stories of Humber researchers and the impactful projects that all began with the spark of an idea.

Tell us what SPARK means to you. If you have an idea or experience you’d love to share, let us know. Reach out to us at humberpress@humber.ca.

Humber SPARK is … a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a

The feeling of discovery A desire to innovate Igniting a passion for transformation Ideas that inspire Answering “what if?”

Pushing boundaries A collaborative experience Solving the unsolvable Leading in curiosity Freedom of exploration Endless possibilities Empowerment Where critical thinking meets creativity Evolution Courage in the face of failure

Land Acknowledgement

humberpress.com @humberpress

Humber College is located within the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Known as Adoobiigok [A-doe-bee-goke], the “Place of the Alders” in Michi Saagiig [Mi-Chee Saw-Geeg] language, the region is uniquely situated along Humber River Watershed, which historically provided an integral connection for Anishinaabe [Ah-nish-nah-bay], Haudenosaunee [Hoeden-no-shownee], and Wendat [Wine-Dot] peoples between the Ontario Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe/ Georgian Bay regions. Now home to people of numerous nations, Adoobiigok continues to provide a vital source of interconnection for all.