Both Cambrian College and Laurentian University are being recognized for their research efforts by Re$earch Infosource Inc.
Cambrian has ranked 32nd in Re$earch Infosource's list of the top 50 research colleges in Canada. Laurentian ranked 27th in a similar list of the top 50 research universities in the country.
Collège Boréal did not place on the list of the top 50 research colleges.
In a press release put out by Cambrian, the college said it ranks fifth among medium-sized colleges for the number of paid student researchers.
One of those student researchers is Jessica Briglio of Ottawa, who is enrolled in Cambrian’s Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment Program.
“As a student so much of what you are taught is theory based, which is valuable, however solely understanding concepts does not provide students with the confidence and skills needed when entering the workforce,” she said.
“This is what Applied Research at Cambrian College provides: the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to gain the much wanted and needed experience to allow them to flourish when they graduate.”
Cambrian also ranks eighth overall among all colleges for the amount of research dollars generated per researcher, and 10th among medium-sized colleges for the number of research partnerships (37).
“Our Applied Research and Development team is just amazing and year after year we’ve seen Cambrian College stand out on the national stage because of the team’s hard work and achievements,” says Cambrian College president Bill Best, in the press release.
“It’s just another reason why Cambrian is the ideal destination for post-secondary education, applied research, and the jobs that follow in the region.”
“Making the list again demonstrates we’re really punching above our weight when it comes to competing with some very large and prominent schools across all of Canada,” said Mike Commito, Cambrian’s director of applied research.
“Industry is coming to us for solutions, and they are investing in Cambrian to find them.”
Cambrian’s Applied Research projects touch numerous sectors, including mining, manufacturing, environmental rehabilitation, workplace safety, and agri-food.
Sidney Shapiro is a Professor of Data Analytics at Cambrian College and actively involved in applied research.
“Applied Research lets me connect with colleagues across the college I normally wouldn’t get the chance to collaborate with, and work on innovative projects,” said Shapiro.
“For example, my students and I are able to leverage what they are learning in analytics with IoT (Internet of Things) and work with students and faculty from electrical, engineering, mechatronics, database, and so many other programs. It’s not only a fantastic way to meet my peers and collaborate, but to get things done that many other institutions are not able to accomplish.”
