Information for Faculty

The faculty lead is an integral part of an applied research project. Their specialized knowledge and experience allow them to direct the research in a way that optimizes results for their industry partner. They also ensure that the research assistant and/or research associate can progress as an industry professional through a positive real-world learning experience. As for personal gain, the faculty lead benefits from professional development, and the ability to apply what they have learned and accomplished into their course-based teaching.

If you are a Niagara College faculty member involved in an applied research project with Research & Innovation, or if you are a faculty member interested in getting involved, this is your source of project-related information.

information-for-faculty

WHAT faculty SAYS…

“Real-life work experience is the best way to teach students about how to develop a product, giving them motivation, meaning and purpose to their work. And in the end, you’ve hopefully made something delicious, too!”

Ted Reader, Chef Professor/Researcher, Canadian Food & Wine Institute Innovation Centre

Research & Innovation
2015-10-30T14:39:04-04:00

Ted Reader, Chef Professor/Researcher, Canadian Food & Wine Institute Innovation Centre

“Real-life work experience is the best way to teach students about how to develop a product, giving them motivation, meaning and purpose to their work. And in the end, you’ve hopefully made something delicious, too!”
“You can structure the class around the project, so that the concepts are taught, but then they are directly applied to the real world. Many students aren’t used to working in teams, but they take it on, and then they get to put the project experience on their resumes.”

John Sustersic, Professor of Marketing, Business Division

Research & Innovation
2015-10-30T14:37:39-04:00

John Sustersic, Professor of Marketing, Business Division

“You can structure the class around the project, so that the concepts are taught, but then they are directly applied to the real world. Many students aren’t used to working in teams, but they take it on, and then they get to put the project experience on their resumes.”
“Being involved on a practical level with our industry partners allows me to really engage our students inside the classroom, while also offering them exciting and rewarding employment opportunities outside the classroom.”

Bryan Mewhiney, Researcher & Industry Liaison, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

Research & Innovation
2015-10-30T14:45:05-04:00

Bryan Mewhiney, Researcher & Industry Liaison, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre

“Being involved on a practical level with our industry partners allows me to really engage our students inside the classroom, while also offering them exciting and rewarding employment opportunities outside the classroom.”
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Research & Innovation

  • your role as a faculty lead

    As the faculty lead of an applied research project, you are relied upon for guiding the research in the most promising direction. Your technical knowledge and industry experience will help maximize results!

  • faculty-role

    benefits AS A FACULTY LEAD

    The experience adds to your skill set and CV, and you can integrate project findings into course material. In addition, you receive support to attend field-specific conferences, workshops and other events that are excellent networking opportunities.

  • faculty-practice

    community of practice

    The COP is designed to promote best practice among faculty, staff, and students through group discussions, presentations, and the sharing of resources. It covers project management, intellectual property, and many more useful topics.

     

  • ethics

    research ethics board

    The Research Ethics Board(REB) ensures that for every applied research project conducted under Niagara College, the physical safety and personal integrity of all human participants is respected and protected.

Information for Faculty

What is Course-Based Research?

Course-Based Research is a method of experiential learning that engages a business, industry or community partner to solve a real-world challenge, or address an issue for a partner. As an authentic experience with concrete outcomes, it is an effective and powerful way to fulfill course criteria.

What support is available?

Research & Innovation can support you in various ways, such as:

  1. Industry Partner recruitment
  2. Course consultations (Where does course-based research fit in your course?)
  3. Toolkit and Resources (e.g., NDAs, team contracts, best practices)

Each course is different, and we can support you in a way that makes sense for your specific project.

What is the length of a Course-Based Research Project?

Project length is dependent on the scope. Since Course-Based Research projects generally align within an academic semester (September to December), (May to August), (January to April), they can range from 4 to 12 weeks.

Which courses are suitable for a Course-Based Research Project?

Course-Based Research can fit into any course, as long as there is a component or multiple components that would make sense for an industry challenge. Course-Based Research can have applicability in any year of study and the course can be structured in a way that allows for either a short or longer project to run.

How do I get started with implementing a project into my course?

Discuss the project concept with your Program Coordinator and Associate Dean first, especially if the project involves changing multiple components of your course. After this, a consultation can be scheduled with Research & Innovation to understand the support you require.

Work with us

Niagara College’s Research & Innovation provides real-world solutions for business, industry and the community through innovation activities.
For more information on these opportunities, contact Research & Innovation.