Thunder Bay Community Invited to Explore the Future of Research

The community is invited to learn from the next generation of scholars at this year's Graduate Student Conference, the Rita Nicholas Undergraduate Research Conference, and the 2nd Annual Business Research Showcase. These presentations celebrate emerging researchers at Lakehead University and give students the opportunity to share their research with peers and the public. The conferences take place on Monday, Feb. 23 and Wednesday, Feb. 25 in The Agora.

Thunder Bay, Ont. - Lakehead University is hosting its annual Research & Innovation Week from February 21 to 27, celebrating 60 years of faculty and student-led research with the theme of “Shaping the EvoLUtion: Our Next-Gen Transformative Research”.

There are various talks and activities happening throughout the week that will be of interest for all ages.

“We want people to see and experience how Lakehead University is making an impact in their community,” explained Dr. Langis Roy, Vice-President Research and Innovation. “Every project, experiment, and study completed by our students and faculty leads to a real-world impact–locally or globally.”

This year holds special significance for Dr. Roy. “I’m thrilled to participate in my first Research & Innovation Week to show our community how people here at Lakehead are solving important societal challenges by bridging our traditional areas of research with future-focused technologies like AI. It’s an honour to highlight the vital work of our faculty, students, and partners.”

It all starts on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Intercity Shopping Centre. In partnership with Science North, Lakehead presents Science Carnival where families can explore the exciting world of research, including science, technology, engineering, health, and social sciences, through hands-on activities, interactive booths, and live entertainment. The fun runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Then, on Monday, Feb. 23 at 12 p.m., Lakehead welcomes Dr. Atif Shamim, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and tech entrepreneur at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, for the keynote talk, “Printing the Future.” Dr. Shamim’s presentation will explore not only how eco-friendly advances in printable electronics are changing the way we design and use technology in everyday life, but also how this field could be transformative for Thunder Bay’s regional economic development. Registration is required for this talk.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m., Dr. Pauline Sameshima, Faculty of Education, will host a guided tour of Lakehead’s new juried and featured art in the Centre of Advanced Studies in Engineering and Sciences (CASES). Select artists will be present to discuss how the arts can engage, provoke, and share research. The public is also invited to view other exhibition gallery spaces in Lakehead International and the Bora Laskin Education Building.

You’ll be able to learn from the next generation of scholars at the Graduate Student Conference on Monday, Feb. 23, and the Rita Nicholas Undergraduate Research Conference and 2nd Annual Business Research Showcase on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the Agora.

On Thursday, Feb. 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the CASES Atrium, distinguished researcher and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction, Dr. Chris Mushquash, will lead a discussion on how Indigenous community-based research in mental health and addiction can support improvements to systems and services. To attend virtually, please register.

The week will close on Friday, Feb. 27 with a CityStudio guided tour of the Centennial Botanical Conservancy from 1 to 3 p.m. A collaborative partnership with the City of Thunder Bay supported the renewal of the shared civic space.

Everyone is invited to campus for these and many other engaging presentations, inspiring speakers, and interactive workshops. For a full list of events, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/ri.