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Changes needed to build public trust in police

Changing the hyper-masculine culture in policing organization is the focus of Dr. Workman-Stark’s research. As police organizations look to rebuild trust with the communities they serve, they must first make critical changes to the way they treat their own members

Assessing pain in frail elderly with dementia

Dr. Jennifer Knopp-Sihota’s ground-breaking research focuses on new ways to assess pain for dementia patients in long-term care. Understanding and assessing their pain can be challenging as they often struggle to communicate. Knopp-Sihota’s work will help improve quality of life.

Impact of sexual violation on Indigenous women

Dr. Josie Auger’s important work examines the impact of sexual violation on Indigenous women. She had many powerful conversations with women living around Athabasca to learn from their experiences.

IDEA Lab redefines research through cloud technology

IDEA Lab isn’t a traditional university research lab because it isn’t a physical space. It represents a new way of doing research virtually using cloud computing and a first-in-Canada partnership between Athabasca University, Amazon Web Services, and RONIN. With IDEA Lab, ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓresearchers can investigate big problems with even bigger datasets to propel discovery and deliver results.

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Harnessing technology to advance and enhance learning

Video games, AI and phone apps are all great tools to help people learn, and to make learning accessible to more people. At AU, Canada’s open university, expert researchers are exploring how to use technology to enhance and encourage learning, how humans interact with technology, and the limits and ethical considerations that come into play.

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Protecting food, water, and ecosystems through research and technology

Sustainability is about finding ways to meet our needs for today and for the the future. For Indigenous communities in northern Alberta, it’s about protecting water and food sources that are under threat from industry so that future generations can practice traditional ways of living. It’s about understanding how environments and systems work, interact, and respond to emerging threats such as climate change. It’s about developing new technologies that can solve environmental problems at the local, regional, and global scale.

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Discovering a flexible graduate experience

What does graduate student research look like at an online university? Like a rich and rewarding experience, say graduate researchers at AU, Canada’s open university. They work in the field and online, seeking answers to important questions in nursing, teaching, business, science and more.

Is climate change hurting teen mental health?

Ground-breaking research lead by Dr. Gina Martin explores the impact of climate change on the mental health of Canadian teens. As the climate changes, there will be widespread environmental, and social impact from rising temperatures to extreme weather events. Youth are particularly vulnerable to these effects and require supports that are meaningful to them.

How archaeology can reveal missing voices in Alberta’s history

History is selective in what is passed down orally and through documentary evidence. Dr. Meaghan Peuramaki-Brown is uncovering history's missing voices, including those of Indigenous people, women, and children. Discover how archaeology plays an important role in providing a critical lens into the past so that our histories don’t just stay hidden but can be used to help inform our futures.

Designing smart cities

Smart cities are powered by digital technologies. But, as Dr. Anshuman Khare’s research has proven, it is the enabling power of technology that is really making a difference in people’s lives through the promotion of good governance, growing the local economy, and providing services to citizens in a timely, reliable and cost-effective manner.

How microbes can help us protect the environment

Microbes are powerful but unappreciated allies in our efforts to clean up the environment and fight disease, says Dr. Srijak Bhatnagar. In addition to their typical diet, microbes can also consume things that are harmful to humans and our environment. Not only do they eventually help clean up, they can also warn scientists that there is a contaminant in the environment.

Technology enables education for all

The use of technologies in online and distance education is key to making education accessible to all in the future. While many people around the word don’t have access to computers, they do have mobile devices, which can be a powerful tool for learning. Dr. Mohamed Ally studies the enabling potential of emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, on the learner experience.

Exploring teen food choices and nutrition in rural Alberta

Food has a huge impact on nutrition and health, and what we choose to eat is heavily influenced by our food environments—where we live, but also social, economic, and political factors that affect eating choices. Dr. Alexa Ferdinands is working with teens in Drayton Valley, Alta., to understand their food choices and eating habits in a rural oil-and-gas town.

Solving nursing shortage critical to Canada’s health-care crisis

A worldwide shortage of nurses has resulted in a surge of nursing positions in Canada going unfilled. This puts a heavy strain on health-care systems in Canada. Dr. Venise Bryan is researching the experiences of nurses and health-care workers as they advance their careers and expand their skills. The results could help improve nursing education and mentorship.

Exploring Canada’s affordable housing crisis

The spotlight on Canada's affordable housing crisis intensifies as rent hikes, dwindling rental units, and urban encampments grab public attention. Dr. Katie MacDonald’s research focuses on the experiences of people working in the affordable housing sector. She also explains why a shift in thinking is needed to ensure housing is a human right.