STUdents Share Passion and Hard Work at Annual Student Research and Ideas Fair

This year marked the return of the Student Research and Ideas Fair to its original format of panels and presentations, which meant students were once again able to practice sharing the findings of their research with peers and professors. 

Hear from three student presenters about their research  and what the opportunity to present  meant to them.

 
Joyce Ang, Third-Year STUdent 

Criminology and Criminal Justice; Human Rights 

Research Topic(s): Cataloguing Available Services and Resources for Criminalized Women in Fredericton and Shortages of Long-Term Housing and Enforcement in Short-Term Rental Regulations: The Rise of Airbnb in Toronto, Canada

“Not only did presenting on my research topics give me the chance to practice and hone my skills in organizing and articulating information verbally, but it also enabled me to share about my research with others who might not be acquainted with the topics or findings that I have been looking into,” Ang said.

 
Ang presented two topics, something she said pushed her to focus on her interest and passion for both research areas. 

“In doing so, I became less anxious about getting my words right or ensuring all that I had practiced for my presentation came out perfect. My interest in both research areas grew and I felt even more of a meaningful purpose and connection with the research that I was presenting on,” she said. 

Ang said the opportunity to present research as an undergraduate student allowed her to practice communicating ideas verbally, while also writing concisely and applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills to respond to questions or feedback from others. 

“Such an opportunity is crucial to cultivating undergraduate students' growing competencies. These skills are then transferable and useful in the workplace, further graduate work, and beyond.” 

 
Anastasija DeBok, Fourth-Year STUdent

Gerontology 

Research Topic: Importance of Indigenous Women and Their Role in Community Wellbeing 

“Connecting with students on a personal level from different or similar professional backgrounds was valuable as they often challenged my work and asked many questions that will continue to help me learn about Indigenous communities and become an ally helping to break down barriers,” DeBok said. 

This was DeBok’s first time participating in the Research and Ideas Fair, an experience she said can help many students “come out of their shells.”  

“Presenting gives confidence, is a great tool to help students stand out in their future careers, and makes them proud of their passions and research,” she said. 

She said one of the most memorable parts of the fair was talking with students and faculty with similar interests and sharing her passion on issues facing Indigenous communities. 

“Women often do many amazing things to help support their families and those around them, though they are not recognized. In Indigenous culture, women are held in high respect, holding many roles in care, medicine, education, politics, and leadership. There have been many misconceptions and struggles that Indigenous people have gone through and society has ignored, which is so wrong, and its time awareness is made about these topics,” she said. 

 
Haley Brown, Third-Year 

Economics; Political Science 

Research Topic: A Cost Benefit Analysis of Hosting Mega Sporting Event in Developing Countries

 
Brown said her topic was inspired by her honours thesis advisor, Dr. Fariba Solati, and became something she was more curious about, as an international student from Jamaica. 

“I wanted to understand why developing countries continue to host these mega sporting events though precedence shows the cost of the event outweighs the benefit and persists in the form of stadium maintenance after the event, which often ends up being more than these countries spend on health and education,” she said. 

Brown said the most valuable part of the research fair for her was the feedback and questions she received after her presentation, which opened doors to other areas that could add value to her research. 

“The fair also gives students the opportunity to practice translating technical research findings in ways that are accessible, relevant, and engaging to a diverse audience,” Brown said. 

 
To learn more about the Student Research and Ideas Fair, and see a list of other student research topics, visit STU.ca/srif2022