SPARK: Humber's Research & Innovation Magazine, Issue 10

SPARK

Understanding Ageism: A Conversation with Bradley Schurman

Humber College and Toronto Police Service Partnership Raises Awareness of Hate Crimes Explore the Future of Urban Living: Architecting Health Through Healthy Built Environments (HBE) Supporting Storytellers: Unveiling Humber's Narratives And more!

Land Acknowledgment Humber College is located within the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Known as Adoobiigok [A-doe-bee-goke], the “Place of the Alders” in Michi Saagiig [Mi-Chee Saw-Geeg] language, the region is uniquely situated along Humber River Watershed, which historically provided an integral connection for Anishinaabe [Ah-nish-nahbay], Haudenosaunee [Hoeden-no-shownee], and Wendat [Wine-Dot] peoples between the Ontario Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe/ Georgian Bay regions. Now home to people of numerous nations, Adoobiigok continues to provide a vital source of interconnection for all.

Listen to an audio recording of Humber’s Land Acknowledgment (humber.ca/indigenous/truth-reconciliation-audiovideo)

PHOTO COURTESY OF HUMBER ARBORETUM

CON TENTS

JULY 2024

“Research is trying to find out how the world works and how to make our world better.”

—DOUG THOMSON, D.PHIL, CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSOR IN HUMBER’S FACULTY OF SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES (PG 39)

EDITORIAL DESK

8

Managing Editor’s Note

12 Dean’s Note 14 Associate Dean’s Note

Humber College and Toronto Police Service Partnership Raises Awareness of Hate Crimes

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

16 Are You Too Old? Understanding Ageism: A Conversation with Bradley Schurman 22 Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald 26 Art is a Beautiful Science! Meet ORI’s Graphic Designers: Inside the Science of Creating Art 36 Humber College and Toronto Police Service Partnership Raises Awareness of Hate Crimes

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p.36

“Research means making intelligent decisions based on empirical data and insightful research leads to better decisions for people, businesses and communities.”

— MARILYN CRESSWELL, PROFESSOR, FACULTY OF MEDIA & CREATIVE ARTS (PG 39)

p.48 Architecting Health Through Healthy Built Environments (HBE)

The aim of the HBE research is to identify the benefits and challenges of creating healthy built environments by analyzing literature to understand the current knowledge and research gap. (pg 48)

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

42 What does Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Mean to You? 44 ORI is Up to Something New! Applied Research Program (Accelerated) SPECIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

48 Architecting Health Through Healthy Built Environments (HBE)

´ Read about the SMART Lab from Supporting Storytellers on page 56.

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

58 From the Desk of the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology 63 From the Desk of the Office of Sustainability 66 From the Desk of Office of Inclusion and Belonging 68 From the Desk of the Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

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EXTRAS

70 Develop Your Spark 73 Quips and Quotes 81 Article References

p.56

Supporting Storytellers

83 Closing Thoughts

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July 2024 SPARK is a research and innovation magazine published by Humber Press, Office of Research & Innovation, Humber College. The opinions and views expressed in SPARK are those solely of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of Humber Press.

Editorial Team MANAGING EDITOR Anju Kakkar EDITOR Saran Davaajargal GRAPHIC TECHNOLOGISTS Andrea Chan, Elisabeth Springate PROJECT COORDINATOR Marlee Greig

With thanks for the support of our Leadership Team DEAN, RESEARCH & INNOVATION Ginger Grant, PhD ASSOCIATE DEAN, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Emma Smith, PhD

Did You

K n ow ?

ORI stan ds for Of fice of Researc h & Inno vation

Special Contributors for SPARK #10 Esha Rana and Janice Saji

Published by Humber Press 205 Humber College Blvd., Toronto, ON M9W 5L7 humberpress@humber.ca

Connect with us online: @Humber_Research @Humber_Research linkedin.com/showcase/ humber-research/ humberresearch @Humber_Research humberpress.ca jipe.ca

On request, this document is available in alternate e-formats.

Disclaimer: Humber Press strictly adheres to Humber College’s Brand Guidelines. In instances of style conflicts, Humber College’s guidelines will take precedence.

NEW VIDEO OUT

Designing for Demographic Resilience: Inclusive Strategies to Make the Workplace Work for All

WATCH NOW

Ç youtu.be/9PLfopPq2NA

Embracing inclusive design is no longer optional—it's imperative in these times of disruptive demographic change. This engaging keynote will unveil the business case for inclusive design in the workplace, emphasizing the integration of diverse age groups and abilities in three pivotal segments: Strategy, Benefits, and Physical Design.

Gain invaluable insights into creating a workplace that truly welcomes and supports everyone, bridging gaps, and building stronger, more cohesive teams. This session is a must-watch for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity within their organization.

Stay up-to-date on this research initiative! Bookmark Aging in Community Education & Research (agingincommunity.ca)

CON TENTS

EDITORIAL DESK

Celebrations! Why? It’s the tenth issue of SPARK, our vibrant journey into the world of research and innovation at Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy for the opportunity to build this community and share with you the brilliance and dedication of our community.

MANAGING EDITOR’S NOTE

DEAR SPARK READERS,

This edition delves into diverse and meaningful conversations bridging the gaps between age, education, and social justice. We begin with a profound discussion on understanding ageism with Bradley Schurman, exploring the nuances of how our society perceives and interacts with different age groups. Our dialogue with Rebecca Fitzgerald sheds light on the importance of harnessing global perspectives in education, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that emerge when we embrace diversity.

We also take you behind the scenes with ORI’s graphic designers, Andrea Chan and Elisabeth Springate, who masterfully blend science and art to create visuals that inspire and educate. Their creativity serves as a testament to the magic that happens when passion meets purpose.

In our Research and Innovation Corner, we share an image gallery of our Applied Research Program. This successful pathway will continue to pave the way for faculty and staff to discover their research identities, fueling a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Our special contributions section invites you to explore the concept of healthy built environments, emphasizing the profound connection between our surroundings and our well-being. We also celebrate the voices of our storytellers from various departments, each bringing unique insights and reflections from their respective fields.

SPARK is more than just a magazine; it is a celebration of our collective creativity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Each story, each conversation, is a reminder that we are all storytellers, researchers, and innovators united by our shared passion for making a difference.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. May you find inspiration, joy, and a sense of purpose in these pages. Flip the pages of yet another colourful issue of SPARK to read our Dean’s and Associate Dean’s notes.

With warmth and gratitude, Namaste, Anju Kakkar Managing Editor, Humber Press PHOTO BY TANYA PERDIKOULIAS

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EDITORIAL DESK

“I believe in innovation and that the way you get innovation is you fund research, and you learn the basic facts.”

— BILL GATES

PHOTO BY WIRESTOCK ON ENVATO ELEMENTS humberpress.ca/spark

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CON TENTS

EDITORIAL DESK

“Anyone or anything that does not bring you alive ... is too small for you.”

—DAVID WHYTE, POET

PHOTO BY MSTANDRET ON ENVATO ELEMENTS 10 SPARK JULY 2024

EDITORIAL DESK

DEAN’S NOTE

MAKING SOME NEW MOVES

Other exciting initiatives include the ACER Project. The Aging in Community Education and Research Hub (ACER) conducts innovative research that creates, implements and evaluates solutions that strengthen community-based supports to empower older adults to remain engaged in and connected to their communities. From senior entrepreneurship, talent management and the new world of work to naturally occurring retirement communities, the hub and spoke model of ACER supports multiple areas of research and developing innovation capacity in Canadian communities. The interview with Bradley Schurman starts an interesting conversation about changing demographics and socio-economic viability.

ACER: Why now? As part of our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB), we are looking at life-long learning and what opportunities it brings in this new world of work.

The current demographic shift with older workers being prominent, its speed and far-reaching impact will continue to dominate the social, educational, political, and economic landscape for many years to come. A historic Canadian milestone was reached in 2016 when adults 65+ outnumbered children under 14 (Statistics Canada, 2016). Thus, ensuring that older workers stay in the workforce beyond the age of 55

ACER David Whyte is a favourite poet of mine. His quote, “Anyone or anything that does not bring you alive ... is too small for you,” is a mantra I try to live by on a daily basis. Over the past quarter, we have been designing and developing many new programs. One dear to my heart is our new Applied Research Program—a seven-week program (ran from May to June 2024.)

First conceived four years ago, through many iterations and collaborations, it finally became a reality. Working with faculty who are renewing their commitment to life-long learning was exciting. As we now develop ways of expanding this initiative, we will bring you updates in the next issue of SPARK.

Ç Aging in Community Education and Research Hub (ACER) conducts innovative research that creates, implements and evaluates solutions that strengthen community-based supports to empower older adults to remain engaged in and connected to their communities. Learn more at agingincommunity.ca

TOP PHOTO BY TANYA PERDIKOULIAS / ACER GRAPHIC BY ELISABETH SPRINGATE humberpress.ca/spark

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EDITORIAL DESK

is important. A commonly accepted definition of what is meant by an ‘older’ worker does not currently exist. Statistics Canada (2019) states that from 1996-2018, the proportion of workers in Canada aged 55+ increased from 10% to 21% of the workforce.

In addition, the ratio of older (55+) workers to younger (25-34) workers is near parity (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website).

Now is the time to engage in conversations about this shift and the impact the role and design of work have on current and future labour market participation. It is also time to address workplace ageism as it harms communities, businesses, future generations, and our economies (Centre for Aging Better, 2021).

Ageism can be an underlying motive to push older adults out of the labour market. However, this negative impact can affect not only older adults but people of all ages, as it affects the global economy (World Health Organization, 2023). Age-inclusive workplaces help individuals to enjoy good quality work for longer while benefitting the community and the economy. Yet, most workplaces are not age-inclusive (OECD, 2020). We need to act now in order to increase the number of age-inclusive workplaces.

Among many, one approach is engaging in intergenerational conversations to learn about what people of all ages think and how they live, learn, work, and interact with the world around them, which may hinder or enhance age-inclusive workplaces.

Each generation brings value and meaning.

Ageism is the dismissal of older people to second-class citizenship, along with disrespecting and dismissal of younger people. Focusing on this young/old binary view ensures that two-thirds of our population is classified as second-class citizens. When we are born, we start to age. It is not something that happens at 30, 40 or 80. It is a natural part of being human.

Every person wakes up each morning a day older. It just doesn’t make sense to discriminate against a group that each of us will join. Like it or not, we all travel the same road and arrive at the same destination. Like racism and sexism, ageism is not about how we look. It is about what people in power want our appearance to mean. It is the last socially sanctioned prejudice.

Hopefully, we learned something from the recent pandemic and the shift to either hybrid or virtual work. Considering those with mobility challenges, working from home becomes a reality for smart organizations that wish to capitalize on an untapped workforce. New forms of employment featuring flexible job descriptions are emerging as videoconferencing, telework and cloud work increase. We live in a 24-hour-a-day world. Individual employees are evaluating their current jobs

12 SPARK JULY 2024

and organizations in terms of how much flexibility is provided, and frequently are leaving if that flexibility is not offered. In interviews, it is commonplace to hear that there is no emphasis on salary but on a hybrid or virtual work environment. If it is not there, the interview is rapidly terminated. The world of work has permanently changed, and there is no going back to prepandemic times. Remote and/or virtual work is here to stay.

Organizations that do not meet this shift in the world of work will not have talented employees about which to worry. As always in business, survival is optional.

Opportunities and Benefits of New Employment Structure 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Employees can shift between roles as desired to fit their work-life balance.

Instead of assigning additional tasks to existing roles, those tasks can be completed by ‘Gig Workers.’

Time can be spent on cultivating a purpose-driven organization.

Employee engagement by all workers will increase.

Turnover will not be costly but offers a new opportunity.

Internal promotions will increase.

Non-skilled workers will be encouraged to learn new skills.

Employees will feel empowered to contribute meaningfully toward organizational goals. (Biswas et al., pg. 50).

What if we followed the example of gender-nonconforming people? When asked for my age, should I say I identify as agefluid? Research studies indicate that a life course perspective casts positive aging as an ongoing developmental process (Stowe and Cooney 2015). Combining a social support system and a belief in your ability to handle what comes your way creates what psychologists call “self-efficacy.” Experienced workers bring the intellectual potential of untapped creativity— you are always more than your job description. You are never too old, and it’s never too late to learn. Ageing is not a disease. Living and ageing are a fact of life, and that journey is what makes us human.

GINGER GRANT, PhD Dean, Research & Innovation References included on page 81.

EDITORIAL DESK

PHOTO COURTESY OF GINGER GRANT, PHD humberpress.ca/spark

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CON TENTS

EDITORIAL DESK

PHOTO BY PRZEMEKKLOS ON ENVATO ELEMENTS 14

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ASSOCIATE DEAN’S NOTE

SUMMER SHARING

Every issue of SPARK Magazine is crafted by an enthusiastic team of journalists, designers, and researchers. Points of inspiration are frequently exchanged during weekly calls or instant messages. These interactions drive our ongoing commitment to mobilizing knowledge at Humber College. We are elated to profile our two dedicated graphic designers in this current issue—Andrea Chan and Elisabeth Springate. These pages are a curated capsule of their professional experiences and inspiring work for us all to appreciate.

The Office of Research and Innovation is also committed to exploring innovative ways for faculty, staff and students to participate in research projects. We are excited to showcase a photo gallery of our Applied Research Program (Accelerated) that ran from May to June 2024. Our participants, who represented multiple Faculties and Departments across Humber, were engaged in daily conversations and activities that nurtured their research curiosities. We are eager to share more about their collaborations and the friendships that emerged from this inaugural program—stay tuned for our next issue!

Our Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) program invites any teaching inquiry or experience to be further explored through research. These moments of reflection and curiosity are often translated into opportunities for exchange and collaboration with other scholars. In this issue, we are sharing varying SoTL appreciations as an invitation for future partnerships on your research projects.

Welcome to the 10th issue of SPARK! We are excited to introduce our newest collection of compelling research narratives, interviews and vibrant visuals for your summer enjoyment.

Within these pages, you will discover stories covering the human experience and environments, collaborations between students and faculty in research, partnerships in community leadership and the latest technological innovations across our campuses.

These stories resonate through the relayed experiences and voices of our students.

humberpress.ca/spark

Thank you for your ongoing readership and support of SPARK. We are grateful for our time together!

EMMA SMITH, PhD Associate Dean, Research & Development

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CON TENTS

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Are You

IMAGES FROM ENVATO ELEMENTS 16 SPARK JULY 2024

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS:

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Gain deeper insights into ageism and multigenerational workplaces.

Too Old?

Understanding Ageism: A Conversation with Bradley Schurman

BY ESHA RANA

In a series of public talks at Humber College, noted demographist Bradley Schurman has been addressing the timely topics of ageism, disruptive demographic change and its impact on labour markets.

Bradley shared his insights and predictions about how the population composition will change and the effects this will have on the economy and the workforce. The talk was part of the Office of Research and Innovation’s new initiative ‘Aging in Community Education & Research (ACER).’ ACER’s mission is to conduct innovative research to create, implement and evaluate solutions that strengthen community-based support so that older adults feel empowered to remain engaged in their communities.

Did you know?

Prior to this, Bradley has spoken at the OECD, World Economic Forum and SXSW and presented at the Fifteen Seconds Festival for the United States government in 2023. He’s appeared on NBC’s Today Show and CBS News Primetime with John Dickerson.

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Bradley is also the author of The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny and the founder and CEO of the strategic foresight and inclusive design firm Human Change. He’s written for Newsweek and been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA Today.

We had the opportunity to interview Bradley to dig deeper into various aspects of demographic change and multigenerational workplaces.

Humber Press (HP): What benefits do older workers bring to the workplace?

BRADLEY: On average, older workers

bring more experience to the table by default since they’ve spent more time in the labour market. If they’re with a company for a longer period, they understand how it operates and can help build resilience in the work culture.

They also bring a much-needed diverse perspective to the workforce. We live in hyper-diverse environments and countries now. When we have more voices at the table from different races, ethnicities, religions, genders, etc. we get a better perspective of how to serve the population that’s living within our nations.

As the market for older people grows, we need more of them to work so that they can figure out and share what it means to be an older adult. What are the products and services that they want? If it’s an iPhone, what functionalities should be built in for them?

Lastly, an often-overlooked piece is that, on average, according to data, older workers tend to be more loyal to their employers. So they tend to stick around longer. That loyalty is a very hard thing to come by these days, and any extra loyalty goes a long way.

IMAGES FROM ENVATO ELEMENTS 18 SPARK JULY 2024

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HP: Can you expand more on how businesses approach and understand the issues of ageism and demographic change?

BRADLEY: Businesses are not really

interested in the aspirational. They want to know the outcomes, what’s going to make the money, what’s going to improve their operations and their efficiencies and how they can get better talent.

The second that economic threat bubbles up, businesses change their minds about what they’re doing. We’ve seen this with the menopause policy, with Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) as it’s called in Canada and even around climate change.

Now we’re starting to see this with older workers. These things move when businesses see a threat. Occasionally, when they see an opportunity, but typically when they see a threat.

HP: Isn’t reducing older people to what they can offer as consumers and workers a one-dimensional view? Doesn’t it feed into the paradigm that in a society, people’s value is tied to what they can consume and produce?

BRADLEY: There are plenty of things that

people can do that are non-monetary in terms of their value. Caregiving is one of those things. Taking care of children, volunteering and homemaking are all things that have intrinsic value. So, I think we need to consider both: What is the capitalist contribution and what is the socialist contribution? What are people giving back to the community that we don’t measure?

In the conversation around economics in the workforce, though, we’re talking about a capitalistic view. Because of demographics, there are some realities that exist within the marketplace now that force us to consider the economic

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potential of older adults, even though we’ve largely erased it in the last 60 years.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)—the largest organization in the world that focuses on older people—tried to put a monetary figure on older people’s contributions. Why is that? Because at the end of the day, organizations and our societies place an incredibly high value on work and output.

The economic standpoint is also the one thing that businesses and policymakers really understand today. That doesn’t mean they won’t figure out in a couple of years that there’s more to this than money, but when you’re pursuing change, you’ve got to go where people are. If you go too far, you scare them and their reaction is to pull back, not to lean in.

There’s enough of a challenge right now with getting businesses to accept this new demographic reality and understand that they need to consider non-traditional pools of labour.

…women face a double whammy in the workplace: gender and age. It’s called gendered ageism. Society has accepted men getting older.

Historically, though, it has not accepted women getting older.

So, we’re still carrying this historical baggage where women face the triple whammy of age, gender and menopause.

At the same time, we’re trying to get the most out of this population without having any policies in place for them.

HP: Does gender play a role in issues of ageism?

HP: Has there been any notable research or innovation around gendered ageism?

BRADLEY: Definitely. In fact, women

BRADLEY: Around workplace viability for

face a double whammy in the workplace: gender and age. It’s called gendered ageism. Society has accepted men getting older. Historically, though, it has not accepted women getting older.

women, good research comes out of the United Kingdom. About six years ago, they essentially said, “If we don’t fix this, we’re going to have a major economic issue on our hands.” So, big companies took that as a sign to start putting in proactive policies. Their learnings are now crossing the Atlantic and going into the continent of Europe.

I’ve mentioned this in my book The Super Age, but it wasn’t even until the Middle Ages that academic thinking considered women in the aging process. Prior to that, it was just about men getting older. The conversations in medical texts were more focused on a woman’s ability to have a baby and how menstruation was evil and spooky. Some considered the end of the menstrual cycle, i.e. menopause, as dangerous. These things stick in our psyche.

Also, two years ago, only 4% of the big American companies had policies around menopause. In 2022, that jumped to 15%. People say, “That’s terrible! Only 15%!” But that’s three times growth in just a year. So, businesses are coming around to this because they see women leaving the workforce due to menopause as a threat.

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HP: What is needed at the societal level to deal with ageism?

BRADLEY: Ageism will fade once we get

more older workers in the workplace and once there are more generations living in our communities.

When people are working together towards a common goal, society is more harmonious. Right now, we’re not really working towards a common goal and that’s part of where the social strife comes in. There’s economic strife, social strife and there’s friction within our societies.

But, by bringing people in, people will feel more on the same page. Narrowing the wealth gap is certainly a big part of this. They will see that they’re contributing equally or having a contribution that’s valued equally rather than being just a name and a number on a ledger.

That's how ageism will fade—probably not entirely, just as racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia haven’t faded. But it will decrease considerably.

HP: Is there any literature about these benefits—more experience, diverse perspectives and loyalty?

BRADLEY: There’s plenty of academic

research on this now. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) came up with a paper two years ago on the subject. Another paper was just released in October 2023 from a group called Generation in collaboration with OECD about meeting the challenges of an aging workforce.

My friend Dr. Megan Gerhardt wrote a book called Gentelligence that came out in 2021. She’s written for the Harvard Business Review as well about the research behind this, why it works and what you can do to make it work even better.

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HP: What do you think is a common point of contention and conflict in multigenerational workplaces?

BRADLEY: Boomers have gone through

a radical workplace transformation. They entered a workplace that was essentially command control—a military-like structure where you have a general, his deputies and the frontline soldiers. The CEO is your general, the C suite is your top advisor, and the rest of us are the soldiers. There’s a hierarchy, but it flattens every time a new technology enters the workplace.

“ Around workplace viability for women, good research comes out of the United Kingdom. About six years ago, they essentially said, “If we don’t fix this, we’re going to have a major economic issue on our hands.”

—BRADLEY SCHURMAN

So, workers today are going into a much flatter workplace than boomers did. It’s much easier for younger people now to sidestep their manager, reach out to a senior person and say, “I think there’s a better way to do this.” This is not necessarily generational friction, but it is friction in the hierarchy of the workplace.

There’s no perfect solution to managing this. There should be safety to allow you to raise concerns, but at the same time, just like anything, it’s on you, as the employee, to be ready with your argument. Just stating that something isn’t going to work doesn’t move the needle. But if you come up with a rational argument that is driven by data and

your insights, you can change the way the conversation flows. It’s as much on the worker as it is on the manager or the senior executive who must be open to this dialogue too.

I know the solution probably doesn’t sound overly prescriptive because it isn’t.

It requires people to understand that they’re on a two-way street. There needs to be an openness to accepting feedback and diverse perspectives in a way that can move organizations forward. Without that, you only have the senior leadership making decisions and the younger workers aren’t necessarily empowered to raise any concerns.

HP: What is a common hurdle that most multigenerational workplaces face?

BRADLEY: The first thing we always see

fall apart within a multigenerational workforce is communications because our lived experience dictates how we communicate.

Boomers grew up in an analog world and they are much more likely to want to have a phone conversation or walk down the hall to talk to somebody in the office. That face-to-face conversation is far more important to them on average. Millennials prefer emails, and for Gen Z, it’s texting, it’s Slack, it’s digital.

So, what employers should do is set a level for communication. What is our accepted way of communicating within this workplace? Then, encourage people to communicate on that platform while not throwing away their preferred channels.

This is where we show up together and find a common platform, a common place. There’s still a little friction that develops there, but if a business is willing

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

About Bradley to use that platform as a base, then they need to incentivize people to be on it and use it.

HP: What are the other ways of smoothening and encouraging communication in multigenerational workplaces?

BRADLEY: Make sure people are trained

properly to use these mediums. Today, when you’re entering the workforce, Slack is common. But for somebody like me, Slack came into the workforce during my career. So, I might be a bit more resistant to it. Getting that training in place is super helpful.

The other thing that employers, particularly, need to do is to make both managerial and monetary investments in creating psychological safety within the workplace. You should be welcome to raise a concern about a project. Good managers should be willing to take input from their employees, remove the age lens and look at the actual work product.

If we’re constantly shutting down voices, whether Gen Z’s or boomers’ within the workplace, we’re putting up blinders and erasing inputs that are necessary to create a good product or service.

The third solution is having true financial incentives in place for managers who lean into and leverage generational diversity.

We should pay people to do this so that at the onset, there is some kind of motivation for managers to do this.

This isn’t easy. If diversity and leveraging generations in the workplace were easy, everyone would do it. It’s awkward and sometimes a bit messy. But the outputs for the businesses that do well are really staggering.

HP: What message would you leave the current and incoming workforce with?

BRADLEY: What managers, executives

and workers need to realize is that we have not experienced generational diversity like this in the workforce in 75 years. Women were not even allowed in the workplace about 40 to 50 years ago.

We transitioned out of that not too long ago, and there was immense friction even then. We got through it; in other ways, we’re still getting through it. There’s no perfect solution for something that is new.

It requires everyone to come together to talk and work through it.

Bradley Schurman is an expert on demographic change and how it disrupts social, cultural, political and economic norms across the United States and worldwide. His deep understanding of population shifts, coupled with his grasp of emerging trends makes him an authoritative voice in the future of us.

Bradley spent his first two decades working for LeadingAge, a community of nonprofit aging services providers and other mission-driven organizations serving older adults, and AARP, America’s leading organization for people aged fifty and older, where he led thought leadership in Asia and Europe with entities like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the World Economic Forum.

Stay up-to-date on this research initiative!

Bookmark Aging in Community Education & Research (agingincommunity.ca)

TOP IMAGE FROM ENVATO ELEMENTS / BRADLEY SCHURMAN PHOTO COURTESY OF BRADLEY SCHURMAN humberpress.ca/spark

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WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS:

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Learn about Rebecca Fitzgerald’s inspiring journey in global education.

“Research is based on being inquisitive, having a mindset where you want to learn about different perspectives, understand the why of things and how they could be in the future as well.”

—REBECCA FITZGERALD, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GLOBAL EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald

BY ANJU KAKKAR, MBA, IMBB™

At Humber Press, we often spotlight individuals who redefine the landscape of global education and partnerships.

In this exclusive feature, we delve into the inspiring journey and thoughts of Rebecca Fitzgerald, the Associate Dean of Global Education and Partnerships at Humber College.

her to volunteer at the international office of her alma mater, where she first dipped her toes into the rich waters of global education. Her story is a testament to the profound impact that stepping out of one's comfort zone can have on personal and professional growth.

Rebecca's initiation into global education began with an impromptu decision to study abroad, which she credits for transforming her from a shy individual to someone brimming with confidence and perspective. This experience was pivotal, leading

“It all started by just taking a chance.”

—REBECCA FITZGERALD, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GLOBAL EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIPS ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREA CHAN

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WATCH NOW

Video: Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald, Part 1 Link: youtu.be/aJuVuo7_0Hg

A Path Shaped by Curiosity

Innovative Learning through COIL

Rebecca emphasizes that research isn't just a formal process of gathering information but a mindset of inquisitiveness and understanding different perspectives. Her career has been a testament to the belief that being research-minded adds significant value to educational partnerships and global education initiatives.

Rebecca is particularly enthusiastic about the COIL program at Humber, which leverages modern technology to forge academic partnerships across the globe without the need for physical travel. This initiative is a cornerstone of Humber's strategy to integrate global perspectives directly into the classroom, offering students and faculty a platform to engage in rich, crosscultural collaborations.

Rebecca's journey into global education began unexpectedly, sparked by a simple poster for a study abroad program during her undergraduate days. Describing herself as shy and introverted, Rebecca took a leap that would define her entire career path. This experience abroad was not just about travel but about transformation—gaining confidence, new perspectives, and starting a lifelong commitment to international education.

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One of Rebecca's passions is the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative, which has transformed global education by allowing students from around the world to collaborate on projects without leaving their home countries.

COIL epitomizes the innovative spirit of Humber, breaking down financial and logistical barriers to global education.

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SPARK SPOTLIGHT

WATCH NOW

Video: Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald, Part 2 Link: youtu.be/Pz2jwH8j3mU

Empowering Students with Real-World Platforms

Fostering Teamwork and Community

“Let's make that happen for an online community.

And I really look forward to collaborating with you.”

“At this time, within my team, we're really focused on building our connections, centring ourselves on what we love.”

Rebecca is keen on integrating students' COIL projects into more formal platforms like academic journals or Humber's publications. This integration enhances their learning experience and adds to their professional profiles, enabling them to showcase their work globally.

—REBECCA FITZGERALD, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GLOBAL EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Students, are you interested in submitting your research to JIPE? Check out the JIPE Toolkit for Students.

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SPARK JULY 2024

In discussing her role and the shifting dynamics within her team, Rebecca highlighted the importance of building connections and nurturing a sense of belonging and community among team members. This approach is particularly vital in times of change, such as those prompted by the global pandemic, which has reshaped educational and professional environments worldwide.

—REBECCA FITZGERALD, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GLOBAL EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

“What's amazing about COIL is that it reduces barriers to global education and to global learning.”

—REBECCA FITZGERALD, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GLOBAL EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Challenges and Opportunities Post-Pandemic

The pandemic has presented challenges and opportunities in academia, prompting a re-evaluation of educational methods and the necessity for adaptability in teaching and learning.

Rebecca sees these challenges as chances to innovate and prepare students for a rapidly changing world, emphasizing skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability.

“We need to change, we need to adapt, our students are looking for flexibility, personalization, and ways in which education can cater to where they are right now in their lifelong learning journey.”

—REBECCA FITZGERALD, ASSOCIATE DEAN, GLOBAL EDUCATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

Rebecca shared insights on the shifting landscape of global education in response to the pandemic. She highlighted the

accelerated adoption of technology in education, which has opened new avenues for connectivity and collaboration. She also pointed out the ongoing need for adaptability and flexibility in academic programs to meet the evolving demands of students and the global job market.

Concluding her interview, Rebecca offered words of encouragement to students, urging them to embrace every opportunity for learning and growth. She emphasized the importance of adaptability, a critical skill in today's everchanging world. Her closing message was a poignant reminder of the support systems available at Humber, designed to help students navigate their educational journeys and prepare for future challenges. Rebecca encouraged students to seize every opportunity for growth and reassured them of the extensive support available at Humber College. Her message is clear: embrace challenges, engage with diverse perspectives, and always strive to expand your horizons.

WATCH NOW

Video: Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald, Part 3 Link: youtu.be/-JkEdkmosIA

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CON TENTS

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

ART IS A BEAUTIFUL SCIENCE!

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS: Visualization is a key element in research. Leading this section at ORI are graphic technologists Andrea Chan and Elisabeth Springate. Read the article to learn more about their approach to designing effective visuals.

MEET ORI’S GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: INSIDE THE SCIENCE OF CREATING ART A single picture can convey more than a thousand words, especially when it comes to large, data-driven research.

BY JANICE SAJI

Studies have found that the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text, and presentations using visual aids were found to be 43 percent more persuasive than unaided presentations. This makes visualizations an important element in research.

At Humber’s Office of Research and Innovation, graphic technologists Andrea Chan and Elisabeth Springate lead the department’s visualization concepts. We sat down for a chat with Andrea and Elisabeth to help you get to know more about their journeys in design.

IMAGES COURTESY OF ENVATO ELEMENTS 26 SPARK JULY 2024

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Today, Andrea Chan is a successful graphic technologist whose designs and publication contributions have been acknowledged with awards by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers and the Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPA).

But this wasn’t always the path she’d envisioned for herself. As a child, her love for the Sweet Valley High series and its journalist character, Elizabeth, instilled within her a desire to become a journalist. Later, she dreamed of becoming a doctor to cure cancer and then a lawyer fighting for the justice system.

ANDREA CHAN

It wasn’t until she joined CyberARTS in high school, a program that integrated fine arts with computer learning, that she discovered her true passion for design.

The program allowed her to dabble with earlier versions of Adobe’s creative tools, learn art theory and understand how different elements, like event planning, are crucial to developing good designs.

Attending this program made her realize that art was where she wanted to be.

Behind the Glamour

Design is often perceived to be a glamourous field. However, the reality for those working in the field, especially in the first few years, is quite different.

One of Andrea’s first internships involved frequent late nights and tight deadlines.

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Throughout her 20s, Andrea had to work for organizations that had the expectation of staying late to meet deadlines.

However, her experience wasn’t all bad.

She fondly recalls certain memories from her time working at Roots. Creating designs for a special collection for their Asia market and designing a cartoon character that has since gone through different iterations are great memories she looks back on.

Life at Humber

Almost seven years ago, she found that in Humber College’s Centre for Innovative Learning, then known as the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL).

The position opened valuable learning opportunities and exposed her to various new industries.

Later, Andrea joined the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) as a graphic technologist.

Currently at ORI, Andrea designs the department’s research magazine, SPARK; its academic journal, JIPE; and miscellaneous designs for the wider ORI team.

One of the things she loves the most about her job is its problem-solving aspect. Figuring out a client’s problem, brainstorming and finding a possible solution, and ultimately implementing the solution are thrilling processes for her.

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SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Andrea’s Favourite Designs NEXT Magazine

Dekel Chui and Andrea won an award in the 2017 RGD In-House award for NEXT magazine. She loved bringing the writers’ words to life through play in the layouts and typography.

PORTFOLIO IMAGES BY ANDREA CHAN 28

SPARK JULY 2024

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Sugro Seeds Packaging

A seed packaging project created while Andrea was a student, this won an award in the 2007 Student Design (Packaging) Single/Series with Applied Arts Magazine and is still one of her favourite pieces to-date.

Creating Accessible Designs One of Andrea’s specializations is creating accessible designs.

Initially, she wasn’t aware of accessibility in the field of publishing until her manager at CTL mentioned it. She eventually ended up taking a course on the subject and learning about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Andrea says, “I think accessibility is something that everyone should always be mindful of.” She notes that there are four types of accessibility points that should be kept in mind while creating materials. These points are perceivable (available through sight, hearing, or touch), operable (compatible with keyboard, mouse, voice control, and other devices), understandable (easy to comprehend) and robust (works across browsers, assistive technologies, mobile devices, etc.).

Quoting one of her favourite analogies about accessibility by Gina Catenazzo, she says the goal is to cast a net as wide

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“We spend a lot time designing the bridge, but not enough time thinking about the people who are crossing it.”

—DR. PRABHJOT SINGH, DIRECTOR OF SYSTEMS DESIGN AT THE EARTH INSTITUTE

as possible so that everyone can benefit.

Ensuring accessibility ensures that your net is wide enough to reach everybody.

Transitioning Through Technological Disruptions

Andrea’s career began on the cusp of the web’s takeover of the publishing world.

“The future in print is dead”—she recalls one of her professors stating in the early 2000s. Fast forward to 2024—while the web has massively taken over the world, there is still room left for print.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now expected to have a similar effect. Despite having reservations about some aspects of the technology, Andrea is trying to keep up

with its tools. The key to sustaining a career in a changing industry is to be up to date with its changing technologies, she says.

Andrea is currently experimenting with ChatGPT to summarize information and modify emails, and she is trying out generative AI, like Adobe Firefly, to familiarize herself with the technology.

However, concerns regarding artists’ ability to protect themselves from AI plague her mind. With the future of AI still unknown, she says society needs to be more proactive about it. People need to assess the technology and its impact and consider the kind of future we are leaving for the next generation.

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SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Baby/Toddler Boy Bees Collection

A collection Andrea worked on when she worked at Roots, she loved the bee-theme for this collection and being able to create fun illustrations for kids.

As for podcasts, I love Ear Hustle, This American Life, Radio Lab, My Favorite Murder, Science Vs., and Reply All when it was around.

What do you do when you’re not working?

Learn More About Andrea What are some books/movies/ podcasts that you love?

I’ve been really into autobiographies or essays lately (Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? Ali Wong’s Dear Girls; Stephanie Johnson and Brandon Stanton’s Tanqueray) and parenting books (parenting is HARD!).

Hanging out with my kids, watching TV, eating, exploring (the city, different cities, going to museums, parks, etc.), napping, cooking (sometimes for fun), thinking about food…food is life.

How do you unwind or prevent burnout?

Going for walks with friends, taking a day to myself, connecting with nature, travelling, exploring.

PORTFOLIO IMAGE BY ANDREA CHAN / ANDREA CHAN PHOTO BY TANYA PERDIKOULIAS 30 SPARK JULY 2024

What does research and innovation mean to you?

Research is asking the ‘whys’ and understanding/making sense of the world around you. Innovation can be creating something new or improving what we already have in the world, building and improving on the past. Hopefully they are tools to be used to improve our world and society.

What advice would you offer students in graphic design?

Don’t lose your passion for design— keep it alive by doing passion projects for yourself, broaden your world view, learn art history—always keep learning.

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

After her university studies, she decided to pursue a two-year design program at a polytechnic in England. During this time, Elisabeth also worked part-time designing t-shirts and garments for a factory, and the flow of creating art satisfied her creative needs.

She used the skills acquired in England to pursue a career in design back home in Canada. Joining an advertising agency with one of the first web departments in Toronto, she used her technical skills to participate in the advent of digital design.

Toggling Between Languages and Design

ELISABETH SPRINGATE

Growing up without easy access to entertainment, like Netflix or video games, Elisabeth Springate used her imagination to keep herself entertained.

She and her friends used walkie-talkies and Legos to pretend they were living in the future depicted in Star Trek and moulded each day’s playtime based on their imaginations.

This daily use of creativity and imagination naturally led her towards an artistic career.

Her first stop in this journey was languages. Finding language structure fascinating, she decided to learn French, Spanish and German.

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Elisabeth says her career path has always oscillated between languages and design.

After working for a few years as a designer in the 90s, low pay and burnout led her back to academia. After completing a BA in English, she obtained her MA in Communications and then found herself teaching creative writing at York University. But the tipping point that pushed her to finally settle on designing was the retirement dinner of a mentor of hers.

At the dinner one time, her mentor mentioned how he never wanted to ‘work for a living’—and so far, it had worked out great for him.

This deeply resonated with her and made her realize that she had the same desire.

However, teaching wasn’t the career that would help her achieve this goal.

“I realized that it wouldn’t be like ‘working for a living’ if I really loved what I did.”

—ELISABETH SPRINGATE, GRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIST

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SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Life at Humber

Elisabeth ended up stepping away from her role as a professor and decided to go back to working as a designer. Then, life threw another curveball her way—the pandemic.

Like a million other Canadians, Elisabeth found herself on the lookout for a job. Shortly after, she applied to fill a maternity leave position at Humber College’s Centre for Innovative Learning and later transitioned to the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI).

Currently, Elisabeth is a graphic technologist at ORI, creating designs for the department’s events, workshops, conferences and annual report.

She says working at Humber has been the highlight of her career because she can focus solely on being a graphic designer here. Usually, people expect graphic designers to wear multiple hats and fulfill several additional roles, like video editing or user experience (UX) designing.

But at ORI, she is only required to focus on her core role of being a graphic designer, and for that, she’s grateful.

Another favourite aspect of her job is that there’s always room for fun. There is space to knock ideas around and experiment with her designs.

“To be awake is more lovely than dreams.”

—DIONNE BRAND, (CANADIAN POET AND NOVELIST)

Visualizing Research and Innovation

What’s Elisabeth’s recipe for creating good research and innovation designs?

Strategic communication.

Her main goal when creating research designs is to make them engaging and accessible to individuals who are not involved in the study or field.

For individuals not involved in research, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a large amount of data. Design serves as a bridge, allowing for a connection between those who are and are not involved in research. Graphic design, in particular, can create an intersection between these two groups of people.

“Graphic design bridges the gap between those who are and are not involved in research.”

—ELISABETH SPRINGATE, GRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIST

Transitioning Through Technological Disruptions

Elisabeth isn’t new to technological disruption. She witnessed it firsthand when the industry shifted from analog to digital.

It’s this experience that taught her that one needs to keep evolving as the industry changes—because the industry will always change.

So, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) expected to permeate all industries, Elisabeth has begun experimenting with the technology.

While AI is contentious due to its results being derived from pre-produced work, she has experimented with products like ChatGPT and Adobe Firefly to ensure she’s evolving with the times.

She emphasizes that it’s important to work with technology instead of thinking about it as a replacement for human work.

“It’s important to work WITH technology and use it to improve human life.”

—ELISABETH SPRINGATE, GRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIST

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF ENVATO ELEMENTS 32

SPARK JULY 2024

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Elisabeth’s Favourite Designs

Special Event Poster, McGill University These designs were produced for an institute at McGill University. They were created while Elisabeth was doing her graduate studies at the university. This poster is her standout favourite. The powerful image displayed on the design was well received by the group.

PORTFOLIO IMAGES BY ELISABETH SPRINGATE humberpress.ca/spark

SPARK 33

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Elisabeth’s Favourite Designs Continued…

ORI’s Annual Reports (21/22 and 22/23)

Elisabeth’s designs have been a significant feature in her time at ORI. Creating the annual report is a special kind of project that involves everyone in the house, she says. As a report, it needs to clearly relate the group’s activities and results over the fiscal period, but it must carry the spirit and character of the organization.

Working with Humber Press and the rest of ORI to bring this vision to life has been a great experience for her.

PORTFOLIO IMAGES BY ELISABETH SPRINGATE 34 SPARK JULY 2024

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Learn More About Elisabeth What are some books/movies/ podcasts that you love?

Podcasts: I love the “Deep House Cat Show.” Good old house music from Chicago. I play that when I’m cleaning, or on the rowing machine at the gym or something like that.

TV: Lately, I’ve been watching a design series that my colleague told me about called “ABSTRACT, The Art of Design.” The series goes over all kinds of disciplines, like footwear design, stage design, automotive design, and so on. It’s been really fascinating. Otherwise, I love “Task Master” (which is hilarious), “What We Do in the Shadows” (sadly, I’ve now seen them all), and I plan to binge the new season of “Our Flag Means Death” when I visit my friend over the holidays.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I love dinners with friends and meeting for coffee. I like cleaning my place, especially if I’m listening to great tunes blasting on my headphones. I love visiting family and walking a lot.

that hard in this city since we do have nice parks. But I also like to get out of the city.

I’m lucky to have family who are out in more rural parts of the province, and it’s just so refreshing to take a break from the thumping city.

What does research and innovation mean to you?

I see research in a basic way, and that’s after many years in grad school where research was THE main thing. And it was quite formal, at least in my area of study and the programs I was in. I would have enjoyed being in a more experimental program at Concordia or TMU. Innovation also can be so simple. It’s like, “How can we do this better? How can we make this easier for people? How can I do this sitting down? Or something like that. It can come from a simple place like that.

What advice would you offer students in graphic design?

For anyone starting out in design, my advice is to trust your gut. Things change fast in this industry. The world is changing fast. Tuning in to your intuition—and believing in those inner nudgings—can stay grounded anywhere.

How do you unwind or prevent burnout?

I think it’s important for creative earners to find balance. It’s important to take good care of yourself and set boundaries on your time. I love walking and cycling, and I love getting out into nature. It’s not

ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF ENVATO ELEMENTS humberpress.ca/spark

SPARK 35

CON TENTS

WHY SHOULD YOU READ THIS?

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Learn about how the partnership between Humber College and Toronto Police Service is raising awareness of hate crimes.

Humber College and Toronto Police Service Partnership Raises Awareness of Hate Crimes

BY SARAN DAVAAJARGAL

According to the Toronto Police Service (TPS), hate crimes are on the rise. In 2022, TPS reported that the number of reported hate crimes is 74% higher than the pre-pandemic level and 40% higher than the 10-year average. Accordingly, the need for greater awareness of hate crimes and how to report them has become more pronounced over the years. Humber College’s partnership with TPS is helping to address this issue through a collaborative endeavour that seeks to inform the public about identifying and reporting hate crimes. The partnership embodies the pillars outlined in Humber’s Academic Plan: 2023-2026, which are designed to prepare students for a career-ready future through education that combines theory with hands-on experiential learning.

In a creative advertising class taught by Professor Marilyn Cresswell in the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts, students had the opportunity to help solve a real-life challenge by creating an advertising campaign to raise awareness about hate crimes in Toronto.

For the first project born out of the partnership between TPS and Humber’s creative advertising program, the students were asked to create a pamphlet based on the key values of respect, understanding, inclusivity and that Canada is better with

36 SPARK JULY 2024

diversity. A total of 13 entries were submitted and evaluated by a judging panel of Humber and TPS representatives. The top three groups of students were recognized and awarded by TPS for their efforts. The winning students were Carter Mooney and Abigail Ramos, who created the “Hate the Hate: Report the Crime” pamphlet.

The pamphlet was a resounding success. In June 2021, the “Hate the Hate” pamphlet was made publicly available on the TPS website and distributed across Toronto internally and externally. In 2022, the TPS translated the pamphlet into 22 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Farsi and French.

Creating the pamphlet not only provided students with the ability to hone their skills but also helped them gain more confidence in themselves as advertising professionals. Reflecting on his experience creating the hate crimes brochure that was selected to be used by the TPS in 2021, Carter Mooney, a 2023 graduate of Humber’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising program, says, “When we were given the task of creating the brochure, we were explicitly instructed to avoid using the word ‘hate’ entirely. So, I initially set out with the idea of ‘How to be more polite,’ offering a satirical take on promoting awareness of hate crimes and how to address them. Given the competition, with over ten other groups

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

´ The winning advertising campaign by Owen Lisle, Kesiah Bailey and Chloe McElcheran, third-year students in Humber’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising program

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SPARK SPOTLIGHT

Ç Award ceremony for the winners with TPS Deputy Chief Johnson, the Hate Crime Unit, as well as Senior Dean Guillermo Acosta

vying for the client’s attention, I realized that innovative ideas would be in high demand. Therefore, I took a bold approach and decided to challenge the instructions by doing the opposite.

The title ‘Hate the Hate, Report the Crime’ emerged from this unconventional approach. While it felt like a risk, the title’s rhythmic repetition and boldness lent it a distinct appeal. After creating the initial sketches, I was confident in the concept and decided to put all my eggs in that basket. The decision to select my design was a pleasant surprise and served as a significant confidence boost in my abilities in graphic design and advertising.”

Marilyn expresses her gratitude to Doug Thomson, D.Phil, Criminal Justice professor in Humber’s Faculty of Social & Community Services, for helping bring about the partnership between TPS and her class. Over the years, Humber’s Criminal Justice and Creative Advertising programs have worked frequently with TPS on projects about harm reduction and expanding the scope of community policing. Doug is currently working on evaluating the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program for TPS in collaboration with Emma Smith, PhD, Associate Dean of Research & Development.

Hands-on educational experience

In 2023, TPS came back to Humber’s creative advertising program with yet another opportunity for students — to develop an advertising campaign for the hate crime pamphlets. Marilyn states, “The experience is beneficial for the students because

they participate in research; they are part of the whole process.

Students in the BoCA class learn more about the challenges and see the impact of their communication work on the community.”

Further, Professor Doug also notes that the partnership has numerous benefits for students. He says, “The students understand that their input has real value to the Toronto Police Service. The students also learn about professionalism. It’s one thing to present your work to your professor, but it’s another thing to present it in front of a whole team of police officers.”

Owen Lisle, Kesiah Bailey and Chloe McElcheran, third-year students in Humber’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising program, whose entry for an advertising campaign (see page 33) was selected as a winner, share that the hands-on experience allowed them to deliver real value to TPS and gain so much more from their classroom experience. They stated: “Collaborating with the Toronto Police hate crimes division was more than just a project; it was a transformative journey that empowered us to make a real impactful campaign that could help make a difference. Winning the competition was just the cherry on top of an incredibly meaningful experience.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN CRESSWELL 38 SPARK JULY 2024

SPARK SPOTLIGHT

³ The winning pamphlet “Hate the Hate: Report the Crime” created by Carter Mooney and Abigail Ramos, 2023 graduates of Humber’s Bachelor of Creative Advertising program

“…The title ‘Hate the Hate, Report the Crime’ emerged from this unconventional approach. While it felt like a risk, the title’s rhythmic repetition and boldness lent it a distinct appeal…”

—CARTER MOONEY, 2023 GRADUATE OF HUMBER’S BACHELOR OF CREATIVE ADVERTISING PROGRAM

“What does research mean to you?”

Both Professor Doug and Professor Marilyn are experienced researchers who have won Humber’s Research Excellence Awards in the past. They share that one of their goals is to demystify research for students and to show them that it is accessible. Doug notes that part of the success of the partnership comes from the fact that it is a cross-departmental collaboration. He emphasizes that working with people who look at the world differently has allowed the team to flourish and develop new ideas. When asked what research means to them, they respond,

“Research is trying to find out how the world works and how to make our world better.”

—DOUG THOMSON, D.PHIL, CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSOR IN HUMBER’S FACULTY OF SOCIAL & COMMUNITY SERVICES

“Research means making intelligent decisions based on empirical data and insightful research leads to better decisions for people, businesses and communities.”

—MARILYN CRESSWELL, MBA, PROGRAM COORDINATOR AND PROFESSOR IN THE FACULTY OF MEDIA & CREATIVE ARTS

FLYER DESIGN CREATED BY CARTER MOONEY AND ABIGAIL RAMOS humberpress.ca/spark

SPARK 39

CON TENTS

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

Dear Students,

Ç Check out the video: youtu.be/cXSrAssgWk?si=ZH9TeWP-T1gb9AEE

Showcase Your Research!

JIPE is eager to provide a platform for students to share the invaluable skills and insights they have acquired. Our goal is to celebrate and disseminate the knowledge, innovations, and stories that emerge from COIL collaborations, thereby amplifying the impact of these experiences beyond the classroom. In addition, JIPE aspires to provide pathways for publication for students engaged in their thesis and/or capstone projects. To sum it up, JIPE welcomes all students to publish with us!

To this end, we invite students to consider contributing to JIPE. Submissions can take various forms, including innovation spotlights, reflective essays, and more, all of which can significantly contribute to the body of knowledge on virtual exchange and collaborative learning.

40 SPARK JULY 2024

We believe that this initiative will not only spotlight the exceptional work done by students but also inspire further innovation in polytechnic education worldwide. We are keen to support students throughout the publication process, providing them with an opportunity to gain experience in academic publishing and to share their achievements with a broader audience. To get started, please visit JIPE Publication Pathway for Students (jipe.ca/index.php/jipe/student-toolkit).

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

Get creative with your data visualization!

Get Started Today! Read the JIPE Student Toolkit (jipe.ca/index.php/jipe/studenttoolkit) Questions? Drop us a note: humberpress@humber.ca

Submit a video!

humberpress.ca/spark

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CON TENTS

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

WHY SHOULD YOU READ THIS? Find out what Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) means to Humber researchers.

WHAT DOES SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING & LEARNING MEAN TO YOU? Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is the systematic investigation of teaching and learning through a scholarly lens. Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) encourages and celebrates the journey of SoTL researchers from across different departments. For this SPARK issue, we asked some of Humber’s researchers what SoTL means to them. Here is what they had to say: Did you know ORI offers funding for SoTL projects to all Humber Faculty and Staff?

Learn more at ORI's SoTL page.

“The Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) is about how we can apply knowledge to keep improving what we are doing. It doesn’t stay static.

SoTL is helpful to see how knowledge can be applied into different parts of life —not just academically, but also personally, professionally and socially.”

LOUISE ZIMANYI, M.ED., PROFESSOR, FHSW

“I teach code, often to students who are not aspiring to become career programmers.

SoTL provides me a sandbox to experiment with teaching methodologies, making learning code accessible and engaging for all learners, and providing an experience that closely resembles industry practices.”

DAM THOMAS, MA, A PROFESSOR, FMCA

IMAGES COURTESY OF ENVATO ELEMENTS 42 SPARK JULY 2024

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

“SoTL is an opportunity to participate in research with the goals of improving teaching and learning as well as sharing this knowledge with others. In the polytechnic context, we are looking to solve problems, address gaps, and encourage innovation within our programs.”

BRENDAN WEHBY-MALICKI, BA ACTING PROGRAM MANAGER, ORI

“The Scholarship of Teaching & Learning values every classroom discovery and experience as an opening for further development and collaboration. This research is founded on a genuine commitment to the learning process and the ongoing cultivation of a supportive and inclusive community.”

EMMA SMITH, PHD, ASSOCIATE DEAN, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

“SoTL is about finding the passion that inspired you to want to teach in the first place and then renewing that passion through your research on understanding how people learn. Sharing your findings through the national and international SoTL communities allows you to find like-minded colleagues for new collaborations.”

GINGER GRANT, PHD, DEAN, RESEARCH & INNOVATION

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“The Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) is an opportunity to explore new ideas in class, reflect on the teaching and learning process, and actively investigate the effectiveness of the course assignments.”

HANADI ALNAWAB, M.SC., PROFESSOR & PROGRAM COORDINATOR, LONGO FB

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CON TENTS

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS: Learn about the Applied Research Program (Accelerated)

ORI is Up to Something New! Applied Research Program (Accelerated)

BY ANJU KAKKAR, MBA, IMBB™

Final day of the ARP (accelerated) program. At the back from left to right: Meshanda Phillips, George Livanos, Akshay Khosla, Kehinde Ladipo, Priscilla Enetomhe. In the middle row, from left to right, Natasha Frank, Susan MacGregor, Gurpreet Kaur and Fatima Momin.

In the front, Mira Kapetanovic.

Developed and delivered by ORI’s team of experts, the Applied Research Program (Accelerated), aka ARP, was a 7-week program that ran from May to June 2024, featuring virtual and in-person sessions at Humber’s North and Lakeshore campuses.

More information about the ARP will follow in the next SPARK issue. For now, here is an image gallery from the program.

PHOTOS BY EMMA SMITH, PHD, AND JOCELYN HO 44 SPARK JULY 2024

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

Tool created during a project management session facilitated by Dr. Doug Thomson (FSCS).

Congratulations to the very first cohort of SEDA certificate #1 graduates! Back row: Meshanda Phillips. Middle row: Natasha Frank, Susan MacGregor, Priscilla Enetomhe, Fatima Momin, Kehinde Ladipo. Bottom row: George Livanos, Mira Kapetanovic, Gurpreet Kaur, Akshay Khosla.

BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA ANKETELL humberpress.ca/spark

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RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

Lisa Anketell presenting a persona created by one of the ARP teams as part of the “Challenging Challenges in Research” session.

ARP participants attending a grant writing session (from left to right): Front table: Meshanda Phillipss, Susan MacGregor, Mira Kapetanovic, Ginger Grant (facilitator), George Livanos. Back table: Priscilla Enetomhe, Natasha Frank, Akshay Khosla TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF MESHANDA PHILLIPS 46 SPARK JULY 2024

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORNER

Session about creating vibrant community led by Sharon McIntyre, PhD, and facilitated by Müge Abac, PhD

ARP participants attending a data visualization session. From left to right (counter-clockwise): George Livanos, Mira Kapetanovic, Susan MacGregor, Meshanda Phillips, Kehinde Ladipo, Natasha Frank, Gurpreet Kaur, Akshay Khosla, Fatima Momin

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CON TENTS

WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS:

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION

Develop a better understanding of the role of architecture and design in human health and biophilic design.

Architecting Health Through Healthy Built Environments (HBE)

BY AKSHAY KHOSLA

With support from the NSERC Mobilize Applied Research Program, Humber College’s Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) is working on three major research projects—New World of Work (NWOW), Aging in Community (ACER) and Healthy Built Environment (HBE). This article follows the journey of HBE research.

The aim of the HBE research is to identify the benefits and challenges of creating healthy built environments by analyzing literature to understand the current knowledge and research gap. Akshay Khosla and Prabhsimran Kaur, two new research assistants studying in Humber’s Research Analyst program, were hired to work on HBE. With educational backgrounds related to health—Akshay has a master’s in biotechnology while Prabhsimran specializes in pharmacy and medicine—both RAs were excited to work on a research project on the topic of the healthy built environment.

Due to the vast nature of the topic, another research assistant, Mya Slocombe, who was already working with Dr. Kimberley (Kim) Bergeon, a research specialist on HBE, was also brought on to the team.

“Research is like having a conversation with the unknown. Every question is like an open door, leading to new discoveries, and each answer is a step that moves the conversation ahead, revealing more about what we didn’t know before.”

—AKSHAY KHOSLA

Kim is the expert lead on this topic, as she has been working in the field for the past 20 years. Over the course of the research project, the research assistants learned that HBE is much more than an indoor ecosystem and design of indoor spaces which benefit the health of individuals living in such spaces.

“My experience as a research assistant in healthy built environments has been transformative. It fueled both personal and professional growth, shaping me into a more skilled and insightful researcher.”

—PRABHSIMRAN KAUR

The research started with 12 major themes, which Kim came up with as a result of her extensive experience in the field.

The themes are explained in the following pages.

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1. Complete Communities

Complete communities and healthy built environments are intertwined concepts that prioritize accessibility, mixed-use development, and green spaces. By fostering connectivity and minimizing dependency on cars, they encourage active lifestyles and reduce environmental impact. Integrated residential, commercial, and recreational spaces create vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods where people can live, work, and engage with their community. Sustainability measures, including energy-efficient buildings and green infrastructure, contribute to improved air and water quality. Emphasizing safety and social interaction, these approaches aim to enhance overall well-being, creating places that support physical and mental health while promoting environmental stewardship (Louro et al., 2021).

2. Affordable Housing

Affordable housing and a healthy built environment shape communities where well-being thrives. Affordable housing ensures accessibility, preventing social disparities and fostering economic stability. When coupled with a health-focused built environment, it catalyzes positive living conditions.

Well-designed spaces, parks, and recreational areas promote physical activity and mental wellness, regardless of income.

Sustainable building practices, like energy efficiency, not only reduce living costs for residents but also contribute to a cleaner environment. These elements converge, creating neighbourhoods that prioritize affordability, health, and a sustainable lifestyle, ultimately supporting a diverse and thriving community fabric (De Scisciolo et al., 2018).

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3. Architecture

Architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthy built environment, influencing both physical and mental well-being.

Thoughtful design can enhance natural light, ventilation, and spatial layouts, fostering a comfortable and positive atmosphere. Accessible and aesthetically pleasing spaces promote physical activity and encourage social interaction, contributing to a sense of community. Integrating green elements and sustainable features in architectural plans not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the overall health of inhabitants. By prioritizing functionality, safety, and aesthetics, architecture becomes a cornerstone in creating environments that support and elevate the health and quality of life for those who inhabit them (Carnemolla et al., 2021).

4. Asset Management

Asset management and a healthy built environment are interconnected in optimizing the long-term well-being of physical spaces. Efficient asset management ensures the upkeep and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure, promoting a safe and functional environment. Investments in energy-efficient technologies, sustainable practices, and resilient structures contribute to both the longevity of assets and the overall health of inhabitants. By aligning financial strategies with health-focused building maintenance, asset managers can enhance occupant satisfaction, minimize environmental impact, and create spaces that support well-being. This synergy between asset management and healthy built environments leads to enduring, resilient, and people-centric spaces for both current and future generations (Moretti et al., 2021).

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5. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design and a healthy built environment are intertwined, fostering a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. By incorporating natural elements like greenery, sunlight, and water features into building design, biophilic principles create spaces that mimic the outdoors. This connection to nature has proven benefits, promoting mental well-being, reducing stress, and increasing productivity. Biophilic design also enhances air quality, fostering healthier indoor environments. The intentional integration of natural elements not only adds aesthetic value but contributes to a sustainable, human-centric approach, creating spaces that prioritize both physical and mental health, ultimately enriching the overall quality of life for occupants (Lei et al., 2021).

6. Construction Code

Construction codes play a pivotal role in shaping a healthy built environment by setting standards that prioritize safety, accessibility, and sustainability. These codes dictate the structural integrity of buildings, ensuring they withstand environmental pressures and provide secure spaces for occupants. Moreover, adherence to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly practices, often embedded in construction codes, directly impacts indoor air quality and environmental sustainability. By enforcing guidelines that promote proper ventilation, insulation, and material choices, construction codes contribute to creating spaces that support the well-being of inhabitants while minimizing environmental impact. Consequently, the synergy between construction codes and a healthy built environment establishes a foundation for safer, sustainable, and people-centric spaces (Chauvin et al., 2016).

7. Electric Vehicle Charging

The integration of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a crucial element in promoting a healthy built environment.

By facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles, buildings and communities contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner air quality. Accessible EV charging stations encourage sustainable transportation, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support environmental conservation. This transition to electric mobility aligns with the broader goal of creating eco-friendly spaces that prioritize public health. Consequently, the seamless incorporation of EV charging into built environments not only encourages sustainable practices but also fosters a cleaner, healthier atmosphere for both current and future generations (Luo and Qui, 2020).

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SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION

8. Health Equity

Health equity and a healthy built environment are intertwined in fostering fair and inclusive access to well-being. A thoughtfully designed built environment addresses social determinants of health, ensuring that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic factors, have access to safe housing, green spaces, and essential amenities. By prioritizing the equitable distribution of resources, urban planning can mitigate health disparities, creating environments that support physical and mental well-being for everyone. This commitment to health equity extends beyond infrastructure, acknowledging the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence public health. Ultimately, a healthy built environment strives to uplift marginalized communities, promoting equal opportunities and improving overall health outcomes (Dean et al., 2019).

9. Housing Efficiency

Housing efficiency and a healthy built environment are intricately linked, influencing residents’ well-being and environmental impact. Efficient housing design optimizes space, encourages sustainable practices, and minimizes energy consumption.

Well-insulated structures and energy-efficient appliances not only reduce utility costs but also contribute to a healthier environment. Thoughtful layouts that prioritize natural light and ventilation enhance the overall living experience, promoting physical and mental health. Integrating eco-friendly materials further aligns housing efficiency with sustainable, healthy practices. In essence, the connection between housing efficiency and a healthy built environment lies in creating spaces that are not only resource-efficient but also supportive of the well-being of those who inhabit them (Lima et al., 2021).

10. Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics and a healthy built environment converge to foster sustainability and energy efficiency. The integration of photovoltaic systems, harnessing solar power, contributes to cleaner energy and reduced carbon footprints. By incorporating solar panels into building designs, structures become more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, aligning with a commitment to renewable energy sources.

This not only lessens the environmental impact but also promotes energy resilience. Beyond the ecological benefits, the use of photovoltaics enhances indoor air quality and reduces pollution associated with traditional energy sources.

The synergy between photovoltaics and a healthy built environment advances both environmental stewardship and the well-being of building occupants (Alonso-Marroquin and Qadir, 2023).

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SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION

11. Smart Cities

Smart cities and a healthy built environment intertwine to create urban spaces that prioritize well-being and sustainability. The integration of technology in smart cities optimizes resource use, enhances mobility, and improves overall efficiency.

Intelligent urban planning includes features such as real-time data monitoring, traffic management, and energy-efficient infrastructure. This connectivity not only streamlines daily life but also reduces environmental impact. By emphasizing green spaces, pedestrian-friendly designs, and accessible public amenities, smart cities promote physical activity and social engagement. Ultimately, the synergy between smart technologies and a health-focused built environment cultivates urban spaces that are not only efficient and technologically advanced but also conducive to the well-being of their residents (Ismagilova et al., 2019).

12. Social Financing

Social financing and a healthy built environment are intertwined through investments that prioritize community well-being.

Funding directed towards health-focused infrastructure, such as accessible housing, green spaces, and recreational facilities, fosters environments that support physical and mental health.

Socially responsible financing models can contribute to creating affordable and sustainable housing, reducing health disparities and promoting inclusivity. Moreover, investments in energy-efficient and eco-friendly initiatives enhance the overall quality of living, contributing to a cleaner environment. The intersection of social financing and a healthy built environment exemplifies a commitment to holistic community development, where financial support catalyzes positive health outcomes and cultivates thriving, resilient neighbourhoods (Ozili, 2021).

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SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION

HEALTHY BUILT ENVIRONMENT Transforming Spaces, Empowering Lives HBE is a holistic and integrated approach to community planning and design that positively influences physical, mental, and social well-being by addressing factors such as physical activity, air and water quality, access to nature, social cohesion, safety and security, access to healthy food, better transportation, and energy efficiency.

HEALTHY BUILT ENVIRONMENT INCLUDES Green Spaces

Social Inclusion

Efficient Infrastructure

Emergency preparedness

Affordable Housing

Accessibility

Active Transportation

Rapid Literature Review

Annotated Bibliography

Environmental Scan

Engagement

RESEARCH PROCESS

KEY THEMES

As with many research projects, a number of changes were made after the initial phase of the research was completed. After Mya had to join another research team because of greater familiarity with the topic, the research team added Chelsea Alasa-as as a new research assistant.

“My involvement in HBE showcased my passion for understanding the relationship between people and their living environments.”

—CHELSEA ALASA-AS

´ Healthy Built Environments Infographic created by the research assistants. View the close up at issuu.com/ humber_research/docs/hbe_infographic

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SUSTAINABLE, INNOVATIVE & AFFORDABLE HOUSING

3.5 M

COMPLETE AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES

CLIMATE CHANGE & EXTREME WEATHER

CONNECTING TO NATURE

houses need to be built by 2030 above and beyond what is currently planned in order to restore affordability in Canada.

Two-thirds of humanity is expected to live in cities by 2050, according to the United Nations. So understanding what makes a city livable is important on a human level – and impacts the daily lives of billions of people.

88 % 8%

of Canadians report being adversely affected by climate change, including one in two Canadians who report they have been impacted through changing weather patterns. is the average drop in urban greenness across the country, with every province experiencing a decline over the past 22 years.

Evans, P. (2023, September 13). Housing supply picture improving but Canada still needs 3.5 million more new homes by 2030, CMHC says. CBC.

Reference

Myers, J. (2022, June 30). These are the world's most liveable cities. World Economic Forum.

Vitello, C. (2020, September 3). Survey Says: Climate Change Remains the Most Critical Issue for Canadians. Environment Journal.

Labbé, S. (2022, November 20). How Canada's biggest cities are losing their green space. New Westminster Records.

research@humber.ca humber.ca/research

Prepared by: Prabhsimran Kaur, Akshay Khosla, and Chelsea I. Alasa-as

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SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION

Over the course of the project, the research team narrowed down the 12 topics to four meaningful sub-topics. Based on these sub-topics, the research assistants started looking for organizations that were working on similar topics. Thanks to Kim’s expertise, the team decided on the following sub-topics: 1. Sustainable, Innovative, & Affordable Housing

2. Complete and Livable Communities

3. Climate Change & Extreme Weather

4. Connecting to Nature

a) Affordability (e.g., developing, owning) b) Architecture Design- interior and exterior c) Construction practices and code d) Blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technologies) to address the challenges faced by the construction industry related to payment delays and regulatory compliance. e) Environmentally friendly and efficient (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions reduction, better air quality, and decreased utility bills) f) SMART technology g) User-centred design (e.g., hear the voices of people who live in affordable housing) h) Social financing principles and practices

a) Green infrastructure b) Building codes to ensure disaster resilience, health, security and safety. c) Adaptable construction design for extreme weather events (e.g., hot, cold, tornadoes) d) Building-integrated photovoltaic (e.g., rooftops, facades, shades, fences) e) Electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure.

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a) SMART cities and the Internet of Things concepts and applications (e.g., use of technology) b) Asset management (e.g., Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping or other surveillance strategies such as Asset Reports) c) Sustainable construction projects (e.g., the use of Building Information Modelling) d) Health equity and inclusion e) Community infrastructure and architecture to support health, well-being, and injury prevention (e.g., prevention of falls and pedestrian/vehicle crashes) and promote physical activity, recreation, access to healthy foods and social engagement opportunities.

Examples include “Play streets,” walkability, bikeability, public transit, car-sharing programs, public spaces, farmers’ markets, gardens, and food trees in parks and parks.

a) Outdoor public spaces and buildings b) Indoor public spaces and buildings c) Biophilic design and principles d) Parks, green and blue spaces

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION

´ Healthy Built Environment project’s research assistants.

From left to right, Prabhsimran Kaur, Akshay Khosla and Chelsea Alasa-as.

Collaboration with industry and community partners is one of the key features of Humber’s research projects. Once the new topics were finalized, the research assistants started looking for organizations that were working on similar research areas.

The key points from this research have been put together in the form of an infographic poster, but that’s not all there is. This research is rather just the beginning of our

journey to better understand the role of architecture and design in human health and biophilic design.

To sum up, this journey into the realm of healthy built environment was illuminating in many ways. From incorporating green spaces to choosing sustainable materials and planning cities wisely, there are myriad ways we can improve our wellbeing beyond just nourishment and exercise.

We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.

TOP PHOTO BY GURPREET KAUR / ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF ENVATO ELEMENTS humberpress.ca/spark

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WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS:

CON TENTS SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

Supporting Storytellers

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Explore stories of research and innovation from across Humber College!

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

In a world brimming with data and information, storytellers serve as the weavers of the collective experience.

Supporting Storytellers is a segment where we shine the spotlight on research and innovation stories from across Humber College. Come back to this segment of every issue to discover stories from other faculties and departments.

Featuring stories from Humber’s: • Office of Sustainability • Spirituality & Wellness Centre • Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology • Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships.

Spirituality & Wellness Centre

Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

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CON TENTS

Spirituality & Wellness Centre

FEATURING STORIES FROM

Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

Ç SMART Lab Technologist Khaled Ibrahim with two Humber students

FROM THE DESK OF THE FACULTY OF APPLIED SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY

The SMART Lab

By Dr. Shaun Ghafari, P.Eng., Dean, Engineering, Carl Oliver, Associate Dean, Engineering, Dr. Savdulla Kazazi, P.Eng., Program Coordinator, Electrical Engineering Technology

Canada’s energy industry is in a state of transition driven by key challenges, including meeting federal targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; making the supply of electricity more resilient to extreme weather events; providing consumers with tools, technology, and techniques to reduce power usage; and controlling costs to do more with less.

To realize this transition, research and training must consider all parts of the energy ecosystem—generation, distribution, storage, and consumption. When each part of the energy ecosystem can respond to external conditions and provide feedback to the others, the result is an optimal system where each component

can operate at its peak efficiency, minimize loss, and continually adjust to fluctuations in supply and demand.

These modern power systems, driven by data and communications, are known as electrical “smart grids.” To take the concept a step further, an electrical “microgrid” can be considered a microcosm of the main power grid, with one added capability: a microgrid operates independently of the main grid and continues to do so whether connected to it or not.

This combination of decentralization, independence, and efficiency provides greater resilience to fluctuations and outages PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUMBER TODAY

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SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

and a greater overall reliability of the entire energy ecosystem.

However, these are still the early days for smart grids and microgrids, and there is much research and innovation that remains to be done to realize the promises of the optimally efficient energy economy that we envision.

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in smart grid technologies, and their Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change emphasizes the role of smart grids to help expand renewable power capacity, including making better use of renewable energy and facilitating the integration of energy storage for renewables.

The Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (Humber College), located in Toronto, Ontario, established the SMART Lab with the infrastructure explained in this document.

The SMART Lab provides an educational and experimental environment in the York Region and Ontario to conduct research and training in collaboration with industry, including utility and technology companies, municipalities and community planners.

The SMART Lab provides the opportunity to design, build and test new technologies, educate graduates and consumers, help develop standards and regulations, and disseminate information.

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The SMART Lab is established to address the following challenges and opportunities: a) Canada’s electricity sector is nearing the end of its life expectancy. The last large investment in electricity infrastructure occurred in 1980 and prescribed a centralized model with infrastructure distanced from urban areas. This model was well-suited to the distribution of power sourced from water, coal, and nuclear materials. At this critical time, investment is needed to renew our aging infrastructure and to create a modern, distributed system to better serve future generations. b) Population growth and the increase in usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) demand more energy and resources in residential areas unless we can stem demand through better energy management technology and optimally efficient devices. This coincides well with modernization efforts and the imperative to decentralize electrical grids. c) Canada is investing in clean energy to meet emission reduction targets and to build long-term resilience to the impacts of a changing climate. This investment entails the deployment of the newest digital technology in the industry to provide real-time communications between the utility, its customers, and the power grid that serves them.

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Spirituality & Wellness Centre

FEATURING STORIES FROM

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

d) The real-time resiliency of our power generation and distribution systems must improve to provide reliable service through disruptive events such as extreme weather, wildfires, cyberattacks and health crises. An adaptive, resilient power grid is crucial to ensuring the continuity of essential services. Once again, decentralization of the grid, innovations in energy storage, and power generation in homes, buildings and communities are the best ways to achieve greater resiliency. e) Companies are challenged to meet federal emissions reduction targets and reduce their energy bills. The Federal Carbon Tax implemented in Ontario and pressure from the public, staff and government have companies rethinking energy usage and costs. Electricity costs were once seen as a fixed cost that companies had to endure. With new technology, companies understand that energy is a controllable cost. Reducing energy consumption and the cost of energy bills is seen as a major opportunity by Ontario businesses.

public grid. Utilities and microgrid managers are interested in training and research projects to develop innovative practices and technologies necessary to design, deploy, secure, and operate microgrids. Research within this theme will focus on optimizing interactions between microgrids and the main grid, demand response strategies, performance metric analytics, controlling renewables in microgrids, algorithms and communications necessary for power management, cybersecurity and the protection of public and private infrastructure, and electric storage integration.

Theme 2) Improving the reliability and resiliency of community supply—with community planners focused on resiliency and related vendors: With extreme weather events

Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

and EV charging on the rise, the demand for reliable and resilient electrical power is growing. Microgrids offer resiliency during an outage by isolating or “islanding” from the main grid and switching to some combination of stored energy (battery energy storage systems; BESS) and distributed energy resources (DERs).

Training and research within this theme will focus on minimizing the economic cost of outages, failure prediction, contingency planning, optimizing microgrids with advanced sensors, meters, synchrophasers, and distributed automation systems, validating the reliability of technologies in a controlled environment to meet industry standards for co-generation, mitigating the effects of locally connected generators on the distribution grid in terms of voltage variances and other quality indicators, advanced voltage and frequency control,

PV — Simulator 5 kWp

Training and research activities in the SMART Lab are grouped into three themes.

A description of each theme is explained as follows: Theme 1) Optimization of grid operations and energy distribution – with utilities and microgrid: As microgrids become more common, there is an increasing but unmet need for infrastructure to conduct the training and research necessary to optimize both the operation of microgrids and management of microgrid supply and load in the context of the wider

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Grid

Smart Flower— PV 2.5 kWp

MGC Programmable Loads 2 x 3.6 kW

´ SMART Lab Components.

Figure courtesy of Dr. Shaun Ghafari.

Charge/Discharge 6 kW BESS

EV Charger 9.6 kW

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

Ç Video: Humber College and Siemens Canada Establish Sustainable Microgrid & Renewable Technology (SMART) Lab (youtu.be/0A9n5VNOYxw?si=gaGrbBljA6UbMR7n)

Ç Video: Humber College and Siemens – A truly sustainable partnership (youtu.be/U4fvGPerkg8?si=6ks7kpqQDSGQLGxz)

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Spirituality & Wellness Centre

Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

Ç The Humber community celebrating the grand opening of the PV Smartflower and the new Sustainable MicroGrid and Renewable Technology (SMART) Lab.

and the coordination of microgrid management with emergency response during local or wide-area outages.

Theme 3) Reducing the carbon footprint and renewable energy management – with community planners focused on energy efficiency and related vendors: Today, many companies are pledging carbon reduction targets without any idea how these targets will be achieved.

Collaboration with these companies to develop practical, repeatable strategies represents a major opportunity for the SMART Lab. Likewise, there are opportunities for smart meters, smart devices, and DERs to change the way we manage (and generate) residential and commercial power.

The SMART Lab is designed to support training and research of time-of-use pricing models, peak shaving strategies, and other consumer applications. Research in this area will focus on communication systems, quality of service requirements, integrated sensor networks, IoT integration and security, data management and analysis, distributed energy generation,

The SMART Lab provides the opportunity to design, build and test new technologies, educate graduates and consumers, help develop standards and regulations, and disseminate information.

pricing strategies for EV station charging, and pricing strategies for residential use, including time-of-use pricing vs. real-time pricing based on supply and demand.

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SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

CON TENTS

FROM THE DESK OF THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

A Reimagined Approach to Sustainability

By Gabi Hentschke, Sustainability Communications & Engagement Coordinator

2024 is a pivotal year for sustainability at Humber. The Office of Sustainability is crafting the new Sustainability Vision to guide our green and climate-informed actions for the next few years. With the recent move to the Inclusion and Belonging division, the Sustainability team is taking this opportunity to reimagine our approach to sustainability, reflecting on who sustainability is done for and by. Ç Milkweed flower with LRC building in the background. Photo taken by Gabi Hentschke.

In March 2024, as we celebrated Humber Earth Month, we invited the community at Humber’s IGS, Lakeshore, and North Campuses to join us in questioning conventional approaches to sustainability. In the Shaping Sustainable Futures panel, we heard from sustainability and equity professionals on how they encountered and experienced sustainability.

Moyo Rainos Mutamba, Director of Educational Equity at Sheridan College and Managing Director and Consultant at Bloom World Consulting, expressed that the way we frame sustainability today by yearning for economic growth is not

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adequate for the changes we hope to see for a more equitable future. Sustainability emerged as a solution to problems derived from systems of supremacy, but mainstream approaches to sustainability do not counter those systems.

Anjum Chagpar, Systems Design Engineer and Co-Founder of Good Futures, emphasized that it’s important for us to question what systems we are sustaining and who benefits from current sustainability practices. She added that we should not aim to build a future similar to our current reality but to build something that is different and better.

Lauren Snyder, Sustainability Program Manager at American International Group, added that sustainability is usually a monologue. Green actions and commitments established in international conventions are usually posed by the same powerful actors without proper space and time for dialogue. She expressed that we must allow for more sensitivity as we approach sustainability.

The fourth panellist, Jordyn Burnouf, is the Sustainable Energy & Sovereignty Specialist at Metis Nation-Saskatchewan and a member of the Indigenous Clean Energy Board of Directors and Efficiency

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FEATURING STORIES FROM

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

Canada’s Governing Council. Jordyn reiterated that Western and colonial ways of producing and thinking brought us to where we are now. She added that the extraction and exploitation of natural resources, which are also our kin, is a continuation of colonization. So, it comes as no surprise that Indigenous communities are the ones leading the charge for renewable energy in Canada.

So, how can we practice sustainability more intentionally?

One of the first steps is to look around and recognize that humans are not separate from nature and that we are an inherent part of this intricate system of relationships. Apply concepts such as ubuntu, as shared by Moyo, meaning “I am, because of all that is.” Think of the water, rocks, trees, and animals as our kin.

We should also start to think about the regeneration of not just the natural environment but also our relationships and knowledge. Anjum stated we should be remembering past teachings instead of reimagining the future. Jordyn stated further that a lot of the innovations brought forward nowadays are practices that have existed for many generations but were forgotten. Similarly, Moyo shared a teaching he learned from Sylvia, from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who states that we need to work backwards into the future.

As a college, it is our responsibility to teach younger generations the skills and knowledge needed to address modern problems like climate change. As Jordyn shared, we can remain hopeful when we look at younger people taking action and innovating.

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Humber’s Office of Sustainability will incorporate those teachings into our next Sustainability Vision, guiding the college’s actions for the next few years, and we hope to see everyone from the Humber community a renewed practice of a more intersectional and intentional sustainability mindset.

´ Back of a Humber Sustainability t-shirt. Photo taken by Julian Klimczyk

Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

As a college, it is our responsibility to teach younger generations the skills and knowledge needed to address modern problems like climate change.

¶ Event attendees having a discussion.

Photo taken by Lucas Pacheco.

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³ Shaping Sustainable Futures: attendees listen to panellists on screen. Photo taken by Lucas Pacheco.

CON TENTS

FEATURING STORIES FROM

Spirituality & Wellness Centre

Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

FROM THE DESK OF OFFICE OF INCLUSION AND BELONGING

Celebrating a Milestone: Humber College’s Spirituality and Wellness Centre

By Stephanie Boachie, Coordinator, Student Equity and Inclusion

Humber College’s Spirituality and Wellness Centre (SWC) is redefining student well-being. Its first year was marked by dynamic initiatives and transformative events that cater to the holistic health of students. The SWC provides an inclusive space where diverse cultures, religions, and spiritual practices come together. From meditation and prayer rooms to relaxation audios and stress-relief activities, the centre ensures students find tranquillity amidst academic pressures.

Within a year of its opening, SWC has become an essential part of the Humber community. Our events and initiatives have created a secure space for students and staff to be their authentic selves. According to end-of-semester surveys, over 75% of students are very satisfied with SWC’s services, and more than 65% strongly agree that the SWC has increased their sense of belonging and well-being at Humber, with the remaining 40% agreeing with the statement.

Key events hosted by the SWC included Escape & Refresh: Wellness Retreat, Smart Goals & Vision Board Workshop, interfaith dialogues, and wellness programs designed to promote mental, physical, and spiritual health. These initiatives not only foster a sense of community but also empower students to explore and embrace their well-being.

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´ Humber Students and staff Celebrating SWC 1-Year Anniversary on March 28, 2024. Photo taken by Harnoor Kaur (Humber studentSWC volunteer).

The SWC consistently fosters an inclusive and safe environment.

In addition to regular programming, the SWC offers daily dropin sessions for students to engage in independent wellness activities such as colouring, origami or canvas painting.

Students also have access to spiritual texts/books, meditation rooms, and insightful peer discussions. Our daily Tea & Snack Bar has also been particularly successful, providing students with comfort and support amid rising financial concerns and food insecurity.

The SWC is committed to improving student well-being at Humber College by providing a proactive, innovative, and holistic approach to wellness. Through innovative programming and meaningful partnerships, we have successfully become a vital part of the Humber community. Some students refer to the space as their “second home.”

´ Students engaging in plant painting and potting activity for International Student Mix & Mingle Event. Photo taken by Anum Mudassar SWC Digital content Creator.

For students needing a mindful break from the demands of college life, the SWC provides a welcoming, serene space for reflection and relaxation. The centre’s genuine dedication to student well-being shines through in every initiative, creating a warm, nurturing environment where students can truly thrive.

´ SWC Events Assistant Alana Enahoro facilitating a workshop on the services offered at the SWC. Photo taken by Anum Mudassar - SWC Digital Content Creator.

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Explore more about the Spirituality and Wellness Centre’s offerings and upcoming events on their official webpage and Instagram account or simply drop by the space located in LRC 2112 at Humber North Campus.

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The SWC provides an inclusive space where diverse cultures, religions, and spiritual practices come together. From meditation and prayer rooms to relaxation audios and stress-relief activities, the centre ensures students find tranquillity amidst academic pressures.

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FEATURING STORIES FROM

Spirituality & Wellness Centre

Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

FROM THE DESK OF THE TUITION REIMBURSEMENT AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Investing in Growth: Tuition Assistance Available for Humber Employees

By Jacqueline Findleton, Employee Engagement & Learning Advisor

At Humber, empowering teaching and learning—a key priority outlined in the 2023 - 2026 Academic Plan—extends beyond students. As one of the largest polytechnics in Canada, Humber continually invests in its employees to foster continuous growth and maintain its competitive edge.

Humber offers tuition assistance to employees through two programs: the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Graduate Assistance Program (GAP). Through TAP and GAP, monetary assistance is paid out in the form of a reimbursement for tuition fee costs only. These programs do not cover nontuition reimbursements such as books, meals, lodgings, administrative fees, transportation or parking.

The Tuition Assistance Program

As per the TAP Overview, tuition assistance is available to employees under the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) where Humber provides financial assistance for courses taken at an accredited post-secondary institution or professional association.

TAP eligibility is split into two groups: x Group 1: All full-time (admin, support, academic) employees with six months or more of service (including full-time employees on sabbatical or maternity/paternity leave) are eligible for a maximum of $1,000 per fiscal year in tuition reimbursements (only for courses taken within that fiscal year). x Group 2: Part-time (admin, academic, partial load employees under contract and regular-part time support staff) employees who have achieved a minimum of one (1) year of continuous employment are eligible for a maximum of $500 per fiscal year in tuition reimbursements (only for courses taken within that fiscal year).

Once the course has been successfully completed, please submit the completed TAP application form, proof of successful completion, proof of payment, and the course outline (with start and end dates) to oe@humber.ca for review.

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SUPPORTING STORYTELLERS

The Graduate Assistance Program

As per the GAP Overview, tuition assistance is available under the Graduate Assistance Program (GAP) to employees seeking to advance their education through discipline-specific post-secondary degrees, Master’s or Doctoral degrees at an accredited post-secondary institution.

Programs must satisfy at least one of the categories listed in section 2 of the Professional Development Policy to be eligible.

Funding under GAP will be provided up to a maximum of four (4) years for each individual program. Employees may access monetary assistance for their annual tuition fees for courses taken within the current fiscal year, up to a maximum of $5,000 per fiscal year.

To learn more, please visit Humber Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships.

Please email oe@humber.ca to find out the latest deadline. See the steps below to understand the application process.

STEP 3: Complete the GAP Application

STEP 1: Choose Program

1

Have your selected referees complete and submit the reference forms directly to oe@humber.ca. One from your direct superior, and one from a colleague or customer/client (someone who can comment on your ability, aptitude and potential at work).

2

STEP 2: Apply and Receive Acceptance or Provisional Acceptance from an Institution of Higher Learning

3

4

STEP 4: Submit your completed application with all supporting documents via email to oe@humber.ca for review.

PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF ENVATO ELEMENTS humberpress.ca/spark

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DEVELOP YOUR SPARK

WHAT ORI’S WATCHING, READING OR LISTENING TO—

TITLE: The Super Age AUTHOR: Bradley Schurman ABOUT: Demographic futurist Bradley Schurman anticipates the Super Age, where those over sixty-five outnumber the under-eighteen, reshaping societies globally.

Approaching this tipping point, Schurman delves into implications for government programs, workforce dynamics and business strategies. He prompts a vital question: Are we prepared for the potential benefits, like extended and healthier lives, or risk economic stagnation and societal decline? Our choices and attitudes today will shape the future.

70 SPARK JULY 2024

TITLE: ABSTRACT, The Art of Design MEDIA TYPE: Documentary on Netflix ABOUT: Abstract: The Art of Design is a Netflix documentary series that premiered in 2017. The series provides an in-depth look into the creative processes and artistry of various designers across different fields, including graphic design, architecture, photography, illustration, and more. Each episode focuses on a different designer, offering insights into their work, inspirations, and the impact of their designs on the world. The series aims to highlight the importance of design and creativity in everyday life.

TITLE: Science Vs. MEDIA TYPE: Podcast ABOUT: Science Vs is a podcast produced by Gimlet Media that examines popular fads, trends, and controversial topics through a scientific lens. Hosted by Wendy Zukerman, the podcast investigates claims and beliefs by comparing them against scientific evidence.

Each episode delves into a specific topic, ranging from health and nutrition to social issues and environmental concerns, aiming to separate fact from fiction and provide listeners with evidencebased information. Science Vs is known for its engaging storytelling, thorough research, and a commitment to scientific accuracy.

TITLE: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success AUTHOR: Carol S. Dweck, PhD ABOUT: In Mindset, Stanford psychologist Carol S. Dweck, PhD explains that success in various fields depends on our mindset. People with a fixed mindset, believing abilities are unchangeable, struggle more than those with a growth mindset, who see abilities as developable.

This edition addresses the false growth mindset and expands the concept to groups and organizations. Dweck demonstrates how adopting a true growth mindset can transform lives, teaching, leadership, and personal growth.

EXTRAS

re·search /’rēˌsərCH, rəˈsərCH/, noun No one undertakes research in physics with the intention of winning a prize. It is the joy of discovering something no one knew before.

—Stephen Hawking, English theoretical physicist and cosmologist

A SPARK of Inspiration Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), Forest Bathing The Japanese term for forest bathing is "Shinrin-yoku" (森林浴). This practice involves immersing oneself in nature, specifically in a forest environment, to enhance physical and mental well-being. Shinrin-yoku is not just about walking through the forest, but also about engaging all five senses to connect with the natural surroundings, which is believed to have therapeutic effects.

Give it a try! Keep the following in mind when you go forest bathing: x Slow down. Observe and take in your surroundings. x Be conscious of your body, allow it to relax. x Use all your senses—what do you smell? How do you feel? What do you see?

Learn more at Forest Bathing to Better our Health

by Will Lerner.

TOP PHOTO BY KIWIHUG ON UNSPLASH. BOTTOM PHOTO BY DUALLOGIC ON ENVATO ELEMENTS. humberpress.ca/spark

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A SPARK of Wisdom

Seek wisdom, not knowledge.

Knowledge is of the past. Wisdom is of the future.

—LUMBEE PROVERB

PHOTO BY KRYSTAL BLACK ON UNSPLASH 72

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EXTRAS

LIVEN UP YOUR HOME OR WORKSPACE. PRINT THIS PAGE OUT, CUT OUT THE QUOTES, OR SIMPLY WRITE THEM DOWN ON A STICKY NOTE

QUIPS AND QUOTES He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.

Muhammad Ali, American professional boxer and activist

The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.

Rachel Carson, American marine biologist, writer, and conservationist

Words are big. They define who you are. They are permanent. I don’t think most people realize that. What you say is who you are. So try to be gentle on social media. Lift others up when you can, even if you don’t agree with what they have to say. Don’t always turn your words into weapons when you can just as easily make them doves.

Jann Arden, Canadian singer-songwriter, author and actress

Research is creating new knowledge.

Neil Armstrong

If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come.

Arapaho proverb

humberpress.ca/spark

One finger cannot lift a pebble.

Hopi proverb

Dream the impossible because dreams do come true.

Elijah McCoy, Canadian-American engineer

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CANADIAN ONLINE PUBLISHING AWARDS (COPA) 2023: HUMBER PRESS FINALIST IN THREE CATEGORIES The Humber Press team based in Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) was thrilled to attend the 15th annual Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPA) in February. This year, Humber Press was selected as a finalist in three categories: Best Digital Edition Publication, Best Video Content and Best Feature Article (Academic). In 2023, Humber’s research and innovation magazine SPARK, published by Humber Press, won Silver in the category of Best Digital Edition Publication – Academic.

The Humber Press team is grateful for the honour and heartily acknowledges the leadership of Ginger Grant, PhD, Dean of Research & Innovation, and Emma Smith, PhD, Associate Dean of Research & Development, and Anju Kakkar, MBA, IMBB™, Managing Editor of Humber Press, for their leadership and constant support. The team also acknowledges with thanks Humber’s growing research and innovation community—faculty members, researchers, staff, students, Centres of Innovations, as well as the industry and community partners.

¨ Read SPARK Issue #7 today! ¨ Check out the video Two-Eyed Land-Based Play & Co-Learning.

3. Best Feature Article Finalist (Academic) (issuu.com/humber_research/ docs/spark-issue007/30?fr=sZT IwOTc0ODA4ODE) 74 SPARK JULY 2024

1. B est Digital Edition Publication Finalist (humberpress.com/spark/spark-issue-7)

2. Best Video Content Finalist (youtube.com/ watch?v=D4ELpUtufuA)

humberpress.ca/spark

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WELCOME TO OUR PHD COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE! Humber’s Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) has established a Community of Practice (CoP) for PhD students, candidates or potential program applicants. Our group meets monthly to celebrate successes, support research challenges, exchange helpful tips and offer encouragement. Joined by guests from varying research disciplines and Humber departments, our CoP is an opportunity to learn from each other. Meetings will resume in Fall 2024!

Reach out to Emma Smith, PhD, Associate Dean, Research & Development at the Office of Research & Innovation at Emma.Smith@humber.ca to express your interest.

PUBLISH YOUR RESEARCH OR INNOVATION PAPER WITH JIPE TODAY! JIPE is accepting new submissions for Volume 6 on a rolling basis. JIPE Vol 6. is a collection of studies conducted by researchers from across diverse disciplines committed to fostering intellectual exploration and enhancing the scholarly discourse. Through analyzing and synthesizing new and existing ideas, these studies offer fresh insights that make valuable contributions to their fields while showcasing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Please reach out to the Humber Press team at humberpress@humber.ca if you have any questions.

Read the JIPE Submissions Handbook to learn about the entire workflow process

CONGRATULATIONS TO GINGER GRANT, PHD AND JEREMY STAPLES, PHD Ginger Grant, PhD, Dean of Research & Innovation, and Jeremy Staples, PhD, Research Specialist in the Office of Research & Innovation, attended the 11th Annual National Conference held by Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Partnership. The P2P Partnership is a national alliance dedicated to providing an actionable evidence base for immigrant settlement and integration policies and programs in Canada.

The 11th national conference was held in November 2023 under the theme of “Exploring Innovation in Immigration and Settlement in Canada: Challenges and Opportunities of New Geographies, Modes, and Levels of Immigration.”

More than 700 service providers, Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) and Réseaux en Immigration Francophone (RIFs), government representatives, researchers, and other interested parties from across the country attended the conference in person, with an additional 350 attending virtually.

Ginger and Jeremy’s research poster, “Measuring the Impact of 21st Century Skills Experiential Learning on Internationally Trained Professionals’ (ITPs) Workplace Readiness and Integration” was tied for third place at the conference’s poster awards.

Congratulations to Ginger and Jeremy!

EXTRAS

Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald

ARTICLE REFERENCES Dean’s Note Biswas, B., Garrison, W. and Ramirez, R. (2023) The New World of Work: People Leadership in the Digital Age. New York: Routledge.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2022) Aging workers. CCOHS: Aging Workers.

Centre for Aging Better. (2023). Resources. Resources | Centre for Ageing Better (ageing-better.org.uk)

Humber Research & Innovation. (2024, Jun 25). Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald, Part 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=aJuVuo7_0Hg Humber Research & Innovation. (2024, Jun 25). Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald, Part 2 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Pz2jwH8j3mU Humber Research & Innovation. (2024, Jun 25). Harnessing Global Perspectives In Education: A Conversation With Rebecca Fitzgerald, Part 3 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkEdkmosIA

Gilson, L., O’Neill, T. and Maynard, M. Editors. (2023). Handbook of Virtual Work. Northhampton: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

Art is a beautiful science! Meet ORI’s Graphic Designers: Inside the Science of Creating Art

Government of Canada. (2023). Imagining Canada’s future. https://www. sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/societysociete/community-communite/Imagining_ Canadas_Future-Imaginer_l_avenir_du_Canada-eng.aspx

Andrea Chan. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreachan/

Harper, S. and Zhang, Y. (2024). “Population ageing in the demographic deficit: exploring the second demographic divide.” Leichsenring, K. and Sidorenko, A. Editors. A research agenda for Ageing and Social Policy.

Northhampton: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2020).

Promoting an age-inclusive workforce: Live, learning and earning longer.

Schurman, B. (2022) The Super Age: Decoding our demographic destiny.

New York: Harper Business.

Association of Registered Graphic Designers. https://rgd.ca/index. php?p=about/what-is-rgd Canadian Online Publishing Awards. https:// canadianonlinepublishingawards.com/2022/winners CSpring. Words Of Wisdom: Using Data Visualization For Data Storytelling. https://cspring.com/ datavisualizationfordatastorytelling/#:~:text=The%20human%20 brain%20processes%20images,more%20persuasive%20than%20 unaided%20presentations.

CyberARTS. https://cyberarts.ca/

Statistics Canada. (2016) Age and sex, and type of dwelling data: Key results from th2016 census. The Daily — Age and sex, and type of dwelling data: Key results from the 2016 Census (statcan.gc.ca).

Elisabeth Springate. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ elisabeth-springate-21467b3/

Statistics Canada (2019). Results from the 2016 census: Occupations with older workers. Results from the 2016 Census: Occupations with older workers (statcan.gc.ca)

JIPE. https://humberpress.com/jipe

Stowe, J. and Cooney, T. (2015). Special Issue: Successful Aging. The Gerontologist. Vol. 55, No. 1, pp 43-50. http://doi:10.1093/geront/ gnu055

Gina Catenazzo. https://www.ginacatenazzo.com/ Marie-Christine B., Graeme F., Vivian L. Statistics Canada. Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic: A look back at selected industries in the service sector in 2020. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-280001/2021001/article/00020-eng.htm SPARK. https://humberpress.com/spark

World Health Organization. (2023). Ageing and health. Ageing and health (who.int)

Sweet Valley High. https://www.goodreads.com/series/58723-sweetvalley-high

Are You Too Old? Understanding Ageism: Conversation with Bradley Schurman

Humber College and Toronto Police Service Partnership Raises Awareness of Hate Crimes

Bradley Schurman. [LinkedIn page]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ bradleyschurman/

Humber College. (2023). Humber’s Academic Plan: 2023-2026. https:// humber.ca/academic-division/academic-plan

The Super Age Book. HumanChange. https://behumanchange.com/book

Toronto Police Service. (2022). Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report. https://www.tps.ca/services/resource-centre/2022-hatebias-crimestatistical-report/

Human Change: Demographic Strategy & Inclusive Design. HumanChange. https://behumanchange.com/ Sahadi, J. (2023, August 22). The workplace can be rough for menopausal women. Employers are starting to step up. CNN. https://www.cnn. com/2023/08/22/success/menopause-symptoms-at-work/index. html UK Parliament. (2018, July 17). Older people and employment. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/ cmwomeq/359/359.pdf

humberpress.ca/spark

Architecting Health Through Healthy Built Environments Alonso-Marroquin, F., & Qadir, G. (2023). Synergy between Photovoltaic Panels and Green Roofs. Energies (Basel), 16(13), 5184. https://doi. org/10.3390/en16135184 Carnemolla, P., Debono, D., Hourihan, F., Hor, S., Robertson, H., & Travaglia, J. (2021). The influence of the built environment in enacting a household model of residential aged care for people living with a

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mental health condition: A qualitative post-occupancy evaluation.

Health & Place, 71, 102624–102624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. healthplace.2021.102624 Chauvin, J., Pauls, J., Strobl, L., Robbins, A., & Bermejo, P. M. (2016).

Building codes: An often overlooked determinant of health. Journal of Public Health Policy, 37(2), 136–148. https://doi.org/10.1057/ jphp.2016.5 De Scisciolo, S., Egger, K., & Ayala, M. (2018). Embedding Health in Affordable Housing Development: Results of the Health Action Plan Pilot Project. Cityscape, 20(2), 73–84. https://www.jstor.org/ stable/26472168

Ozili, P. K. (2021). Digital Finance, Green Finance and Social Finance: Is there a Link? Financial Internet Quarterly, 17(1), 1–7. https://doi. org/10.2478/fiqf-2021-0001

From the Desk of the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology Humber College. (2023, May 15). Humber College and Siemens Canada Establish Sustainable Microgrid & Renewable Technology (SMART) Lab [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A9n5VNOYxw Humber, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology. (2024, Mar 15).

Humber College and Siemens – A truly sustainable partnership [Video].

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4fvGPerkg8

Dean, J., Wray, A. J., Braun, L., Casello, J. M., McCallum, L., & Gower, S. (2019). Holding the keys to health? A scoping study of the population health impacts of automated vehicles. BMC Public Health, 19(1), 1258–1258. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7580-9

From the Desk of the Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships

Ismagilova, E., Hughes, L., Dwivedi, Y. K., & Raman, K. R. (2019). Smart cities: Advances in research—An information systems perspective.

International Journal of Information Management, 47, 88–100. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2019.01.004

Humber College. (2019, November 1). Professional Development Policy. https://humber.ca/legal-and-risk-management/policies/humanresources/professional-development-policy.html

Lei, Q., Yuan, C., & Lau, S. S. Y. (2021). A quantitative study for indoor workplace biophilic design to improve health and productivity performance. Journal of Cleaner Production, 324, 1-15 https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129168 Lima, F., Ferreira, P., & Leal, V. (2021). Health and Housing Energy Expenditures: A Two-Part Model Approach. Processes, 9(6), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr9060943 Louro, A., Marques da Costa, N., & Marques da Costa, E. (2021). From Livable Communities to Livable Metropolis: Challenges for Urban Mobility in Lisbon Metropolitan Area (Portugal). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 3525–. https://doi. org/10.3390/ijerph18073525 Luo, X., & Qiu, R. (2020). Electric vehicle charging station location towards sustainable cities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2785–. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph17082785 Moretti, N., Ellul, C., Re Cecconi, F., Papapesios, N., & Dejaco, M. C. (2021).

GeoBIM for built environment condition assessment supporting asset management decision making. Automation in Construction, 130, 103859–. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103859

We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

First Nations proverb

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Humber College. (2023). Humber’s Academic Plan: 2023-2026. https:// humber.ca/academic-division/academic-plan

Humber College. (n.d). Tuition Reimbursement and Scholarships. https:// humber.ca/peoples-and-culture/employees/engagement-andlearning/learning-and-development/tuition-reimbursement-andscholarships.html

Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), Forest Bathing Lerner, W. (2023, November 27). Forest Bathing to Better our Health. https://japanesegarden.org/2023/11/27/forest-bathing/

CANADIAN ONLINE PUBLISHING (COPA) 2023 Canadian Online Publishing Awards. https:// canadianonlinepublishingawards.com/

Congratulations to Ginger Grant, PhD and Jeremy Staples, PhD Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Partnership. http://p2pcanada.ca/ Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) Partnership. (2023, December). Pathways to Prosperity 2023 National Conference Hits All-Time High. http:// p2pcanada.ca/library/pathways-to-prosperity-2023-nationalconference-hits-all-time-high/

CON TENTS

CLOSING THOUGHTS

“If I see anything vital around me, it is precisely that spirit of adventure, which seems indestructible and is akin to curiosity.”

—MARIE CURIE

Thank you for reading SPARK Issue #10! In this issue, we curated a wide range of articles to spark your curiosity — from an interview with Bradley Schurman to gain insights on the multigenerational workforce to highlight on Humber College’s partnership with the Toronto Police Service to raise awareness of hate crimes.

If you’re interested in learning more about any of the topics we featured here or if you’d like to pitch an idea for our next issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at humberpress@humber.ca We wish you a summer of curiosity and adventure,

SARAN DAVAAJARGAL Editor, Humber Press

PHOTO BY DANIEL-SESSLERON UNSPLASH humberpress.ca/spark

Check out all our latest news and publications! humber.ca/research

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