2026 Research Showcase Project Details

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5TH ANNUAL RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Highlighting scholarly & creative activity at Red Deer Polytechnic March 4, 2026

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KEYNOTE

Exploring Solutions With, Not For: Rethinking Research for Complex Human Challenges

Dr. Tonya Wolfe

Dr. Greg Wells

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KEYNOTE

In recent decades, research across engineering, psychology, and the applied sciences has evolved from the singularity of deep disciplinary expertise toward more integrated, person-centred approaches. This progression reflects growing awareness that the most pressing challenges of our time—spanning technology, health, aging, and social complexity—cannot be resolved through siloed methods or researcher-driven innovation alone. These challenges exist in fields of tension: between the person and the technology, the human need and the engineered solution, the lived experience and the optimized system.

As these tensions have become more visible, they have propelled us toward the principles of Industry 5.0, where human well-being, resilience, and societal value are foregrounded alongside technological advancement. This shift underscores the need for system-level thinking grounded firmly in humanity—an approach that values context, meaning, and relational experience as essential components of innovation.

Within this emerging paradigm, integrated qualitative and applied methodologies have gained prominence. Co-design, participatory research, and mixed-methods inquiry allow us to capture the psychosocial dimensions of human experience that purely quantitative methods often miss. Drawing from examples within our own research, we illustrate how multidisciplinary, person-centred approaches bridge the gap between human values and technological possibility, enabling the creation of interventions, systems, and technologies that are not only functional and effective, but also ethical, responsive, and aligned with human development in a rapidly changing world.

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS

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6:15 – 7:25 pm Poster Displays CENOVUS ENERGY LEARNING COMMON Creativity, Design Thinking and Interdisciplinary Innovation ROOM 2906 Health, Wellness and Care Systems in Practice ROOM 2901A Equity, Ethics and Lived Experience ROOM 2920

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CONCURRENT SESSIONS

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7:35 – 8:45 pm Applied Innovation: Testing, Optimization and Impact ROOM 2901A Mind, Body and Neurophysiological Well-Being ROOM 2906 Teaching, Learning and Assessment in a Changing World ROOM 2920

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Poster Displays| Cenovus Energy Learning Common| 6:15 - 7:25 pm

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Cloud Kitchens Innovation: Empowering Local Food Entrepreneurs Through Digital Transformation Presenter Names: Dr. Mushtaq Raza, Aron Limos, Joash Daligcon, Lance Mirano Research Team: Dr. Mushtaq Raza (School of Trades and Technology), Aron Limos (Student), Joash Daligcon (Student), Lance Mirano (Student)

Presentation Description: Many students experience ongoing difficulties in accessing affordable and nutritious meals due to financial constraints, limited time, and a lack of convenient options. These challenges often lead to skipped meals, which can negatively affect students’ academic performance, physical health, and overall well-being. At the same time, home-based cooks, small restaurants, and independent food vendors face barriers to digital visibility, making it difficult for them to reach customers, compete with larger food platforms, and manage excess food effectively. This research project explores the development of a Cloud Kitchen platform designed to address these challenges by directly connecting students with affordable, locally prepared meals. The platform aims to strengthen community connections by supporting small food vendors, increasing their online presence, and creating opportunities to redistribute surplus meals rather than allowing them to go to waste. Unlike traditional food delivery applications that prioritize large restaurant chains, this project intentionally centers local vendors and social impact. By combining food accessibility, small business support, and waste reduction into a single solution, the Cloud Kitchen platform offers a practical, community-driven approach to improving food security and sustainability.

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Cloud Kitchens Innovation: Empowering Local Food Entrepreneurs Through Digital Transformation Presenter Biographies: Dr. Mushtaq Raza is the Chair and an Instructor in the Department of Computing, School of Trades and Technology. He holds a PhD in Computer Science with a specialization in Software Engineering and has over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. His research interests span software engineering practices, applied artificial intelligence, and the use of large language models in software engineering to support tasks such as software development, testing, and quality improvement. Dr. Raza actively supervises innovation and commercialization-focused projects that bridge academic research with real-world applications. He has published more than 30 peer-reviewed research articles in leading journals and conferences, with over 700 citations, reflecting the reach and impact of his work in software engineering research and applied AI.

Aron Limos is a Computer Programming student at Red Deer Polytechnic and a programmer on the Cloud Kitchens Innovation Project, where he contributes to the development of a digital platform that connects local food vendors with college students. Through his diploma program, he has built a strong foundation in full-stack development, database management, software engineering practices, and basic business management. Driven by an interest in practical, real-world solutions, his current focus includes mobile application development, building technology that connects people to people, and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve development efficiency and user experience.

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Cloud Kitchens Innovation: Empowering Local Food Entrepreneurs Through Digital Transformation Presenter Biographies: Lance Mirano is a Computer Programming student at Red Deer Polytechnic. Throughout his diploma program, he gained comprehensive knowledge in full-stack development, database systems, software engineering methodologies. He is currently contributing to the Cloud Kitchens Innovation Project, a food ordering application that streamlines online ordering, enhances accessibility to affordable meals, and supports local food providers through an integrated digital platform, where he assists with system development, testing and deployment.

Programming The Interactivity of a 3D VR Experience by Working With AI, Leading to a Roadmap for Building Content for The Upcoming Smart Glasses Revolution Presenter Name: Peter Fiala Research Team: Peter Fiala (School of Arts and Education) Presentation Description: Although adults may come and go in their adoption of VR, it is getting another run in popular culture.

Children are being raised on it, and they will seamlessly transition to experiencing virtual content not in their bedroom, living room or on a VR headset, but instead actually out in the real world, seeing rendered content right through their vision-correcting socially acceptable smart glasses. They will interact with those visuals through the use of a hand-held device similar to the controllers used on the Meta Quest 3.

Non-programmer 3D artists will be expected to create the interactive spatial computing gaming content the mass market will consume, and they will need to be ready.

With VR as the starting point, the lessons learned by building limited and optimized 3D content,

and the help of AI for the

programming portion of a video game for a non-tethered VR headset, will aim to help build a roadmap for 3D artists.

In addition to experimenting with AI to help a 3D artist with programming, workflows and necessary optimization techniques discovered in the process of making this VR interactive content will be directly applicable for the expected technological limitations to near future consumer-worn smart glasses.

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Programming The Interactivity of a 3D VR Experience by Working With AI, Leading to a Roadmap for Building Content for The Upcoming Smart Glasses Revolution Presenter Biography: Peter Fiala has over twenty years experience as both a 3D artist and an educator. While following his passion creating computer generated visual effects (VFX), his work has contributed to Emmy and Oscar nominated feature films, where he worked as a lead modeling/texturing and lighting artist. For more details, please check out his IMDB filmography.

Peter has also been working at several post-secondary institutions across North America and in Central Europe. Since 2015, Peter worked with others on developing RDP’s own Animation and Visual Effects degree program (AVFX) and then been involved from the 2018 launch of the degree until present day, where he currently serves as Chair and as an Instructor. Peter urgently believes that one should never stop practicing and learning what’s new, experimenting with what’s coming soon in their craft. He is always working through one personal project to the next, attempting to stay on the bleeding edge. Lately, he has been focusing on how generative AI is being incorporated in creative industries such as VFX and gaming, with his research focused towards discovering if one sole 3D artist can function as an entire team with the use of AI.

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PlanWise: Automating Emergency Preparedness Document Generation for Small Consulting Practices Presenter Names: Ivan Li, Jolo Flores

Research Team: Dr. Stephanie Powers (Donald School of Business), Ivan Li (Student), Jolo Flores (Student)

Presentation Description: This presentation introduces "PlanWise," a project aimed at revolutionizing how small emergency preparedness consulting firms create crucial documents. Currently, the consultant spends excessive time assembling repetitive reports, such as emergency plans and fire bylaws, which hinders the ability to focus on strategic work. This research project tackles this issue by exploring how artificial intelligence can automate document generation while maintaining the quality and expertise expected from seasoned professionals.

This project is significant because it addresses a pressing challenge faced by small firms: they often lack the resources for additional manpower or costly technical solution. By utilizing an on-device AI system tailored to their needs, it enhances the consultant’s capacity and community safety.

What makes the project unique is its approach to learning from limited data, accommodating the specialized knowledge of the small enterprise. Unlike generic AI tools, which often miss the nuances of professional expertise, the system adapts specifically to the needs of emergency preparedness, setting a new standard for automating knowledge work in various small businesses.

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PlanWise: Automating Emergency Preparedness Document Generation for Small Consulting Practices Presenter Biographies: Ivan Li is an operations optimizer with a keen interest in utilizing modern solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within organizations. With seven years of experience in project coordination in higher education, Ivan has honed his skills in streamlining processes and optimizing workflows. He has currently completed a Machine Learning Analyst Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic, building on his academic background, which includes a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Psychology.

Ivan is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights and cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. His current project, "PlanWise," focuses on automating the generation of critical documents for a small consulting firm, addressing the challenge of preserving expert knowledge while improving operational workflows.

Jolo Flores is a Network Administration Diploma student.

Effects of Energy Drink Stimulants Caffeine and Taurine on Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster) Circadian Rhythm & Locomotor Behaviour Presenter Name: Dr. Tom Whitesell Research Team: Dr. Tom Whitesell (School of Trades and Technology), Alia Markham (student researcher at time of study, now RDP Alumni Bachelor of Sciences in Biological Sciences) Presentation Description: Energy drinks are commonly consumed by humans to increase wakefulness and energy. These energy drinks often contain high concentrations of caffeine and taurine, which can negatively effect circadian rhythm. We investigated the effects of different caffeine and taurine concentrations on circadian rhythm and locomotor behaviour in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) using a Drosophila Activity Monitor (DAM). This device uses infrared beams and fruit flies in a glass tube, and every time a fruit fly passes through the infrared beam and interrupts it, the fly DAM quantifies the amount of fruit fly movement and/or rest.

We found caffeine supplementation can increase locomotor behaviour and extend the sleep wake cycles in genetic circadian rhythm mutants. Taurine supplementation increases locomotor behaviour but typically maintains the circadian rhythm cycles of the mutants.

These findings show the impacts of energy drink ingredients, caffeine and taurine, on altering baseline circadian rhythm and locomotor activity.

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Effects of Energy Drink Stimulants Caffeine and Taurine on Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster) Circadian Rhythm & Locomotor Behaviour Presenter Biography: Tom Whitesell, Phd, is a Biology Instructor whose research interests include using model organisms (fruit flies, planaria, zebrafish, nematodes) to study developmental biology. Dr. Whitesell has also started studying abnormal sea turtle development in collaboration with partners in Costa Rica and is currently studying the effects of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) on the reproductive success of nematodes.

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RDP News: Testing a New Model for Campus Communication Presenter Names: Braden Alm, Mitchell Hummel Research Team: Dr. Robert Opoku (Donald School of Business), Dr. Stephanie Powers (Donald School of Business), Merlyn Ness (Donald School of Business), Braden Alm (Student), Christopher Moss (Student), Mitchell Hummel (Student) Presentation Description: The purpose of this research is to assess whether a weekly news segment produced by RDP students could improve awareness of campus events and increase student engagement. Currently, participation in student life and awareness of campus activities appears to be low. This matters because past research shows a positive correlation between involvement in student life and student retention beyond the 1st year of study, as well as a correlation with student employability, as rated by employers.

This project aims to create a communication format that resonates with today’s students and is easy to access and consume. Young people primarily engage with news through video, both short and long-form, and so our goal is to help create marketing methods that meet them where they are at instead of relying on posters, emails, and website posts that have become antiquated.

What makes this project unique is its combination of student-produced media and research-based design. It’s not just creating content, it’s examining what types of video communication are most effective for RDP students and why. Going forward this research can be used as evidence to fuel further growth and development that helps better meet the needs of students.

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RDP News: Testing a New Model for Campus Communication Presenter Biographies: Braden Alm is a third-year student in the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program studying for a career in accounting. He has an interest in researching systems that build stronger communities and spends time engaging in community building efforts through his extracurriculars. His ongoing research into implementing a news program was born out of a desire to see improved marketing for current students at RDP in a way that he hopes will make the student experience more engaging and meaningful.

Mitchell Hummel is a second-year Business Administration student at Red Deer Polytechnic, majoring in Entrepreneurship and Small Business. His academic interests include accounting and the agricultural sector. As part of his Business Administration program, Mitchell is completing a research project that examines the possibility of Red Deer Polytechnic having a centralized campus news media channel to improve awareness of events, activities, and student engagement.

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Automation of Professional Placements for Early Learning and Child Care and Bachelor of Education Presenter Names: Carter Weir, Kiara Bautista, Nidhi Nand Research Team: Dr. Stephanie Powers (Donald School of Business), Carter Weir (Student), Kiara Bautista (Student), Nidhi Nand (Student), Melissa Haase (Early Learning and Child Care Practicum Placement Advisor)

Presentation Description: Professional placement matching is currently a manual process requiring placement advisors to sift through excel spreadsheets to determine optimal student and childcare centre pairings. Non-standard variables and late-stage changes create difficulties for ensuring placement coverage. At the same time, different stakeholders need different summary reports of the pairings (the class list, the students at a particular placement, etc.). The research team developed a web interface to make matching easier. The full stack development includes back-end logic to identify potential matches. While the system recommends matches, it keeps the "human in the loop" by leaving the final decision with the advisor. Considerable research exists on the impact of experiential learning on student outcomes. Relatively little attention has been paid to the administrative infrastructure that enables quality placements. This project explored best practices in matching placements, the level of customization, and the amount of standardization. The research allows for more informed data-driven decisions going forward. It also has procedural implications, since the data informs program capacity, geographic distribution of placements, and resource allocation. The solution can be scaled for other programs.

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Automation of Professional Placements for Early Learning and Child Care and Bachelor of Education Presenter Biographies: Carter Weir is an Artificial Intelligence Diploma student interested in utilizing A.I and data analytical tools within the healthcare profession. He is currently working on a project that analyzes medical data to detect early warning signs for cancer.

Kiara Bautista is an Artificial Intelligence Diploma student with a background in law and digital governance. Her research interests focus on legal operations automation, data governance, and AI systems for public safety and compliance. She is currently developing a system to track criminal patterns and manage legal data using AI.

Nidhi Nand is a Post-Baccalaureate student in AI and Data Analytics with a background in Civil Engineering. She is interested in using AI and geospatial analysis to identify patterns and support better planning and decision-making. She is currently working on a project that analyzes crime patterns across Alberta to help guide more effective resource allocation.

Creativity, Design Thinking and Interdisciplinary Innovation| Room 2906| 6:15 - 7:25 pm

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1 Milk/ 2 Sugar: An Interdisciplinary Visual Art Exhibition Presenter Name: Alysse Bowd Research Team: Alysse Bowd (School of Arts and Education) Presentation Description: 1 Milk/ 2 Sugar is an interdisciplinary art exhibition showcasing 6 bodies of research creation curating intricate porcelain sculpture, detailed ink and coloured pencil drawings, installation and quilted costumes. The work carries a voice that speaks to a broader experience of Motherhood both in celebration and critique of the expected narratives and archetypes around Motherhood. Through the use of non-linear narratives the work examines the singular-ness of the Mother-child dyad, the feral intuitiveness of the pregnant/postpartum experience, body dysmorphia and the identity crisis of Motherhood. This research illustrates the inherent frictions and complexities in Motherhood with honesty, humour, sincerity and a bit of whimsy moving beyond the immediate, expected associations.

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1 Milk/ 2 Sugar: An Interdisciplinary Visual Art Exhibition Presenter Biography: Alysse Bowd (she/her) grew up on the Canadian Prairies where she now works and creates on Treaty 6 and Treaty 7 land. She holds a BFA in Ceramics from the Alberta University of the Arts and an MFA from NSCAD University. Bowd is an interdisciplinary artist navigating a practice of object making, drawing and live art. Her creative practice explores non linear narratives with themes of female perfectionism, self-care and motherhood mythology. She has participated in several international art residencies in Canada, Denmark, Hungary, Iceland, Finland, Germany, Portugal and Australia.

Since becoming a Mother in 2020, she has explored Mother + family residences at the Buinho Creative Hub in Messejana, Portugal, the Centre for Ceramics in Berlin, Germany and a Mothra Residency at Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on Toronto Island. Bowd’s body of works and multimedia installations has been the subject of several solo and group exhibitions that were held across Canada, Europe and the United States. Most recently presenting this fall in the A! Performance Festival at the Akureyri Museum in Akureyri, Iceland, exhibiting at the Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, U.S.A and the Bleeding Art Space in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Route Finding for Small Business Deliveries - Using Reinforced Learning and Location Based Analytics to Design Small Business Solutions Presenter Names: Dr. Stephanie Powers, Blaine Noble, Brogan Barnes Research Team: Dr. Stephanie Powers (Donald School of Business), Blaine Noble (Student), Brogan Barnes (Student)

Presentation Description: AI is the next Industrial Revolution. It is dramatically changing the way organization’s function. Businesses must adapt to survive. Small businesses comprise 98% of Canadian organizations yet face a critical technological gap compared to larger enterprises. Central Alberta businesses are particularly risk averse, not willing to invest in AI solutions without proven return on investment. They also lack the resources for expensive enterprise software. The researchers are exploring whether open-source tools can democratize business intelligence and enable small businesses to compete effectively. The researchers have developed a nocost/low-cost route optimization web application using Python, location-based analytics, and reinforced learning to allow small businesses, such as local pharmacies, to optimize delivery routes, reducing vehicle kilometres, operational costs, and environmental impact.

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Route Finding for Small Business Deliveries - Using Reinforced Learning and Location Based Analytics to Design Small Business Solutions Presenter Biographies: Dr. Stephanie Powers teaches Business, Artificial Intelligence, and Coding. She is the author of The Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Handbook. She leads multidisciplinary teams of students to design technological solutions to make businesses more efficient and effective. She is also the co-founder of the Prairie Perspectives Journal, a journal for college and polytechnic faculty by college and polytechnic faculty. The journal provides mentoring and publication opportunities for new researchers in Alberta.

Stephanie was recently published in Communication in Statistics – Simulation and Computation for statistical modelling of logistic regression with misclassified information.

Brogan Barnes is a fourth year Bachelor of Business Administration student with a concentration in Financial Services and a minor in Psychology. He is interested in research on organizational structure and financially responsible solutions to problems for small and medium enterprises. He also has an interest in researching how finances and other business problems relate to Social Psychology and the impact these have on relationships. Recent research and projects he has worked on include developing an internal mentorship program for a smaller crown corporation, participating in a study on systems thinking with Innovation North, and developing solutions for the loneliness epidemic with Ivey Business School.

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Route Finding for Small Business Deliveries - Using Reinforced Learning and Location Based Analytics to Design Small Business Solutions Presenter Biographies: Blaine Noble is a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at Red Deer Polytechnic, pursuing a double minor in Marketing and Psychology. His academic and applied research interests sit at the intersection of marketing strategy, consumer behavior, business intelligence, and applied analytics for SME's (small and medium size enterprise). He is particularly interested in how datainformed decision-making can improve student retention, customer engagement, and operational effectiveness, as well as the ethical implications of data use in business contexts.

Blaine’s recent and ongoing scholarly work includes: • Strengthening data collection and standardization for Indigenous Students at the Pónokaisissáhta Indigenous Student Centre at RDP. • Applied marketing research and focus group analysis for RDP’s student retention initiatives.

• The development of business intelligence dashboards using real-world datasets, and digital marketing strategy case studies though Business Intelligence and Analytics (BUS 4990).

• Contributions to applied research projects through Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre, working with local organizations to translate analytics and research insights into practical business solutions.

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Productive Pandemonium: Navigating Interdisciplinary Research, Art, Creativity, and Design Thinking for Social Innovation Presenter Name: Dr. Teena Dickerson Research Team: Dr. Tonya Wolfe (Division of Applied Research), Dr. Candi Raudebaugh (School of Health & Wellness), Dr. Greg Wells (School of Arts and Education), Dr. Teena Dickerson (School of Arts and Education), Jennifer Dornstauder (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre)

Presentation Description: The complex problems addressed in social innovation work require multifaceted interdisciplinary research teams working creatively. Complex collaborations present both opportunities and challenges. This session focuses on the value of interdisciplinary research in complex problem-solving, involving creativity, design thinking, and social innovation. The purpose of this session is to discuss lessons learned in social innovation research and advocate for the inclusion of artists and other creatives in interdisciplinary teams. This work highlights the value of artists in educational research to take up innovative approaches to educational research. There is a potential role in adult education for artists, art educators, and researchers to work as interdisciplinary collaborators to build capacities for creative thinking and innovation to address social problems. While artists are not more creative than non-artists, the artistic process, by nature, allows for an intimate understanding of creativity and one that is well-tread in self generation, metacognition, and thematic coherence. These embedded, highly developed attributes can help interdisciplinary research teams find novel solutions to complex social problems.

This research presentation also includes a creative activity to think about and discuss these concepts with both hands and minds.

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Productive Pandemonium: Navigating Interdisciplinary Research, Art, Creativity, and Design Thinking for Social Innovation Presenter Biography:

Dr. Teena Dickerson is a metalsmith, educator, and arts-based researcher from New Brunswick, creating in Central Alberta.

Graduating from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, she holds an undergraduate degree from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Interdisciplinary Education, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Calgary. Specializing in metal and the lost wax casting process, Dickerson focuses on sculptural work in the bronze foundry, and her arts-based academic research delves into creativity, design thinking, and the artist's role in innovation and interdisciplinary research.

Dr. Dickerson has received nominations and awards from the Canadian Society for Education through Art, the Red Deer Arts Council, Red Deer Polytechnic, and the City of Red Deer, and has received research funding from the Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Her artwork and arts-based research have been exhibited at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery, the Viewpoint Gallery, and Alberta Craft Council galleries in Edmonton and Calgary. Dr Teena Dickerson is a dedicated faculty member in the School of Arts and Education, teaching creativity, sculpture, 3D Design, and professional practices for artists.

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Animating Innovation in Engineering and Design Presenter Name: Jennifer Dornstauder Research Team: Jennifer Dornstauder (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Jorry Cooling (former Applied Research Technician at time of study, now RDP alumni - Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects), Kenzie Wylie (Division of Applied Research), Zackary Guckert (former Applied Research Technician at time of study, now RDP alumni Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects), Mehika Arora (Student)

Presentation Description: Engineers are often misunderstood creatures - but what if complex ideas could be shared without words at all? This applied research integrates animation into engineering and product design to support learning, product development, and decision-making. Across multiple projects at the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC), animation helped clarify time-based processes, align understanding across technical and non-technical teams, and even form the backbone of a virtual reality training environment. By examining these projects together, the presentation highlights how visual storytelling can enhance collaboration, exploration, and outcomes in applied engineering research.

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Animating Innovation in Engineering and Design Presenter Biography: Jennifer Dornstauder is an Engineering Technical Lead at RDP's Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing – Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC). She works at the intersection of engineering, design, and applied research, with a focus on human-centered, interdisciplinary approaches. Her research explores advanced manufacturing, biomedical and assistive technologies, and para sport equipment. Jennifer leads projects that bring together students, industry partners, and researchers, using innovative tools like animation and visual storytelling to improve engineering workflows, collaboration, and outcomes.

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Health, Wellness and Care Systems in Practice| Room 2901A | 6:15 - 7:25 pm

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Evaluating the Impacts of HeartMath Heart Lock-In Practice on Heart Rate Variability and Well-Being in Adolescent Hockey Players Presenter Name: Ashley Gillespie Research Team: Dr. Anomi Bearden (School of Arts and Education), Ashley Gillespie (Student), Stephen Roberts (Division of Student Experience)

Presentation Description: Adolescent athletes face intense performance pressure during a critical stage of development, yet their mental and emotional well-being is often overlooked in sport. This highlights a critical and growing need for effective tools that support athletes’ emotional and physiological resilience, stress management, and overall well-being. This research addresses that need by testing a simple, five-minute daily HeartMath Heart Lock-In practice over a four-week period.

This work is important because it offers a practical and cost-effective way to help athletes build emotional regulation and resilience, which supports long-term well-being and greater longevity in competitive sport. The project is unique due to it’s focus on adolescent hockey players, a demographic that has limited research attention. While most research uses time-intensive interventions, the study tests a brief, more feasible approach designed to fit within a competitive season. Additionally, the study examines psychological factors such as self-oriented perfectionism and self-compassion, which are understudied in current literature. By exploring a brief daily practice, the research aims to better align psychological skills training with a busy athletic lifestyle.

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Evaluating the Impacts of HeartMath Heart Lock-In Practice on Heart Rate Variability and Well-Being in Adolescent Hockey Players Presenter Biography: Ashley Gillespie is a fourth-year Psychology research thesis student at Red Deer Polytechnic. Following the completion of her degree, she plans to pursue a career in the medical field, with strong research interests in sports psychology, psychophysiology, and holistic interventions. Ashley’s current research examines the psychological and physiological effects of a HeartMath intervention on adolescent hockey players. Outside of her academic pursuits, Ashley enjoys reading with her two cats and competing in barrel racing with her horses.

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Redesigning Enterprise Systems for Performance and Growth Presenter Names: Mitchell Maksymetz, Hailey Heintz, Casey Zulita Research Team: Dr. Stephanie Powers (Donald School of Business), Mitchell Maksymetz (Student), Hailey Heintz (Student), Casey Zulita (Student), Misty Dionne (Collicutt Energy) Presentation Description: This project addresses a critical and increasingly visible problem in Central Alberta. Despite the region’s strong capacity for economic growth, small to mid-sized enterprises, across both manufacturing and service sectors, struggle with fragmented technologies, manual processes, and persistent data silos that hinder effective decision-making. The team’s research examines how modernizing these systems and redesigning core business processes can unlock meaningful performance improvements and support long-term, sustainable growth. The importance of this work lies in its direct relevance to Central Alberta’s business ecosystem. Working with Collicutt Energy Services, the Bachelor of Business Administration students documented existing processes and identified practical modernization strategies. These strategies include automated process flows and the use of artificial intelligence technology. The research bridges academic insight with real-world challenges faced by local businesses. This blend of technical analysis and regional relevance positions the work to contribute valuable, actionable solutions for a Central Alberta enterprise, and a process approach that can be replicated with other organizations.

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Redesigning Enterprise Systems for Performance and Growth Presenter Biographies: Mitchell Maksymetz is a 4th year student in the Bachelor of Business Administration Program. He is majoring in Finance and minoring in Marketing. Mitchell is currently employed with Scotiabank and plans to become a Financial Advisor upon graduation in May of 2026. Mitchell is also passionate about the study of business success by assessing the use of Marketing, Data Analytics, and how business enterprise systems directly impact their cash flows, revenues and how modernization strategies can prepare them for future growth and development.

Hailey Heintz is a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student with a major in Financial Services and a minor in Communications. She is pursuing a designation as a Certified Associate in Project Management. Hailey joined this project to broaden her knowledge about supply chain management and use what she has learned about operational management to help streamline the systems of the project's client. She is also involved with Red Deer Polytechnic as a research technician on a project for Transforming Care through Co-design of Assistive Devices for Inclusive Wellbeing. Hailey is passionate about always learning and constantly evolving as a student and as an asset in the workforce.

Casey Zulita is a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration Student with an Accounting concentration. As an applied research technician with Red Deer Polytechnic, her research interests focus on applied projects that benefit Central Alberta communities.

Casey is passionate about community building, social innovation, and solving real-world problems through business solutions.

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From Imaging to Impact: Creating Anatomically Accurate Models with Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Presenter Names: Clarissa Choy, Prateeksha Aggarwal Research Team: Jennifer Dornstauder Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Blair Foster (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Clarissa Choy (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Mehika Arora (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Prateeksha Aggarwal (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre)

Presentation Description: This project explores how advanced multi-material 3D printing with the Stratasys J850 Digital Anatomy 3D printer can be used to create anatomically accurate models for medical education, surgical planning, and patient communication. The project addresses key limitations of existing anatomical models, which are often expensive, difficult to access in Canada, noncustomizable, and lacking in biomechanical realism.

The research investigates how specialized materials like GelMatrix, BoneMatrix, TissueMatrix, and RadioMatrix can be combined to replicate the varying densities and functional properties of human anatomy. The project uses Hounsfield unit data from medical images to quantitatively guide the assignment of specific material combinations. This enables the production of models that better reflect true density gradients and radiological behaviour.

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From Imaging to Impact: Creating Anatomically Accurate Models with Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Presentation Description Continued: The goal of this work is to develop a repeatable and streamlined workflow that bridges medical imaging, material science, and additive manufacturing. Initial outcomes focus on educational prototypes, with broader implications for improving surgical preparedness, enhancing patient understanding, and expanding access to high-fidelity anatomical models in Canada. Overall, the project demonstrates how advanced material-based 3D printing can support more effective, personalized, and accessible healthcare training and communication in Canada.

Presenter Biographies: Prateeksha Aggarwal graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of British Columbia in 2024 and is currently an Engineer in Training. She was first introduced to the world of research and innovation in the creation of multi-material anatomic models using additive manufacturing during her internship at Red Deer Polytechnic's Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC). Building on this experience, Prateeksha continues her work at the CIM-TAC as an Industrial Research Associate, contributing to advancements in anatomic modelling to be used in areas like surgical planning and student training. Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, she is eager to continue applying her skills to drive meaningful research and development in this impactful field.

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From Imaging to Impact: Creating Anatomically Accurate Models with Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Presenter Biographies: Clarissa Choy is a third year Mechanical-Biomedical Engineering Co-op student at the University of Alberta. She joined the CIM-TAC team in January as an Applied Research Technician for her Co-op work term. She is interested in exploring the applications of engineering in the medical field, specifically in prosthetics and orthotics. She is also interested in advancing research and resources available to para sport athletes. Clarissa is currently involved in some biomedical related projects with the CIM-TAC team and prototyping and developing a Total Artificial Heart with Alberta Heart, a student led project club at the University of Alberta.

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Empowering Wellness in Long-Term Care through Creative Design Presenter Name: Brooke Schwartz Research Team: Dr. Gregory Wells (School of Arts and Education), Dr. Teena Dickerson (School of Arts and Education), Brooke Schwartz (Student), Steven Friesen (Bethany Care Society)

Presentation Description: This research project, currently in progress, aims to evaluate the efficacy of an arts-based workshop designed to enhance quality of life for young adults residing in long term care. Often, the psychosocial needs of this population are not adequately identified or met in an environment designed primarily with the very different needs and interests of older adults in mind.

This research project examines the impact of a creativity-focused design thinking experience as a person-centered means to effectively communicate psychosocial need and enhance psychological well-being. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this intervention, which will guide a subsequent assistive technology integration project, will have lasting benefits for participants, and have application across long-term care in general. This research project adds to existing literature in this field by expanding the utility of arts-based intervention and through exploring an innovative person-centered means of communicating need in an underserved population.

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Empowering Wellness in Long-Term Care through Creative Design Presenter Biography: Brooke Schwartz is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program. Her research interests focus on the psychology of human development and person-centered intervention strategies aimed at improving well-being. Brooke is particularly interested in the brain and the ways targeted interventions on specific functioning can enhance overall quality of life across diverse populations. Research that deepens our understanding of factors contributing to life satisfaction, as well as barriers that hinder it, is meaningful to her. Brooke’s current and previous research projects both worked with the Bethany Care Society, to improve resident quality of life.

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Equity, Ethics and Lived Experience Room 2920 | 6:15 - 7:25 pm

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Coping Mechanisms and Resilience Among Black Canadians Experiencing Mental Health Concerns: A Qualitative Study Presenter Names: Dr. Fola Oluwasina, Dr. Jones Adjei, Dr. Juliet Onabadejo Research Team: Dr. Fola Oluwasina (School of Trades and Technology), Dr. Jones Adjei (School of Arts and Education), Dr. Juliet Onabadejo (School of Health & Wellness), Dr. Adedoyin Olanlesi-Aliu (MacEwan University), Dr. Aisha Giwa (University of Ottawa), Dr. Anita Ewan (Capilano University) Presentation Description: Racial discrimination still impacts everyday lives of a substantial number of the Black Canadians, yet its impact on health is misinterpreted or neglected. The project explored the effect of racism on emotional well-being, stress, and coping of Black Canadians. Through in-depth interviews and survey, respondents are able to tell how discrimination impacts on their sense of safety, belonging, identity, and access to support. The research does not only focus on the difficulties people face, but rather, how they respond, adapt and develop resilience in the face of ongoing stress.

This study is important because the provision of mental health services and policies that govern health cannot appropriately serve the communities without understanding the lived experience behind the statistics. This project focuses on the voices of Black Canadians representing different parts of the country, which will help better understand how racism operates in the real world and influences on mental health.

What makes this study unique is its focus on lived experience and coping strategies, offering practical insights that can inform culturally responsive mental health care, education, and community support initiatives across Canada.

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Coping Mechanisms and Resilience Among Black Canadians Experiencing Mental Health Concerns: A Qualitative Study Presenter Biographies: Dr. Fola Oluwasina is an educator and a researcher at Red Deer Polytechnic. He has with expertise in Population Biology, Infectious disease epidemiology and mental health. He is a faculty member at Red Deer Polytechnic, where he teaches biological science and health sciences. Dr. Oluwasina's research focuses on identifying the pathways associated with a variety of stress-related health disorders, including psychosis, anxiety, suicide, depression, burnout depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and interpersonal disengagement. Through his research, he aims to identify novel therapeutic mechanisms for treating these diseases.

He has authored and co-authored over 50 research papers. In addition to this work, He is working on a quantitative study on Depression and Treatment-Seeking Behavior among Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Biomedical and Traditional Healing Pathways. Dr. Oluwasina is committed to bridging research with practice to improve the general population’s health outcomes through policy and education.

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Coping Mechanisms and Resilience Among Black Canadians Experiencing Mental Health Concerns: A Qualitative Study Presenter Biographies: Dr. Jones Adjei is a Sociology Instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic specializing in social demography and applied statistics. His work focuses on understanding how population trends, migration patterns, and social structures shape health and well-being outcomes in diverse communities. He brings strong expertise in quantitative research methods, data analysis, and the interpretation of population level data to inform social policy and practice. Dr. Adjei’s research explores immigrant settlement experiences, integration processes, and population health disparities, with particular attention to how social determinants such as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and access to resources influence health outcomes. His work seeks to generate evidence that supports more equitable policies and improved community supports for immigrant and marginalized populations. His research work has been published in respected peer reviewed journals, including Canadian Ethnic Studies, Ethnicity and Health, Canadian Studies in Population, Journal of Biosocial Science, and the Journal of Sex Education. Through his research and teaching, Dr. Adjei contributes to advancing knowledge in social demography, immigrant integration, population health, and applied statistical analysis.

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Coping Mechanisms and Resilience Among Black Canadians Experiencing Mental Health Concerns: A Qualitative Study Presenter Biographies: Dr. Juliet Onabadejo is a Nursing Instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic with clinical experience in medical surgical and mental health nursing. She has more than 18 years of research experience focused on the health and mental health of Black communities. Her expertise lies in qualitative and mixed methods research, with particular strength in study design, data integration, and community engaged approaches. Her research examines cultural influences on health and mental health among Black populations, intersectionality, the experiences of multicultural communities, and equitable access to health care services. She has extensive experience working in partnership with Black led immigrant serving organizations across several provinces. These partnerships have included collaborations with ethnic associations in Canada, Yoruba associations, and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas in Canada, among others.

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Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in a Clinical Setting Presenter Name: Derek Donnelly Research Team: Derek Donnelly (Division of Applied Research)

Presentation Description: As AI tools become more prominent in Alberta's healthcare system, it is essential to ask questions about their ultimate purpose. What problem does this new device solve? Who is most affected by its implementation? Was this a problem identified by healthcare professionals? There is a gap in the existing literature regarding the healthcare professional's perspective on AI in healthcare.

In our report, we interviewed 11 healthcare professionals throughout the healthcare system, including doctors who have used AI, doctors who have not used AI, nurses, healthcare admin staff, healthcare technicians, and AI researchers, with a focus on clinical settings. Throughout the interviews, participants were asked to reflect on their own perceptions of AI and how they would like to see future AI introduced into the healthcare system.

A key aspect of human-centred design is continuous feedback from the stakeholders who will use the final product. For healthcare, we must consider both the patient and the clinician in the design of medical devices. Ethical Human-Centred Design then implies the need to design devices that solve real-world problems identified through engagement with stakeholders, such as in this study.

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Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in a Clinical Setting Presenter Biography: Derek Donnelly is completing the final year of his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Red Deer Polytechnic. Derek has worked as an applied research technician at RDP for the last three years, working on numerous projects across campus.

Derek would categorize himself as a multidisciplinary researcher, with a focus on the many different aspects of health research. From research on the training and upskilling of individuals in the healthcare sector to the ethical development of medical devices, Derek's research spans a plethora of interests.

Currently, Derek has been focused on the ethical considerations of AI in the healthcare sector. How should we build and implement these new tools into an already-stressed system? Derek is also focused on creating bespoke medical devices for the rehabilitation of individual patients, with a particular focus on senior patients, enabling them to age in place comfortably at home. .

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Listening First: Patient Voices in Perinatal Care and Substance Use Presenter Name: Dr. Kristen Gulbransen Research Team: Dr. Kristen Gulbransen (School of Health & Wellness), Haley Zinger (University of Calgary), Hazel McKennitt (University of Alberta), Ivy Parsons (Recovery Alberta), Dr. Matt Hicks (Alberta Health Services; University of Alberta), Rebecca Rich (Alberta Health Services; University of Alberta)

Presentation Description: Addictions and perinatal care represent a critical period in which experiences of safety, trust, and support shape engagement with health services and influence maternal and infant outcomes. This qualitative study is part of the larger NASCENT study, the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Mother Baby Togetherness Improvement Project. The study explored patient perspectives on perinatal care through in-depth interviews with 17 participants and three community engagement sessions.

Using thematic analysis, participants identified key elements that contributed to positive and supportive care experiences across pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Three interrelated themes emerged: Safety, Communication and Trust Building, and Holistic Support. Safety was described as care that was nonjudgmental, trauma informed, and culturally responsive, supporting dignity and reducing experiences of stigma. Communication and trust were strengthened through transparent language, relational approaches to care, and consistent information sharing that fostered collaboration between patients and providers. Holistic support extended beyond clinical care to include respect for autonomy, flexibility within health systems, access to services, continuity of care through warm handoffs, and connection to community based resources.

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Listening First: Patient Voices in Perinatal Care and Substance Use Presentation Description Continued: These findings demonstrate that effective perinatal care is grounded not only in clinical competence, but also in relational and responsive practices that centre patient voice. The results offer practical insights for clinicians, educators, and health systems seeking to improve the quality, accessibility, and equity of perinatal care.

Presenter Biography: Dr. Kristen Gulbransen is engaged in provincial (NASCENT) and local perinatal substance use research in effort to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. The research teams are working closely with community stakeholders and patients to improve the system and address the inequities.

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Gender Imagery in Greater Nicoya Effigy Figurines: A Critical Reassessment Presenter Names: Dr. Carrie Dennett, Bria Henriksen Research Team: Dr. Carrie Dennett (School of Arts and Education), Bria Henriksen (Student)

Presentation Description: Emerging from theoretical debates concerning the intersection of gender, sexuality, and archaeological interpretation, Queer Archaeology gained formal recognition during the late 1990s. This prompted a gendered re-evaluation of prehistoric material culture of the Americas, including figurines exhibiting both male and female anatomical features from Greater Nicoya – an archaeological subregion of Pacific Nicaragua and Costa Rica (AD 800-1300). Interpreted as representing two-spirit or transgender identities, this study cautions against such broad assumptions, emphasizing that correlation does not imply causation and that contemporary identity categories may not apply to all ancient contexts. Instead, we aim to critically reassess these figurines by situating them within Mesoamerican worldview and ritual practice. Drawing on ethnohistorical sources, our reanalysis explores the Legend of Toci, an Aztec goddess, whose origin story involves the sacrifice and skinning of a betrothed Culhua princess and the donning of her flayed skin by a male Aztec priest at her wedding ceremony, according to legend. This reinterpretation suggests that these figurines likely symbolize ritualized social transformation and deification as opposed to gender identity. By integrating iconographic analysis, mythology, and contextual archaeology, the project seeks to illuminate how local mythology shaped material expressions of identity, power, and sociopolitical change in the distant past.

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Gender Imagery in Greater Nicoya Effigy Figurines: A Critical Reassessment Presenter Biographies: Dr. Carrie Dennett is an anthropologist and Justice Studies instructor at Red Deer Polytechnic whose work examines the relationship between social institutions and social justice, with focus on ethnicity, race, gender, language, and religion. She is also a practising archaeologist, who specializes in compositional analysis of pre-Columbian ceramics from Pacific Nicaragua and Costa Rica (500 BC– AD 1500). Utilizing a Communities of Practice approach she seeks to explore the internal dynamics of pottery-producing groups in the region, as well as their external relationships with neighbouring Mesoamerican cultures. Carrie's research is further informed by extensive experience with museum collections, including a Resident Mayer Fellowship at the Denver Art Museum (2012–2014), advisory work with Mi Museo in Granada, Nicaragua (2015–2018), and an ongoing collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Department

of

Anthropology.

Bria Henriksen (she/they) is a fourth-year Psychology student at Red Deer Polytechnic, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Anthropology. With growing interests in archaeology and the intersection of social psychology and cultural anthropology, Bria aims to apply an interdisciplinary perspective to connect insights from the past with contemporary human experiences. .

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Applied Innovation: Testing, Optimization and Impact| Room 2901A | 7:35 - 8:45 pm

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Bitumen Beyond Combustion – 3D Printed Carbon Fibre Composites Presenter Name: Dr. Tonya Wolfe Research Team: Dr. Tonya Wolfe (Division of Applied Research), Dr. Kyle Nicholson (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing Technology Access Centre), Oluwafemi Akinola (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Blair Foster (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Dr. Yasmine Abdin (University of British Columbia, Fibernx), Dr. Scott Renneckar (University of British Columbia, Fibernx), Karma Medical Products Ltd, Ecoplast Solutions Inc, Carbon Upcycling Inc.

Presentation Description: This project aims to advance the utilization of Alberta's bitumen by transforming carbon fibre derived from bitumen into a composite material suitable for 3D printing applications. We will investigate the interplay between carbon fibre length, polymer matrix selection, and 3D printing technologies to identify optimal composite formulations for industrial and energy-related applications. This aligns with Alberta’s goals of promoting clean energy innovations, diversifying bitumen use beyond combustion and fostering economic opportunities in high-value sectors such as additive manufacturing.

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Bitumen Beyond Combustion – 3D Printed Carbon Fibre Composites Presenter Biography: Tonya Wolfe, PhD, PEng is Red Deer Polytechnic’s Associate Vice President, Applied Research. Since arriving at RDP in 2020, she has spearheaded the growth and development of the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC) and the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC). Dr. Wolfe’s areas of expertise include metallurgy, materials design, additive manufacturing, welding, wear resistant materials, steelmaking, biomedical engineering, and process modeling. She holds a Professional Engineering designation (P.Eng), a Bachelor of Applied Science from Queen’s University, and graduate degrees from the University of Alberta. Her MSc investigated the use of biomaterials for prosthetic applications and her PhD studied composite overlays deposited by plasma-transferred arc welding.

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Reimagining Clinical Nursing Education: Mixed-Methods Evidence for an Effective, Simulation Enhanced Model Presenter Names: Erin Lowe, Kala Streibel Research Team: Dr. Brenda Query (School of Health & Wellness), Daphne Kennedy (School of Health & Wellness), Erin Lowe (School of Health & Wellness), Kala Streibel (School of Health & Wellness), Raigne Symes (School of Health & Wellness), Dr. Stephen Brown (School of Arts and Education), Barbara Wilson-Keates (University of Victoria) Presentation Description: Traditional clinical nursing education has often relied on an apprenticeship model, where students gain experience by working directly with patients in healthcare settings. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of this approach is limited. This mixed-methods study evaluated the impact of replacing some clinical hours with simulated learning experiences (SLEs) in a second-year long-term care course. We explored student and faculty perceptions of the redesigned course, its effect on learning, the achievement of course outcomes, and the potential of SLEs to address clinical placement challenges. Results demonstrated that SLEs provide structured, meaningful clinical learning while still meeting course objectives. Statistically significant differences were observed in critical thinking, self-efficacy, the teaching–learning dyad, application of the nursing process, and holistic care (p < 0.05).

Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to becoming a nurse, thinking like a nurse, the learning environment, and logistical considerations. These findings suggest that integrating SLEs into clinical education can enhance learning outcomes, support student development, and offer a viable approach to managing limited clinical placements.

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Reimagining Clinical Nursing Education: Mixed-Methods Evidence for an Effective, Simulation Enhanced Model Presenter Biographies: Kala Streibel is a nursing instructor in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. Her clinical expertise is in obstetrical nursing. Her education and research focus passion is the integration of simulation in healthcare education, with a focus on enhancing clinical learning experiences to improve student learning and preparation for clinical practice.

Erin Lowe is a nursing instructor in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program. Her clinical expertise is in rural and cardiac nursing.

Research interests center on the use of simulation in nursing education, with a particular focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization.

Erin is passionate about creating brave learning spaces within simulation environments that support student engagement, critical thinking, and culturally safe practice.

Binder Jet 3D-Printing with Silicon Carbide Powder - Progress Since 2025 Presenter Name: Dr. Kyle Nicholson Research Team: Dr. Kyle Nicholson (Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre), Dr. Tonya Wolfe (Division of Applied Research), Cass (Haoyang) Li (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta), Dr. James Hogan (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta), Dr. Jie Zheng (Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta)

Presentation Description: The Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing - Technology Access Centre and the University of Alberta Department of Mechanical Engineering are collaborating on designing, producing, and characterizing highly dense silicon carbide (SiC) parts made by binder jet 3D printing (BJ3DP). SiC is an engineered ceramic that is valued for its hardness, stability, and chemical resistance, but it is difficult and expensive to make customized SiC parts. BJ3DP makes it possible to manufacture parts using powders for high-performance applications that are not suited for high volume production. This research is ongoing because no approach using binder jet 3D printing has successfully produced highly dense and strong SiC parts that can match the quality of parts made with traditional techniques which are unsuitable for low volume, high complexity manufacturing. The low performance of binder jet printed parts is due to knowledge gaps in the most effective printer settings for the SiC feedstock powder and adapting postprocessing techniques to the porous internal structures of 3D printed parts. The focus of the research is to explore and optimize the binder jet 3D printing process to obtain highly dense SiC parts that can withstand impact testing, with the intention of developing a manufacturing process for high temperature and defence applications.

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Binder Jet 3D-Printing with Silicon Carbide Powder - Progress Since 2025 Presenter Biography: Dr. Kyle Nicholson is an Industrial Research Associate at the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing (CIM-TAC). He has experience and expertise in the areas of materials characterization and particle technology from over a decade of research work in Germany, Australia, and Canada. Kyle studied materials science and engineering at the University of Alberta and FAU University of Erlangen in Germany. He received his PhD in materials science from Deakin University in Australia for his thesis work on hydrogen absorption in magnesium rare-earth alloy powders. Currently his research interests are in 3D-printing and testing of composite materials made of metals, ceramics, polymers, and carbon fibers. Kyle's ongoing applied research projects include 3D printing of silicon carbide composites and carbon fiber reinforced plastics.

Effects of HeartMath Heart Lock-In Practice on Police Officers’ Physiological Coherence, HRV, Stress, Burnout, Resilience, and Emotion Regulation Presenter Names: Dr. Anomi Bearden, Dr. Stephen Brown Research Team: Dr. Anomi Bearden (School of Arts and Education), Dr. Stephen Brown (School of Arts and Education), Lisa Armstrong (School of Arts and Education), Jude Danyau (student researcher at time of study, now RDP Alumni, Bachelor of Science in Psychology), Nicole Schmid (Student researcher at time of study, now RDP Alumni, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), Becky Wylie Jardine (Alberta Crime Prevention), Sgt. Scott Car (RCMP), Supt. Holly Glassford (RCMP)

Presentation Description: HeartMath practice combines biofeedback and specific breathing techniques designed to reduce stress and enhance emotional resilience. Policing is a field of work that involves a significant amount of stress, with job demands that make it challenging to manage stress and prevent burnout. The present study involved training 42 RCMP officers in HeartMath and asking them to practice a daily five-minute Heart Lock-in technique. The purpose was to evaluate HeartMath’s impact on resting HRV, physiological coherence, overall perceived stress, work-related stress, burnout, emotional regulation, and resilience. Officers were instructed to practice the 5-minute Heart Lock-In daily for 8 weeks. Assessments were conducted to measure changes in resting Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and physiological coherence at four weeks and eight weeks of practice. Self-report questionnaires were utilized to evaluate perceived stress levels, work-related stress, burnout, emotional regulation, and resilience at the beginning and again at eight weeks. Open-ended questions gathered qualitative feedback on officers’ experiences with the practice and perceived benefits.

HeartMath significantly reduced operational police stress and burnout, improved resilience and emotion regulation, and increased HRV coherence. Most officers reported personal and professional benefits and said they would recommend the practice to other first responders.

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Effects of HeartMath Heart Lock-In Practice on Police Officers’ Physiological Coherence, HRV, Stress, Burnout, Resilience, and Emotion Regulation Presenter Biographies: Dr. Anomi G. Bearden was the Principal Investigator on the research and the primary Faculty supervisor of the 4th year Psychology research students. Her MSc and Phd were both in experimental psychology. She is a certified HeartMath trainer and has been teaching at RDP, engaging in applied research, and supervising students since 2008. She has a great deal of experience serving as Principal Investigator and supervising students on various applied collaborative projects. Anomi has conducted research on HeartMath in various contexts and she regularly trains various professionals in HeartMath for use in their work (e.g., therapists, educators, health care, RCMP, childcare, social services, etc.).

Dr. Stephen B. R. E. Brown -Stephen completed his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience in 2015 at Leiden University in the Netherlands. His dissertation focused on the role of the locus coeruleus, a small brainstem nucleus and noradrenaline in attention and learning. Following his dissertation, he completed a postdoctoral project in the field of health psychology, focusing on the effects of reduced heart rate variability on stress. He began teaching at RDP in 2018, and has cosupervised various applied projects investigating the impact of HeartMath on HRV.

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Mind, Body and Neurophysiological Well-Being| Room 2906 | 7:35 - 8:45 pm

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Exploring Physiological Factors Influencing Cognitive Control on an Attentional Task Presenter Name: Karson Ince Research Team: Dr. Elena Antoniadis (School of Arts and Education), Karson Ince (Student), Mohammed Siddiqi (Information Technology Services) Presentation Description: This study seeks to examine the relationship between pulse rate variability (PRV; the natural variations in time between heartbeats) and cognitive functioning during an attentional task. Interest in enhancing PRV has grown in the health and wellness world, and it is valuable to better understand how PRV reacts to changes in cognitive functioning, especially at a postsecondary institution. Researchers study PRV to understand attention, task engagement, and patterns of physiological responding; however, PRV measures are typically recorded before the implementation of a cognitive task. This study measures participants’ PRV during the attentional task, in hopes of informing how optimal physiological arousal occurs during cognitive tasks. A unique aspect of this project is its potential to bring real-world applications to the public, as PRV sensors, like the one used for this study, are currently installed in wearable technology, like smartwatches. This project has the potential to provide the public with methods to benefit their psychological and physiological well-being, as this technology and its research findings increasingly become more accessible.

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Exploring Physiological Factors Influencing Cognitive Control on an Attentional Task Presenter Biography: Karson Ince is a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology student completing his independent research project under the supervision of Dr. Elena Antoniadis. His research interests span multiple areas of psychology, with a current focus on psychophysiology. Karson’s primary goal is to contribute to research that advances the understanding of how humans can optimize their mental health, well-being, and life satisfaction. Through his research, he seeks to contribute evidence-based findings that inform practices and tools with the potential to improve people's lives.

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Health Technology Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences among Older Adults in Central Alberta Presenter Name: Dr. Greg Wells Research Team: Dr. Greg Wells (School of Arts and Education), Dr. Reiko Yeap (School of Arts and Education)

Presentation Description: Digital and mobile health tools have considerable potential to help older adults stay healthy and live independently, especially in rural and remote communities where healthcare access is limited. However, many of these tools are not designed with rural older adults in mind, making them difficult to access or use. This project addressed that gap by reviewing existing research, surveying and interviewing older adults to understand how they are using eHealth and mHealth, what works well, and what challenges remain. We focused on the experiences and perspectives of older adults themselves to identify barriers, successes, and areas where improvements are needed.

The project is important because it helps ensure digital health technologies are accessible, useful, and equitable for rural older adults.

What makes it unique is its focus on rural as well as mid-sized urban settings and lived experience, providing practical guidance to improve future research, healthcare delivery, and technology design.

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Health Technology Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences among Older Adults in Central Alberta Presenter Biography: Dr. Greg Wells completed his PhD at the University of Windsor in 2001 and has expertise in the area of Human Development. As a Psychology Instructor at RDP, he teaches intermediate and senior-level courses in Child Development, Adolescence, and Adulthood and Aging. He is also actively engaged in applied research initiatives involving RDP students, and in collaboration with community partners. Recent and ongoing projects have focused on applied issues in aging; digital health; person centred care; and the well being of children with complex needs.

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Your Brain on Gong: Sound Meditation and Brain Response Presenter Names: Dr. Stacey Bliss, Sam Darby, Yuliana Kim Research Team: Dr. Stacey Bliss (Division of Applied Research), Sam Darby (School of Arts and Education), Yuliana Kim (Student)

Presentation Description: Our research project examines whether weekly sound meditation sessions using live crystal bowls and gong can help reduce stress and improve emotional balance in postsecondary students. Over eight weeks at Red Deer Polytechnic, students participated in 30-minute sound relaxation sessions while their brain activity was recorded using Muse EEG headbands, which allowed us to capture real-time neural responses without the restrictions of traditional lab-based equipment. By analyzing changes across multiple sessions, we aim to identify whether repeated exposure to sound meditation produces measurable shifts in brainwave patterns—such as increased theta activity or greater rhythmic synchronization—that may signal improved relaxation or emotional regulation. This research is innovative because it brings accessible, low-cost EEG technology into a community-based setting and studies everyday students rather than highly trained meditators, providing insight that is more relevant to the general population. It also introduces the gong—an instrument rarely examined in neuroscience literature—into evidence-informed discussions of sound-based wellness practices. Ultimately, this study seeks to bridge qualitative knowledge from sound studies with quantitative measures of neural activity and, if results are positive, could support the development of research-informed sonic wellness programming on campus to help students manage stress and enhance overall wellbeing.

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Your Brain on Gong: Sound Meditation and Brain Response Presenter Biographies: Stacey Bliss, PhD, is the Research Grant Specialist, Applied Research, at Red Deer Polytechnic. She is also a qualitative researcher, instructor, and sonic artist. Her research interests include sound studies in education, critical studies in improvisation, as well as sonic and performative ethnography. Stacey recently held a SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2021-2024) and was a Guest Scholar at the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Regina. The sonic ethnographic project documented theory and practices of sonic artists in Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Currently, she is a Research Associate with IICSI (International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation) at the University of Guelph and collaborates on projects with local and national scholars, musicians, and artists. When not working at RDP, learning about research administration, teaching a night class online for the University of Regina, or trying to maintain her balance in messy, mercurial times, she enjoys taking long walks, yin or restorative yoga, and drinking tea.

Sam Darby, BSc, is a Psychology statistics instructor, as well as a Writing Skills tutor here at the library. He graduated with his degree in Psychology with honours just last year and has been able to help with several research projects in various departments both as a student, and as an Alumni. These include assisting the School of Health and Wellness in their research into implementing virtual reality technology for their nursing clinical simulations, as well as the School of Education in their study on the effects of the Child Literacy Program held at Red Deer Polytechnic over the summer. Outside of his professional life, he is laboriously studying for the MCAT exam for admission into Medical School, with hopes of becoming a psychiatrist, and is also undertaking the ultimate preparations for becoming a first-time father in July.

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Your Brain on Gong: Sound Meditation and Brain Response Presenter Biographies: Yuliana Kim is a student in the Bachelor of Science program majoring in Psychology at Red Deer Polytechnic. Her academic interests focus on evidence-based approaches to injury recovery, pain management, and emerging medical technologies. Through this project, Yuliana gained valuable research experience and developed a deeper appreciation for the role of scientific inquiry in advancing clinical practice. She is eager to continue building her research skills by participating in future interdisciplinary projects.

With a background in hands-on clinical care, Yuliana brings a practical, patient-centered perspective to her academic work. She plans to pursue further research opportunities as she works toward a healthcare career, with long-term goals of becoming a physiatrist and contributing to evidence-based clinical practice.

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Impact on Older Adults of the Holistic Wellness Program “Move Your Mood” Presenter Name: Jalynn Chilibeck Research Team: Dr. Greg Wells (School of Arts and Education), Jalynn Chilibeck (Student)

Presentation Description: The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the new program, Move Your Mood for Older Adults.

Previous studies have looked at the impacts of the other Move Your Mood programs, this will help fill in the research and literature surrounding Move Your mood. In the first phase, we will be looking at participant perceptions of the impacts of the program through qualitative data collection. In the second phase, we will use quantitative measures to look at the impacts of the program in regards to participant loneliness, social connectedness, thriving, and self-efficacy.

This research will provide both qualitative and quantitative data to support the function and growth of the MYM program in the future, giving insights to the tangible benefits as well as the perceived benefits for participants. This study hopes to provide information that supports the continuation of this program as a method of promoting and supporting holistic well-being in older adults in our community and throughout Central Alberta.

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Impact on Older Adults of the Holistic Wellness Program “Move Your Mood” Presenter Biography: Jalynn Chilibeck is a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy, currently working alongside Dr. Greg Wells to complete an Independent Research project looking into the impacts of the Central Alberta "Move Your Mood" program for older adults. She is interested in learning about the physical and social impacts of aging and how loneliness can impact well-being.

Jalynn is also a part of the Canadian Ski Patrol and enjoys reading historical novels when she can find the time.

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Teaching, Learning and Assessment in a Changing World |Room 2920 | 7:35 - 8:45 pm

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Experiences of Nursing Students Using Generative Artificial Intelligence at Red Deer Polytechnic Presenter Names: Ashley Maksymiw, Austyn Womacks-Unger Research Team: Raigne Symes (School of Health & Wellness), Daphne Kennedy (School of Health & Wellness), Dr. Brenda Query (School of Health & Wellness), Atiya Pira (Student), Ashley Maksymiw (Student), Rachel Young (Student), Stephanie Jacobi (Student), Ashley Maksymiw (Student), Austyn Womacks-Unger (Student)

Presentation Description: Nurse educators need solid, evidence-based understanding of how students are using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI). This knowledge is essential both for supporting student learning and for maintaining strong academic integrity standards. At our institution—similar to trends seen elsewhere—students are using GAI widely across their courses for writing help and studying. Yet, because there are no formal institutional guidelines on GAI use, there is a real risk to academic integrity and potentially to future clinical practice. Understanding how students use GAI is an important first step in creating safe, ethical, and evidence-based guidelines for its use. Our study explored nursing students’ experiences with GAI as an educational support tool at Red Deer Polytechnic.

We used an exploratory cross-sectional survey to examine GAI use among students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Practical Nurse (PN), and Licensed Practical Nurse to BScN Transition (LPN to BScN) programs. It is anticipated that this information will also be useful to nurse educators in identifying strategies to support student success.

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Experiences of Nursing Students Using Generative Artificial Intelligence at Red Deer Polytechnic Presenter Biographies: Ashely Maksymiw has completed her BScN at Red Deer Polytechnic and recently completed her RN license. She is currently working in Red Deer Regional Hospital in the emergency department and in rural acute care settings. She works with Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference evaluating players and coaching staff performance. She is excited about how AI is currently being implemented in the emergency department to support best practice.

Austyn Womacks-Unger is a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Red Deer Polytechnic. She participated in this research as part of her nursing leadership field work course. Austyn is interested in pursuing a career as a labor and delivery nurse after their graduation in June 2026. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys exploring outside with her puppy.

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Improving SCIE 2101 Through Assessment of Student Mastery of Course Learning Outcomes Presenter Name: Dr. Kristy Erickson Research Team: Dr. Kristy Erickson (School of Trades and Technology)

Presentation Description: This currently in-progress Scholarship of Teaching and Learning based research aims to gather quantitative and qualitative data, from voluntary questionnaires, on science students’ perceptions on their mastery of the Course Learning Outcomes in a relatively new course required for RDP's BSc in Biological Sciences degree. From the gathered data, the researcher intends to improve the course content and course delivery methods by: 1) discovering what backgrounds the students have prior to taking the course, and 2) exploring what the students think they have learned because of taking the course.

Presenter Biography: Kristy M. Erickson, a Chemistry Instructor at RDP since 2012, has an MSc and PhD in high temperature and pressure thermodynamics and equilibrium. Since becoming an RDP instructor, her scholarship focus has shifted to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, focusing on pedagogical practices and curriculum in her classrooms.

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Addressing Low Perceived Competence and Utility Value to Reduce Statistics Anxiety and Improve Learning Achievement Presenter Name: Laura Arnusch Research Team: Dr. Stephen Brown (School of Arts and Education), Dr. Hannah Brazeau (School of Arts and Education), Dr. Jones Adjei (School of Arts and Education), Heather Agnew (Division of Student Experience), Sam Darby (School of Arts and Education), Laura Arnusch (Student)

Presentation Description: Statistical knowledge has become an integral component of higher education; however, students regularly display statistics anxiety, which hinders academic performance. Moreover, statistics anxiety decreases confidence in core research skills, makes students embarrassed to ask for help, and reduces engagement and persistence. Foremost, it directly interferes with learning due to shifting focus to worry. This study assesses whether an intervention addressing low utility value of statistics and low perceived competence will improve students’ attitudes toward statistics, reduce anxiety, and improve achievement. It is hypothesized that students in the intervention condition will show improved attitudes and anxiety and will achieve higher midterm grades compared to students in the active control and control groups. This strategy fills a gap in the existing literature as it addresses both low utility value and low perceived competence, whereas most research addresses one or the other. Moreover, very few interventions have been conducted in Canadian institutions, and even fewer have been embedded within mandatory course material. This research has strong practical and theoretical implications. From an instructional standpoint, this intervention is simple, low-cost, and can be embedded within regular course delivery. If effective, it provides a model that instructors can implement every semester without increasing workload.

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Addressing Low Perceived Competence and Utility Value to Reduce Statistics Anxiety and Improve Learning Achievement Presenter Biography: Laura Arnusch is a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Psychology student at Red Deer Polytechnic. She has plans to pursue higher education to become a clinician-scientist in psychiatry. She has various research interests, including investigating the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives; exploring how early identification and treatment of ADHD benefits individuals; examining consciousness and the potential for certain individuals to achieve above-average levels of consciousness through use of neurophysiological techniques; and assessing the ability for diet and supplementation to aid in treatment of mental health disorders.

Her current research focuses on developing an intervention to reduce statistics anxiety and improve learning achievement, with a particular focus on the roles of perceived value of statistics and perceived competence. Laura is very passionate about academics and has a love for psychology, statistics, and research. Outside of academics, she enjoys fitness, the outdoors, and skiing.

Gaming the System: Can a Game of Cards Teach Argument Building, Critical Thinking, and Hidden Curriculum in the Post-Literate Age of A.I.?

Presenter Names: Megan Bylsma, Jen Stange Research Team: Megan Bylsma (School of Arts and Education), Jen Stange (Division of Student Experience)

Presentation Description: If the future dictates that writing should be left to the machines (a horrible idea, probably), humans will still need to be able to critically analyze, think, and communicate. This project was focused on identifying the skills 21st century postsecondary learners are required to have that would, prior to the release of publicly available large language models (LLMs), be expected to be gained from academic writing. Seeking to find less traditional (i.e., unhackable) ways to support students in their mastery of critical thinking, argument building, using sources, and changing perspectives in first year Art History courses via a partnership with RDP’s Writing Skills Tutoring Centre we aimed to create a pedagogical tool. Our underlying premise was: student mastery of critical skills, even without being given writing assignments, allows for the creation of an unhackable human mind. The exploration of demystifying why we write, how we communicate, and what makes a good argument and utilizing those skills in a game seemed a way to meet a growing need in the postsecondary classroom. The creation of a curriculum tool or pedagogical approach to teaching crucial skills in ways that cannot be enhanced or subsumed by Generative A.I. was the ultimate goal.

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Gaming the System: Can a Game of Cards Teach Argument Building, Critical Thinking, and Hidden Curriculum in the Post-Literate Age of A.I.?

Presenter Biographies: Pedagogy, how (and why) people learn, and how to better support the changing classroom is a major area of research that Megan Bylsma keeps returning to. Animation History, Creativity, and Art History - specifically Canadian mid-century Prairie art communities are also her areas of research interest but underpinning each of these is a keen desire to make sure students leave the classroom better equipped to know what to do with the knowledge they uncover in their courses and how to succeed in their educational endeavours. Her research often focuses on embodied and experiential learning in traditionally passive learning subject areas. Her current research project explores ways traditional academic learning assignments have been used in the post-secondary classroom and how that skill acquisition can be applied in experiential ways to address the skill erosion experienced with the onset of Generative A.I in Higher Education.

Jen Stange is the Lead Academic Writing Tutor in Writing Skills Tutoring. Jen’s research interests skew towards the practical, and she has a hands-on, student-focused tutoring philosophy with connection as her primary focus. She is always dreaming up new ways to make it easier and less intimidating for students to get writing help, including The Write Day, writing groups, writing pop-ups, and virtual methods. Her professional interests include ethical and productive uses of AI, diversity, equity and inclusion in the writing centre, and writing anxiety. Jen sits on Red Deer Polytechnic’s AI in Education Working Group and is a member of the Alberta Writing Centres Association.

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