The following sections shine a spotlight on the highlights of Research & Innovation’s 23rd year, both as a division, and through the accomplishments of each of our Innovation Centres, and our Academic partners at Niagara College.
NC leads in college research support
"The expansion of our research and innovation capabilities has been a priority for the College, and this announcement is a testament to the important work of our Research & Innovation team to provide real-world solutions for industry and the community through applied research."
– Sean Kennedy, President, Niagara College
For the eighth year in a row, Niagara College (NC) ranked among the top 10 colleges in the country for research funding, according to a special report released on January 25. Niagara College earned the No. 2 spot in Canada as a top research college, and the No. 1 spot in Ontario. Since Research Infosource Inc. first published its Top 50 Research Colleges report in 2013, NC has been in the top 15 consistently.
NC also moved up one place from last year’s standing to the No. 1 spot, in the category of completed research projects, with a total of 228, while NC’s total number of research partnerships was 190.
Read more about this exciting accomplishment and it's impact on industry and our college community.
From initial market research to commercialization strategies, the Business & Commercialization Innovation Centre (BCIC) offers a full suite of solutions to make businesses more successful.
The team pairs industry partners with highly qualified and experienced staff researchers, faculty, recent graduates and students with the expertise to meet applied research and innovation needs in many areas, including market research, business strategies, primary research, media execution, promotional plans, and brand development.
“Working in research allows me to embrace a variety of industries and get to know the different nuances of each market. I think that's amazing!”
When looking for their next ‘life project’ last year, Ana Dias and family initially thought they would build a new house in their home country of Brazil.
Instead, during her time at NC, Ana spent her time analyzing and reporting on the business needs of small- and medium-sized Canadian enterprises as a Research Assistant with Research & Innovation’s Business & Commercialization Innovation Centre.
How did this leap come about? A happenstance conversation from a fellow Brazilian who told her she should look at education opportunities at NC.
The Food & Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) team offers a full suite of services to support industry innovation and commercialization of new products and processes.
From new recipe and concept development to shelf-life testing, prototyping, and small batch processing, the FBIC pairs industry partners with our highly qualified and experienced staff, faculty, recent graduates and students with the right expertise and equipment to meet their needs.
“One thing I love about Research & Innovation is there just seems to be a lot of growth in this field. People said (when I applied for this job), there’s a lot of potential there, a lot of growth.They recommended I do it.”
Brad Barta knows his job title of Pilot Plant Production Specialist doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. It’s a long title for a big job that’s made up of many small moving and mighty parts.
The one-line plot summary is that Barta manages the small-batch production of beverages and liquid food products at NC’s Food & Beverage Innovation Centre, for companies to test those items with consumers or ramp up to industrial-scale production.
Read on to learn more about Brad’s position and the newly HACCP-certified Beverage Processing Pilot Plant.
Niagara College’s Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) specializes in performing growth trials with horticultural crops that evaluate innovations and improvements.
HESIC's expertise includes assessing technologies, production practices, packaging, media and pots, pest and disease control approaches, an extensive experience in innovations that are close to commercialization and much more.
“It’s kind of cool because you get your foot in the door and say, ‘I’m here, I’m available’ and you give yourself that opportunity to move up by putting that initiative forward when you’re a student and it pays off in the long run. Your experience at NC is what you make of it.”
The “average” day simply doesn’t exist for Laurie Zuber, and that’s exactly how she likes it.
Laurie is the Horticulture Technologist for the Commercial Cannabis Production (CCP) program and a part-time faculty member in the School of Environment and Horticulture. She thrives in fast-paced environment and loves working on industry cutting-edge projects alongside her colleagues and the students at NC. She’s the go-to person behind the scenes of the Cannabunker. Another part of Laurie’s job that she enjoys is the close connection to the cannabis industry and the opportunities to represent NC at trade shows and events.
Read more about Laurie’s journey from being a student in the inaugural CCP program to becoming a valued member of the NC team.
Niagara College's Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) team specializes in engineering design, 3D technologies, lean manufacturing processes and additive manufacturing.
WAMIC works with Southern Ontario businesses to bring ideas to life – from quick turn-around services to full-scale projects – utilizing leading-edge technology, including equipment and software.
“Everyone I’ve come across, whether it be on the academic side or with the WAMIC team, enjoys wanting to build a personal relationship with you and wants you to succeed.”
Ambition is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as having a desire to achieve a particular goal or to be successful.
That definition fit Cameron Sheppard’s mindset perfectly, and it’s exactly his ambition and go-getter attitude that landed him his position as Research Assistant, Mechanical Design with the WAMIC team.
Read on to learn about Cam’s journey and how his ambition helped land Cam a dream co-op with WAMIC during his time as an NC student.
APRIL 2022
- NSERC funding of $4.43-million investment supported three major sectors (advanced manufacturing, cannabis, craft breweries)
MAY 2022
- AETIC renamed to HESIC: Innovation Centre re-name reflects emphasis on horticultural science
- SONAMI received $2M boost for applied research
JUNE 2022
JULY 2022
AUGUST 2022
- R&I reports a record amount of faculty and researchers (18% increase)
SEPTEMBER 2022
- Report: R&I partners doubled in 2021-22
- David DiPietro returned to Research & Innovation as Manager of Business Development
OCTOBER 2022
- NC received $3.25-million investment of federal funding to support businesses and students in the region
NOVEMBER 2022
- Business & Commercialization Solutions became BCIC, a new official Innovation Centre for R&I
DECEMBER 2022
- Canadian Food & Wine Institute Innovation Centre renamed to Food & Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC)
JANUARY 2023
- Early collaboration on GTN-funded projects with International Zeolite resulted in announcement of MOU formalizing magic partnership with HESIC
FEBRUARY 2023
- A familiar face: Neil Wilkinson rejoined WAMIC as Research Program Manager
MARCH 2023
- NC-led GTN completed record 36 greenhouse-related technology projects
- HESIC & SoilOptix® success story video released highlighting their global reach thanks in part to collaboration with NC research team. Watch below:
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS WE INTERACT WITH
Research & Innovation works with our Academic Partners throughout the year, as students are hired on co-op to work on specific funded projects; as faculty partner with R&I, as research experts to lead funded projects; and as R&I supports faculty’s implementation of course-based projects.
Course-based projects are part of a strategy implemented by Niagara College Faculty and Research & Innovation that augments content from the classroom with real-life projects and scenarios. These types of projects typically take place during one course term, and involve students working with an industry partner to solve real-world challenges.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
“My time working with Research & Innovation definitely helped me bring lab skills to my real-world brewery career. It was valuable to be able to tell employers that I’ve helped work on bringing a new product to market at my time with R&I.”
– Ian Evans, Brewmaster and Brewery Operations graduate
Through applied research activities, NC’s Research & Innovation division is preparing the workforce with the right know-how by providing an array of researcher expertise, supported by leading-edge facilities, technology and equipment.
See how graduates and R&I alumni are applying their skills and knowledge in the real world.
The power of NC-led networks
Niagara College leads two multi-institution networks, Greenhouse Technology Network and the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation, capable of addressing industry challenges in technologies related to greenhouse operations, and in advanced manufacturing.
Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN): 🔗greenhousetechnetwork.ca
Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI): 🔗sonamiontario.ca
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