Public health at centre of RE/ACTION In-Class Projects Showcase
Posted on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023
The project team from Nutricooks Mobile Application post with Philip Dawe after receiving first place at the RE/ACTION In-Class Projects Showcase.
Learners from the Computer Engineering Technology – Computing Science program earned first place for their project Nutricooks Mobile Application at the RE/ACTION In-Class Projects Showcase, held at the Ottawa Campus on Dec. 5. Available on iOS and Android devices, their application allows users to create and follow a tailored nutritional program based on biometrics, preferences and goals. Users can search for recipes by keyword, view ingredients or nutritional information and watch an instructional video.
Second place went to Mechanic To You, an Android application to bring mechanics to the user’s location. Taking third place was the project Ski Patrol Application, which tracks medical volunteer geolocations to supply adequate support in emergency situations, as well as events, volunteer and inventory information.
Philip Dawe, Director of Applied Research for Experiential Learning & Innovation, opened the showcase by welcoming exhibitors and attendees.
“Algonquin College stands at the forefront of experiential learning and innovation excellence. Across the institution, our exceptional learners and faculty are engaging in a diverse array of projects that span various fields, from technological exploration to business process analysis, and even driving positive social change,” he said.
In addition to innovative applied research, this edition of RE/ACTION had a special focus on public health from the School of Health Studies. Student teams displayed projects on topics ranging from improving health care in Indigenous communities, increasing public awareness on the benefits of influenza immunization, drafting non-stigmatizing terminology in medical and nursing documentation related to substance use health, and creating activities for residents at The Oaks, a managed alcohol program in Ottawa.
Carmen Hust, Chair, Nursing Studies, spoke about the 37 student-led experiential learning projects on display, part of the Community Nursing Practice course.
“Each project is unique in that it is designed to meet the community agency and community members’ needs. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop skills with the social determinants of health, teamwork and communication, inter-disciplinary and professional practice, and understanding health issues and at a community and societal level,” she said.
Announced at the showcase was the opening of the new Research Development Institute (RDI) in Room C107. The RDI was created with the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Mobilize grants to further develop the College’s research know-how and research culture by leveraging the skills of College faculty.
The next RE/ACTION In-Class Projects Showcase will be held in April 2024.