| | | | “In the quiet exchange of data and dreams, we stitch together futures—thread by thread, story by story. Planning becomes the art of hope in motion, and due diligence, the steady heartbeat of trust.” | | Director (Research & Innovation) | | | | | Spoken Word as Data: Echoes of Insight in Research and Innovation | |  | Rooted in a student-first approach, this podcast series began in 2024 as a way to engage the college community. In 2025, it takes a bold step outward, inviting community members to be part of the experience. By weaving together voices from industry and local communities, each episode offers layered narratives that deepen our understanding of collaboration, engagement, and possibility. These conversations celebrate knowledge transfer and insight-sharing as vital elements in our continuum of learning. Learn more, listen in, and sign up to be part of the conversation.
Her Windsor, Our Windsor Dr. Dhillon and Parrish meet "We Build a Dream"
Driven by Legacy: Family, Cars, and the Stories We Pass On Dr. Dhillon and Parrish meet Formula First (Frank, Cristian, and Paolo)
One Voice: A Walk Through College Culture - Stories of Learning, Discovery, and Life Dr. Dhillon and Parrish meet Rich Garton & John Ulakovich
Level Up @ St. Clair: Your Future Starts Here Dr. Dhillon and Parrish meet Natalie, Madison, and Colin | | | | Real-World Projects and Student Experiences | | | | Meeting Overview: Strengthening Academic-Community Collaboration | |  | In a recent online meeting, seven Academic Chairs at St. Clair College, the Senior Vice President of Academic and Career Supports, and the Research & Innovation team met with community partners from Mohawk College, Community-Based Research Canada, Erie Shores HealthCare and Feeding Windsor Essex. The conversation focused on real-world projects as a catalyst for student engagement, human flourishing, and stronger academic-community partnerships. As Sonja Popovski reflected, “It was obvious just how important these Capstone partnerships are. What resonated with me most was seeing how much value they bring to everyone involved. Students gain hands-on experience and the confidence that comes from tackling real challenges, while community partners benefit from fresh ideas and creative solutions to needs, they might not otherwise have the resources to address. For me, it’s about building lasting connections, empowering students to step into their roles as changemakers, and giving our community access to new ways of thinking” . This sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, as participants emphasized the importance of real-world learning experiences, such as capstone projects, in bridging academic programs with community needs. These collaborations not only enrich student learning but also foster innovation and resilience within the broader community. The group also explored opportunities to expand access to developmental resources such as Applied Research 101 (Mohawk Collaboration) and Community-Based Research Canada and discussed the importance of collecting data to inform institutional strategies related to research, engagement, and impact. A data-informed approach will help shape responsive programming and ensure alignment between academic goals and community priorities. Looking ahead: We are excited to host a Winter Session Meet & Greet with the Academic Chairs. If you would like to be part of the next installment and help shape the future of collaborative, data-informed research and learning, please connect with us. | | | | Featured Research Projects | | | | Promoting Literacy from Birth Through Community Collaboration | | Neelu Sehgal from Erie Shores Healthcare and Dr. Gelsea Pizzuto Serra representing St. Clair College at the WE-SPARK grant event on Aug. 27, 2025. (Dr. Gelsea Pizzuto Serra/St. Clair College) | | Dr. Gelsea Pizzuto Serra from St. Clair College’s Research and Innovation department, in partnership with Dr. Munira Sultana of Erie Shores HealthCare, successfully launched a $20,000 WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery grant project aimed at promoting early literacy starting at birth. Implemented at Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington, the initiative provides new parents with curated literacy packages, including age-appropriate books and resources, before discharge, empowering families to begin reading with their newborns immediately. The project also offers hands-on learning opportunities for students in Early Childhood Education, Nursing, and Data Analytics, and was developed in collaboration with Leading Young Learners from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario. This pilot program addresses literacy gaps and health equity in rural communities, laying the groundwork for a scalable model to support early childhood development across Windsor-Essex. | | | | Advancing Inclusive Healthcare Through Collaborative Research | | Naty Ramirez Reyes of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and St. Clair College Nursing faculty member Dr. Linda MacDougall at the WE-SPARK grant event on Aug. 27, 2025. (Linda MacDougall/St. Clair College) | | In a partnership led by the School of Nursing and supported by St. Clair College’s Research and Innovation department, Dr. Linda MacDougall from the Chatham Campus has received a $3,000 WE-SPARK IDEA Grant to pilot an educational initiative focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in healthcare. The project addresses gaps in nursing and PSW curricula related to caring for gender and sexually diverse populations, particularly those identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+. With support from Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and student collaborators, the initiative will introduce guest speakers and reflective learning to enhance cultural competence among domestic and international students. Research and Innovation is proud to support this interdisciplinary effort, helping to execute the grant and foster hands-on student involvement. Together, we are building a model of inclusive education that prepares future healthcare professionals to deliver compassionate, equitable care. See the full story below. | | | | Supporting Mental Health in Research Through National Collaboration | | Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Dr. Isabelle Barrette-Ng and Dr. Stephanie DeFranceschi pose for a photo at the WE-Spark Grant Awards night on Aug. 27, 2025. (WE-Spark) | | St. Clair College’s Research and Innovation department is proud to partner on Program LEAD, a Canada-wide initiative funded by the WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery Grant to support the mental well-being of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in health science research. Led by Dr. Isabelle Barrette-Ng from the University of Windsor and supported by educators and researchers from institutions including Carleton University, UBC, and St. Clair College’s own Dr. Stephanie De Franceschi and Dr. Karamjeet Dhillon, the project explores how professional and lifelong learning can foster resilience, leadership, and community among students and early-career researchers. With support from GreenShield, this interdisciplinary effort reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and building sustainable research cultures. Research and Innovation is proud to contribute to this transformative initiative, helping bridge academic expertise with real-world impact. | | | | | | 'Innovation that listens first': Research and Innovation storytelling - with and for the community | | A photo collage of the Cafe at New Song Church and the pantry, kitchen and office spaces at Feeding Windsor Essex. (Sonja Popovski/ St. Clair College) | | This summer, Research and Innovation deepened its connection with Feeding Windsor-Essex, a grassroots organization led by Rodger Fordham that quietly nourishes over 220,000 people annually. In a modest cafe tucked inside a converted church, Fordham shared how dignity, trust, and proximity shape their work from the Lunch Club meal delivery service to spaces designed for healing and belonging. Through in-person visits and collaborative dialogue, our team witnessed innovation rooted in lived experience. This partnership is now informing a student-led, community-academic pilot model focused on expanding food access, volunteer sustainability, and inclusive recovery spaces. As we move forward, we remain committed to co-creating solutions that reflect real needs and honour the quiet revolutions already underway in our neighbourhoods. | | | | Engineering Technologies student unveils winning design of bike racks leading to Gordie Howe International Bridge | | Jimmy Mugenyi, a Mechanical Engineering Technology student at St. Clair College, poses with bike racks he designed for the Malden Park Trailhead on Sept.19, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College) | | As the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion, its impact is already being felt in Windsor through both large-scale infrastructure and meaningful community partnerships. One such collaboration, led by St. Clair College's Research and Innovation department, invited students to design bike racks for the new Malden park Trailhead. Mechanical Engineering Technology student Jimmy Mugenyi's winning design, inspired by the bridge's towers, now stands proudly at two key locations, offering cyclists a sculptural and functional place to park. This initiative, part of the bridge’s $46 million Community Benefits Plan, highlights how student creativity can shape public spaces and leave a legacy. With nearly 100 community organizations involved, the project exemplifies how education, design, and civic engagement can come together to build something truly special. | | | | WE-Ride for Research: A Community-Driven Story | | Dr. Karamjeet K. Dhillon and Kevin Roy stand out front of St. Clair College's Main Windsor Campus on Aug. 28, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College) | | On September 20, 2025, two members of St. Clair College’s Research and Innovation department, Dr. Karamjeet Dhillon and Program Lead Kevin Roy, successfully completed a 100 km cycling tour around Essex County as part of the inaugural WE-Ride for Research. The event raised funds and awareness for grassroots, student-led research initiatives that respond to real community needs. More than just a ride, it was a celebration of connection, commitment, and the power of community-based research. Supported by the Research and Innovation team, the initiative highlighted how everyday actions, like riding a bike, can help shape the future of innovation. Building on this momentum, WE-Ride for Research will return and expand in Fall 2026, continuing its mission to connect communities and champion local research. | | | | | | Applied Research 101: A Collaborative Learning Experience | | St. Clair College's Research and Innovation team, in partnership with the Centre for Academic Excellence (CAE) and co-developed with Mohawk College, has launched Applied Research 101, a foundational course designed to introduce faculty and staff to the core principles of applied research. Covering topics such as research design, ethics, research security, funding, and community collaboration, the course empowers participants to turn ideas into impactful, real-world projects. This initiative supports a growing culture of innovation across disciplines and strengthens capacity for interdisciplinary research and student engagement. Only a few seats left, click below for more information. | | | | St. Clair College Welcomes Belgian Trade Commissioner of the Wallonia-Brussels Trade (Trade and Investment Office in Toronto) for Strategic Research Exchange | | President Michael Silvaggi, Christophe Van Overstraeten, VP Marc Jones, VP Monica Staley Liang, Dr. Karamjeet Dhillon and John Lopez pose for a picture at St. Clair College on Sept. 3, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College) | | Earlier this September, St. Clair College proudly hosted Mr. Christophe Van Overstraeten, Trade Commissioner of the Wallonia-Brussels Trade (Trade and Investment Office in Toronto), as the first stop on his Windsor-Essex tour. Coordinated through the Consulate of Belgium, the visit marked a meaningful step in strengthening international ties between Ontario and the Belgian regions of Wallonia and Brussels. The Research and Innovation department led the College’s welcome, showcasing applied research initiatives, community-driven innovation, and culturally embedded programming across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and digital transformation. | |  | Dr. Karamjeet Dhillon, Director of Research and Innovation, emphasized the importance of connecting global expertise with local action: “This isn’t just about trade, it’s about sharing wisdom, lived experience, and innovation through our stories, our students, and our research ecosystems.” The visit highlighted St. Clair College’s growing reputation as a portal for Canadian innovation, particularly at the intersection of sports, healthcare, and skilled trades. The exchange opened doors for future collaboration, reinforcing the College’s commitment to global engagement and community-based research. | | | | St. Clair College Research and Innovation & Partners at the SCC Rise Above Conference 2025 | | Sarah Westbury and Dr. Sara Henderson, Friday September 26th at the Rise Above Conference. (Sonja Popovski/St. Clair College) | | The Body as a Knowledge Incubator® is an operational frame where living systems and consciousness converge, defined by the perpetual encoding of motility. As both mechanism and metaphor, the “body” harnesses space-time to transmit knowledge as lived information.
Exploring Embodied Knowledge at the Rise Above Conference On Friday, September 26, St. Clair College’s Rise Above Conference brought together thought leaders and changemakers for a day of transformative dialogue and innovation. Among the featured presentations was The Body as a Knowledge Incubator®, led by Dr. Karamjeet Dhillon, Sarah Westbury, RMT, and Dr. Sara Henderson, ND. This interdisciplinary session explored how the body functions as both a mechanism and metaphor for transmitting lived knowledge, where motility, consciousness, and creativity converge. Drawing from fields such as anthropology, naturopathy, and somatic therapy, the presenters offered a compelling framework for understanding wellness, belonging, and social change through embodied experience. The session sparked deep reflection on how physical literacy and cultural awareness can shape inclusive, community-driven research and education.
Co-Presenters:
Sarah Westbury, RMT, Sarah Westbury, RMT, is a Certified Bodywork and Movement Practitioner with extensive international training in the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland, and Canada. As an independent researcher and presenter, she has specialized in the fascia since 2013, applying its unique sensory capabilities to her clinical work. This holistic method empowers clients to better understand and manage their pain and somatic experience.
Dr. Sara Henderson, ND With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Sara Henderson integrates science and holistic healing to optimize health. Specializing in gastrointestinal, immune, and thyroid issues, as well as women’s health, fertility, and mental wellness, she offers a comprehensive approach to healing. Dr. Henderson holds a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Windsor and a Doctor of Naturopathy from CCNM. Licensed in IV Therapy, she also advises leading natural health product companies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Community Care in Action with Feeding Windsor Essex Rodger Fordham, Executive Director of Feeding Windsor Essex, shared the powerful story behind his grassroots organization’s mission to address food insecurity with dignity and relational care. Fordham’s talk highlighted the transformative impact of community-based service models, including the Lunch Club and the organization’s evolving café space, which supports recovery, connection, and healing. His presentation underscored the importance of proximity, trust, and lived experience in driving meaningful change, resonating deeply with the conference’s theme of rising above challenges through innovation and compassion. | | Rodger Fordham, Friday September 26th at the Rise Above Conference. (Sonja Popovski/St. Clair College) | | Rodger Fordham is the founding Executive Director of Feeding Windsor Essex, a grassroots, community-driven organization that addresses food insecurity through relational and dignified care. With deep roots in Windsor’s food service industry, including years spent working in his family’s restaurant in Iqaluit and at The Penalty Box in Windsor, Rodger brings both culinary expertise and a profound commitment to social justice into his leadership. | | | | $200,000 NSERC Grant Fuels Research Growth at St. Clair College | | St. Clair College's Research and Innovation department has been awarded $200,000 through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)'s Applied Research Tools and Instruments (ARTI) grant. This funding will support the acquisition of advanced research equipment, enhancing the College's capacity for applied research and innovation across disciplines. The grant strengthens opportunities for faculty, students, and industry partners to collaborate on real-world challenges using state-of-the-art tools. Learn more about the ARTI program below. | | | | Research and Innovation Launches Fee-for-Service Program | | Image of New Fee-For-Service platform. (Kevin Roy/St. Clair College) | | St. Clair College’s Research and Innovation department has officially launched its Fee-for-Service Program, offering industry-leading technology, tools, and expertise to internal faculty/staff, students, and external community and industry partners. This initiative supports applied research, prototyping, testing, and innovation across disciplines, making advanced resources more accessible to the local economy. Whether you're looking to rent specialized equipment or explore collaborative research opportunities, the program is designed to bridge academic innovation with real-world application. Browse the full list of available services and equipment below. | | Featured Equipment: Leica BLK2GO Handheld Laser Scanner | | Image of Leica BLK2GO Scanner. (Kevin Roy/St. Clair College) | | The Leica BLK2GO is a portable, handheld laser scanner designed to capture detailed 3D data in real time as you move through an environment. It automatically generates a highly accurate point cloud of a space, making it one of the most efficient solutions for scanning large buildings, facilities, or complex environments quickly. As part of St. Clair College’s Fee-for-Service Program, this cutting-edge tool is available for use by faculty, students, and industry partners, supporting applied research, prototyping, and innovation across disciplines. | | | | | Lead With Kindness Campaign | | St. Clair College, Research & Innovation is delighted to present the Lead with Kindness Campaign. This initiative brings caring individuals, organizations, and researchers together to address community needs and industry challenges. By focusing on tangible outcomes, every contribution and sponsorship helps introduce cutting-edge technologies to our region, strengthens collaboration with local partners, and creates lasting impact.
Join us for hands-on demonstrations at our Mobile Discovery Hub, explore new concepts at the Innovation Station, and support initiatives such as Sponsor a Student and WE-RIDE for Research.
Through these efforts, Lead with Kindness ensures that every act of support fuels meaningful progress, guiding both our community and industries toward a brighter, more innovative future. | | | | | | "My experience working with Research & Innovation at St. Clair College has been incredibly rewarding. Being part of a project that focuses on improving accessibility and supporting learner success has allowed me to apply what I've learned in meaningful ways while developing new skills in research and collaboration. I really value how the college includes student voices in its projects; it’s empowering to know that my perspective can help shape future opportunities for others. This experience has helped me grow both academically and professionally and has given me a deeper understanding of how research can drive real change for students.” | | | | | | Book a Tour or Consultation!
Discover the possibilities with a tour or consultation.
| | | | | | | | Contact Us! For inquiries please visit our Contact Us Page:
| | | | | | | | | That's all for Fall!! Stay tuned for our next newsletter !!! | | | | | | | |
