2024

The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) and the Athabasca University Graduate Students’ Association (AUGSA) hosted the first-ever hybrid Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) on October 25 – 27, 2024. Over 110 attendees participated from across Canada, the USA, and as far as Portugal, gathering to engage with research presentations by AU students from diverse fields. Centered around the theme, “Research with Impact,” the conference offered a vibrant platform designed to empower students to address global challenges through research, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Shawn Fraser, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, highlighted how AU students bring unique perspectives, visions, and methodologies to complex research problems.

Presenters addressed critical topics, from healthcare improvements to gender-based violence prevention, showcasing research intended to benefit society. The conference provided students with opportunities to network, refine their research communication skills, and gain valuable insights from faculty and peers alike.

We asked our attendees, “What was your favourite part of the conference?” Here are some of the responses that inspired us:

“Connecting with fellow students and faculty in person!”

“The sense of safety & support. I’ve felt supported by facilitators, attendees & my supervisors.”

“The warmth and compassion shared among participants. The environment is amazing.”

“Experiencing the passion shared by students during presentations.”

“Becoming ‘Reinspired’”

Building Your Research Toolkit

Throughout the conference, speakers and sessions contributed to expanding graduate students research toolkits and research networks beyond what they thought possible. With two panel presentations bringing together accomplished researchers, the conference emphasized on providing the tools, techniques, know-how, and skills to navigate the complexity and opportunities in the research landscape.

Congratulations to the conference abstract winners:

• First Place: Sarah Borsa, Master of Nursing
  "Registered Psychiatric Nurses in British Columbia: Career Intentions and Work Environment"
• Second Place: Josh Flis, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major
  "Evaluation of the Alliance Against Violence and Adversity (AVA) Online Training Program: Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through Academic-Community Collaboration and Training"
• Third Place: David Boyle, Doctor of Business Administration
  "Measuring and Using the Hofstede Dimension Scores of Inuit (Nunavut) Culture"

We would also like to acknowledge the People’s Choice Award recipient, Justin Brokop, Master of Counselling and his abstract titled “Reframing ADHD: Challenging Stigma Through a Strength-Based Approach"

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this conference memorable, especially our student presenters. Your commitment to academic excellence and inspiring efforts to address complex social and environmental challenges through impactful research are invaluable.

We look forward to next year,
2024 GSRC Steering Committee