In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I am joined by Jamie McInnis and Teresa Bent to discuss their roles and the exciting innovation and work happening in the Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub at SAIT, the Southern Institute of Technology, in Calgary, Alberta. 

Jamie McInnis, the Director of the ARIS Hub at SAIT, has 20 years experience managing and leading research teams in an entrepreneurial, post-secondary environment. She demonstrates excellence in overseeing stakeholder relations between government, industry, Indigenous and post-secondary partners to facilitate the strategic execution and management of fundamental and applied industry-driven research projects in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services is a driving force behind Alberta’s cutting-edge research landscape. The 77,000 square foot state-of-the-art research labs and facilities are fueled by a dynamic team of 80+ research experts dedicated to providing services and solutions to organizations. 

Teresa Bent, a past SAIT grad and business owner, has an extensive 34 year background in the field of education. Along with her classroom experience, she was an educational leader and coach in Literacy education, English language learning and Inclusive education. After receiving her Masters in 21st Century Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary she went on to teach at Werklund School of Education. Her other leadership experiences include 25 years both locally and nationally with a non-profit organization. Currently, she is excited to be one of two Academic Engagement Facilitators with the ARIS Hub at SAIT helping to build relationships among the research centers and academic schools and working to create a framework for student engagement in applied research.

Listen in as we talk about:

03:48 Jamie and Teresa’s stories

06:25 What is the ARIS Hub?

07:18 Applied research in the ARIS Hub

08:47 Applied research vs. fundamental research

10:50 Student engagement in applied research

18:37 Creating a framework for student engagement

23:48 The importance of mentorship

25:40 Lessons learned from student engagement

28:30 Collaborative growth in student engagement

30:48 Jamie and Teresa’s words of wisdom

Learn more about SAIT and the ARIS Hub:

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• Websites:
  
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  • SAIT: https://www.sait.ca/
    
  • ARIS: https://www.sait.ca/research-and-innovation-services
    
  
  
  
• LinkedIn:
  
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  • SAIT
    
  • ARIS
    
  
  
  
• Instagram: @sait
  
• Facebook: @sait
  

Connect with Tiana:

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• Website: https://tianafech.com
  
• LinkedIn: Tiana Fech
  
• Instagram: @tianafech 
  
• Facebook: @tianafech 
  
• Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course 
  

Jamie describes the ARIS Hub at SAIT, as a dynamic applied research center that tackles real-world challenges across four key areas: green building, materials and manufacturing, drone technology, and clean energy solutions. Rather than focusing on fundamental research, the hub is all about creating novel, industry-driven solutions with quick turnaround times. They even engage in social innovation projects, like ensuring medical supplies reach remote communities. By addressing pressing needs and pushing the envelope on sustainability, the ARIS hub is paving the way for a greener and more efficient future. At the ARIS Hub, practical innovation transforms challenges into sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.

Jamie highlights the distinct yet complementary missions of fundamental research at universities and the applied focus at SAIT. While universities thrive on the curiosity-driven exploration of complex topics, SAIT takes that foundational knowledge and channels it into practical solutions for current industry and community challenges. By collaborating closely with partners to identify pressing issues – what’s keeping them up at night – SAIT is able to deliver rapid results through shorter research timelines, often culminating in pilot-tested, commercialized products. This hands-on approach not only solves immediate problems but also equips participants with the skills they need to thrive in their roles, fostering a workforce that is ready to innovate and adapt. Curiosity fuels discovery, but collaboration turns knowledge into impactful solutions.

“It’s not students OR research. It’s students AND research.” ~ Jamie McInnis

Student engagement plays a vital role in applied research in the ARIS Hub at SAIT. Teresa emphasizes the importance of connecting academic learning with real-world projects, allowing students to take part in capstone projects, practicums, and hands-on experiences that enhance their education. Jamie stresses that active participation by students not only enriches the research process but also invites diverse perspectives and creativity, leading to more innovative solutions. By bridging classroom knowledge with industry practice, students are encouraged to envision broader career possibilities, from entrepreneurship to scientific research, ultimately creating a dynamic feedback loop that benefits everyone involved. Engaging students in real-world research opens doors to creativity, innovation, and a world of opportunities.

It has been an exciting and insightful journey developing a comprehensive framework for student engagement in applied research at SAIT. Jamie highlights the importance of creating meaningful experiences for students, moving beyond simple tasks like “washing beakers.” The aim is to ensure that every student, regardless of their entry point, understands how their contributions fit into the larger picture of research and education. Teresa recounts our exciting process of collaborating with various stakeholders, fueled by countless coffee-fueled conversations, to design a framework that encompasses diverse opportunities for student involvement. Ultimately, at the heart of all of our efforts lies the value of relationships and mentorship, which enrich the students’ research experiences. A well-structured framework transforms student involvement into meaningful, enriching experiences through collaboration and mentorship.

“Mentorship is a reciprocal relationship. Everyone is contributing to everyone’s experience and it can be powerful and life altering.” ~ Teresa Bent

Teresa emphasizes the significance of mentorship and relationships in engaging students in applied research. She challenges the common perception that mentorship is solely a one-way street, highlighting its reciprocal nature where both mentors and mentees learn and grow together. This mutual exchange can be transformative, creating powerful, life-altering experiences for all involved. Recognizing the need for effective mentorship, Teresa discusses the importance of a commitment to developing structured training programs for mentors to enhance their skills and ensure that the knowledge and support can be passed down. By fostering a culture of mentorship that replicates itself, the aim is to enrich student experiences and expand the capabilities within each research center. Effective mentorship thrives on mutual growth, creating enriching experiences that benefit both students and mentors alike.

A key takeaway about student engagement in applied research: it must be meaningful from the student’s perspective. Jamie emphasizes that instead of imposing experiences on students, the focus should be on understanding their interests and needs, making the framework truly student-centered. Both Teresa and Jamie stress the importance of mentorship as a sustainable cycle of learning and teaching, where each participant enriches the experience of others. They also note that investing time in planning and intentional mentorship is crucial for successful student involvement. The ARIS Hub Student Engagement Framework is a living document, open to feedback and continuous improvement, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing student engagement at the ARIS Hub. Meaningful student engagement thrives when students are at the center, fostering a culture of mutual learning and growth.

When it comes to enhancing student engagement in applied research, Jamie encourages institutions to avoid reinventing the wheel and to tap into existing expertise, suggesting a casual coffee chat to share insights and experiences. Teresa adds that while it’s essential to learn from others, each institution must take the time to understand its unique community and stakeholders, ensuring that any framework developed is tailored to their specific needs. It is important to ensure that existing ideas fit the local context rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution. Embrace collaboration and community understanding to create tailored, impactful student engagement strategies.

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Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.