Digital Research Initiative
The Digital Research Initiative is comprised of an inclusive group of forward-thinking individuals that seek to inspire innovation by leveraging technology and data resources to connect students, faculty and employees with communities through partnerships with internal and external members.
Discover the power of collaboration. Learn more about working with us today!
Goals of the initiative
The objective of the Digital Research Initiative is to provide students with extraordinary experiences by creating work-integrated learning and research opportunities that promote meaningful social and economic benefits to our communities.
The initiative integrates into the academic curriculum through capstone and technical projects, enabling students to engage in diverse applied research, including industry-led projects guided by Georgian faculty and staff.
This initiative creates a community of inquiry around digital technology. It provides opportunities for members to connect, share and exchange ideas and resources.
About the initiative
The Digital Research Initiative establishes a community of interest around digital technology, with a focus on solving real-world challenges while simultaneously supporting and enriching our community. We offer subject matter expertise, project management and resources to help scope, design and create your proof-of-concept digital solution.
The initiative is sponsored by the Design and Visual Arts and Computer Studies portfolios, and supported by the Research and Innovation department at Georgian. Faculty and employees within this portfolio also work in conjunction with other academic areas across the college.
Digital research projects
Connecting Students and Industry
Digital research projects offer students exceptional learning experiences, allowing them to tackle real-world challenges by combining their expertise and creativity to solve complex problems. Often serving as capstone projects, they allow students to showcase their skills while delivering meaningful solutions to industry needs.
Students gain hands-on experience, enhance their resumes, and build professional networks, while industry partners benefit from fresh perspectives, actionable solutions, and the opportunity to collaborate with emerging talent. These projects create a dynamic bridge between academia and industry, driving innovation and mutual growth.
How our student teams can support your business needs:
Our dedicated student teams bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions to a variety of areas, including:
- 3D Models and Simulation; Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data Analytics
- Market Research
- Mobile Applications
- Web and Software Development
Note about intellectual property (IP): All IP generated during the course of the project will remain the sole property of the community partner.
Research process
Projects align with the academic calendar, starting in September, January, or May, and typically span one to two semesters (four to eight months). For more complex challenges, additional phases enable extended collaboration and deeper exploration. A key feature of these projects is their multidisciplinary approach, which fosters innovative thinking and practical problem-solving.
Prior to starting
- Non-disclosure agreement signed
- Signed collaboration agreement
- Kick-off meeting
- Requirement gathering
During the project
- Weekly/biweekly progress meetings
- Feedback during the project
- Access to our shared communication tools
- Meeting minutes
After the project
- Hand over the deliverables
- Knowledge transfer sessions
- Future relationship building
- Opportunity to start a new project phase
Interested in working with us?
Fill out our online form and tell us about your project. We will respond within a few business days to outline the next steps.
Featured projects
Through the digital research initiatives, we aim to highlight and recognize the incredible success stories of students from various academic disciplines. This is a moment to celebrate their commitment and resilience in creating an unrivaled student experience.
Collaborators
Digital research club
The Digital Research Club was founded by the Big Data Analytics Department (BDAT) and the Research Analyst Program (RAPP) to support student learning through group-based study. The club encourages students to connect and collaborate, creating a shared environment that promotes academic achievement and deeper understanding through the exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Our mission is to foster a collaborative learning community. The club promotes student networking and peer engagement, creating a supportive space where members can exchange insights and experiences, enhancing both personal growth and academic achievement.
- Provides opportunities for students to share knowledge and learn from one another’s expertise in a variety of research fields.
- Organizes workshops, guest speaker sessions, and training that focus on emerging digital and data-driven technologies.
- Enables students to work together on research projects, applying classroom concepts to real-world challenges.
- Builds a network of students and faculty for ongoing academic support and professional connections.
- Offers resources and mentorship that help students excel in their studies and prepare for future careers.
Join the Club and Stay Connected!
Click the link below to register with our club and explore our LinkedIn page under “Contact us.”
As founder of the club, I believe that the best way to predict the future is to invent it. We have the power to shape our future. Let us come together to create a brighter tomorrow by supporting each other’s academic success and personal growth through group learning, sharing knowledge, and forming connections that extend beyond the club and College.
David Emeka Okeke, Former President
Events
As part of our digital research community, we host a number of public events to disseminate knowledge and form communities of interest around particular topics.
For more information about the events, contact us at digitalresearch@georgiancollege.ca
| Hosted on | Event Name | Hosted by | About this event |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 5, 2024 | DRC Guest Speaker – Introduction to Ontario Public Service | Ben Shannon | Mr. Shannon, Sr. Manager of Emergency Management Intelligence and Data at Emergency Management Ontario, shared invaluable insights into his experiences within the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and provided a detailed overview of the pathways available for those interested in joining the OPS. |
| November 27, 2024 | CS Speaker Series – Web Accessibility 101 | Sarah Lochhead | We explored what accessibility means, why it is essential for everyone engaging with digital content, and how to address common challenges through real-world examples. Participants learned about tools for identifying and resolving accessibility issues and received valuable resources to support their ongoing efforts in creating inclusive digital experiences. |
| November 18, 2024 | DRC Guest Speaker – Get that Dream Job – Career strategies | Richard Rinaldo | An event focused on career application strategies, including resume formatting, cover letter structure, and a Q&A session. Led by Richard Acton Rinaldo, the session emphasized the importance of applying effective job market strategies. Richard shared his expertise in market research, survey design, and customer insights to help attendees develop data-driven solutions for career success. |
| November 12, 2024 | Guest Speaker – Artificial Intelligence & Art | Anton (Tony) Pickard | The event featured a presentation by Anton (Tony) Pickard, who shared his expertise and perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the artistic community. The discussion provided valuable insights for AIDI students, highlighting how AI can drive innovation within the creative sector while also addressing the challenges and issues associated with its integration. |
| November 8, 2024 | Guest Speaker – Artificial Intelligence & Cyber Security | Rob Stewart | Robert D. Stewart from White Tuque delivered an insightful session on cybersecurity, highlighting its applications in AI and information security (Infosec). The talk provided Georgian College’s AIDI students with valuable knowledge and perspectives on these critical topics |
| November 1, 2024 | Guest Speaker – Artificial Intelligence & Small Business | Chris Adams | Chris Adams from Adams Hamilton discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in small businesses, focusing on how AI can enhance operations, drive innovation, and address challenges unique to small enterprises. |
Digital research team
Our team is comprised of a passionate group of individuals that are working to support student learning and our community partners.
Ross Bigelow
Ross Bigelow is the co-ordinator of the Artificial Intelligence – Architecture, Design, and Implementation program at Georgian, as well as the Lakehead-Georgian Computer Science Partnership program. With a passion for building connected solutions, Ross’ research spans multiple disciplines including smart manufacturing and digital health care.
Jessica Gilfillan
Jessica Gilfillan is the co-ordinator of the Mobile Application Development program at Georgian. With a passion for design, user experience, and making technology accessible, Jessica is dedicated to empowering students to create innovative and user-friendly applications.
Dr. Richard Rinaldo
Richard Rinaldo is the co-ordinator of the Big Data Analytics and Research Analyst programs at Georgian. With a passion for community and social services, Richard leverages his background in market research, survey design and customer insight to create data-driven solutions.
Brunilda Xhaferllari
Brunilda Xhaferllari is the project analyst in the Research and Innovation department at Georgian. She specializes in liaising with industry partners and working with project teams to identify the scope, plan and execution of industry projects. Her dedication to fostering innovation positions her as a driving force in research and innovation initiatives.
Digital research initiative FAQs
To register, complete our collaboration request form with details about your project. We’ll review your submission and contact you within a few business days.
Collaborators gain access to innovative solutions to their problem statements developed by students, subject matter expertise, and potential opportunities for ongoing partnerships, all while contributing to meaningful social and economic impacts in the community.
You can collaborate on a variety of projects, including those focused on data analytics, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, market research, and more, tailored to address specific challenges your organization faces.
At the end of each project, deliverables such as reports, prototypes, or dashboards are handed over during knowledge transfer sessions, ensuring you receive valuable insights and results.
You can engage in multiple projects during a single cohort, but the number may depend on project complexity and resource availability. We recommend discussing your needs during the collaboration process.
A cohort refers to a specific group of students working together on projects within a designated time frame, usually aligned with the academic calendar (e.g., September, January, May).
Collaboration is typically funded through academic partnerships. Specific project-related costs may be discussed during the collaboration process, depending on the scope and resources required.
The MRP features include professional supervision, motivated project teams, compliance with regulations, a commitment to ethics and integrity, access to resources, and integration with other Georgian College programs and expertise.
You can register by clicking on this registration link or by reaching out to our club leadership through our website or LinkedIn page.
Members enjoy networking opportunities, skill-sharing sessions, access to resources, and a supportive community that fosters collaboration and enhances academic success.
Student Members can contribute by volunteering in events, leading discussions during skill-sharing sessions, or sharing their expertise on specific topics relevant to digital research.
Industry partners can contribute by serving as guest speakers at our events, sharing expertise and insights that bridge academic learning with real-world practices. Through mentorship, panel discussions, and workshops, they inspire students and foster connections between academia and industry. This collaboration enriches our community and shapes future talent.
You can stay informed by following us on LinkedIn for updates on events, project opportunities, and insights from our research community.