Research with Reach

Research with Reach is a video series that showcases the work of Athabasca University (AU) researchers and graduate students who are tackling some of the world’s biggest problems.

From advances in education and technology to climate change to health care to sustainable business, AU researchers are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and discovery. Their work maximizes the university’s contribution to, and impact on, communities near and far

Knowledge and discovery at Athabasca University

The research challenges we are facing today are not defined by borders. That means our solutions can’t be either. Athabasca University is open in everything we do. With researchers located across Alberta and Canada, we are the ideal partner to co-create salutation to local problems of global significance. Through innovative, digital-first research, we are tackling some of the biggest challenges in our world and developing solutions for a healthier future.

Athabasca University

IDEA Lab redefines research through cloud technology

IDEA Lab isn’t a traditional university research lab because it isn’t a physical space. It represents a new way of doing research virtually using cloud computing and a first-in-Canada partnership between Athabasca University, Amazon Web Services, and RONIN. With IDEA Lab, AU researchers can investigate big problems with even bigger datasets to propel discovery and deliver results.

Dr. Andrew Perrin, Dr. Lorraine Thirsk

Harnessing technology to advance and enhance learning

Video games, AI and phone apps are all great tools to help people learn, and to make learning accessible to more people. At AU, Canada’s open university, expert researchers are exploring how to use technology to enhance and encourage learning, how humans interact with technology, and the limits and ethical considerations that come into play.

Dr. Vivekanandan Kumar, Dr. Levina Yuen and Dr. Jon Dron

Protecting food, water, and ecosystems through research and technology

Sustainability is about finding ways to meet our needs for today and for the the future. For Indigenous communities in northern Alberta, it’s about protecting water and food sources that are under threat from industry so that future generations can practice traditional ways of living. It’s about understanding how environments and systems work, interact, and respond to emerging threats such as climate change. It’s about developing new technologies that can solve environmental problems at the local, regional, and global scale.

Dr. Janelle Baker, Dr. Shawn Lewenza, Dr. Scott Ketcheson

Discovering a flexible graduate experience

What does graduate student research look like at an online university? Like a rich and rewarding experience, say graduate researchers at AU, Canada’s open university. They work in the field and online, seeking answers to important questions in nursing, teaching, business, science and more.

Dr. Aga Palalas

Designing sustainable businesses and cities through research

Sustainability is about finding ways to meet our needs for today and for the the future. It’s about ensuring that businesses look beyond profit and consider their role and obligations to the communities in which they operate and serve. It’s about designing communities and gathering spaces that serve the needs of today and tomorrow.

Dr. Eduardo Ordonez Ponce, Dr. Henry Tsang

Is climate change hurting teen mental health?

Ground-breaking research lead by Dr. Gina Martin explores the impact of climate change on the mental health of Canadian teens. As the climate changes, there will be widespread environmental, and social impact from rising temperatures to extreme weather events. Youth are particularly vulnerable to these effects and require supports that are meaningful to them.

Dr. Gina Martin

How archaeology can reveal missing voices in Alberta’s history

History is selective in what is passed down orally and through documentary evidence. Dr. Meaghan Peuramaki-Brown is uncovering history's missing voices, including those of Indigenous people, women, and children. Discover how archaeology plays an important role in providing a critical lens into the past so that our histories don’t just stay hidden but can be used to help inform our futures.

Dr. Meaghan Peuramaki-Brown

Designing smart cities

Smart cities are powered by digital technologies. But, as Dr. Anshuman Khare’s research has proven, it is the enabling power of technology that is really making a difference in people’s lives through the promotion of good governance, growing the local economy, and providing services to citizens in a timely, reliable and cost-effective manner.

Dr. Anshuman Khare

How microbes can help us protect the environment

Microbes are powerful but unappreciated allies in our efforts to clean up the environment and fight disease, says Dr. Srijak Bhatnagar. In addition to their typical diet, microbes can also consume things that are harmful to humans and our environment. Not only do they eventually help clean up, they can also warn scientists that there is a contaminant in the environment.

Dr. Srijak Bhatnagar

Technology enables education for all

The use of technologies in online and distance education is key to making education accessible to all in the future. While many people around the word don’t have access to computers, they do have mobile devices, which can be a powerful tool for learning. Dr. Mohamed Ally studies the enabling potential of emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, on the learner experience.

Dr. Mohamed Ally

Season 4

Exploring teen food choices and nutrition in rural Alberta

Food has a huge impact on nutrition and health, and what we choose to eat is heavily influenced by our food environments—where we live, but also social, economic, and political factors that affect eating choices. Dr. Alexa Ferdinands is working with teens in Drayton Valley, Alta., to understand their food choices and eating habits in a rural oil-and-gas town.

Dr. Alexa Ferdinands

Solving nursing shortage critical to Canada’s health-care crisis

A worldwide shortage of nurses has resulted in a surge of nursing positions in Canada going unfilled. This puts a heavy strain on health-care systems in Canada. Dr. Venise Bryan is researching the experiences of nurses and health-care workers as they advance their careers and expand their skills. The results could help improve nursing education and mentorship.

Dr. Venise Bryan

Exploring Canada’s affordable housing crisis

The spotlight on Canada's affordable housing crisis intensifies as rent hikes, dwindling rental units, and urban encampments grab public attention. Dr. Katie MacDonald’s research focuses on the experiences of people working in the affordable housing sector. She also explains why a shift in thinking is needed to ensure housing is a human right.

Dr. Katie MacDonald

Updated November 01, 2024 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)

Research with Reach

Knowledge and discovery at Athabasca University

Changes needed to build public trust in police

Assessing pain in frail elderly with dementia

Impact of sexual violation on Indigenous women

Impact of the pandemic on transgender mental health

IDEA Lab redefines research through cloud technology

Harnessing technology to advance and enhance learning

Protecting food, water, and ecosystems through research and technology

Discovering a flexible graduate experience

Designing sustainable businesses and cities through research

Is climate change hurting teen mental health?

How archaeology can reveal missing voices in Alberta’s history

Designing smart cities

How microbes can help us protect the environment

Technology enables education for all

Season 4

Exploring teen food choices and nutrition in rural Alberta

Solving nursing shortage critical to Canada’s health-care crisis

Exploring Canada’s affordable housing crisis

Research with Reach

Knowledge and discovery at Athabasca University

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Exploring teen food choices and nutrition in rural Alberta

Solving nursing shortage critical to Canada’s health-care crisis

Exploring Canada’s affordable housing crisis