News Releases

For three students at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), their applied research efforts with Crane Mountain Landfill were anything but wasted.  On February 12, Brent Bustard, Luke Tudor and Gavin Buchanan will share their research project on Parliament Hill as part of a Student Innovation Showcase hosted by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).

The three are Electronics Engineering Technology students at NBCC Saint John Campus and worked with Fundy Regional Service Commission to develop an educational display to teach students about sorting various forms of household waste.

“Participating in the CICan Applied Research Symposium allows us to showcase our work with NBCC and the Crane Mountain Landfill to MPs and the academic community. Plus we also get to see work being done at other colleges across the country,” said Bustard. “Working on this project has already provided invaluable experience and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this opportunity to present on Parliament Hill.”

Diane Burt, NBCC’s Director of Applied Research & Innovation, says applied research projects at the College are important for both students and partners.

“Inspiring innovation in students and staff is part of the NBCC Advantage,” said Burt. “Applied research projects enrich the learning experience for students while helping industry and community partners solve real-world problems.”

The regional service commission wanted an innovative and interactive tool that would be engaging and educational in order to encourage waste sorting practices at home and address environmental issues related to greenhouse gas emissions.

“I have been very impressed with the work the students have created so far and eagerly await the finished product,” said Janine van Winssen, Public Education Coordinator with the Fundy Regional Service Commission. “These students are creating a very unique calling card that could lead to future employment. I can think of a few businesses in our area that could benefit from their new skills.”

In 2016-2017, 149 NBCC students participated in 50 research projects with 28 industry partners. The Student Innovation Showcase will highlight applied research projects from colleges across the country. Canada’s colleges and institutes play an important role in the country’s innovation ecosystem including applied research partnerships with close to 7,000 companies and community organizations.

-30-

BACKGROUNDER ATTACHED

Gavin Buchanan (left) and Brent Bustard, along with classmate Luke Tudor, worked with Fundy Regional Service Commission to develop an educational display to teach students about sorting various forms of household waste.  The three Electronics Engineering Technology students at NBCC Saint John Campus will share their project on Parliament Hill as part of a Student Innovation Showcase hosted by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lRvMF_2hO4

Media Contact:

Heather Allaby, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Telephone: (506) 444-3320 | Heather.Allaby@nbcc.ca