NSCC Student Research Network provides students with paid research opportunities
NSCC student Louise Fear applied her IT skills from the classroom to support research on student homelessness through innovative data representation during multiple internships.
From the Springboard Content Lab
The Student Research Network (SRN) founded by Springboard member Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) has wrapped up an impressive first year of giving NSCC students an opportunity to conduct paid research and connect with community partners through applied research.
Founded by Springboard Industry Engagement Professional Joanne Firth, the SRN was created to make research more accessible to students across the college’s campuses and programs.
In its first year, the initiative has already opened doors for hands-on learning, research and innovation.
By the numbers, SRN’s first year delivered strong results
- $283,800 in total funding provided to students and graduates
- 78 research experiences completed
- 461 students engaged
- 13 NSCC academic programs represented
- 9 research campuses involved — IT, Ivany, Sydney, Lunenburg, COGS, Pictou, Truro, Strait, and E-Campus
- 55 classroom presentations delivered to raise awareness
Founded in August 2024, SRN empowers student researchers to conduct projects with Industry, non-profits, municipalities, hospitals or any entity where student research projects can make a difference.
“I’m excited to share that I’ve secured a position with Detect as one of their field operators! I wouldn’t have found this opportunity without the support of the Network.”
– Victor Opadele, 2nd Year Natural Resources Environmental Technology student, Strait Campus
Meaningful research experiences facilitate:
- Developing skilled researchers: Helping students and graduates become proficient applied researchers.
- Increasing involvement: Growing student participation in applied research projects across the province.
- Promoting equity: Ensuring fair access to applied research experiences for all students.
- Connecting faculty and industry: Facilitating industry connections for student projects and placements.
- Coordinating hiring: Managing the recruitment of research assistants in NSCC Applied Research.
The network ensures that NSCC learners, regardless of campus or program, can take part in applied research that links academic learning with industry and community challenges.
“It’s a new initiative to help train and foster skilled researchers at the college,” said Firth said in a Linkedin post.
Win-win for students and community organizations
By providing both funding and facilitation, the SRN enables students to participate in paid, project-based experiences that strengthen their skills and career readiness. The initiative also helps connect industry and community partners with NSCC talent.
As the program moves into its second year, NSCC plans to expand its reach — supporting more student research placements, deepening partnerships across sectors, and continuing to build a culture of innovation and inquiry at the college.
The Student Research Network is a strong example of how applied research drives opportunity and talent development in Atlantic Canada. Its success underscores the value of collaboration between students, educators, and industry partners, a principle that lies at the heart of Springboard Atlantic’s mission.
NSCC is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 colleges and universities in Atlantic Canada. Its mission is the grow the regional economy by promoting the commercialization of research and helping industry solve problems with research.