Impact

A pop up banner about the food stories project

Exploring food, belonging, and community through narrative with international students

This mixed-methods research project explored the connections between food, storytelling, and community-building among international students at Conestoga. In partnership with the Kuwait Aid Network, the team conducted a student survey, hosted community consultations, and gathered qualitative data through four writing pop-up events that invited students to share stories and reflections related to food, identity, and belonging.

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Advancing sustainable procurement through supplier evaluation at Conestoga

This project explored how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria could be applied to supplier evaluation to support more sustainable procurement practices at the college. A campus-wide questionnaire was distributed to Conestoga’s supplier base to establish a sustainability baseline, identify gaps and strengths, and strengthen the college’s alignment with responsible procurement goals.

Charting a path to net zero homes through optimized retrofits

Single-detached homes account for more than half of Canada’s residential buildings and consume more than twice the energy per capita compared to apartments. To help meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets, this research focused on identifying the most effective retrofit strategies to reduce energy use in these homes, using a case study modelled on a house in Cambridge, Ontario.

Exploring peer-led healthy eating initiatives for Conestoga students

This project examined healthy eating programs at post-secondary institutions across Canada to identify successful models, particularly those that are peer-led, and assess their potential for implementation at Conestoga.

Bridging food security and food safety on Ontario campuses

This project explored food security initiatives across Ontario post-secondary campuses with two key objectives: to identify existing programs, especially creative or lesser-known hidden gems, and to apply a food safety and waste reduction lens to those initiatives.

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Investigating gaps in anti-trafficking efforts for international students

Led by Conestoga, this study explores how three post-secondary institutions: Conestoga, Wilfrid Laurier University, and the University of Waterloo, are raising awareness about trafficking risks and supporting vulnerable students.

Supporting internationally educated health care workers

This research examined the experiences of internationally educated nursing and personal support worker students at Conestoga College, as well as insights from industry stakeholders, faculty, and hiring managers, to identify strategies for improving onboarding and workplace support.