MacEwan faculty are engaging in interesting and informative research, but it can be challenging to share their findings with audiences outside of academia. The university is a member of The Conversation Canada, a publication aimed at presenting scholarly research in a manner that is digestible and understandable to any reader, in order to increase the amount of faculty research available to the public.
“Knowledge mobilization is an important part of scholarly activity. Research and other scholarly output often remain in laboratories or academic publications, which denies broader society the chance to benefit from it,” says Dr. Craig Kuziemsky, vice-provost and associate vice president, Research.
In an age where factual and false information are both readily available and often hard to differentiate, having a trustworthy source where readers can expand their knowledge and understanding of complex topics is incredibly important. MacEwan researchers work closely with The Conversation Canada in order to ensure that their work is presented factually and accurately so that readers can be sure they’re getting correct information.
It also gives researchers another option for publication outside of academic journals that cater to a more specific audience, allowing them to share their expertise more broadly.
“It is essential that academic outputs reach non-academic audiences, and our membership and engagement with The Conversation Canada has enabled our faculty members and students to have their research reach a wide and diverse audience,” says Dr. Kuziemsky.
We’ve compiled the MacEwan research that has been published so far in The Conversation Canada. Check out some of the studies and issues our professors have been exploring over the last couple of years.
Fish on acid?
Dr. Trevor Hamilton is researching how microdosing on LSD and terpenes affect zebrafish. The study is being used to analyze the use of microdosing as potential treatments for mental illness and alcoholism.
Allow me to introduce myself
Dr. Shannon Digweed’s research about vocal communication in North American Red Squirrels discusses the possibility of squirrels producing a rattle call that identifies them to other squirrels in the area.
More tragedy in Afghanistan
Dr. Jeffrey Rice discusses the economic ramifications that Afghanistan faces following the departure of American armed forces. The assistant professor of political science argues that rates of starvation will increase in the country, the health-care system will fail and an energy crisis will follow.
We should all be concerned that Putin is trying to destroy Ukrainian culture
In the early days of the war in Ukraine, Dr. Jeffrey Stepnisky published a piece regarding the attempted erasure of Ukrainian culture. He argues that Russian attacks have targeted cultural centres across the country in an effort to cause cultural trauma and threaten cultural identity.
Most Canadians welcome immigrants, but anti-immigration sentiments persist
Dr. Constantin Colonescu and Dr. Andrea Wagner co-authored a piece about anti-immigration mindsets in Canada. The article analyzes those mindsets in different provinces, and within specific groups, including supporters of the freedom convoy.
How large corporations make huge profits from hidden markups at the expense of consumers
Dr. Colonescu examines the phenomenon of compound markup and the way it is widening the wage gap between workers and CEOs. His article discusses how these markups got so high compared to production costs, and suggests rethinking market competition as a possible solution.
High food prices could have negative long-term health effects on Canadians
Many Canadians are struggling with the cost of groceries, but Dr. Shahidul Islam argues that our wallets aren’t the only place we feel the burden. His article discusses the vulnerability to certain diseases and health conditions that can be caused by food insecurity.
The “otherworldly nature” of chocolate
Dr. Erin Cowling looks into the origins of chocolate in Mesoamerica, the spread of the treat to other cultures and its initial reception. She also analyzes some mentions of chocolate in literature, which often refer to it as having magical, curative properties.
How companies can improve the retention of employees returning from abroad
Dr. Etayankara Muralidharan co-authored an article with Dr. Adam Cave and Dr. Michael Joseph Dominic Roberts about multinational companies navigating problems when sending employees to work abroad. The article discusses ways to ensure that returning employees stay on with the company, including managing employee expectations and adjusting work scopes to incorporate the new skills the employees have learned internationally.
Parents should do research on toy recalls before buying Christmas gifts
Dr. Muralidharan wants parents to do some research of their own ahead of Christmas morning. His article describes toy recalls, potential dangers for children and why companies might avoid issuing a recall if they can.
Worn down by bad news? You’re not alone…
Neill Fitzpatrick sees a trend in the growing avoidance of news in order to limit exposure to sad or upsetting information. He discusses why this avoidance is becoming so common, and gives suggestions for news organizations to combat it.
How colleges and universities can get innovation wrong (and how they can get it right)
Dr. Craig Kuziemsky and Dr. Leanne Hedberg look at post-secondary institutions and their roles in the post-COVID economic landscape in Canada. They identify ways to avoid being too tech-centric and to increase collaboration and cooperation between disciplines.
This is why most teachers need Indigenous coaches
In an effort to increase inclusion and understanding, Dr. Emily Milne looks at Indigenous mentorship for faculty and teachers. She explores the idea that some non-Indigenous educators may shy away from discussing Indigenous issues for fear of saying the wrong thing, but that learning about these issues is beneficial for the teachers as well as their students.
Concentration camps have deep roots in liberal democracies
Dr. Aidan Forth provides a deeper look into the history of concentration camps. His article references border detention camps in the United States, drawing comparisons to concentration camps at other points in history.
The ominous metaphors of China’s Uighur concentration camps
In another article, Dr. Forth looks at the revelation that a system of concentration camps in China detained a million Uighers and other Muslims. He discusses the camps themselves, the use of medical metaphors in their descriptions and the ways that that chosen language reflects earlier concentration camps in history.
Why it’s hard to end elephantiasis, a debilitating disease spread by mosquitos
Dr. Mary Asirifi co-authored an article with Dr. Alexander Kwarteng, Dr. Jonathan Roberts and Dr. Kristi Heather Kenyon on a debilitating, mosquito-borne illness primarily affecting people in Africa. The authors discuss symptoms of the disease, the fact that there is currently no known cure and some of the barriers to preventing infection.
How urban gardens can boost biodiversity and make cities more sustainable
The majority of Canadians live in cities, and Dr. Karen Christensen-Dalsgaard discusses how those cities greatly benefit from gardens. Her article deals with choices that gardeners can make to help their neighborhoods the most.
How to win over Alberta on the ‘just transition’ to a low-carbon energy sector
Dr. Brendan Boyd and Dr. Marielle Papin discuss the recent announcement of legislation that is intended to help oil and gas workers transition into positions in low-carbon energy sectors. Their article deals with the reaction to that announcement, the ways in which Albertans can be won over and how to move forward.
Simulations with actors prepare nurses for the demands of their profession
Dawn Sadoway and Leigh Rivenbark analyze the use of actors in post-secondary nursing programs as a way of preparing students for future patients. They discuss the benefits of these simulated scenarios, as well as some challenges that theatre students face in the work.
Addressing campus sexual violence: New risk assessment tool can help administrators make difficult decisions
Dr. Sandy Jung co-authored an article with Dr. Jesmen Mendoza on making campuses safer. They discuss the development of a risk assessment tool that will be widely available in the fall of 2023 to analyze and understand various factors around sexual violence incidents and how to make determinations about them on campuses.