Students, staff, and faculty came together to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC), Oct. 23-25, offering a glimpse into the impactful student research taking place at AU.
For the first time ever, the conference was held in Athabasca, immediately following AU’s annual Research Forum, which took place Oct. 22-23. It was hosted jointly by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) and the Athabasca University Graduate Student Association (AUGSA).
With over 110 attendees—both virtual and in-person—and 76 speakers, the conference was abuzz with enlightening conversation and vibrant student and staff participation.
“This year, not only are we celebrating our 15th year, but we’re also celebrating how far AU’s research community has come, marveling at where it is currently, and are looking toward where it can go, for many years to come,” said Dr. Simon Sigué, interim FGS dean.
Conference highlights
The two days of discussion and learning included many unique presentations, from a virtual presentation on disabilities and visual storytelling in the online writing centre to an in-person presentation called “My friend, music,” with a musical performance.The conference included a panel of AU deans discussing the research underway in each of their faculties, and presentations of research highlights from faculty members.
Past GSRC abstract award winners and AU alumni also shared their AU experiences and achievements and explained how these contributed to where they are now.
This year’s GSRC included the largest number of abstracts ever submitted, a fact Sigué highlighted.
“Every one of you has really poured your heart and determination into your presentations. I know it is not easy to put in the time and hours...on top of doing course work and all of life’s responsibilities," he said. "So, I just want to take a moment to say that you are incredible, and we are so proud."
Following a competitive abstract review, this year’s top three abstract winners were announced.
Environments like this let us connect with hive-minds, and create invaluable connection.
Gelareh Keshavarz, AUGSA President
First place abstract winner
Elisha Comeau earned first place for her abstract submission on “The Experiences of Single Mothers of Children with Medical Complexity at Home.”Her research explores the experiences of mothers caring for children with complex medical needs, informed by her own experiences.
Comeau is nearing completion of her Master of Counselling degree.
Second place
Doctor of Business Administration student Ishaan Srivastava earned second place for his research, “From Screen Scraping toward Consumer-Driven Banking: Policy Reframing and the Institutionalisation of Financial Data Sharing in Canada, 2018–2026.”
His research examines Canada’s consumer-driven banking framework and the policies that support consumer trust and participation.
Third place
Master of Counselling student Danielle Houle Sanford earned third place at this year’s conference.Her research, “Culture Is Medicine: Métis Cultural Reconnection and Relational Healing,” explores how Métis cultural reconnection can support holistic well-being, identity, and relational healing.
This was Houle Sanford’s second GSRC win—she also won second place for her research, "Culture is Medicine: Examining a Métis Woman's Healing Journey Through Cultural Reconnection" at the 2023 GSRC.