045: Student Engagement in Applied Research with Jamie McInnis and Teresa Bent

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I am joined by Jamie McInnis and Teresa Bent to discuss their roles and the exciting innovation and work happening in the Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub at SAIT, the Southern Institute of Technology, in Calgary, Alberta.  Jamie McInnis, the Director of the ARIS Hub at SAIT, has 20 years experience managing and leading research teams in an entrepreneurial, post-secondary environment. She demonstrates excellence in overseeing stakeholder relations between government, industry, Indigenous and post-secondary partners to facilitate the strategic execution and management of fundamental and applied industry-driven research projects in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services is a driving force behind Alberta’s cutting-edge research landscape. The 77,000 square foot state-of-the-art research labs and facilities are fueled by a dynamic team of 80+ research experts dedicated to providing services and solutions to organizations.  Teresa Bent, a past SAIT grad and business owner, has an extensive 34 year background in the field of education. Along with her classroom experience, she was an educational leader and coach in Literacy education, English language learning and Inclusive education. After receiving her Masters in 21st Century Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary she went on to teach at Werklund School of Education. Her other leadership experiences include 25 years both locally and nationally with a non-profit organization. Currently, she is excited to be one of two Academic Engagement Facilitators with the ARIS Hub at SAIT helping to build relationships among the research centers and academic schools and working to create a framework for student engagement in applied research.   Listen in as we talk about: 03:48 Jamie and Teresa’s stories 06:25 What is the ARIS Hub? 07:18 Applied research in the ARIS Hub 08:47 Applied research vs. fundamental research 10:50 Student engagement in applied research 18:37 Creating a framework for student engagement 23:48 The importance of mentorship 25:40 Lessons learned from student engagement 28:30 Collaborative growth in student engagement 30:48 Jamie and Teresa’s words of wisdom   Learn more about SAIT and the ARIS Hub: Websites: SAIT: https://www.sait.ca/ ARIS: https://www.sait.ca/research-and-innovation-services LinkedIn: SAIT ARIS Instagram: @sait Facebook: @sait Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    WHAT IS THE ARIS HUB?  Jamie describes the ARIS Hub at SAIT, as a dynamic applied research center that tackles real-world challenges across four key areas: green building, materials and manufacturing, drone technology, and clean energy solutions. Rather than focusing on fundamental research, the hub is all about creating novel, industry-driven solutions with quick turnaround times. They even engage in social innovation projects, like ensuring medical supplies reach remote communities. By addressing pressing needs and pushing the envelope on sustainability, the ARIS hub is paving the way for a greener and more efficient future. At the ARIS Hub, practical innovation transforms challenges into sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.   APPLIED VS. FOUNDATIONAL RESEARCH Jamie highlights the distinct yet complementary missions of fundamental research at universities and the applied focus at SAIT. While universities thrive on the curiosity-driven exploration of complex topics, SAIT takes that foundational knowledge and channels it into practical solutions for current industry and community challenges. By collaborating closely with partners to identify pressing issues - what’s keeping them up at night - SAIT is able to deliver rapid results through shorter research t...