Beyond Research

In this episode, we explore a deep relationship where a utility and researchers work in partnership to identify and work on a range of water research challenges in water quality, water treatment, and stormwater management. Our guests, Dr. Graham Gagnon at Dalhousie University and Dr. Wendy Krosek at Halifax Water discuss how they work together, where futurewater supply and treatment may lie, and the key ingredients to a successful collaboration, with Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia.Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-teaming-up-to-manage-waterIn Season 3, Episode 5 – Teaming Up to Manage Water, we cover:03:30 – Understanding the research partnership05:51 – Importance of water06:46 – Challenges impacting water and the research need12:15 – Key ingredients to a successful research partnership model19:58 – The social dimension and how this work is useful outside of the utility system24:15 – Future work27:47 – The next generationThank you to our guests:Dr. Graham Gagnon is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Resource Engineering,Director of the Centre for Water Resource Studies, and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at Dalhousie University.Dr. Wendy Krkosek is the Water Quality Manager with Halifax Water.Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia.The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In this episode we explore a critical issue - the alarming rates of chronic diseases, presenting challenges for both individuals and our broader healthcare system. Join us as we discuss how research becomes the catalyst for the evolution of healthcare practices, transforming our perspective on preventative medicine and chronic disease management.Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-prescribing-wellness-the-evolution-of-chronic-disease-management In Season 3, Episode 4 – Prescribing Wellness: The Evolution of Chronic Disease Management, we cover: 02:44 – Chronic disease rates and the challenges03:42 - The research that started it all08:30 – What is Exercise is Medicine10:02 – Research impact for healthcare providers and patients11:10 – People, places, and programs for individuals living with chronic disease12:40 – Impact of physical activity and exercise on the healthcare system14:43 – Research impact for individuals living with chronic diseases17:47 – Next steps19:48 – Impact on healthcare costsThank you to our guests:Dr. Jonathon Fowles is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Director of the Centre of Lifestyle Studies at Acadia University.Joy Chiekwe is the General Manager of Health Management at the John W. Lindsay YMCA in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Provincial Lead for the LiveWell YMCA program. Verna MacKinnon is an Operations Consultant with a focus on physical activity for Nova Scotia Health’s primary health care and chronic disease management provincial network. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

On the surface, this episode may seem like a story about boosting blueberry production, but it’s a tale of how local research can shape not only an industry, but an entire sector. This work is addressing challenges facing all agriculture crops, like disease, pests, and climate change. Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-agricultural-resilience-the-blueberry-effect In Season 3, Episode 3 – Agricultural Resilience: The Blueberry Effect, we cover:(02:37) Challenges faced by the wild blueberry industry before hiring a specialized researcher(4:59) How research has helped the industry understand and develop solutions to challenges, like pests and diseases(11:52) Current challenges faced by growers(17:09) Impacts of climate events on the crops(20:25) How the blueberry research is relevant to other agricultural crops(22:18) Impact beyond Nova Scotia’s borders (24:19) Future of the industryThank you to our guests:Dr. David Percival is a Professor at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in the Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences. Gary Brown has worked in the blueberry sector for more than 40 years. He currently does work with Millen Farms, a family-owned sustainable berry farm. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts. If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars.You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

Nova Scotians face a variety of harms and challenges at interpersonal, institutional, systemic, and societal level. Systemic racism, sexual harassment, institutional abuse, and accessibility are just some examples. Nova Scotians deserve and demand justice when they experience harm or when things go wrong in their communities. In this episode, we hear from a researcher of restorative justice and two community members who have established restorative justice practices to build safe, healthy, and inclusive communities. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-restorative-justice-strengthening-communities-through-collaborative-research/  In Season 3, Episode 2 – Restorative Justice: Strengthening Communities Through Collaborative Research, we cover:  04:30 – What is restorative justice?07:26 – An example: How we respond in the youth criminal justice system08:40 – The Restorative Research Innovation and Education lab10:43 – An example: Restorative Public Inquiry into the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children15:07 – An example: A school-wide restorative justice program19:50 – Traditional structure of the school was actually setting us up for failure22:55 – Outcomes of a school-wide restorative justice program24:57 – Future aspirations Thank you to our guests: Richard Derible is a former Principal at Ecole St. Catherine’s Elementary School in Halifax and is currently the Executive Director of Restorative Initiatives at the Executive Council Office in Nova Scotia. Jennifer Llewellyn is a Professor at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, Chair in Restorative Justice, and Director of the Restorative Research, Innovation, and Education Lab. Jake MacIsaac is the Assistant Director of Security Services at Dalhousie University and was previously a casework leader at Nova Scotia’s largest restorative justice community-based agency. You can dive deeper into Jake MacIsaac’s insights on restorative justice, by tuning into the Disorienting Dilemma Podcast The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

There are many challenges impacting a healthier population in Nova Scotia. Some of these include physician recruitment; access to primary care; an aging population; infrastructure, equipment, and facilities renewal; and increased costs for health care research and delivery. In this episode, our guests discuss their research in local emergency departments to help address some of these challenges while improving patient care. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-research-improving-diagnositc-imaging-in-the-er/  In Season 3, Episode 1 – Research Improving Diagnostic Imaging in the ER, we cover:  03:02 – Success and impact in healthcare requires partnerships 06:01 – What is an MRI and how does the new head-dedicated MRI differ?08:33 – How can this MRI help solve challenges faced by healthcare? Example of stroke09:57 – Partnership with Synaptive Medical10:56 – Continued conversation on how this MRI could help solve challenges faced by healthcare15:20 – Various research projects involving this technology Thank you to our guests: Dr. Steven Beyea is an Innovation Strategy Advisor and Research Scientist at the IWK Health Centre and a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology at Dalhousie University. Dr. Adela Cora is the Undergraduate Medical Education Program Director for Diagnostic Radiology, and an active, practicing physician in the Neuroradiology section of the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast 

Female athletes find they are at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts as the majority of sports research focuses on male athletes. In this episode we explore this gap in sports research. We will hear from a Registered Dietician and personal trainer, a member of Canada’s women’s national under-20 soccer team, an established sports nutrition researcher, as well as a local student researcher who is striving to help level the playing field.  Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-sports-research-where-are-the-women/  In Season 2, Episode 10 – Sports Research: Where are the Women, we cover:  04:17 – The sex data gap in sports nutrition research09:06 – How the sex data gap can disadvantage female athletes11:06 – Women’s menstrual cycles as an excuse to not include female participants in research12:08 – Future aspirations: Fully addressing women’s needs in sport nutrition literature12:50 – Considerations researchers need to give when gathering study participants15:52 – Biggest sex data gap: The performance sector18:14 – Registered Dietitian sees the sex data gap first hand21:03 – Necessity of collaboration on various scales Thank you to our guests: Samantha Fisher is a fourth year Human Nutrition (Hons) student at St. Francis Xavier University and is a recent recipient of a Scotia Scholars Award for her research project “Investigating the Sex Data Gap in Sport Nutrition Research.” Dr. Jennifer Jamieson is an Associate Professor of Human Nutrition at Saint Francis Xavier University. Dr. Jamieson is currently Samantha Fisher’s supervisor on her research project and previous professor of Mikaela Henderson. Mikaela Henderson is a Registered Dietitian specializing in sports nutrition. Mikaela is the Team Dietitian for Saint Mary’s University varsity athletics, and she also has a private practice at Coastal Sports & Wellness. Annika Leslie is a sophomore at West Virginia University. She is a defender for the WVU women’s varsity soccer team and member of Team Canada’s U20 women’s soccer team. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

Virtual Reality continues to be embraced by researchers, health care providers, and patients alike. Although the field is still relatively new, there seem to be more and more examples of virtual reality having a positive impact on health care delivery, treatment, and training both here at home and around the globe. In this episode we will explore examples of how research in the area of virtual reality could help address current gaps and in our healthcare system and improve patient care today and in the future. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-virtual-reality-health-care/  In Season 2, Episode 9 – Virtual Reality & Health Care, we cover:  03:11 – How virtual reality can be leveraged to support children with physical disability06:32 – Mars VR Lab collaboration09:15 – Benefits to using virtual reality technology in a youth rehabilitation context11:48 – Better support training and use of a power wheelchair13:43 – Virtual reality could potentially be used to improve or develop or elicit empathy in caregivers22:04 – Exploring the interpersonal traits associated with a person’s willingness to work during the COVID 19 pandemic27:11 – Does virtual reality have the potential to strengthen healthcare delivery? Thank you to our guests: Dr. Jordan Sheriko is the Medical Director of Rehabilitation Services at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Megan Brydon is a PACS Application Specialist at the IWK Health Centre. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In this episode, we explore how resilient our land-based farms and farm-related businesses are to the impacts of global climate change, as well as solutions researchers and farmers are exploring to help improve our ability to adapt long-term. We hear from industry experts on how climate change is currently impacting our agri-food industry, what solutions are being implemented successfully, and discuss how we can best prepare for future climate-related challenges. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-climate-change-and-agriculture/  In Season 2, Episode 8 – Climate Change & Agriculture, we cover:  02:27 – Impact of climate change on pollinators06:45 – How pollinators impact agriculture 09:34 – Opportunities to improve our agricultural resilience in the face of climate change12:08 – Research opportunities14:42 – Climate effects on pest cycle16:44 – Current & future impacts on climate change on agriculture18:19 – Recommendations for how to address the impacts of climate change19:48 – What is carbon sequestration and what are cover crops, and how can they help? Thank you to our guests: Dr. Alana Pindar is the Weston Family Visiting Professor in Ecosystem Health and Food Security, appointed at Cape Breton University. Dr. Pindar is an entomologist with an expertise in pollinators.  Rosalie Gillis-Madden is the On-Farm Climate Action Fund Technical Project Manager at Perennia Food and Agriculture. Rosalie is a resource to producers on all aspects of vegetable production.  The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

Research plays a vital role in creating economic growth, talent attraction, and youth retention. When properly executed, research investments also directly support provincial priorities. In this episode we explore the different ways research can create economic growth for both new and established companies. Listen as we discuss opportunities to further support research and innovation in local industries and institutions. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-economic-growth-through-research/  In Season 2, Episode 7 – Economic Growth Through Research, we cover:  02:05 – A look at innovation in the biomedical space04:38 – Starts with asking the right question 05:05 – Research creating spin-off companies and economic benefit07:45 – Necessity of partnerships: Academia and industry09:36 – Problem definition stage11:58 – Aspirations for the future13:34 – Scientific process14:51 – 6 key questions to understanding the problem hypothesis19:03 – Problem facing start-ups19:48 - Need for continuous research at all stages of the innovation pipeline Thank you to our guests: Dr. Daniel Boyd is an Associate Professor in Dalhousie University’s School of Biomedical Engineering, Co Founder & Scientific Advisor at IR Scientific, and Co Founder of ABK Biomedical. Matt Cooper is the Chief Innovation Officer at Volta, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Matt has been developing and marketing products for over 20 years, including being a Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Swept, an innovative software for commercial cleaning companies. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast 

Currently 4.4 million Canadians are living in food-insecure households and 1 in 6 households in Nova Scotia are food insecure. In this episode we hear from experts leading the way in research and response to food insecurity in Nova Scotia. Listen as we explore the concept of food security, the benefits of developing a food autonomy strategy, and research underway that can help us better understand and improve food security for all. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-making-food-secure/  In Season 2, Episode 6 – Making Food Secure, we cover:  01:40 – What is food security?02:55 – Role of food banks 05:28 – Food safety and quality06:52 – Food accessibility08:08– Food affordability11:22 – Proposed food autonomy strategy15:45 – The local food paradox 18:47 – Consumer first thinking19:45 – The role of research Thank you to our guests: Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor and Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. He conducts research in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. Karen Theriault is the Director of Development and Communications at Feed Nova Scotia, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

Nova Scotia and its 13,300 km of coastline is home to many coastal communities. Of these communities, some are already facing the impacts of changing sea levels, storm surges and climate change firsthand. In this episode you’ll hear from leading researchers who are helping us better understand, plan, and prepare for rising sea levels in Nova Scotia. Listen as we explore how sea level rise has affected our province and propose collaborative approaches to mitigate the impacts on our communities, our industries, and our way of life. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-predicted-sea-level-rise/  In Season 2, Episode 5 – Predicted Sea Level Rise, we cover:  05:11 – What is geomatics and what’s the role of LIDAR technology?08:39 – Benchmark storms from historic data 10:10 – How can we lessen the impacts of sea level rise?12:06 – How is sea level rise impacting infrastructure and coastal communities?16:26– Potential nature-based solutions Thank you to our guests: Dr. Timothy Webster is the lead research scientist with Nova Scotia Community College’s Applied Geomatics Research Group, and a faculty member in remote sensing and GIS at NSCC’s Centre of Geographic Sciences. Dr. Patricia Manuel is a professor in the School of Planning at Dalhousie University, and conducts research in a range of areas including environmental planning with a focus on climate change adaptation planning and wetlands interpretation and management. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

In health research, the voices of people outside of the research team – the patients, caregivers, families – may be lost. In this episode, you’ll hear from leading researchers who are expanding the traditional definition of a research team and designing research programs focused on making an immediate impact. Although COVID-19 continues to be a major health care disrupter, it has also given researchers the space and permission needed to think outside of the box, expedite research projects, and arrive at new ideas and solutions that will serve us well beyond the pandemic. Listen to learn how conducting health research in real-time can help improve care and outcomes for patients, caregivers, and families. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-real-time-health-research/  In Season 2, Episode 4 – Real Time Health Research, we cover:  02:52 – Research study addressing the needs of families with babies in the NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic05:31 – Conducting research in real-time with all stakeholders included07:12 – How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted families with babies in the NICU08:33 – Research to improve outcomes for newborns in the NICU specifically related to pain, stress, and neurodevelopment14:53– What is FAR UV-C light, and can it help protect residents of long-term care facilities?20:12 – Involving residents, families, and staff in informing the research22:43 – Future aspirations Thank you to our guests:Dr. Kenneth Rockwood is a Professor of Medicine at Dalhousie University, and a Senior Medical Director at the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Dr. Marsha Campbell-Yeo is a certified neonatal nurse practitioner, an associate professor of Pediatrics, Psychology & Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, and a clinician scientist at the IWK Health Centre. Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lisa Carr is an Infection Control Specialist at Northwood based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

As Canada continues to deal with effects of Covid-19, concerns over the critical importance of the early years and the impacts on kids are growing. In this episode you’ll hear from researchers specializing in children’s mental health and development, each who will share unique insights on the status of children and family’s mental health throughout the pandemic. Specifically, you’ll learn about a growing area of research that is proving to be a critical support for children and youth during this difficult time: the power of play.  Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-the-power-of-play/  In Season 2, Episode 3 – The Power of Play, we cover:  2:38 – Impact of COVID-19 on youth and children’s mental health and well-being6:07 – Benefit of social interactions for mental, emotional, social, and physical health08:22 – Supporting kids considered at risk or in vulnerable circumstances10:34 – Continued research in early childhood development and mental health is critical13:02– What is physical literacy and why is it important?16:16 – Play deprivation and it’s impact18:38 – Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on kids and their physical activity19:55 – Loose parts play Thank you to our guests: Dr. Alexa Bagnell is the Chief of Psychiatry at the IWK Health Centre, a pediatric hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a Professor of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University. Dr. Michelle Stone is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie University, and lead researcher for Play Outside Nova Scotia. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

Did you know that in Canada, roughly 50% of the food produced is lost or wasted? In the latest episode of the Beyond Research Podcast, we’re exploring the ways scientific advancements in nutrition and food science are helping the agri-food industry better manage this growing problem. Listen to learn how local researchers Dr. Darren Burke of Outcast Foods and Dr. Marcia English of St.FX are working directly with the people who produce our food to create new products and generate new markets using food waste and by-products. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-food-waste/  In Season 2, Episode 2 – Food Waste, we cover:  2:32 – Impact of food waste and food loss 3:27 – Why and how food waste and food loss happens4:56 – How research can help solve the problem12:59 – Upcycling food and utilizing the “misfit” or “outcast” produce Thank you to our guests: Dr. Marcia English is an Assistant Professor in Human Nutrition at St. Francis Xavier University where she leads the X Food Research Lab. Dr. Darren Burke is the founder and CEO of Outcast Foods, the first patent-pending zero waste upcycling technology company that is actively reducing food waste. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast

We begin the new season by learning about the connection between world-leading technology development and an urgent – and often hidden – social crisis: energy poverty. In this episode, you’ll hear from the Mayor of Bridgewater, a small, rural town that is leading the charge on energy poverty, and two Nova Scotia researchers who are at the forefront of a global revolution in energy storage. Listen to learn how their work is intersecting to help meet our climate goals and help some of the more vulnerable members of our community. Find our transcript here: https://researchns.ca/beyondresearch-energy-poverty/  In Season 2, Episode 1 – Energy Poverty, we cover:  2:43 – What is energy poverty? 4:14 – An initiative to lift a town out of energy poverty: Energize Bridgewater7:24 – Who is responsible for solving the problem?8:24 – Renewable energy and energy storage through lithium-ion batteries11:22 – An example of an energy storage project12:44 – The move from fossil fuel use to green sources of energy19:12 – Controlling your energy production: Solar fuels21:32 – Reducing the costs25:33 – Canada’s position toward an energy revolution Thank you to our guests: David Mitchell is the Mayor of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, a small town with a bold idea: move the entire community toward efficient, clean energy through its Energize Bridgewater initiative. Dr. Jeff Dahn is a professor of physics and atmospheric science at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Tesla Canada Industrial Research Chair. Dr. Michael Freund is a Professor of Chemistry, the Harry Shirreff Chair of Chemical Research, and the Director of the Clean Technologies Institute at Dalhousie University. The Beyond Research Podcast is produced by Podstarter. It is available wherever you get your podcasts.  If you like this episode, be sure to hit the subscribe button and leave us five stars. You can also follow us on social:Instagram: @beyondresearchpodcastX: @beyondrpodcastFacebook: Beyond Research Podcast