Happy Holidays from the Centre for Innovation in Health & Wellness (CIHW)

As we wrap up another incredible year, we want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements and express our gratitude to everyone who made it possible. This year, we designed, led and collaborated on many innovative projects and initiatives, each one providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for our students in creating a healthier future for all. 

Innovative Student Projects

  • Health Innovation Challenge:  With funding support from Novo Nordisk Canada and in collaboration with the Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship (Longo CfE), this annual challenge brought together students from 16 different programs across 6 faculties to find innovative ways to engage youth on the prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes.
     
  • Integrating Virtual Reality into Acute Brain Injury Programs: Funded through CEWIL, this project had Humber students working directly with the Scarborough Community Health Centre and clients.
     
  • Role of Technology in Aging and Dementia Care: This project engaged a total of 88 students from the Faculty of Social and Community Services (FSCS) and the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST) to explore the role of technology in aging and dementia care.
     
  • Splint Dexterity Project: In collaboration with Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (BCTI), CIHW completed phase two of this project, that supported students in designing customized 3D splints for clients with dexterity limitations. 

Applied Research in Action

  • Launch of United Way Funded research study 'Understanding the Effects of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of North Etobicoke Youth'.
     
  • Completion of the investigative phase of the research project in partnership with Klick Health on ‘Investigating the use of vocal biomarkers in prediabetes detection in South Asian Population’ with participation of over 200 students in the research study.
     
  • In the analysis stage of the research project on ‘Understanding the Impact of Unpaid Caregiving on Black Women’s Mental Health’, in collaboration with three community health partners.
     
  • Launch of ‘Making Services Better for Families – An ECE Needs Assessment Report’, which investigated the support needed by ECE workers in a post-covid world in collaboration with 11 community health partners. 

As we look forward to the new year, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain dedicated to building brilliance through engagement, collaboration and innovation. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a joyful New Year! 

Warmest regards, 

Dr. Vanita Varma
Director, Centre for Innovation in Health & Wellness