As another remarkable year draws to a close, we're filled with gratitude for the community of students, partners, and collaborators who joined us in advancing health innovation.
This year has been marked by strong partnerships and wonderful student-led initiatives that include:
Health Innovation Challenge: Interdisciplinary student teams designed innovative solutions to support newcomer mental health. Their work was recognized and featured in a community report shared with settlement organizations in the community.
Design Sprint: In collaboration with the Humber and Guelph Humber Library, student teams designed a new vision for wellness space at the library to support their holistic well‑being.
Innovation in Curriculum: Students from Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences program developed dementia‑related policy recommendations and solutions addressing caregiver burnout, medication adherence, and culturally responsive care.
HealthTech and Classroom Learning: In collaboration with the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (BCTI), and Electronics Engineering Technology students, student teams designed and built a healthcare‑focused physical prototype informed by user perspectives on design, safety, and ergonomics.
Inter-professional Learning: Students from Interior Design, Fire, and Paramedic programs collaborated on an “Aging in Place” project integrating home safety, emergency response, and accessibility.
Innovative Community Campaign: Practical Nursing students created culturally sensitive campaigns addressing the impact of social determinants on mental health and diabetes prevention/management in North Etobicoke.
Our Applied Research portfolio expanded significantly this year and included:
CCSIF (NSERC FUNDED) project - The Impact of Precarious Employment on the Mental Health of International Students: The project had more than 200 students participating in the quantitative phase of CCSIF-funded study—our largest research engagement to date.
Understanding the Impact of Unpaid Caregiving on the Mental Health and Well-being of Black Women in the Greater Toronto Area: We completed our important work on understanding the impact of unpaid caregiving on Black women's mental health, contributing vital insights to conversations about equity in healthcare.
Enhancing Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Among Young Adults in Peel: Mapping and Understanding Access to Physical Activity and Nutritional Supports: Through this multi-institutional Catalyst Grant project (Humber, Sheridan and University of Toronto), we investigated the intersection of Type 2 Diabetes and food deserts in Peel Region, bringing a social determinants lens to a pressing local health issue.
Community Engagement and Partnerships: Through engagement with more than 10-20 community organizations in North Etobicoke, we are designing, developing, and delivering mental health literacy workshops in the community, creating spaces for dialogue to strengthen mental health awareness and resiliency for more than 200 youth and 100 caregivers in our community.
Looking ahead to the new year, we're energized by the momentum we've built and the relationships we've strengthened. Thank you for being part of our journey in advancing innovation and building a healthier tomorrow for all in our community.
Wishing you joy, rest, and warm connection with family and friends this holiday season.
Best wishes,
Dr. Vanita Varma
Director, Centre for Innovation in Health & Wellness
