Yukon College ranks third for number of student paid researchers

WHITEHORSE—Yukon College ranks third out of comparable smaller colleges in Canada for the number of paid student researchers according to the newly released Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. 

In 2017, Yukon College employed 38 students in paid research positions, up eight from 2016. The students assisted research in climate change adaptation, Northern Energy Innovation, Cold Climate Innovation, biodiversity monitoring, and Mine Life Cycle. 

Three Yukon College student researchers are on Parliament Hill this week presenting their work to MPs and senators as part of Colleges and Institutes Canada’s Accelerating Innovation through Applied Research Symposium.  

Science student Noah Sternbergh is presenting on her work as a research assistant with Northern Energy Innovation’s Integration of Renewables Grid Impact Studies project. Sternbergh is developing automating tools for the studies which help territorial utilities and Northern communities assess the viability of renewable energy projects.  

“This is an amazing opportunity for me. I am in my home town, working in my chosen field, on a project of importance for Northern communities. I am receiving mentorship from recent grads and young engineering professionals and, through working closely with industry, gaining greater knowledge of the skills required to work for a Northern utility,” said 24-year-old Sternbergh. 

“Being here in Ottawa this week, having the opportunity to participate in a formal research event and presenting my work to such a diverse audience has been an incredible learning experience. I’m thrilled with all the opportunities available to me at Yukon College,” she added. 

“The applied work of our student researchers has national impact. The Symposium is a wonderful opportunity and experience for them to showcase themselves, their skills and their northern work with industry partners,” said Dr. Bronwyn Hancock, Associate Vice President Research Development at Yukon College. 

In the full Top 50 research college rankings Yukon College placed 15th overall, up one spot from 2016. The College took in $4.9 million in research income last year; an increase of 3.9 per cent over 2016 and a total increase of over six percent since 2015.  

According to Research InfoSource, Yukon College also rounds out the top five Western Canadian colleges within the rankings. In a media release, they noted that combined research income overall of Canada’s leading research colleges reached $197.9 million, with nearly a quarter of this coming from the 12 western colleges. 

Continuing to expand northern research and innovation is one of Yukon College’s strategic directions and integral in its transition to Yukon University. Through research and innovation, Yukon College can improve the lives of northerners by solving northern problems with northern expertise. Yukon College works throughout the territory with First Nations and local governments, industry, and communities to address northern challenges.  

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