Viewing of 39 participating videos and the vote for the Public Choice Award took place on January 12 and 13. This unique competition challenges graduate students to present years of complex research in compelling 60-second videos, showcasing both their academic expertise and communication skills.
Audrey Roy of the Faculty of Social Sciences claimed the top prize with her interdisciplinary research approach. Exploring political, economic, social, environmental and legal factors, she plans to help Banff become Canada’s first zero-waste national park and prove that sustainability is essential for protecting the places we love.
Ehsan Shafiepour, a PhD candidate in environmental engineering, secured second place with his innovative project to develop a constructed wetland, a biofilter system using plants, soil and microorganisms. His research promises to enhance the ability of soil to support microbial life and increase contaminant absorption.
Third place went to Eleni Dubé-Zinatelli of the Faculty of Social Sciences, whose research explores the role of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women’s mental health. Her findings could pave the way for better care.
The People's Choice Award went to Anushka Sajani Karunaweera, a PhD candidate in Education program. Her research on how adult high school teachers are using AI to maintain accessibility for learners returning to education after years away resonated strongly with the audience.
“uOGRADflix embodies the essence of knowledge mobilization — making complex research accessible, engaging and impactful,” said André Beauchemin, vice-provost, graduate and postdoctoral studies. “Through this competition, our students develop crucial skills in communicating complex ideas clearly and engaging diverse audiences effectively."
“uOGRADflix embodies the essence of knowledge mobilization — making complex research accessible, engaging and impactful.”
André Beauchemin
— Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Advancing knowledge mobilization
This competition recorded 4,900 views and attracted over 2,900 votes. Generous sponsorship from Research Management Services allowed for enhanced prizes this year, with winners receiving $1,250 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $750 each for third place and the People’s Choice Award.
This year’s competition emphasized the importance of transferable skills in graduate education, preparing students for both academic excellence and for diverse careers where effective communication is essential. The finalists’ presentations covered various disciplines, from environmental science to health-care innovation, demonstrating the breadth and depth of graduate research at uOttawa.
You can experience the creativity and excellence of this year’s finalists by watching their videos on the uOGRADflix YouTube channel. Discover the stories behind their groundbreaking research and the incredible diversity of ideas shaping our world.