INDI Research Day: ‘A chance to make interdisciplinary connections’

What research topics attract students in Concordia’s Individualized Program (INDI)?

Everything from environmental governance in the Eeyou Istchee Cree territory of Northern Quebec to the effects of sustained exergaming in adolescents.

On March 16, the program's students will present their interdisciplinary projects at the second-ever public INDI Research Day in the atrium of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV).

“This research expo lets us share the amazing accomplishments of our INDI students,” says program director Ketra Schmitt.

25 new INDI projects

Concordia's INDI Program offers graduate researchers the means to pursue individualized studies through supervision and courses across faculties.

“The research day is a chance for them to find out more about each other’s work and to make connections with one another,” observes Schmitt, who is also an associate professor with the Centre for Engineering in Society.

“Most of all, this event raises the INDI program’s visibility among faculty members and students on campus.”

In all, 25 master’s and PhD students will be presenting their research.

'I knew that I wanted to present my research'

Master’s student Jessica Poulin is taking part in this year’s event after volunteering for the first INDI Research Day in 2014. She credits the students she met that year for inspiring her to showcase her own work.

“I knew that I wanted to one day present my research, and share the benefits of interdisciplinary scholarship with Concordia students and the greater Montreal community,” Poulin says.

For her project, she created a heritage brochure of St. Patrick’s Basilica.

This research-creation piece acts as a way to study and communicate how the church becomes a space for Catholics to privately and publicly co-create their faith through its spatial and material environment.

“Material culture studies is multi-disciplinary — and INDI Research Day is an opportunity for interested parties to explore its potential.”

INDI Research Day takes place on Thursday, March 16, in the atrium of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV). It is followed by an awards ceremony and a cocktail reception at 5 p.m.

Find out more about Concordia's Individualized Program.