‘Really nice to have the space’: Gaining valuable research experience at Lethbridge Polytechnic

While many students were off for the summer, a select few remained at Lethbridge Polytechnic as research assistants, building skills and connections through applied work with industry and community partners.

Aleksandra Calic and Sierra Stumborg took part in the program over the summer.

Calic researched ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with regards to irrigation, while Stumborg worked on Community Integration Through Art—a multi-year study focusing on developing an arts-based social recreational peer support program.

Both say having the chance to continue their schooling over the summer has proven beneficial.

“I think it’s really important. I get a lot of skills—like hands-on skills and good leadership and delegation—because the project I’m on has kind of led into me becoming a project field lead, so a lot of good experience there,” said Calic.

“I’m a criminal justice student, so creating spaces where I’m able to learn about the Indigenous community is super vital to ensuring I’m successful in my career and carrying on that throughout the summer was awesome,” said Stumborg.

“As a student, it’s really nice to have the space where I can both be learning as a student as well as getting paid to do it.”

Both students worked with the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship throughout the summer.