Student research
Join the research revolution at Okanagan College!
Why be a research assistant at OC?
Gain hands-on experience:
Assist an OC researcher in knowledge creation and addressing the needs of community and industry partners. You could also gain experience working in a science lab by applying for a student position in the BC Beverage Technology Access Center (BTAC) located on the Penticton campus.
Enhance your learning:
Engage in experiential learning by applying the knowledge and skills learned in a classroom to paid employment as a research assistant or student employee. Student RAs are encouraged and sometimes required to take research industry recognized certificates in Gender Based Analysis (GBA+) and TCPS2: Research Ethics.
Build your professional profile and network:
Collaborate with OC researchers and your fellow students on research projects to build your resume, create community and industry connections, and strengthen your professional experience.
Student Opportunities
View available Student Research Assistant positions at the link below.
“I’m learning so much by being part of this research. I get to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting, which makes my education at OC so much more valuable.”
-Crystal Krickemeyer, Research Assistant
What our research assistants are working on
Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution of sandy beaches is a global concern that is exceptionally relevant in Penticton, British Columbia, a city located between two freshwater lakes. With this in mind, I set out to estimate the quantities of plastic pollution, the spatial distribution of plastic particles, and the potential sources of plastic pollution on the beaches of Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake. I found that micro- and meso- plastics were present on the beaches of both lakes. Small fragments broken down from larger plastic items were the most abundant suggesting that recreational beach use contributes to plastic pollution.
Access to Educational Access and Rehabilitation Services for Women with Disabilities in Mexico
My research project used GIS to analyze educational access and rehabilitation services for women with disabilities in Mexico, focusing on population, illiteracy rates, and locations of public rehabilitation centers. Using ArcGIS, I created multivariate maps to show where high disability rates, illiteracy, and limited access to services overlap. The analysis revealed significant regional disparities and identified areas needing urgent intervention. Despite the president's call for justice and equality for women, many schools in Mexico remain unequipped to support diverse disabilities, creating further barriers. Instead of "inclusion," we should build environments where individuals with disabilities can fully participate, thrive, and lead without limitations.
KINdling Project
This project focuses on fostering collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups to address complex issues of reconciliation and decolonization. Research Assistants will collect secondary data, conduct literature reviews, and provide administrative support to the lead researcher.
BrainTrust Project
This research investigates how students transition back to the classroom after experiencing a traumatic head injury, such as a concussion. Student researchers will assist professors and community partners by conducting secondary research, supporting administrative tasks, and analyzing primary data.
Transforming Passion for Wine into Sustainable Solutions
Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in German vineyards, Braun is engaged in a project to reduce and repurpose by-products from wineries, breweries, cideries, and other beverage producers in the Okanagan. The initiative seeks to promote circular economy practices by transforming waste into valuable resources, fostering innovative and eco-friendly solutions for the industry. Braun’s work supports sustainable growth in the community while aligning with his love for winemaking and nature.
Contact Dr. Kathryn Bockhold (kbockhold@okanagan.bc.ca) for more information.
Connect with us
Questions about Applied Research at Okanagan College?