Innovation and Research Stories
Innovations, sustainable work highlight CoFI project
The Centre of Forest Innovation (CoFI) – established five years ago by the Province through NSCC to support ecological forestry practices – is wrapping up its operations. As CoFI winds down, its work will be integrated into existing programs and departments at the College.
7 innovative projects shaping ecological forestry in Nova Scotia
Recorded webinars featuring the people behind NSCC‑funded forest projects, and how their innovative ideas are being applied across Nova Scotia’s forests.
Innovation Sprints: Turning ideas into impact
Discover how NSCC and students from other post-secondary institutions are teaming up to help local businesses tackle real challenges across Nova Scotia.
Mechanical thinning project promotes biodiversity
Murray Reeves Forestry pilots a new mechanical thinning approach to improve forest health in mixedwood stands not covered by standard silviculture programs. Supported by NSCC, the project explores more adaptive and resilient forest management practices in Nova Scotia.
NSCC students rise to AI challenge at province-wide event
Nearly 300 NSCC students came together in an 8-hour event to tackle one big question - how can Nova Scotia lead in responsible AI? Read about Challenge Nova Scotia.
Student competition links social issues with innovative solutions
NSCC students won RBC’s annual Hubhacks competition in Halifax last month, taking home first place and a $2,500 prize.
Bridge to Construction training helps newcomers build futures
Hands-on training and safety skills from the Bridge to Construction program are helping Mohamed build his future in Nova Scotia.
From campus to province-wide: Scaling student wellness at NSCC
Students at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are leading a national shift in student mental health and wellbeing with the Student Wellness Champion initiative – the first of its kind in Canada.
Nova Scotia Woodlands Trust builds tools to support landowners
With climate pressures rising, a bold conservation model is taking root. See how NSCC and the Working Woodlands Trust are helping landowners protect their forests.
Mechanized vs. manual tree thinning: WWSC tests efficiency
Can modern machinery take on a job that’s long been rooted in skill, tradition and a deep connection to the land? With support from NSCC, WWSC set out to find out by putting old tools and new tech to the test in Nova Scotia’s woodlots.
Family-run forest business secures sustainable harvest equipment
NSCC’s equipment funding helped L&L McGrath Brothers upgrade forest machinery, reduce environmental impact, and support workforce development while ensuring a family-run operation continues to grow sustainably.
Blending cultures, one bite at a time
The Scotiabank Entrepreneur-in-the-Making Program gives up to $3,000 to students and new graduates to start or grow a business. Learn how Sekinah used this funding to grow her business.
ACFOR develops new forest transparency and traceability tool
ACFOR’s Transparency and Traceability Tool, supported by NSCC’s Forest Innovation Voucher Program, is advancing ecological forestry and sustainable biomass use through data-driven, climate-conscious forest management.
From student to small business success
With the tools, funding and mentorship she’s gained through the Scotiabank Entrepreneurship in the Making program, this business owner is well on her way to achieving her long-term goals—both for her business and for a more sustainable future.
Entrepreneurship funding empowers NSCC grad to craft her future
With support from the Scotiabank Entrepreneurship-in-the-Making program, Sarah Marlin is turning her crafting hobby into a business. Learn how the funding and mentorship she received is helping her dreams come to life.
Celebrating one of NSCC’s beloved librarians
Trish Leblanc dedicated 14 years of her career as a librarian at NSCC’s Annapolis Valley Campus overseeing one of Canada’s most historical and valuable map collections; the WK Morrison Special Collection.
Empowering safety
What started as an idea to develop safety plans for students, has quickly turned into a tangible app with the potential to save lives from the dangers of human trafficking.
New campus promotes sustainability while supporting local
From floor to ceiling, Sydney Waterfront Campus is being built with sustainability top of mind and will include a unique and sustainable product that is locally owned.
Weaving together Indigenous wisdom and Western science for a sustainable future
Collaboratively cultivating sweetgrass, a culturally significant plant, to empower communities, reconnect generations with traditional knowledge, and ensure the plant's vitality for the future.
Maskwiomin receives $25,000 forest innovation voucher
Maskwiomin's birch bark extract combines traditional Mi'kmaw wisdom with scientific processes following the concept of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing.
Students develop safety app to combat human trafficking
What started as an idea to develop safety plans to prevent students from violence has quickly turned into a tangible app with the potential to save lives.
Sustainability champions gather at Akerley Campus for national conference
Sustainability champions gathered at Akerley campus for national conference to discuss progress on Sustainable Development Goals.
Paid student research opportunities
No matter what you’re studying at NSCC, there are opportunities to get involved in research. Learn about paid research funding initiatives and application deadlines.
Leading the charge
When Kohltech Windows and Entrance Systems wanted to determine if their residential windows could function as solar panels, they contacted NSCC’s Applied Energy Research Lab and researcher Cole Gregory for help.
Back to nature
Nathan Crowell is helping the Whale Sanctuary Project better understand the future site of North America’s first whale sanctuary. By gathering data on the seafloor, tides and flushing rates in Port Hilford Bay, he’s helping provide answers to complex questions.
Turning the tides
Neil Laamanen is helping small- and medium-sized businesses bring their ocean innovations to life at SEATAC, the College's technology access centre – including a 3D metal print that’s become a world tidal sector first.
An ocean of opportunity
NSCC grad, researcher joins research project to protect Nova Scotia’s seabed.
Testing the water
Dr. Etienne Mfoumou leads NSCC's research project into water-filtration solutions for Shelburne community.
Shining a light on a solar future
At NSCC, Dr. Wayne Groszko explores and develops renewable energy solutions like the deployable microgrid.
Mapping the ocean floor and marine habitats
At NSCC, Jillian Ejdrygiewicz is mapping areas of the sea floor that haven’t been highly investigated yet.