By Chad Ingram
Published June 23 2016
Sonja Addison is the new co-ordinator of the U-Links Centre for Community Based Research which is looking for research project proposals for the 2016/17 academic year.
The organization is a collaboration between Trent University and the Haliburton County Community Co-Operative that pairs university students with local businesses organizations and governments. Students earn credits by carrying out research projects and the organizations get the benefit of said research.
“Just filling a gap where the organization feels there’s a gap” Addison says. “It doesn’t have to be a huge master project.”
From lake health to local history to a recent trails project at Abbey Gardens students have carried out more than 250 projects since the organization’s inception in 1999.
Originally from Binbrook near Hamilton Addison has a degree in psychology from York University.
“I worked in the field for a while” she says explaining she did research in psychiatrics that work eventually taking her to Vancouver where she would work for the B.C. Medical Association.
Going back to school for industrial design for devices for the aging at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design Addison eventually headed back to Ontario doing technology research with Toronto Rehab working on devices such as slings a toilet system for those in wheelchairs and winter coats designed especially for the elderly.
Purchasing a cottage in the county 11 years ago she’s been a resident of the area for some time and most recently is enrolled in a clinical research program at McMaster University.
“We love being part of the Haliburton County community” Addison says adding she’s happy to work with a group of people who are very passionate about what they’re doing.
Project proposals are reviewed based on a number of criteria and then promoted to students and faculty. Anyone seeking more information or with a proposal idea can contact Addison at 705-286-2411 or saddison@ulinks.ca.