student explaining their research poster to attendee

Research Showcase 2026

audience watching research talks

2026 at a glance...

  • 130+ attendees
  • 40 student posters
  • 12 lightning talks

The Office of AVP Research and Innovation held its third Research Showcase event at the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Surrey on May 19th, 2026. 

There was an outstanding attendance from across KPU, and for the first time we welcomed external partners and guests. During the all-day event, there were numerous engaging presentations and valuable networking opportunities. One of the central features was the student poster exhibition, where approximately 40 projects were showcased.

Going Forward Together

When we work together in meaningful ways, we learn from each other's perspectives and can reach new horizons. This year’s Research Showcase celebrated the power of collaboration in applied research and innovation. Attendees heard from KPU experts and students about their diverse experience and skills, ground-breaking methods, and valuable community partnerships. Collaboration across and outside is hands-on and centres student engagement, ultimately driving impactful growth, discoveries and initiatives.

Feature talk

This year's feature guest speaker was Dr. Sally Otto

headshot sally otto

Sarah (Sally) Otto is a Killam University Professor at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on modelling how inheritance and reproductive systems evolve using mathematical models and yeast experimental evolution. Recent work, both theoretical and experimental, has focused on evolutionary dynamics in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Otto was co-founder of the Canadian Society of Ecology and Evolution and has served on the Species at Risk Advisory Council to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. She launched and directs the Liber Ero program, a Canada-wide post-doctoral program in conservation science. During the pandemic, she worked to clarify the impact of evolutionary changes on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and public health implications. With over 250 publications and a book, her awards include a MacArthur Fellowship, a Steacie Fellowship and Steacie Prize, and fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada and of the UK, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Sciences.

Fireside Chat: "It takes an ecosystem: Shaping research culture through mentorship"

What does it mean to be a great mentor, and how does mentorship sustain a research ecosystem? In conversation with Dr. Sally Otto and KPU Dean of Science Dr. Brett Favaro, the discussion explored how leadership, responsibility, and public service shape healthy research cultures, from navigating pandemic science to standing up for conservation.

sally and brett talking on stage sitting

Lightning Talks

The event showcased the diverse research and innovation from KPU and its partners through twelve snappy lightning talks:

  • Toxicity testing in C. elegans (Kelsie Doering, Biology)
  • Food Futures in Vancouver Island (Victor Martinez, Product Design)
  • Understanding DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) an evaluation of a youth intervention program: Arts Research Course Spring 2026 (Stef Ashton, Criminology)
  • When more isn't better: evidence for an instructional equivalence hypothesis in multimedia design (Kristie Dukewich, Psychology)
  • Inclusive PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) - Designing for under-represented users in a changing climate  (Sue Fairburn, Product Design)
  • Dry Farming on Vancouver and the Gulf Islands: Research and extension to support drought adaptation (Naomi Robert, Institute for Sustainable Food Systems)
  • How We Made a Book: Building connections with Big Pictures Lab (Erin Ashenhurst & Carley Hodgkinson (Big Pictures Lab),  Graphic Design for Marketing)
  • From Lab to Field: Enabling Nematode Detection Services for BC Ministry of Agriculture (Paul Adams and research partner, Applied Genomics Centre)
  • Living Color: Collaborative Research Between Art and Plant Science (Maria Anna Parolin, Fine Arts)
  • Research by and for people who use drugs: A community-based project between KPU and the Surrey Union of Drug Users (Tara Lyons and research partners, Criminology)
  • "Is making it up as we go along a methodology?": Community-Engaged Research Creation with Virago Nation (Jennifer Hardwick, English)
  • Arts Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Journal (Alena Buis and research partner Tara Lyons, Faculty of Arts)
two researcher collaborators present on stage at podium

Student Poster Showcase

At this year's event there was a dedicated period where student researchers were able to display and discuss their undergraduate research projects with attendees. This was an opportunity for students to share their experience and findings while celebrating their great work.

several rows of posters on stands with people walking around shot from above
student shares their poster with an attendee

Research and Library Services Talk

Attendees also got to learn about what research services are provided at KPU. Amit Shukla, AVP, Research and Innovation and Karen Meijer, Scholarly Communications and Copyright Librarian delivered a brief presentation on how KPU researchers and students can empower and enable their research and innovation endeavours.