FutureNow a Huge Success

Students from University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytech and First Nations University of Canada attended the first FutureNow Saskatchewan Student Showcase of research, scholarly, artistic and applied projects. The event connected sitting MLAs at the Saskatchewan Legislature with students on Tuesday, May 3rd 2022. 

Held in the Caucus Boardroom on the second floor, just down the hall from the Rotunda, imagine the event as a science and society fair, but with all adults and incredibly sophisticated projects. 

The idea grew from USask's office of undergraduate research initiatives from coordinator Merle Massie, who wanted to create a Saskatchewan showcase that mirrored the Posters on the Hill initiative out of the USA. This idea was warmly supported by Director Laura Zink of Research Acceleration and Strategic Initiatives within the Office of the Vice President Research. From there, USask Associate Vice President Government Relations Sara Daniels and Director Alexandra Foster came on board. 

USask then reached out to the other major postsecondary institutions across Saskatchewan, and immediately URegina, SaskPolytech and First Nations University of Canada became part of the planning team. USask government relations checked in the Legislature about the idea and the Minister for Advanced Education, Gene Makowsky, happily joined as the major government sponsor. 

It was an event requiring months of planning and coordination between institutions. A name was chosen, logos developed, and logistics worked out. Each institution had the wonderful job of selecting their students to bring to the showcase event. 

Chosen students had the opportunity to learn how to 'pitch' their project work to a general audience. These practices sessions, held via Zoom, allowed students to craft and refine their project description into a short, understandable sound bite. Communications and government relations professionals from USask and URegina helped students shape their pitch.

Student Vaidehee Lanke, from USask said, "I greatly appreciated the preparation sessions, especially the ones on communicating complex ideas and research." Vaidehee was showcasing research work undertaken at VIDOIntervac.

Student Tamikani Nkhata from University of Regina echoed Vaidehee: "I appreciated the comprehensive training and support provided by the steering committee on effective research communication and public speaking." These sessions, Tamikani noted, were essential to helping students speak to policy makers. 

In a packed 24 hours, the FutureNow students met in Regina for a welcome lunch, then landed at the Legislature. Security procedures were smooth and the Legislature provided an excellent tour. 

The event itself was held in the Caucus Boardroom room 218, and the students and organizers had ample time to set up, then stroll around the grounds before the event started. 

Due to events inside the Legislative Chamber, things were a bit late, but nonethless enthusiastic. 

Welcome remarks from MLA Derek Meyers (on behalf of the Minister of Advanced Education), Associate Vice President Applied Research and Innovation Susan Blum from Saskatchewan Polytech, and Associate Vice President Research Chris Yost from University of Regina opened the event. Then the MLAs plunged into the fray. 

Students reported insightful conversations, good questions, and excellent engagement from the MLAs. Several MLAs made a point of finding students from their own constituencies, while others looked for students with projects related to their own areas of interest or professional oversight. A PDF copy of the FutureNow booklet, with all of the student projects listed, can be found at the end of this article. 

Local media also picked up the story, with several students interviewed by CBC, including student Treyton Zary from USask's Edwards School of Business on CBC Radio as well as Trey joined by Gavin Blondeau of USask's Department of Geography and Planning on CBC Radio Morning. 

Other students received invitations to meet with individual MLAs in their offices, for a private visit. 

Overall, for its first time running, FutureNow was a runaway success. An ideal event would have all the MLAs attend, with no other calls on their time, but that's something that can't always be controlled. 

Afterwards, students enjoyed some social time as a cohort and met for breakfast the next morning at First Nations University for a debrief and farewell. 

All of the students were surveyed about the experience. They gave high support for the institutions to pull together another similar event in two years. 

In addition to the surveys, several students sent emails and texts of thanks for the experience. Tamikani Nkhata said, "Creating opportunities beyond class projects and coursework is integral to enhancing the undergraduate experience. After working in silos due to the pandemic, FutureNow 2022 created a lifelong cohort of students who exchanged ideas, sparked creativity in each other and contributed to a world of cutting-edge research and knowledge."

Vaidehee Lanke added, "I believe one of the best ways to support students is to create spaces that allow us to connect and share our ideas. Thank you for your dedication and vision in creating such a space. I can't wait to see, hear and cheer on future versions of FutureNow!"

We can't either! Thanks to everyone who came out to make the first FutureNow a roaring success! 

View the FutureNow 2022 Saskatchewan Student Showcase booklet with student projects.