Meet the 2026 Student Research Days winners

Earlier this month, Douglas College held its 18th annual Student Research Days event where students showcased their hard work and discoveries from individual or group research projects.

How the power of hope carried an Afghan women’s doctor through war, exile and education

Dr. Nasrin Oryakhil with former First Lady Michelle Obama

From Kabul to Canada, Dr. Nasrin Oryakhil has dedicated her life to defending the rights of Afghan women and girls. A gynecologist and obstetrician, she provided critical care to women’s health through years of war, political upheaval and threats to her safety. Now, she supports the cause from Canada as a Douglas College alum.

Sound ambition: How Music alum Jackson Poling became a professional pianist

Music Diploma alum Jackson Poling channels his passion for his music career as he plays the piano.

Jackson Poling never expected a music career to be a part of his life, but a surprising spark of curiosity led him to change his mind and in time, his entire future.

Five common misconceptions about psychiatric nursing

Afreen Gill

Psychiatric Nursing student Afreen Gill reality-checks five common myths about psychiatric nursing.

Breaking barriers for disability in the fitness industry

Personal trainer and Ehlers-Danlos advocate Kat Lee is using her social media platform to create a more accessible fitness industry for everyone.

From survivors to activists: Empowering careers in sexual violence prevention

Broughan Jansz, Kia Ferrer and Rebecca Day are turning negative experiences into positive change for roles in sexual violence prevention.

Leading with compassion: Nick Blackman’s journey from Psychiatric Nursing grad to mental health services leader

Nick Blackman

The Psychiatric Nursing program at Douglas offers students practical experience through clinical placements, preceptorships and strong mentorship from instructors. For Nick Blackman, these experiences shaped his future in mental health care.

Making space by taking space: First openly trans campus leader paves the way for gender-diverse inclusion

Margaret Waldron

Margaret Waldron, Douglas College’s first openly trans Pride Representative, talks about creating safe spaces, community care and what it means to be visible on campus as a trans woman.

Improving lives one soundwave at a time 

Kei Tatsuno sits on a pile of blankets with a drumstick in each hand poised to strike the drum in front of him, which rests under a microphone.

Kei Tatsuno, a former rock band drummer from Japan, has always loved music. Over time, he decided he wanted to extend that passion to help others. With support from Douglas College, Kei made that a reality, learning how to combine music theory, technology and therapy skills to make a real difference.

Meet the 2025 Student Research Days winners

Congratulations to all the winners, and every student who put their hard work and research forward at our 17th annual Student Research Days.