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Sep 15

Blending biology with computer science, bioinformatics is a growing field that can help improve human and environmental health.

One prominent example in recent years is monitoring wastewater for COVID-19. Public health officials can rely on population-level data from wastewater instead of individual tests to determine whether there are spikes in infections, or new variants of concern emerging.

The work of researchers like Dr. Srijak Bhatnagar, a professor in the #AthabascaU Faculty of Science and Technology, make this kind of monitoring possible. And it can be used to monitor many other microbes that may impact human and environmental health.

“With vaccine hesitancy on the rise since COVID, we expect measles and mumps cases to start increasing,” he said. “So, in the future, we can detect disease outbreaks in wastewater.”

Learn more about this growing career path at #AthabascaU! LINK IN BIO

Sep 12

“Gamification means basically taking those game elements into a different context—in this case, into the educational context ... We’re combining games with education, and the goal is to make it more fun.”

When we think of an online game platform, we often think of the kinds of games that distract us and prevent us from reaching our educational goals.

But 2 #AthabascaU professors saw the potential for online games to do the exact opposite. And with the help of dozens of research assistants and graduate students in the Master of Science in Information Systems program, they created the OMEGA+ platform to help learners better understand thought processes, patterns, and problem solving skills through gaming. This in turn can help students become better learners.

And while developing the games and the platform itself has been the focus of the work on OMEGA+ so far, the team at AU is looking at other opportunities to use this platform for further research. This could include looking at how to personalize the experience to suit each user’s educational needs, or how to use learning analytics to further improve OMEGA+.

Master of Science in Information Systems (MScIS) students are doing incredible research projects and even suggest topics of their own. Check out the LINK IN BIO for more about the OMEGA+ project and the MScIS program.

Sep 8

"I remember scoring 90% on a statistics midterm but getting a 0% on the final exam. I didn’t even bother to show up. I’d given up."

After a few attempts to find his path in post-secondary, and overcoming financial setbacks, Westcott Louden landed at #AthabascaU. Flexible study has been a perfect fit for his personal needs and busy family life.

He's now enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Major in Applied Mathematics, with a minor in computer science, and several steps closer to the STEM degree he always dreamed about. For Westcott, it's now full steam ahead. LINK IN BIO #TransformingLives

Sep 1

"When you're not being distracted by anything because you have the goggles right on your eyes, you're totally immersed."

You might not expect someone to do a sewing project for their master’s thesis in a computing program … but this isn’t your average sewing project.

Twylla Soosay is a student in Athabasca University’s Master of Science in Information Systems program and member of the Samson Cree Nation. She’s bringing together her computer skills, her experience as an educator, and her Cree background for her thesis work, which will use virtual reality technology to teach students how to make a traditional ribbon skirt. LINK IN BIO for full story.

Aug 31

Join @austudentsunion for Welcome Week, a chance for undergrad students to connect with peers and learn about AU and AUSU.

It will include a session on tips for students, a welcome from #AthabascaU executive and AUSU, and a Q&A session. Check out the LINK IN BIO to RSVP.

Aug 25

“I look back and say that the catalyst for me continuing my academic pursuits started with AU.”

After taking 7 courses in criminal justice with #AthabascaU during work on a general studies degree, Christopher Kayser knew he wanted to pursue a career in cybercrime prevention. After finishing a master's degree and a specialized criminal justice program, Kayser wrote a guide book for online students, formed Cybercrime Analytics Inc., and started his work as a cybercriminologist.

Today he is a peer-reviewed researcher, editorial reviewer for peer-reviewed journals, and an expert witness. He also tours the globe, helping people become more cyber-safe. All of his academic and professional pursuits started with AU, he says. It gave him the encouragement to expand his education and specialization. And with that, he grew as a person.

Well done, Christopher! LINK IN BIO for fill story. #TransformingLives

Aug 21

Anyone who has gone outside on an extremely smoky day can tell you anecdotally about the impacts wildfire smoke can have on human health. But understanding what's really happening is not so simple.

The truth is there is a lot of data related to each and every aspect of the wildfires available, and this data can inform policymakers and help help tackle complex environmental challenges.

There is a big demand for the people who work with all this data.

A background in Environmental Data Analytics can open careers in many areas, including environmental consulting, government agencies, and non-profits, using data and new tools to help solve some big problems.

Check out the LINK IN BIO to learn more about environmental data analytics and get a better understanding of how real-world data and research help solve complex problems from #AthabascaU professor Dr. Junye Wang.

Aug 10

"If you had told me 6 years ago that I would be getting a business degree, I would have laughed in your face."

Things changed for Hanna Habke after being laid of several times during the pandemic. She had to alter her life plans a bit. So when she couldn't travel because of border closures, she used the time to further her education.

Due to a health condition, she needed a program that was flexible and allowed her to study or take breaks when her body needed it, or in case she got called back to work.

What started as an experiment with a course or two has turned into the pursuit of a full Bachelor of Management degree with @AthabascaUBiz. It's not the career path she once imagined but she's fuelled by her passion for the environment and fitness.

Keep pursuing your dreams, Hanna! We'll be right beside you! 💪 LINK IN BIO #TransformingLives #AthabascaU

Jul 30

What does self-care look like for you?

A few #AthabascaU students shared their favourite ways to take care of their emotional and physical well-being.

Jul 27

"Everyone has a different learning style but the major benefit of online courses for me was having the freedom to work, relocate, and pursue my passions in life, such as travelling."

Dakota Buck's educational journey took unforeseen routes, transforming her nursing aspirations into a career in marketing and communications for a non-profit organization. Embracing challenges and seizing opportunities, she discovered new paths through online education with #AthabascaU. It reminds us that post-secondary education allows for personal growth and exposure to new experiences. LINK IN BIO for Dakota's full #TransformingLives story.

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