Research in the area of community engagement aims to understand the impact of collaborative activities between faculty and students in the School of Interdisciplinary Science (SIS), and our local and global communities.

SIS-led community engagement projects are designed with thoughtful collaboration among students, faculty, and community partners. Each project aims to generate learning and teaching environments so that everyone takes on the role of teacher and learner to ensure reciprocal impact.

Some of our projects include:

• The MacEngaged platform
• The Stinson Neighbourhood Community Garden
• Delivery of nutrition workshops for older adults in Hamilton
• Development of knowledge translation materials for Addiction Services and the Student Health and Education Centre (SHEC) at McMaster University
• The McMaster Permaculture Garden for sustainable food production
• Creation of workshops and an e-book for the McMaster Children and Youth University (MCYU)
• Design and delivery of information booths on brain health
• A partnership with the United Way to create a McMaster Urban Farm for experiential learning.

Our faculty members use mixed methods to evaluate the impact of community engagement activities on undergraduate student learning and community members’ health behaviours and knowledge.