Empathy in Qualitative Research: A Balancing Act 

Headshot of Katrina Sze Ching Soong

Katrina, a former A&S UTQAP design researcher, reflects on her experience conducting human-centered interviews. She discusses the importance of balancing empathy in qualitative research from a personal and professional standpoint. 

Written by Katrina Sze Ching Soong, Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, Honours Bachelor of Arts, English and Philosophy Double Major, History Minor 

Breaking the Ice: Tips for Stress-Free Fun Facts 

photo of Ajeetha Vithiyananthan

Many feel anxiety and pressure when asked to share a fun fact during icebreakers. In this blog post, Ajeetha offers practical advice on how to prepare and navigate these moments with confidence, emphasizing that icebreakers can be a tool for connection and setting a positive tone in group settings. 

Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology 

Meet the Fall-Winter 2024/25 Team!

The Innovation Hub welcomes a wonderful group of students into our team each term. We’re beginning this academic term with our biggest team yet – 88 changemakers comprised of both work-study students and Team Leads. Let’s meet the team! 

Written by Joseph Lek, Digital Communications Coordinator, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Culture, Information & Technology and Art & Art History 

World Mental Health Day: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace

photo of Ajeetha Vithiyananthan

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day to bring awareness to those experiencing challenges with their mental health. This year, Amelia spoke with members of the Innovation Hub’s Leadership team to understand what it means for them to prioritize their mental health in the workplace. 

Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology specialist and Sociology minor and Amelia Di Meo, Research Coordinator, Master of Health Sciences, Translational Research 

Learning through Art: Orange Shirt Day at the Innovation Hub

Headshot of Amelia Di Meo
photo of Ajeetha Vithiyananthan

September 30th is National Truth and Reconciliation Day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, which honours the survivors and provides an opportunity to reflect on the profound impacts of Canada’s Residential School System on Indigenous communities. Innovation Hub  Blog Editor & Content & Digital Content Writer Ajeetha, and Research Coordinator Amelia reflect on the importance of this day and their learnings from the Innovation Hub’s Orange Shirt Day event. 

Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology, and Amelia Di Meo, Research Coordinator, Master of Health Science, Translational Research 

Life as a UTSG Student: Alumni Tips for Commuters 

Headshot of Maribeth Tabanera

Life as a U of T student is an exciting journey filled with endless opportunities to explore diverse study, work, and rest spaces across the campus. In the third and last of a three-part series, Maribeth chats with iHub member, Amellia Di Meo, about her favourite UTSG campus locations as an alumni, and her recommendations for commuter students. 

Written by Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera, Blog Writer and Content Writer, Master of Education in Social Justice Education 

Call for Participants: Engagement & Belonging for Students with Disabilities 

A green and white graphic with an icon of three people standing together with some colorful stars around them. It reads, ‘Engagement & Belonging for Students with Disabilities’.

Students with disabilities: we want to hear from you! In partnership with Accessibility Services, the Innovation Hub is hosting student-led feedback sessions to inform design decisions to better support engagement and belonging for students with disabilities at U of T. Share your stories, perspectives, and experiences. The aim is to create a barrier-free environment where you can speak openly about lived experiences.  

Team Reflections: Where Qualitative Research Can Take You

QDA Team sitting by couches

The Qualitative Data Archivist Team supports Innovation Hub projects using qualitative research skills, with each team member taking away something different from their experience. The 2023-2024 team reflects on how their dynamic workload fosters collaboration and how this can also lead to personal growth. 

Written by the Innovation Hub Qualitative Data Archivist Team

Fostering Connection and Change Through Furniture

Headshot of Jennifer Ayow

When physical spaces are intentionally designed with different layouts and types of furniture, this can foster collaborative environments that meet various needs. In this blog, Jennifer shares her experiences of looking for a study space after graduation and how this exploration helped create positive change in other areas of her life. Jennifer’s personal experiences align with the classroom redesign research conducted by the Innovation Hub through Transforming the Instructional Landscape (TIL)

Jennifer Ayow, Blog Writer, Honours Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience Major, Psychology and Digital Humanities minors