Research in Action: ARIO Showcase Highlights Loyalist’s Partner-Driven Innovation 

Loyalist College’s Applied Research and Innovation Office (ARIO) opened its doors to community and industry partners this spring for a showcase of recent work through its Centre for Natural Products and Centre for Healthy Communities. 

Over 60 guests convened at the college’s Belleville campus for a panel discussion, partner displays and a guided tour of ARIO’s research spaces, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how applied research takes shape at Loyalist. Throughout the showcase, guests had the opportunity to connect with ARIO staff, meet organizations and founders that have worked with the college and see how applied research can help move ideas from early conversation to practical next steps. 

At Loyalist, applied research is rooted in collaboration. Through ARIO, the college works with businesses, non-profits, community groups and industry partners to explore challenges, test ideas and develop solutions that respond to real needs in the region.  

Partnership in practice

A panel discussion opened the event, bringing together Carrie Oswald (Belonging Re-Defined), Christanne Lewis (Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team), Julianne Snepsts (The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward), and Kathy Kennedy (Prince Edward Learning Centre) to reflect on their experiences working with the Centre for Healthy Communities (CFHC) and how applied research partnerships can support practical, community-based problem-solving. 

The discussion explored how partnerships begin, what makes collaboration accessible and responsive, and how evidence can support community programs, services and systems-level change. Panelists also reflected on the role of lived experience in shaping research that communities can use. 

The CFHC works with community organizations, municipalities, and health and social service partners to address real-world challenges related to social determinants of health, such as housing, food security, transportation and community well-being. Through projects like needs assessments, program evaluations and feasibility studies, the team helps partners better understand their communities and make informed decisions, ultimately improving quality of life.  

Product innovation on display

While the panel focused on community-based research, the partner displays showed another side of ARIO’s work: helping entrepreneurs and companies test, refine and strengthen products through the Centre for Natural Products (CNP). Around the college’s research block, partner organizations shared examples of recent projects developed with the CNP, from medical devices to functional beverages. 

Andrew Hyman’s health and wellness company Black & Blue Foods Inc. partnered with the CNP to support product development and formulation innovation for its Pain Punch beverage line. The collaboration focused on improving the stability, taste, consistency and performance of water-based functional beverages, while exploring new flavour innovations and future product concepts. Loyalist’s technical expertise helped Black & Blue strengthen its formulations and advance existing and future products toward commercialization. 

Sasquatch Beard Oil is an Indigenous-owned company founded in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory by Kristin Maracle. The company worked with the CNP to assess the stability and safety of its handcrafted products over time. The project offered insight into product quality and shelf life while supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship and local business growth. 

Noor Saeed Cheema from Myzel Organics shared research samples developed through a collaboration with the CNP. The project explored how different processing methods affect the retention of key bioactive compounds in functional mushrooms, helping optimize product quality while preserving important health benefits. 

Florina Truica’s project at Cold Plasma Group accelerated the development of innovative plasma-based solutions for agriculture. The partnership resulted in optimized processes for plant material sterilization, improved seed germination and plant vigour, and enhanced recycled wool fertilizer products. The work supports more sustainable agricultural practices and creates new opportunities for growth across Canadian agronomic sectors. 

The showcase also included a guided tour of ARIO’s research environments, giving guests a closer look at the equipment, facilities and expertise that support applied research at Loyalist.  

For small and medium-sized organizations, these resources can be significant. ARIO provides research capacity, specialized tools and project support that are not otherwise available in the region. 

The same projects also create hands-on learning opportunities for students. Through applied research, students can contribute to partner innovation while building technical, communication and problem-solving skills connected to their fields 

A regional resource for innovation 

At Loyalist, ARIO acts as a bridge between college expertise and partner needs, helping organizations explore ideas, strengthen projects and address challenges connected to the region’s social and economic well-being.  

For Dr. Tewathahá:kwa Jennifer Maracle, Executive Director of Indigenous Engagement and Applied Research, that connection is central to ARIO’s role. “Events like this help people see that applied research is not separate from the community — it is shaped by community needs,” says Dr. Maracle. “ARIO gives partners a place to ask questions, test ideas and build evidence they can use, while also creating opportunities for Loyalist students and employees to contribute to work that impacts the region they call home.” 

Learn more about the Applied Research and Innovation Office at Loyalist.