Signify 2022 brings capstone projects to life through real-world research
Signify (external link, opens in new window) , the annual event hosted by the Professional Communication program’s graduating class, took place virtually on April 4th and 5th this year. The event is a showcase of capstone research projects that represent a year of comprehensive research and study. The event also hosted insightful panels with industry experts and covering a range of timely topics.
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The event provided students passionate about professional communication the perfect opportunity to share their findings through keynote presentations, group discussions and one-on-one interactions with classmates and industry professionals.
ProCom students represented at Signify have carefully brought their capstone hypotheses to life through extensive real-world research and by offering creative solutions to timely issues.
Amanda Butler, 4th-year ProCom student and Signify 2022 Marketing Lead
"We are still living in this hybrid style of working; where certain things can be safely done in person, and other things have to wait,” says Signify 2022 Marketing Lead Amanda Butler. “As team leads we faced this challenge early on in planning where we wanted to deliver the best version of Signify that we could; under the world's current parameters. Although on the surface that was an added obstacle; the entire event, its turnout, full panel of speakers and incredible keynotes, you would have never even thought about what the event would have been like had it been in person. The platform 'Gather' combined nostalgia and modernity seamlessly, making for an incredible Signify 2022. An event such as this continues to excite me about the future of professional communication".
An interactive virtual experience
This year, event organisers wanted to gamify Signify. Using Gather, a video chat platform designed to make virtual interactions more human, students, professors and special guests found themselves within a much more immersive and interactive virtual showcase, one that was conducive to networking and relationship-building.
The event unfolded through the use of avatars that allowed for participants to navigate Signify’s virtual conference space.
Using digital app Gather to organise the virtual event
Gather allows for more interactive virual experiences
From concrete research to real-world solutions at Signify 2022
On the first day of the event, attendees enjoyed a compelling and inspiring keynote presentation from Asante Haughton, a TEDx speaker and mental health and diversity speaker, consultant and writer.
The healthcare and media panels sparked interesting discussions about allyship, career growth, and work-life balance.
One highlight includes fourth-year ProCom student Emmit-Jamal Brown’s project. Brown, who is also a Project Coordinator at The Healthcare User Experience (HUE) Lab (external link, opens in new window) , is examining the behavioural effects that Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has had on Queer individuals in Ontario (external link, opens in new window) as a way of increasing conversations around and combatting the stigma surrounding HIV and PrEP. The goal is to increase understanding around the impact of barrier-free Queer-specific sexual health services.
Emmit-Jamal Brown, fourth-year ProCom student
Brown says that his time at the HUE Lab has allowed him to refine the skills he developed in the ProCom program, and apply them in a professional context.
Anwyn Diakuw, fourth-year ProCom student
Another panel highlight is ProCom student Anwyn Diakuw’s project ‘Disability and Education: How teacher perceptions impact disabled education (external link, opens in new window) ’. The focus of her research is the examination of teacher relationships with disability to better understand their differing perspectives and approaches, and identify gaps in understanding, all of which relate to the way they respond to IEPs (Individualised education plans) and the associated proposed accommodations.
Diakuw identifies as a disabled student in the Professional Communications program, minoring in Disability Studies. She has a passion for education and discussing critical issues, and aspires to work in disability education or advocacy.
Signify 2022 demonstrates how the Professional Communications (BA) class of 2022 has expanded and refined their communication skill-set throughout their four years of study. The program balances theory and practical skills in a range of organisations and fields, preparing students for careers in a variety of industries. To check out the more interesting projects visit https://procomsignify.ca/2022-research-categories/ (external link, opens in new window) .
The Creative School at Ryerson University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.