Generator at Sheridan in action: Centre for Elder Research and SIRT Centre lead two impactful initiatives

Two Generator at Sheridan research and innovation centres recently led an educational series and micro-credential.

More than just learning opportunities, the sessions offered participants direct access to expertise, technologies and evidence-based approaches that are shaping the future of our communities and industries. Whether it was gaining practical strategies to support healthy aging or building in-demand technical skills for a rapidly evolving creative industry, participants benefited from hands-on learning with Generator's experts.

Together, the sessions highlight Sheridan’s commitment to collaborative experiences that strengthen well-being, foster creativity and prepare learners to thrive in the real world.

Centre for Elder Research’s MAP series fosters creativity, connection and cognitive wellness for older adults

In 2020, Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at Generator’s Centre for Elder Research (CER), Dr. Kate Dupuis, in collaboration with Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design professor Elaine Brodie, received a Generator Growth Grant, an internal award granted on a competitive basis for projects involving research and creative activities. Together, their research team applied novel opportunities for creativity and self-expression to an existing evidence-informed memory intervention program (MAP) developed and evaluated at Baycrest Health Sciences. Three iterations of this novel program, called MAP-ARTS, were offered virtually to older adults, with research findings demonstrating the positive benefits of this program for participant health and well-being, with a particular focus on self-exploration and social connection.

This spring, Dr. Dupuis has been offering the MAP program in-person at CER. Over five weekly sessions, program attendees learn about age-related changes to the brain, strategies to enhance brain health across the lifespan, and specific strategies that support memory and cognitive function as we age. Based on the initial success of this in-person learning opportunity for members of the local community, Dr. Dupuis plans to offer more MAP sessions in the future.

SIRT's Virtual Production Catalyst equips creative professionals with hands-on experience in next-generation storytelling technologies

Sheridan’s Creative Industries Catalyst empowers mid-career creative professionals with the tools, skills and confidence to navigate change and build sustainable careers. Grounded in over 50 years of leadership in media, art and design education, the Creative Industries Catalyst extends Sheridan’s innovative response to today’s creative, business and technological challenges. As a part of Sheridan’s broader Nova initiative, which was launched in June 2025, the Catalyst responds to shifting industry demands by offering hands-on learning, micro-credentials and mentorship opportunities that blend creative, technical and entrepreneurial skills.

This includes a micro-credential hosted by Generator’s Screen Industries Research & Training (SIRT) Centre where participants can enhance their skills in the field of virtual production (VP), which combines computer-generated imagery (CGI), game engine and mixed reality technology to enable new ways of creating film and television. The hands-on experience includes working with LED walls, motion capture systems, Unreal Engine and in-camera visual effects (ICVFX), providing learners with the foundational knowledge and practical expertise needed to enter or progress in the rapidly transforming film and television industry.

By connecting participants with Sheridan’s applied research ecosystem, the Catalyst fosters collaboration and equips professionals to adapt, innovate and thrive in today’s dynamic content landscape.

To learn more about how Generator at Sheridan is supporting community well-being and strengthening workforce talent, visit sheridancollege.ca/generator.