The purpose of this study was to create a model for student learning in knowledge translation and transfer in Ontario. The study was informed by two focus groups, each associated with a student research communications skill development program at the University of Guelph, called Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge (SPARK). One focus group (n=9) consisted of current and former SPARK participants. The second focus group (n=10) consisted of SPARK stakeholders who had variously supported SPARK through projects or benevolence, or had helped administer the program. Based on focus group feedback, a conceptual model was developed showing how SPARK participants translate knowledge from university researchers and transfer it to members of society, various communities (agriculture, health, environment, etc.) and stakeholders including the media, government and industry.

This thesis investigates the use of a combined set of quantitative and qualitative tools to help address known barriers associated with adopting and sustaining pollution prevention (P2) in an industrial manufacturing setting. The research was conducted at an Ontario dairy processing facility in the form of a case study. P2 is an alternative approach to traditional pollution control or abatement techniques. P2 is a preferred method for pollution management, both environmentally and economically, as it focuses on the efficient use of resources to prevent pollution at the source. The tools used in this research included: wastewater treatability testing, hierarchical process mapping, employee interviews, and causal loop diagrams (CLDs). The application of these tools assisted the participating facility in better characterizing its existing environmental problems, uncovering concrete resource saving opportunities within its processes, and providing more adaptive visual approaches of documenting and conveying P2 concepts. / OMAFRA Agri-Food and Rural Link KTT Funding Program