Meet our Researcher – Alexander Davis
Aug 6, 2024 | Research Centre
Alexander Davis works as the Teaching and Learning Specialist at the Academic Centre of Excellence at Canadore College. In this role, he can merge his love for education with his strong interest in research. His extensive educational background and diverse international teaching experience have uniquely qualified him to spearhead and support research projects at the college.
Alexander completed his B.A. (Hons) in History in 2011, followed by a B.Ed. in 2013, both from Nipissing University. During his B.Ed. program, he participated in an International Practicum experience in Ecuador. After graduation, he taught English in Moscow, Russia, and both English and Social Studies in Hefei, China. Upon returning to Canada, Alexander earned a Master of Arts from the University of Ottawa, where his graduate research focused on how President Ronald Reagan’s discourse influenced the consumer emphasis in American education.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Alexander shared, "While I always enjoyed teaching and continue to do so today, my immediate experience of delving deeply into my own research led me to realize my intrinsic interest and enjoyment of researching." This realization has driven him to excel in his current role, where he stays at the forefront of educational trends and helps others navigate these dynamic areas.
Alexander is very passionate about research, particularly the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). He is enthusiastic about promoting collaboration among faculty from different fields and finding new and creative ways to approach teaching and learning. He explained, "My role allows me to support faculty in their research pursuits and provide them with the necessary resources and guidance." This collaborative environment improves the quality of research and enhances educational experiences for both faculty and students at Canadore College.
Alexander has extensive research experience. He worked as a Writer/Researcher for Northern College’s Innovation Hub, where he drafted funding proposals, conducted applied research, and ensured adherence to Research and Ethics Board protocols. At the University of Ottawa, he served as the Research Coordinator for the Advancement of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning unit, sharing literature, hosting meetings, disseminating research, providing funding opportunities, and leading the publication of a pressbook. He also contributed to the 3M Fellows: Inspiring Teaching and Learning project, resulting in a book chapter publication. Additionally, he has been an Education Program Coordinator for the Timmins Learning Centre and a Curriculum Development Manager for CyberLegends Inc.
Alexander's role is particularly significant in the context of the rapid advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence. He noted, "The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence has unsurprisingly changed numerous aspects of teaching and learning, but I do find the speed of this transformation surprising. My role has been important in terms of finding and implementing support for using Generative Artificial Intelligence for teaching and learning purposes, while at the same time thinking about ways to remodel how we teach and assess in more authentic ways."
One of the most rewarding aspects of his role has been developing and providing a dedicated funding opportunity for faculty research. "Being able to develop and provide funding opportunities for faculty has been the most rewarding, and I am excited to see this initiative grow into a more expansive research fund across Canadore," Alexander said. He is committed to supporting the faculty's research interests and believes that these support mechanisms are crucial in helping them achieve their research goals.
Drawing from his wealth of experience, Alexander advises his colleagues not to overlook the obvious in their research endeavors. He believes that many commonplace practices, settings, and behaviors have become so normalized that they are easily overlooked. Alexander suggests that important research can emerge simply by asking, "What happens if I try this instead?"
Alexander wants to emphasize to students how thrilling and significant research can be. "It's really exciting because you get to delve into questions that truly interest you and uncover new information. Research isn't just about reading and writing; it's about immersing yourself in a topic, asking important questions, and piecing together evidence to find answers. It's an adventure in critical thinking and discovery that can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, you get to contribute to knowledge in a way that can have a real impact. How cool is that?"
Alexander is not only dedicated to his professional interests but also passionate about the role of fungi in nature. He is especially interested in using fungi to restore forested areas by decomposing logging debris. This personal goal reflects his broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Alexander Davis embodies the inquisitive and dedicated nature that propels the research environment at Canadore College. His diverse background, coupled with his current position, allows him to make substantial contributions to the college’s research community and beyond.