Joel Hodgson is the Operations Manager of Research & Innovation at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. The Research & Innovation department at Lambton College specializes in working with small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as well as organizations from a variety of sectors in numerous research areas.
We asked Joel some questions so you can get to know him and his work with SONAMI better.
Describe your favourite type of project to run for SONAMI?
Product and process development in Cleantech. You can see the benefits to not only the company but also the community.
If you run an SME – why would you want to work with SONAMI?
The high levels of expertise and capacity to not only achieve current goals but also identify new ones.
What excites you about working with SONAMI?
The ability to support Southern Ontario companies achieve their goals.
What did you learn during the pandemic?
Empathy, honesty and open communication are more important now more than ever. Making time to stay in communication with both internal and external stakeholders is essential when you can’t see each other in person.
What is the most interesting SONAMI project you’ve been involved with?
Our COVID-19 response projects, manufacturing hand sanitizer and PPE, which directly impacted our first responders’ ability to safely support those in need.
In your opinion, how has the pandemic impacted research?
We have been working more remotely, which has meant we need to be creative and proactive in how we brainstorm. We’re doing the same projects as before to support manufacturing but have also supported community organizations in product, process and software development in the fight against COVID-19.