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Research culture
F a c u l t y P e r s p e c t i v e
The Research Culture:
Building a Research-Driven Culture in Academia
An interview with Dr. Hamed Taherdoust
Associate Professor, ACSS, UCW
UCWbackpack: How do you currently assess the state of research and scholarly activity at University Canada West? And where would you like to see it headed in the future?
Dr. Taherdoust: It’s honestly been amazing to watch the research culture grow here over the past few years. When I first joined, research was still gaining its footing, but now there’s real energy behind it. We have experienced and exceptional growth over the past four years since I joined UCW. In 2021, UCW had only six Scopus-indexed publications. This number grew to 24 in 2022, 75 in 2023, and by 2024, UCW secured the #1 rank among all private institutions in Canada with 109 Scopus-indexed publications. This outstanding trajectory reflects a university-wide commitment to scholarly advancement, one that I’ve proudly helped nurture through faculty development, interdisciplinary initiatives, and meaningful student engagement. We’re publishing more, we’re involving students more, and people are genuinely excited to contribute. Looking ahead, I’d love to see UCW become a place where research is deeply embedded in everything we do.
UCWbackpack: Could you briefly elaborate on your role as Chair of the Senate Research Committee at UCW? What does that entail, and how does it shape your vision for research at the university?
Dr. Taherdoust: At RSAC, we help guide UCW’s research direction; what we prioritize, how we support researchers, and how we shape and grow our research identity. We propose various internal grant opportunities, review funding proposals, and work closely with the Office of Research and Scholarship (ORS) to help faculty and students turn their ideas into real projects. It’s a significant responsibility, but also a privilege. It allows us to advocate for a research culture that is supportive, collaborative, and ambitious.
UCWbackpack: What motivates you to continue researching, even during difficult or time-consuming phases of the process?
Dr. Taherdoust: We all hit walls in research, it can be slow, frustrating, and sometimes isolating. But what keeps me going is the impact. Knowing that my work might shape a student’s thesis, help a business make a smarter decision, or just add something meaningful to the field. Plus, working with students and watching them get published is a huge source of motivation. Their excitement is contagious.
UCWbackpack: Have your research interests changed over time? If so, what inspired those shifts?
Dr. Taherdoust: I started out in areas like technology adoption and management information systems, but over time I’ve found myself pulled toward topics like cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital innovation. A lot of that shift came from working directly with companies and staying curious about where the world is heading. I like being in tune with what’s happening out there and adapting my research to match and contributing to shape the future.
UCWbackpack: You’ve worked with a number of researchers and scholars. What motivates you to collaborate with other scholars?
Dr. Taherdoust: I think collaboration is where the magic happens. Different people bring different strengths, experiences, and ways of thinking and that mix makes the research richer. Whether it’s someone from another country or just a different discipline, I always come away with a new perspective.
UCWbackpack: How do you typically choose your research topics?
Dr. Taherdoust: Questions that pop up during consulting work, student projects, and needs I notice in daily life. I try to focus on topics that are practical, timely, and that might help someone.
UCWbackpack: Why do you think many new scholars find research so overwhelming at first? What would make the process more approachable?
Dr. Taherdoust: It’s easy to feel lost when you’re starting out. There’s so much jargon, so many steps, and the fear of not being “good enough” to publish can be paralyzing. What helps is having mentors, clear guidance, and spaces where you can ask questions without judgment.
UCWbackpack: What’s one common misconception that novice researchers have about the research process?
Dr. Taherdoust: A lot of people think their research has to be revolutionary from day one. But the truth is, most good research builds gradually. It’s not about making headlines, it’s about contributing something thoughtful and well-done. Starting small is totally okey.
UCWbackpack: Which part of the research journey do you enjoy the most, and why?
Dr. Taherdoust: Mentoring students, without a doubt. Seeing their ideas develop and watching them grow more confident as researchers is the best part for me. I still remember the first time UCW undergrads got published - I was so proud. It was a huge moment, not just for them but for the whole university.
UCWbackpack: What’s one non-academic skill or personality trait that you believe makes you a better researcher?
Dr. Taherdoust: Being adaptable. Research isn’t linear. Things change, ideas evolve, and sometimes your whole plan gets flipped. Being able to roll with it and stay curious has helped me a lot over the years.
UCWbackpack: What legacy do you hope your research will leave behind for future scholars, institutions, or even society at large?
Dr. Taherdoust: I’d love for my work to be remembered as something that connected ideas with action. I’ve always tried to bridge theory and practice whether that’s through textbooks, applied projects, or student mentoring. Most of all, I hope I’ve helped create spaces and works that support other researchers in conducting their research and evolving in their fields.
UCWbackpack: Is there a research question you’ve always wanted to explore but haven’t had the opportunity to pursue yet?
Dr. Taherdoust: Absolutely. One question I’ve always wanted to explore is "how can we use technology not just to solve problems, but to make people think more deeply, act more compassionately, and see the world through a more human lens."
UCWbackpack: What guidance would you give to early-career researchers today?
Dr. Taherdoust: Stick with it. The beginning is tough, but every researcher goes through it. Find mentors, be open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
UCWbackpack: Finally, if your research space had a motto or slogan on the wall, what would it say?
Dr. Taherdoust: “Curiosity is the compass; impact is the destination.”
S t u d e n t V o i c e
My Research Journey
Juan Carlos Fletes Carbajal
I remember that my first term at UCW was challenging because it took me a long time to conduct proper research, which was very stressful. As the terms went by, I acquired new methods and strategies that drastically helped me improve my skills to do good research in academia. Therefore, I still felt I needed to improve and knew I had to keep improving.
I remember writing a feasibility report in my Technical Writing and Business Communications class (COMM: 310). Something unique about this class that caught my attention was the perspective of applying what I learned outside of the academic setting and putting it into practice in real life. The feasibility report had to solve a problem and propose multiple solutions. What was unique about this project was that I decided to apply it as if it were a real-life case study. The report consisted of conducting research, so I had the idea of communicating with contractors, making estimates, and presenting the research to the class.
Not only did I get a good report, which was what I wanted, but, most importantly, I learned something fundamental from it: that many things can be achieved with dedication and perseverance. Ultimately, I realized that it's not just about completing the assignment but also about learning and putting all that knowledge into practice in your professional life.
My Academic Growth at UCW
Leonardo Enzo Souza
My journey at UCW might be different than most students’. After two years in Canada, I decided that I wanted to finish my bachelor's degree, which I had previously started in Brazil, and I transferred my credits to UCW.Due to the transfer, I was able to skip most of the beginner courses of my degree. However, I quickly realized how different academic life is in Canada. Luckily, one of my first classes at UCW was “COMM 260: Content Creation,” where we wrote blogs that reflected our personal preferences and history. In that class, I was able to reflect on my journey so far and what I could bring as an individual. Another class that inspired me was “COMM 496: Contemporary Topics in Communication,” where we worked in groups to create an extensive business plan for a non-profit organization, focusing on asking how we could help not only the company, but also the communities they support in ways that would have a long-term impact. After all my time at UCW, I learned I’ve had lived experiences and cultivated skills that make me unique. With teamwork, curiosity and a bit of direction, it is possible to create innovative projects that can influence the future. I hope this story can help inspire current and new students with their journeys at UCW.
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