09/30/2026
Over the past six months, four students from Georgian College’s Big Data Analytics program worked with Child & Youth Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka to transform youth investigation data into clearer and more actionable information through data cleaning, analysis and visualization.
The team – Mohammed Natogmah, Chinonso Ezurike, Mayurkumar Devjibhai Maniya, and Kanisvanth Paramesh worked with historical data to uncover trends and patterns, identify gaps and opportunities for stronger data collection, and explore different approaches to understanding future demand. They applied a range of analytical and technical methods, using Python for data preparation and exploration and Power BI to create dashboards and visualizations that made the organization’s data easier to understand and use. Through this work, they helped highlight opportunities to strengthen how data is collected and organized for future analysis and reporting. The students also explored forecasting and predictive modelling approaches, including Holt-Winters, Random Forest and System Dynamics, bringing multiple perspectives to the analysis.
The result is a prototype analytics solution that gives a clearer view of historical trends, highlights opportunities to strengthen data collection, and supports longer-term planning. As Kate Waugh, Executive Director at CYACSM, shares, “One of the greatest benefits of this project was gaining a much clearer understanding of our own historical data. The students helped us organize and visualize years of information in a way we hadn’t been able to before, while also identifying where we need to strengthen our data collection going forward. That foundation will be incredibly valuable as our organization continues to grow.”
For the students, this was an opportunity to work with a complex and sensitive challenge, while applying their classroom knowledge to a real-world setting where thoughtful analysis matters. The experience gave them a practical understanding of how data professionals turn complex information into insights that can support real decisions. After this success, Kanishvanth is continuing to expand his portfolio of skills through Georgian College’s Artificial Intelligence and Design Implementation program, while Mohammed, Chinonso, and Mayurkumar are now looking to bring their data analytics skills to industry.
Capstone projects like this one are supported by Georgian’s Research and Innovation department, which plays a vital role in connecting students with real-world learning experiences. By fostering partnerships with industry and community organizations, R&I helps students apply their academic learning in meaningful ways. These connections are essential to student development, graduation success, and future career readiness.
Through Research and Innovation, students gain experience that not only strengthens their education but also supports the well-being and growth of our communities.
