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Laurentian Research Project Featured on Provincial Stage

Laurentian Research Project Featured on Provincial Stage

Professor Steven Beites and PhD student Ethan McDonald participate in Queen’s Park showcase event

(October 16, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Steven Beites, Assistant Professor at the McEwen School of Architecture, will be among the researchers present at the Council of Ontario Universities’ first Queen’s Park event since the pandemic: A Plan for Prosperity: Fueling the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain.  

Taking place on Monday, October 16, from 5 pm to 7 pm, the reception will provide an opportunity to interact with provincial leaders while highlighting the role of universities in creating a stronger Ontario.

At Queen’s Park, Professor Beites, who will be accompanied by PhD student Ethan McDonald, will showcase his research which hopes to address the affordable housing crisis, particularly in Northern Ontario, by developing automated construction processes and novel prefabricated modular assemblies, with a focus on low-carbon construction. He will engage Members of Provincial Parliament, Ministers, ministerial staff and other stakeholders with the help of an example of the automated construction process, posters about the research, and prototypes of the novel prefab assemblies.

This research is the result of work developed both in Steven's Graduate Studios, and by a transdisciplinary team that also includes the Bharti School of Engineering’s Marc Arsenault, the School of Natural Sciences’ Blake Dotta, and Reza Foruzanmehr. The research team received an Exploration grant from the New Frontiers in Research Fund in 2021 for their research titled ‘Human-Robot Interaction and Collaboration as a Catalyst for Creative Economy, Community Outreach and Emerging Design-Build Solutions in Ontario's North’.

Natural Resource Engineering PhD candidate selected for prestigious national award

Natural Resource Engineering PhD candidate selected for prestigious national award

Maryam Pourmahdavi celebrates Gordon M. Ritcey award for achievement in hydrometallurgy.

(October 5, 2022) - Maryam Pourmahdavi, PhD candidate of Natural Resource Engineering in Engineering Science at Laurentian University is the recipient of the prestigious Gordon M. Ritcey PhD award. This nation-wide achievement in the hydrometallurgy section of Mettalurgy and Materials Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (MetSoc) is an incredible accomplishment for Pourmahdavi, who is also a 2019 Ontario Trillium scholar and 2020 Parya Trillium scholar. This is the first time that a Laurentian student has been the recipient of this award. 

Pourmahdavi is originally from Lahijan, Iran. Her B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering was obtained at Guilan University, and her M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at the Iran University of Science and Technology. When it came to the pursuit of her PhD, Pourmahdavi expressed interest in studying at a Canadian university. When she discovered Laurentian’s location in the unique mining landscape of Greater Sudbury, she recalled thinking, “this could be a great place for me, and the fact that I could further my career here was another reason why I chose Laurentian.” 

For Pourmahdavi, who remains humble despite her many achievements, her experience as a Laurentian student has been “very rewarding.” Working under the direction of her faculty supervisor, Full Professor, Dr. Dean Millar, her dissertation is titled “Design and verification of CO2 capture and sequestration systems utilizing the pressure swing absorption process in a hydraulic air compressor (HAC).” In other words, Pourmahdavi’s research hinges on finding solutions for reducing carbon dioxide emissions produced by the mining industry. 

Other members of Pourmahdavi’s faculty committee include Dr. Ramesh Subramanian, Assistant Professor and Director of the Bharti School of Engineering, Dr. Meysar Zeinali, Associate Professor of the Bharti School of Engineering, Dr. Alex Hutchison, MIRARCO Rock Mechanics Lab and Field Work Manager, and Dr. François Caron, Professor Emeritus, School of the Environment. “All the members of my committee are so welcoming. So helpful.”  

Not only is Pourmahdavi interested in implementing change to support the environment, she is equally passionate about teaching. “All of the women in my family are teachers. I wanted to be a post-secondary lecturer. That is originally why I decided to do a PhD. My family, especially my mother, believed that if you want to make a change, you have to educate the next generation. I want to have an impact on the next generation, help them to have a better life, have a better career. This has really inspired me.” 

Because Pourmahdavi has a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) that finds her supporting faculty with their teaching responsibilities, she is pleased to have already had opportunities to positively impact other students. What’s more, in collaboration with MIRARCO, she is a co-instructor of undergraduate students studying Operation Research at the University of Jiangxi University of Science and Technology in Ganzhou, China. “I’ve really enjoyed these teaching opportunities.” 

In addition to teaching, Pourmahdavi is also keen to advocate for fellow graduate students, which is why she got involved as her program representative within Laurentian’s Graduate Students’ Association. Last year, she was the GSA’s representative on the University's Senate, as well as the graduate student representative on the University’s Presidential Advisory Committee for the Status of Gender Equity. “Grad students need someone to be there for them and be involved in the advocacy of their rights.”

Maryam Pourmahdavi is sure to inspire others. The Laurentian community is fortunate to benefit from her contributions and we will all be eager to hear of her successes after graduation. 

Postscript on behalf of Maryam Pourmahdavi, PhD candidate: 
"While I am very proud of my accomplishments and will continue to persevere in my academic pursuits, my heart goes out to my family, friends, and all those affected by the violence and tragedies ongoing in my home country. When I was a student in Iran, I did not have the opportunity to be a part of my university community. Although Iranian women form the majority of university students in Iran, they continue to face disproportionate inequalities and do not have many basic rights. However, they are so brave as they are active in public life. I hope to see a better future for Iran with equal opportunities for the growth and development of all Iranian girls and women."
 

IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction Unveiled

IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction Unveiled

Dedicated space to enhance the student experience.

April 03, 2019 - Laurentian University is pleased to unveil the IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction, located within the Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building.

This dedicated collaboration space will further enhance opportunities for students in the Bharti School of Engineering. To honour this contribution, the space has been named the IAMGOLD Student Engineering Junction.

“This is a space where engineering students from across all disciplines can gather to collaborate on projects and share ideas to foster and support work being done in classrooms, shops and laboratories,” said Laurentian University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Pierre Zundel.

This transformative investment of $2,000,000 was first announced on March 15, 2018. The space includes student study spaces and the IAMGOLD Student Common Room. In addition to this, the funds are supporting engineering lab refurbishment, upgrades to technology and equipment, research, scholarships as well as student activities and field trips.

IAMGOLD’s initial investment in 2013 of $1.25 million, enabled Laurentian to hire two IAMGOLD Research Fellows who have played a role in enhancing teaching and research capacity at the Bharti School of Engineering.

 

About IAMGOLD

IAMGOLD Corp. Inc. is a Toronto-based, leading mid-tier gold producer with four operating gold mines (including current joint ventures) on three continents, with a pipeline of development and exploration projects. The company’s growth plans are focused in Canada, select countries in South America and Africa.

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Laurentian University is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues.

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Laurentian's Bharti School of Engineering receives renewed investment from IAMGOLD

The Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University has received a $2 million investment from Canadian mining firm, IAMGOLD Corporation Inc.

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Hatch donates $250,000 to the Bharti School of Engineering

Hatch donates $250,000 to the Bharti School of Engineering

Funds to provide undergraduate and graduate engineering student scholarships

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 – Hatch announced today a $250,000 commitment to Laurentian University over five years. The donation will provide a scholarship fund for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University’s Bharti School of Engineering. 

With accredited programs in Mining, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, the Bharti School of Engineering is recognized as a top producer of engineering talent in Canada as well as a global leader in mining research and education. Collaborations with local, provincial, national and international partners and industry leaders enhance the student experience and create opportunities for mutual benefit.

“We are so thankful that Hatch has taken this approach to student support, giving our engineering students an excellent opportunity to hone their leadership capabilities and focus in on their career interests,” said Markus Timusk, Director of the Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University.

This year, Hatch is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Sudbury. This latest partnership with Laurentian University, in addition to summer employment opportunities, is part of Hatch’s commitment to the development of tomorrow’s leaders.
 
“At Hatch, we strive for real partnerships with our clients and with the communities in which we work. We’re excited to be able to give back to the Sudbury community while supporting the next generation of engineers,” said Bruce MacKay, Hatch Regional Managing Director – Western North America.

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Laurentian University is located on the territory of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and recognizes its placement on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nations. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues. 

 

ABOUT HATCH

Whatever our clients envision, our engineers can design and build. With over six decades of business and technical experience in the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, we know your business and understand that your challenges are changing rapidly. We respond quickly with solutions that are smarter, more efficient and innovative. We draw upon our 9,000 staff with experience in over 150 countries to challenge the status quo and create positive change for our clients, our employees, and the communities we serve. Find out more on www.hatch.com.
 

The Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University receives a $250,000 donation from Hard-Line

The Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University receives a $250,000 donation from Hard-Line

(2018-10-24) A new partnership between Laurentian University and Hard-Line was announced today at the University Club.

As part of this partnership, Hard-Line will invest $250,000 over five years in the Mechatronics program of the Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University. The funds will enhance student experiences through lab renovations and upgrades, new computer work stations and furnishings, multimedia equipment for interactive teaching, and student field trips to Hard-Line facilities.

“The Bharti School of Engineering is one of Laurentian University’s brightest success stories. It is recognized as a top producer of engineering talent for Northeastern Ontario as well as a global leader in mining research and education,” said Dr. Markus Timusk, Director of the Bharti School of Engineering. “This donation shows a commitment to the Bharti School of Engineering and a confidence in Laurentian’s students.”

With accredited programs in Mining, Chemical and Mechanical Engineering (with Environmental, Mechatronics and Metallurgy Options), the Bharti School of Engineering has experienced tremendous growth and success over the past decade. Mechatronics graduates with specialized skills in engineering, software and electrical systems are in increasing demand by leading companies such as Hard-Line.

“We are proud to partner with Laurentian University. Together, we work to support the future of our industry by providing students with the programs and tools they need to succeed in the changing landscape of the field,” added Hard-Line President, Walter Siggelkow.

 

ABOUT LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

Located on the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 territory, Laurentian University recognizes that we are on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation. Laurentian is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Together with its federated partners, Laurentian University prepares leaders who bring innovative and intelligent solutions to local and global issues. 

 

ABOUT HARD-LINE

Established in 1996 in Sudbury, Ontario, Hard-Line is a leading supplier of automation, tele-operation, and remote-control technology to the mining industry. With branch offices in Chile, Peru and the U.S.A., along with a worldwide distribution network, Hard-Line is a global company that develops its products from the ground up, utilizing years of experience in mining, electronics, electrical design, and mechanical design. For more information on Hard-Line, visit www.hard-line.com/.

Laurentian University students win top spots at prestigious mining competition

Laurentian University students win top spots at prestigious mining competition

Teams from the Bharti School of Engineering walked away with $30,000 in prize money for their first and second place finish at the Ontario Mining Association’s Mined Challenge held in Toronto.

Laurentian University today congratulated two teams of students from the Bharti School of Engineering for winning top honours at a major mining competition in Toronto. The teams were awarded first and second place at the Ontario Mining Association’s Mined Open Innovation Challenge.

During the competition, teams of students were asked to draw up plans to expand operations at a mining site where new ore deposits had been discovered. The challenge was to tap into the new, deeper resources using innovative technologies and practices, without negatively affecting health, safety, the environment, and a nearby community. The finalists presented their proposals to a group of judges made up of mining industry executives, as well as a live audience.

The first place prize of $15,000 was awarded to Laurentian students Joshua Fortes, Alex MacInnes, Adam Grinbergs, Liam Dunn, Muhammad Syed, and Justin So. Team leader Joshua Fortes was overjoyed with the victory saying, “This was a real group effort. We believe our proposal will be a great benefit to the mining industry and the communities located around mining facilities. We are humbled and honoured to have our plan chosen by the judges. I also want to congratulate all of the teams for their hard work and creative solutions.”

The second place prize of $10,000 was granted to another group of Laurentian students. The proposal presented by Sarah Bulanda, Peter Gazaes, and Patrick Lamontagne also won the Audience Choice Award at the competition, garnering the team an additional $5,000 in prize money.

The Mined Open Innovation Challenge aims to drive enhanced mining industry performance in health and safety, environmental protection, energy efficiency, and productivity. Laurentian University is a proud partner in this Challenge, along with the Ontario Mining Association and the mining/engineering schools at the University of Toronto, and Queen’s.

“I am so proud of all our award winning students,” said Dr. Osman Abou-Rabia, Laurentian’s Dean of Science, Engineering, and Architecture. “Their success at the Mined Open Innovation Challenge is a credit to the team members’ creativity, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit. They truly represent the qualities and talents that the Bharti School of Engineering continues to foster and develop.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and nineteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. 

Inaugural Goodman Gold Challenge tremendous success

Inaugural Goodman Gold Challenge tremendous success

Mining investment competition attracted teams from Ontario, Quebec, and Kentucky

The inaugural Goodman Gold Challenge held on February 22 to February 25 was a tremendous success.  Six teams of undergraduate students participated in the competition: two teams representing Laurentian University’s Bharti School of Engineering and Faculty of Management, Bishop’s University from Sherbrooke, Québec, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology from Oshawa, Ryerson University from Toronto, and Kentucky University from Lexington Kentucky.

The mining investment competition challenged teams to analyze the investment potential of three gold mining companies currently listed on the TSX or TSX-V, and recommend one in which they should invest. The three companies studied were: Detour Gold Corporation, Dundee Precious Metals, and Osisko Mining.

“The competition was designed to offer students real-life experience, while putting their academic credentials to a vital test,” said Bruce Jago, Founding Executive Director, Goodman School of Mines.  “Given our close proximity to mines, participants had the opportunity to visit Vale’s Copper Cliff and Coleman mines and see real mining operations in action.” 

The competitors had six weeks to analyze the companies and conduct external research. On the second day of the competition, teams were pitched by Executives from each of the organizations as to why their company was the best investment, followed by an opportunity to ask questions individually. Teams then presented their recommendation to a panel of judges comprised of industry experts. The panel consisted of industry professionals from Beacon Securities, Franco Nevada, Kinross Gold, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Orix Geoscience, and RBC Capital Markets.

Mining Engineering and Business students from Laurentian University were declared the winners of the competition for their recommendation of Detour Gold Corporation.  Team members included: Mitchell Menard, Ryan Hunter, Anthony Foreshew and Adam Tomlinson.

The winning team received shares in Detour Gold Corporation, the company they recommended, worth the equivalent of four ounces of gold at February 24th closing price, $1,645.00 CAD. All participants of the top three teams also received ¼ ounce gold coins for their tremendous work and analysis.

The competition received astonishing financial and in-kind support by provincial and local businesses (Orix Geosciences, RBC Capital Markets, Beacon Securities Ltd., Crosstown Chevrolet, PearTree Securities, Professional Engineers of Ontario – Sudbury Chapter, CEMI, Science North, Petryna Advertising, Millar Technology, Wabi, XPS, Wallbridge Mining, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and the City of Greater Sudbury.

The 2017 Goodman Gold Challenge organizing committee, chaired by Jonathan Goodman, is already getting ready for the 2nd annual Goodman Gold Challenge in 2018.

Company or organization that want to be involved in the 2nd Annual 2018 Goodman Gold Challenge, can visit www.goodmangoldchallenge.com.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian University, situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinabe peoples of Atikameksheng First Nation, prepares students as agents of change and empowers them to create innovative responses to local and global challenges. Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and eighteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $100 million in research income in the past five years. 

Laurentian's Bharti School of Engineering wins global mine rescue competition

Laurentian's Bharti School of Engineering wins global mine rescue competition

Students win in two mine rescue categories and overall title

Laurentian University’s Bharti School of Engineering students won the 2017 Intercollegiate Mines Emergency Response Development (MERD) competition in Golden, Colorado. The team placed first in the first aid and the field competitions and earned the overall title.

The competition was held over two days and consisted of teams from University of British Columbia, Freiburg University (Germany), Montana Tech, South Dakota School of Mines and Colorado School of Mines. The first intercollegiate MERD was held in 2011.

The competition consists of mock disasters that are created in an underground mine to train collegiate mine rescue teams in a realistic emergency search and rescue setting. It included a field competition where teams had to put out an actual underground fire, a technician test, and a first aid test.

“We are extremely proud of our students, staff and faculty who participated in this international competition. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Markus Timusk, Director, Bharti School of Engineering.  “We also recognize the support of our industry partners and sponsors who make these incredible opportunities possible for Laurentian students.”

The award winning team from the Bharti School of Engineering includes:  Team Captain, Julien Lalande, Alexander Dobrogost, Alexander Mulloy, Dalton Moncion, David Etheridge, Greg Moser, James Wilson, Gilles Paradis, Joseph Benoit, Zachary Werdekker. Ethan Armit was staff advisor and Tim Ebbinghaus, Team Trainer, Ontario Mine Rescue Officer.

Laurentian University Mine Rescue Team sponsors include: Goldcorp, Soucie Salo Safety, Draeger Safety, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, Goodman School of Mines, McEwen Mining and the Bharti Family.

 

About Laurentian University

Laurentian University offers an outstanding university experience in English and French, with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education.  Laurentian’s students benefit from small class sizes and exceptional post-graduation employment rates.  With nine Canada Research Chairs and nineteen research centres, Laurentian is a recognized leader in its specialized areas of research strength, which include mining innovation and exploration, stressed watershed systems, particle astrophysics and rural and northern children’s health. Laurentian University has secured over $100 million in research income in the past five years.

Canadian and Ontario governments invest $27.4 million in infrastructure at Laurentian

Canadian and Ontario governments invest $27.4 million in infrastructure at Laurentian

Part of $60.7 million project to include a new Research, Innovation and Engineering Building

SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 – The federal government will invest $21.1 million and the Ontario government will invest $6.3 million towards research and innovation infrastructure at Laurentian University. As part of a broad capital program totalling $60.7 million to be completed by March 2018, this $27.4 million investment is earmarked for the immediate construction of a new 47,000 sq ft Research, Innovation and Engineering Building. The announcement was made today by Members of Parliament Marc Serré and Paul Lefebvre, Deputy Premier Deb Matthews and Energy Minister and Sudbury Member of Provincial Parliament Glenn Thibeault. 

“The significant support of $27.4 million received today from this joint federal-provincial announcement, the largest infrastructure announcement in Laurentian’s 56-year history, allows for the expansion of much needed research and innovation space in our region,” said Jennifer Witty, Chair of the Board of Governors at Laurentian University.  “With this investment, we will build the infrastructure required to support education and research, foster innovation, and create opportunity for students while strengthening the economy.”

 

The federal investment is made through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund announced in the 2016 Federal Budget.  This $2-billion fund is intended to spur job creation, expand research and grow innovation by enhancing and modernizing research facilities on Canadian campuses while improving the environmental sustainability of these facilities. 

 

"Canada's post-secondary institutions are front-line agents in fostering science and research excellence. They help to train the workforce of tomorrow and create knowledge and insights necessary for the private sector and policy makers to build a thriving, clean economy," said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. “Laurentian University has ambitious plans that will create well-paying jobs in its community while also delivering economic growth for years to come,” added Bains.

 

The provincial investment includes $5 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. “The Ontario government is proud to support this important project that will deliver new and improved facilities needed to prepare students for successful careers in engineering and research. As a result of these investments, students, faculty and staff will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research and support lifelong learning and skills training,” said the Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

 

The new Research, Innovation and Engineering Building, located between the Fraser and Parker buildings on the Sudbury campus, will include:

  • Collaborative Research and Development space, enabling researchers across the University to share equipment and expertise to operate highly-specialized equipment;
  • A dedicated Innovation and Commercialization space leveraging its partnership with the Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT) to help emerging start-ups by bridging the gap between laboratory and market;
  • Four capstone innovation labs allowing students in civil, chemical, mechanical and mining engineering to put their knowledge and skills to work to address creative design problems for actual clients;
  • A Materials Analysis Lab to support researchers, students and industry partners in chemical analysis as well as mechanical, metallurgical, corrosion, heat treatment and capability testing;
  • An Environmental and Soil Mechanics Lab will contain instrumentation, environmental chambers and other specialized equipment to support research, innovation and industry partners in the design of foundation and earth structures, and address issues in water chemistry, environmental microbiology, physical and chemical processes, and microbiological processes in addition to analytical equipment and bench-scale treatment systems;
  • A Prototype Development and Machine Shop enabling innovation requiring a physical system;
  • An Integrated Software Lab and Lecture Theatre will be equipped for computer- based activities using engineering software. This additional capacity will allow students to complete years 3 and 4 in civil engineering at Laurentian, and will accommodate bilingual engineering students who currently travel 400-600 km to complete their degrees;
  • A Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics Lab enabling engineering students to learn and research about open channel and closed channel fluid flows.

“Over the last 10 years, Laurentian University has secured more than $200 million in research income while enrolment at the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering has increased from 100 to 700 students during that period,” said Laurentian President Dominic Giroux. “We have a major role to play in supporting research and innovation opportunities both for students and for industry partners. The support received by the federal and provincial governments will certainly help us meet these demands,” added Giroux.

In addition to the new Research, Innovation and Engineering Building, Laurentian’s $60.7 million capital program includes investments by the university towards a new Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research Lab, new one-stop student services, a new Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, renovations to five labs in the Faculty of Health and a new roof for the J.N. Desmarais Library. It also features a $11.2 million partnership with Greater Sudbury Utilities for a cogeneration initiative to update the University’s heating systems campus-wide to an energy efficient combined heat and power (CHP) and aggregated district energy system. This will allow the University to reduce its electricity consumption by 79%.

A KPMG study estimates the direct economic activity generated by this project at over $102 million in gross economic output with $54 million contributed to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product.  The project is estimated to support 625 person-years of employment.

Laurentian’s Research, Engineering and Innovation proposal was developed in consultation and in response to community needs identified by the City of Greater Sudbury, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA), Greater Sudbury Utilities, Health Sciences North, Science North, NORCAT – Sudbury’s Innovation Centre, the Global Advisory Council of the Bharti School of Engineering and the Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC) among others. Laurentian University received over 50 letters of support from community and industry partners.  For more information about the project click here.

Six distinguished Canadians to receive Honorary Doctorates

Six distinguished Canadians to receive Honorary Doctorates

Chief Justice of Canada, Chief Executive of Anglo American among recipients

MAY 26, 2016 – Six distinguished Canadians from the fields of law, mining, engineering, journalism, education and social activism will be awarded Honorary Doctorates by Laurentian University at Spring 2016 Convocation ceremonies in Sudbury and Barrie.

 

Among the recipients of Honorary Doctorates this Convocation season are the Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin (May 31, 10:00 a.m.) and Suzanne Tessier, the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering. 

 

“It is a privilege for us to pay tribute to these outstanding Canadians who have led the way in their respective fields,” said Laurentian University Chancellor Steve Paikin.  “Each of them has inspired and enlightened so many others, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

 

The full list of Honorary Doctorate recipients follows:

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C (May 31, 10 am, Sudbury, ON)

Born and raised in Pincher Creek, AB, The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin is the 17th and current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Appointed on January 7, 2000, she is the first woman to hold this position and is the longest serving Chief Justice in Canadian history. The Chief Justice also chairs the Canadian Judicial Council, the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada and the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

 

Mark Cutifani (June 1, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

A champion for workplace safety in mining, Mark Cutifani is the current Chief Executive of Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies. He is also a member of the Board and Group Management Committee, a non-executive director of Anglo American Platinum, Chair of Anglo American South Africa and Chair of De Beers. Mr. Cutifani is the former COO for Inco and Vale’s global nickel business.

 

Suzanne Tessier  (June 1, 7:00 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Sudbury-born Suzanne Tessier was the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering (B.Eng ’79) and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Laurentian’s Bharti School of Engineering. One of her great passions has been encouraging girls and women to consider science and engineering as career choices, and mentoring new women engineers in the mining industry. She was elected to the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers Board of Directors in 2014.

 

André Picard (June 2, 10:00 am, Sudbury, ON)

As a public health journalist for The Globe and Mail, André Picard’s work has shone a light on health policy in Canada. Considered one of the country’s leading voices on health policy, his work includes articles on the treatment of thalidomide survivors and on the death toll of asbestos. He is a best-selling author and the recipient of the Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service Journalism, the Canadian Policy Research Award and the Atkinson Fellowship for Public Policy Research. 

 

Dr. Charles E Pascal (June 2, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Dr. Charles Pascal is a Canadian educator with expertise in early and higher education, public policy and leadership development. In 2007, he was appointed Ontario’s Special Advisor on Early Learning. In June 2009, he released his seminal report With Our Best Future in Mind: Implementing Early Learning in Ontario, which has informed policy and practice across and outside of Canada.  Dr. Pascal also serves as Chair of the Ontario Council of Regents for the province’s colleges of applied arts and technology and has held several Ontario Deputy Minister positions including the Premier’s Council on Health, Well-Being and Social Justice.

 

Joseph Roberts (June 23, 2:00 pm, Barrie, ON)

Joseph Roberts is a social activist, author, motivational speaker and CEO. Born and raised in Barrie, Mr. Roberts overcame personal struggles with addiction, poverty and homelessness.  He created a foundation dedicated to youth drug prevention after entering an alcohol and drug intensive treatment program.  As a motivational speaker, Mr. Roberts has reached thousands of young people.  He is currently leading a campaign to end homelessness among youth.  He was named to the Maclean’s Magazine’s Honour Roll in 2003 and has won several awards for his public service.

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