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Graduate Spotlight: Local Roots, Global Voice - Avery Morin’s Incredible Impact on Student Life

Graduate Spotlight: Local Roots, Global Voice - Avery Morin’s Incredible Impact on Student Life

Convocation ceremonies commemorate the achievements of graduating students. This Spring, Laurentian University will celebrate their graduates, with ceremonies taking place June 2nd to June 6th, 2025 in the Fraser Auditorium.

(May 29, 2025) - For Sudbury (ON) born Avery Morin, Laurentian University has been more than just a place of learning — it’s been a launchpad for leadership, discovery, and lifelong connection.

Graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Neuroscience, Morin has become one of the most recognizable and respected student leaders on campus. Known for her energy, authenticity, and unshakable drive, she’s made a lasting impact on Laurentian through years of student advocacy, environmental action, and academic achievement.

Throughout her undergraduate journey, Morin held several prominent leadership roles, including Vice President of Education (2021–2022) and President & CEO (2022–2023) of the Students’ General Association. In these positions, she represented more than 5,000 students — working tirelessly to amplify their voices and enrich an engaging and supportive student experience. 

Beyond these roles, Morin has been a student member on Laurentian’s Board of Governors as well as University Senate. Her advocacy extended to provincial and national levels through her involvement with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance and the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. “Being able to directly influence decision-makers about topics such as the importance of affordable, accessible education was an incredible opportunity,” she reflects.

Her passion for environmental action also took center stage. As Chair of Laurentian’s Environmental Sustainability Committee (2023-present), Morin helped drive campus-wide initiatives and champion sustainability as a core value of university life. That work led her to international stages, where she represented Laurentian at Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 on Biodiversity and COP28 on Climate Change — United Nations events focused on the future of our planet.

“To speak about Sudbury’s regreening efforts and the amazing sustainability work happening at Laurentian on a global platform was incredibly humbling,” she says. “It reminded me how local action can have international relevance.” For Morin, this work has been a collaborative effort. Mentors, who she also considers colleagues and friends, such as Dr. John Gunn (Director of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre), Anastacia Chartrand and Adam Lepage, are some of the many people she credits for having “ignited my spark for environmental sustainability advocacy.” 

“I am most inspired by the tight-knit community of the Laurentian community,” she elaborates. “To know that there are so many people who want me to succeed has motivated me to do my best in both my studies and extracurricular activities.”

When it comes to her studies, Morin had the opportunity to conduct original research as part of her honours thesis, under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Jeffrey Gagnon and Assistant Professor Dr. Blake Dotta, School of Natural Sciences faculty members Avery describes as “amazing scientists and wonderful mentors.” For Morin, the interdisciplinary lens of her program was invaluable. “From biochemistry to psychology to physiology, the Behavioural Neuroscience program prepared me for a wide variety of career options.” 

Next for Morin is the pursuit of her Master’s degree in Science Communication; a path that blends her love for science, storytelling, and public engagement. She also plans to continue making a positive impact with Laurentian’s Environmental Sustainability Committee. 

To future students, her advice is simple but powerful: “Get involved. The experiences I have had at Laurentian have truly changed my life and I have become a more confident, ambitious and connected young professional.”

As she prepares to celebrate her achievements at convocation, we know that Avery Morin’s contributions to student life are far from over and that she will continue to be a driving force for positive change on campus. Her journey so far reflects the kind of leadership that evolves with experience — and her impact is only just beginning.

Celebrating Earth Day with a Bee Hotel Installation to Support Local Pollinators

Celebrating Earth Day with a Bee Hotel Installation to Support Local Pollinators

Students Help Biodiversity Take Flight with “Air Bee and Bee”

(April 17, 2025) – This Earth Day, Laurentian University will buzz with excitement as local high school students help launch the “Air Bee and Bee” project, a unique environmental initiative aimed at protecting native pollinators and enhancing biodiversity on campus.

Led by Laurentian’s Dr. Mateus Pepinelli, Assistant Professor of Entomology, School of Natural Sciences, and the Nature Positive Universities (NPU) team, students from Lockerby Composite School’s Science and Technology Education Program (STEP) will install custom-built bee hotels along the University’s greenspace (Loach’s trail). These hotels are the product of hands-on workshops hosted by Laurentian’s NPU team, that engaged over one hundred grade nine students; the next generation of environmental stewards.

“It's been so inspiring to engage with the students at Lockerby,” said Laurentian NPU team member, Anastacia Chartrand. “Building partnerships like this is supporting Laurentian's commitment to climate action, meaningful outreach within the community, and environmental solutions." 

“With climate change shifting the balance of plant and insect life, monitoring these changes has never been more important, or more challenging,” explained Pepinelli. “This project uses bee hotels to provide nesting habitats for solitary bees, aiming to support and study native pollinator populations and their interactions.”

The “Air Bee and Bee” project addresses major environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental inequity, while promoting hands-on environmental education and community engagement. It is supported by funding from the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada’s A.P.E. Fund and the Voyageurs Innovation Challenge*.

“Lockerby Composite’s STEP students have been participating in un-bee-lieveable learning opportunities with Laurentian University and Voyageur students and staff this school year; and we are so fortunate to have this collaborative environmental science partnership,” said Lockerby Composite School Principal, Ryan Lafraniere. “The Bee Hotel project has provided our students an opportunity to develop their understanding and knowledge of best environmental practices to make changes within their school community and the Sudbury community as well. Through this project, students have engaged in investigating local ecological concerns and have been empowered to support environmental Earth Day initiatives.”

Earth Day celebrations begin buzzing on campus on April 22nd at 8:45 a.m. outside the Ben Avery building. Members of the community are encouraged to join in on the fun. Educational signage will help inform visitors about the “Air Bee and Bee” project, and the pollinators' role in maintaining biodiversity and building climate resilience. 

*The Voyageurs Innovation Challenge, a Research Week event, showcased student-driven entrepreneurship and research under faculty mentorship. Laurentian’s NPU team earned second place at this year’s competition with their project “eDNA Enhanced Bee Hotels.”

Those interested in learning more about the Restoration Story of Greater Sudbury are invited to watch the following video that celebrates decades of world-class research led by Dr. John Gunn, Canada Research Chair (2003-2024), Founding Director of the Vale Living with the Lakes Centre, and Professor Emeritus. Earlier this year, Gunn was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour that acknowledges his research in environmental science, leadership in mentoring future sustainability leaders, and stewardship of Sudbury’s environmental restoration story on the global stage. 

Crowning Achievement: Dr. John Gunn Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Crowning Achievement: Dr. John Gunn Honoured with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Laurentian University Professor Emeritus Celebrated for Decades of Environmental Leadership with Global Impact

February 6, 2025 - Dr. John Gunn, Professor Emeritus at Laurentian University and internationally recognized environmental researcher, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This honour acknowledges Dr. Gunn’s decades of research in environmental science, leadership in mentoring future sustainability leaders, and stewardship of Sudbury’s environmental restoration story on the global stage. 

“I am truly honoured to receive this medal,” said Dr. Gunn. “This recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. I am particularly pleased with the opportunity to highlight Laurentian University’s unique role within the Nature Positive University Alliance, as a leader in global biodiversity restoration and sustainability initiatives. Our students and faculty are committed to making a difference, and I am proud of the work being done.”

Dr. Gunn’s contributions span over four decades, beginning with his innovative research into acid rain’s impacts on aquatic ecosystems. His findings–and those of his colleagues–were instrumental in shaping policies that reduced industrial emissions and led to significant biodiversity recovery in Sudbury. 

Dr. Gunn is the past Director of the Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit, and founder of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, a hub for environmental research and community engagement. As a Canada Research Chair in Stressed Aquatic Systems over the past 21 years, he has fostered collaboration across academia, industry, and government. 

“Our sincerest congratulations go out to Dr. Gunn,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice President, Research. “This medal not only celebrates his exceptional accomplishments that have restored health to our lakes locally and advanced environmental science globally, but also recognizes his unwavering dedication to mentoring the next generation of environmental leaders. His work continues to inspire us all.” 

Dr. Gunn is committed to raising international awareness of Sudbury’s remarkable restoration story. 

At the 2022 UN COP15 conference in Montreal, Dr. Gunn represented Canada, sharing Sudbury’s story with world leaders. His mentorship played a pivotal role in Laurentian University’s membership in the Nature Positive University Alliance, a network of over 700 institutions worldwide dedicated to biodiversity restoration and climate action. Laurentian is the only Ontario university with a pledged commitment to this alliance, supported by both senior administration and a student ambassador program.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, is a significant honour bestowed on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Canada in various fields.

As Dr. Gunn continues his work as Professor Emeritus, his influence resonates through students, researchers, and communities. His legacy includes inspiring a new generation of environmental champions and sustainability changemakers, equipped to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss globally.

On February 25th, a special tribute to Dr. John Gunn will be presented at a screening of Planting Hope: A Regreening Story. This Research Week event is presented in partnership with Science North and is open to the public.