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Laurentian Architecture team celebrates first place win in Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway

Laurentian Architecture team celebrates first place win in Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway

The Bergen International Wood Festival is a biennial global competition focussing on the use of wood for its constructive, structural and tactile qualities.

MAY 18, 2016 - Laurentian University is extremely proud of students and faculty from the School of Architecture who have won the gold medal in an international competition in Bergen, Norway.

 

The Bergen International Wood Festival is a biennial global competition focussing on the use of wood for its constructive, structural and tactile qualities. This year, 20 teams of designers, architects, artists and students from around the world competed by building installations in a Bergen park with the theme of ‘Green Transition’.  The installations will remain on display for one year, to be enjoyed by the city.

 

Two teams from Laurentian Architecture included: Matt Hunter, Marie Jankovich, Marina Schwellnus, Derrick Pilon, Angela Perdue and Henry Dyck.  Derrick, Angela and Henry placed first in the competition with their hexagonal design that adapted to the site.  More than 100 hexagons were constructed with an adaptable jig.

 

The Scandinavia study trip and International Wood Festival teams were led by Laurentian Architecture professor Dr. Tammy Gaber.  The teams were joined by Laurentian Architecture professor Randy Kober for the week-long competition. 

 

“This study trip to Scandinavia and this wood design competition are incredible opportunities for teaching design. The success of our week in Bergen was in the collaboration of our students, their work ethic in a new environment and our conversations about wood design with artists, architects, carpenters and students from around the world,” said Dr. Gaber. “The prize is exciting, and as the youngest participants, reinforces the hope and opportunities latent in all design questions. I am extremely proud of them and ecstatic to have led this.”

 

Prior to arriving in Norway, Laurentian teams spent a few days in Iceland to study key buildings and sites with Dr. Gaber. The group will continue on to visit key building sites in the country and then Finland.

Marketing Professor Luc Lagrandeur wins the Enactus Faculty Advisor of the Year 2016 National Award

Marketing Professor Luc Lagrandeur wins the Enactus Faculty Advisor of the Year 2016 National Award

Toronto - The Enactus-Laurentian Student Team was recognized with the SPIRIT award; previously, it received three impact awards at the regional competition in March for projects conducted among First Nations, including Moose Factory and Moosonee.

CROSH moves forward in safety and health with $1.2M in new funding

CROSH moves forward in safety and health with $1.2M in new funding

Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health at Laurentian to create Mobile Lab

APRIL 29,  2016 – The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University today celebrates the launch of two ground-breaking new initiatives, thanks to research awards that total more than $1.2M in new funding.

 

CROSH has been awarded $550,000 toward purchasing and equipping a Mobile Laboratory, a 32-ft custom-built trailer that will support ongoing research in occupational safety and health.  The mobile lab, or M-CROSH, will bring researchers to communities and workers who are typically excluded from occupational research.  M-CROSH and its portable equipment will enable field research in numerous areas, including musculo-skeletal disorders, mobile equipment ergonomics, vibration, air quality, fatigue management, and mental health. 

 

“With this mobile lab, workers across the north will be able to contribute directly to important research in occupational health and safety,” said Leo Gerard, International President, USW and Chair of the CROSH Advisory Board.  “This innovative approach brings the research facility right to the workers, in their communities and on their jobsites, and gives them the opportunity to play an active role in improving workplaces.”

 

CROSH has also received close to $200,000 toward the construction of its Workplace Simulator, which will allow researchers to replicate the environment and conditions of almost any northern Ontario workplace.  The simulator, W-SIM, integrates a robotic motion platform to simulate vibration, an environmental chamber that controls temperature and humidity, and a virtual reality eye-tracker to simulate a worker’s surroundings. 

 

Both the Workplace Simulator and the Mobile Laboratory are unique pieces of infrastructure, believed to be the first of their kind anywhere in Canada.

 

“These new tools will truly solidify our position in the forefront of research in occupational safety and health,” said CROSH Research Chair, Dr. Tammy Eger.  “With these investments, along with the funds dedicated to supporting and expanding our research capacity, we will be able to address critical issues in health and safety in Ontario workplaces.”

 

Funders of the latest CROSH initiatives include

  • Ontario Ministry of Labour, $500,000 (M-CROSH) and $492,000 (Research Capacity grant)
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation $143,000 (W-SIM)
  • Goodman School of Mines $50,000 (M-CROSH) and $50,000 (W-SIM)

 

“We congratulate CROSH and we gratefully acknowledge the funders whose support has been so crucial to our ambitious research program,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President Research at Laurentian University.  “These investments demonstrate a high degree of confidence in CROSH and in Laurentian University in its mandate to lead the field in Occupational Safety and Health.” 

Laurentian University honours Dr. Dickinson and Dr. Watson with Teaching Excellence Award

Laurentian University honours Dr. Dickinson and Dr. Watson with Teaching Excellence Award

The annual award recognizes exceptional teaching performance by full-time faculty members and nominations must be supported by students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community.

APRIL 21, 2016 – Dr. Joël Dickinson, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and Dr. Shelley Lynn Watson, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department were honoured by Laurentian University with the 2015-2016 Teaching Excellence Award.

 

The annual award recognizes exceptional teaching performance by full-time faculty members and nominations must be supported by students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community.

 

“I am gratified by the accolades of the students, alumni, peers and colleagues within the university, it is truly an honour to receive this award,” said Dr. Dickinson. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with amazing students and colleagues and I appreciate my time in the classroom immeasurably.”

 

A member of the Cognitive Health Research Laboratory, Dr. Dickinson joined Laurentian University in 2007 as an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department. She is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick, where she completed her B.A in Psychology, and her M.A and Ph.D. in Psychology. Dr. Dickinson’s impact on the Laurentian community goes beyond just the classroom, currently a member of the Safe Space Training, Teaching & Learning Committee, Chair in Psychology, Academic Planning Committee (ACAPLAN) and Co-Chair on the Committee for Sexual and Gender Diversity meeting. Her recent research on mental shortcuts was featured on CBC’s radio program, “Summer U”.

 

"I consider teaching to be the most important part of my job, whether in first year or at the Master's level," said Dr. Watson. "I am thankful for the opportunity to supervise so many fantastic emerging researchers, at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Mentoring involves not only data analysis, public speaking, and publications, but also dealing with work-life balance, handling rejection, and celebrating achievements."

 

An Associate Professor in the Psychology Department, Dr. Watson has been with Laurentian University since 2007. She earned her B.A. (Hons.) in Child Studies & Psychology and M.Ed. at Brock University and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta. Dr. Watson plays an integral role within the Laurentian community, as she is currently the chair of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) Research Special Interest Group (RISG), Coordinator of the Masters in Interdisciplinary Health and an associate member of Rural and Northern Health Ph.D.

 

“It is a pleasure to present Dr. Joël Dickinson and Dr. Shelley Watson with the 2015-2016 Teaching Excellence Award,” said Dr. Denis Hurtubise, Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs. “Dr. Watson and Dr. Dickinson are true leaders both in and outside of the classroom with their passion, which has had a remarkable impact on their students.”

Laurentian Biology Professor awarded $1.65M in NSERC funding

Laurentian Biology Professor awarded $1.65M in NSERC funding

Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde to lead project to train conservation professionals

APRIL. 18, 2016 – A team led by Laurentian University’s Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde has been awarded a grant of $1.65 M under the CREATE program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).  The award will support a new program to train conservation professionals for zoos/aquariums and their conservation partners.

 

Dr. Schulte-Hostedde is Canada Research Chair in Applied Evolutionary Ecology and a Professor of Biology, as well as Founding Director of the Centre for Evolutionary Ecology and Ethical Conservation at Laurentian University.

“Species are disappearing rapidly around the world, and zoos and aquariums are important players in mitigating this loss of biodiversity,” said Dr. Schulte-Hostedde. “We see a growing need for conservation professionals with the analytical and practical skills to do research related to conservation, both in captivity and the wild. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the capacity of Canada's accredited zoos and aquariums in conservation and research.”

The funded project, called ReNewZoo, will provide training in conservation-related research by leveraging the resources of five major research-intensive zoos/aquariums in Canada, as well as the Canadian (CAZA) and American (AZA) zoo/aquarium organizations.  The six-year project is expected to strengthen and support the zoos and aquariums of the future, as research and conservation become critical strategic goals.  


The team led by Dr. Schulte-Hostedde will include project co-applicants Dr. David Lesbarreres,  Dr. Jacqueline Litzgus and Dr. Gillian Crozier, as well as collaborators Dr. Brett Buchanan and Dr. Chantal Barriault.

 

"This prestigious NSERC grant is the recognition of the ground-breaking research in conservation and evolutionary ecology from an excellent research team at Laurentian University, led by Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde. ” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University.  “Their research project is both global in scope and forward-looking, and could change the way zoos and aquariums fulfill their roles in future.”

 

The award to Dr. Schulte-Hostedde is one of 13 announced by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.  A total of 10 Canadian universities will share in more than $20M in CREATE grants.  NSERC established the CREATE program—Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program—to improve mentoring and training of Canadian researchers by supporting communication, collaboration and professional skills, while providing relevant experience in both academic and non-academic research environments. 

Laurentian University Board of Governors welcomes new Chair

Laurentian University Board of Governors welcomes new Chair

Jennifer Witty to lead Board after current chair Michael Atkins completes term

APRIL 15, 2016 – The Laurentian University Board of Governors today voted unanimously to appoint Jennifer Witty as incoming Chair for a one-year term, effective June 2016, when the term of current Chair Michael Atkins is complete. Ms. Witty has been a board member since 2005 and currently serves as Vice-Chair.

 

“We are fortunate to have a board member with the experience and the vision that Jennifer brings to the role,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “Michael has been a superb Chair, guiding the Board through a remarkable period of growth, and we will also benefit from his continuing contributions as past-Chair.”

 

Jennifer Witty is a proud Laurentian alumna (MBA 1999) and was an active member of the Laurentian University Alumni Association from 2000 through 2004.  She is Superintendent of Human Resources Systems with Vale Ontario Operations. As a Certified Human Resources Professional holding a Master of Business Administration, Jennifer began her human resources career in recruitment and consulting with Drake International in 1996. She moved to the mining industry in 2001 when she joined Inco (now Vale), and progressed through various roles spanning labour and employee relations, organizational development and organizational effectiveness, compensation, pension and benefits, and collective bargaining.

 

“Laurentian University faces both challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, and I am honoured to lead the Board of this vital institution,” said Ms. Witty.

 

She was an elected member of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2000-2006 and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC). She is also a member of the Community Economic Development Committee.

Laurentian University’s Climate Change Division at MIRARCO Receives $5M from Green Investment Fund

Laurentian University’s Climate Change Division at MIRARCO Receives $5M from Green Investment Fund

Ontario Investment Will Help First Nations Adapt To Climate Change

March 17, 2016 - Winter roads are already beginning to melt, much earlier than when the Elders of Far North First Nations were young. Geese are about to fly north, but now they fly over places where they used to land. Life is changing fast for First Nations in the far north of the province. Understanding and describing the impacts of those changes is the goal of a Climate Change Impact Study for remote First Nations in Northern Ontario, to be led by the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR) at Laurentian University. The study is one of three OCCIAR initiatives to be funded by a $5M investment from the province’s Green Investment Fund, announced today by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Zimmer, as part of Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy.  

Working with First Nations and in partnership with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation, OCCIAR will allocate the $5M through three projects supporting climate change response in Ontario indigenous communities.  OCCIAR will

  • develop a Climate Change Impact Study for Ontario’s remote First Nations;
  • work with First Nation communities in preparing for the effects of climate change; and
  • help First Nations to capitalize on opportunities created by the proposed cap-and-trade program. 

 “Ensuring that First Nations have the tools they need to fight and adapt to climate change is an imperative that we must take now. Today’s investments will help northern communities most affected by climate change to take the action they need. It will also set the foundation for future planning,” said the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Zimmer.

“Climate change is already having a significant impact on First Nations communities and their environments,” said OCCIAR Director Al Douglas.  “We are seeing a dramatic reduction in the season for winter roads, which means higher costs and an increasing need to fly supplies in.  This investment will help First Nations to build capacity, to deal with climate risks and to limit climate change through carbon storage and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. 

OCCIAR is a division of the Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) at Laurentian University. It provides climate science and adaptation strategies to assist communities and sectors in adapting to climate change, while serving as a resource in climate change research. The OCCIAR initiative will strengthen the capacity of First Nations to be more resilient to climate change, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

OCCIAR’s work will be done in collaboration with Laurentian’s School of the Environment through the participation of Laurentian Professor David Pearson, former Co-chair of Ontario’s Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Science Advisor at OCCIAR.

“This is not just about working with First Nations to help make their communities more environmentally friendly. It’s also about trying to inspire young people to see themselves with jobs that fit with the environmental values of the Elders in their community. It’s about vision and imagination as well as reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and managing carbon,“ said Dr. Pearson.

Ontario’s $325M Green Investment Fund is part of the province’s Climate Change Strategy.

Go for gold with the Goodman Gold Challenge

Go for gold with the Goodman Gold Challenge

Students will be solving real problems for real companies.

MARCH 7, 2016 - The Goodman School of Mines and Laurentian University are proud to announce the inaugural Goodman Gold Challenge (GGC), an investment management competition for undergraduate students. The competition will be held at Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario from February 22 to February 25, 2017.

The Goodman Gold Challenge (GGC) is unlike any other competition in Canada; this is not a simulation.  Students will be solving real problems for real companies. They will have the opportunity to meet with three CEOs of mining companies currently trading on the TSX or TSX-V and interview them about the current and projected financial strength of their company. After thorough analysis, they will recommend to their top-tier clients, a single company for their portfolio. The competition will provide students with a chance to put their academic credentials to a vital test.

GGC offers multiple networking opportunities for all involved whether students, volunteers, industry professionals, business executives, CEOs, or sponsors through events such as: the Opening Gala, Thursday evening social, Awards Gala, sponsored lunches or student pitches.

Students will be competing for shares worth the equivalent of four (4) ounces of gold and a paid summer internship with a financial investment company.

According to, Bruce Jago, PhD, PGeo, Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines, they anticipate 14 universities to take part in the challenge and aim to be the most sophisticated, prestigious and realistic investment management competition in the country.

For more information on the Goodman Gold Challenge, visit  our website or contact Éric Lavergne-Giroux, GGC Event Coordinator at goodmangoldchallenge@laurentian.ca.

Laurentian University Honours Dr. Roy-Charland with Research Excellence Award

Laurentian University Honours Dr. Roy-Charland with Research Excellence Award

Laurentian University Professor of Psychology Dr. Annie Roy-Charland has been named the recipient of the University’s 2015-2016 Research Excellence Award.

The annual award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in research and students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community must support nominations.

Dr. Roy-Charland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology as well as the department’s Graduate Coordinator. She is a graduate of the Université de Moncton, where she completed her B.Ps. in Psychology, M.A.Ps in Clinical psychology, and her Ph.D. in Clinical psychology.

“Over the past eight years at Laurentian University Dr. Roy-Charland, has reached exceptional standard in research,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Laurentian University’s Vice-President Research. “With an impressive profile, Dr. Roy-Charland has contributed to many areas of research, including development of reading and literacy, emotional competences and facial expression recognition as well as children’s health in indigenous communities.”

The Research Excellence Award Committee bestows the award when there is evidence of “outstanding performance” by a faculty member. It is marked with a stipend of $15,000, which can be paid as a sabbatical research grant.

“It is a great honour to receive this award. Laurentian University’s research intensity has expanded in recent years and I am truly grateful for the diverse culture that provides a level of flexibility in my research. I am thankful to Laurentian for this incredible recognition,” said Dr. Roy-Charland.

Dr. Roy-Charland will be presented with her award at the 2016 spring convocation.

To view Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan click the link below 

Strategic Research Plan.

Laurentian appoints Craig Fowler as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development

Laurentian appoints Craig Fowler as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development

Fowler will be responsible for developing new large-scale research collaborations to advance the University’s objectives

MARCH 3, 2016 – Laurentian University is proud to announce that Craig Fowler will assume the role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at Laurentian University.


Mr. Fowler will be responsible for developing new large-scale research collaborations to advance the University’s objectives and foster innovation and economic development in the communities we serve. In its Strategic Plan, Laurentian University has set a goal of increasing total annual funded research from $21.9M in 2010 to $30M by 2017.

 

“We are thrilled by the experience and vision that Craig brings to this portfolio,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University.  “Craig’s expertise in bringing together major funding partners in large-scale collaborations, as well as his intimate knowledge of Laurentian, will serve us well in our own research objectives.”

 

Fowler served as Associate Vice-President, Administration and External Relations at Laurentian University since August 2012. Prior to joining Laurentian, Mr. Fowler served in a number of senior roles at the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, including as Director of Scientific and Research Collaborations and as Director of the Research Branch. He led the development of the Ontario Innovation Agenda, and also worked with the Ontario Research and Innovation Council which guided the development of the province’s Research and Innovation support programs. Mr. Fowler directed over $1.5 billion in research and innovation programming, and led Ontario’s international research and innovation outreach activities through several multi-million dollar agreements with China, India, Israel, Catalonia, Illinois and California. He subsequently led the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services for the Ontario Ministry of Finance, and served as Director of Risk Management at the Pan/Parapan American Games Secretariat.

 

Mr. Fowler completed his undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and his master’s degree in Economic Development at the University of Waterloo. He began his career in economic development with the town of Richmond Hill.

 

“Laurentian has ambitious goals for its research portfolio and I am excited to bring my experience in supporting research and innovation to this new role,” said Mr. Fowler. 

 

Laurentian President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux announced this appointment at a luncheon of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce which was featuring Paul Davidson, President and CEO of Universities Canada, as guest speaker. During his talk, Davidson highlighted how today’s businesses must be nimble, responsive and visionary in the face of emerging challenges. Partnering with universities helps companies and communities gain this competitive advantage. He spoke about universities' role in providing the skills, new knowledge and innovation Canada needs to compete, open up new markets and get fresh ideas to market faster. He illustrated how higher education is building prosperity through research, innovation and experiential learning, and how the potential of universities can be harnessed to make Canada's businesses, communities and regions stronger.

 

“Craig Fowler’s appointment in this new role of Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships, Innovation and Economic Development at Laurentian aligns directly with the vision articulated today by Mr. Davidson at the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. It also echoes the perspectives offered earlier this week by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary with Canada’s new Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, as he helped launch Laurentian’s 2016 Research Week,” explained Dominic Giroux.

 

Karen Hourtovenko, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement. “One of the three goals in the Chamber’s 2015-2017 Strategic Plan is to create strong change agents. We want to nurture community champions and foster positive actions for community prosperity. The Chamber is delighted to see Laurentian University once again step up its efforts to enhance partnerships, innovation and economic development, and we look forward to working with Mr. Fowler in his new role”.

 

To view Laurentian University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Research Plan, click the link below

Strategic Research Plan.

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