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Science Communication program collaborates with Science North, Health Sciences North and Eastlink to offer Northern MedTalks 2022

Science Communication program collaborates with Science North, Health Sciences North and Eastlink to offer Northern MedTalks 2022

Speaker event features engaging Northern Ontario healthcare providers.

(April 14, 2022) - On April 21, 2022 at 7pm, Laurentian’s Science Communication program, Science North, and Health Sciences North will collaborate with Eastlink to offer Northern MedTalks 2022. This free, fast-paced speakers event will feature ten presentations by Northern Ontario healthcare providers. Each ten minute talk is co-produced by healthcare providers and Master’s students of the Science Communication program whose curriculum is co-delivered by Laurentian and Science North. Co-producing this event is a capstone project for Science Communication students. 

Michelle Reid, Science Communication sessional instructor and Presentation lead for Northern MedTalks 2022 said about the event that “we are providing an entertaining, engaging, and inspiring experience that the public will find valuable.” To produce the event, healthcare providers, who bring insights from their medical practice, are paired with graduate students to support the informative, accessible and engaging delivery of powerful healthcare narratives. Science Communication students not only help guide healthcare providers in the delivery of their stories, but also design visual components that complement presentations. 

Healthcare providers participating range from family physicians, nurse practitioners, paramedics, neurosurgeons and more! Presentations will be hosted live from Science North’s Vale Cavern, but livestreaming will also be available from the comfort of home on Eastlink Community television or on Science North’s webpage. Science North’s Discovery Theatre and IMAX® Theatre will also livestream the event. Those attending the event at Science North will have the opportunity to meet and greet speakers after the event during a social hour in the science centre. 

Julie Moskalyk, Science Director of Science North shared that: “ In 2019 the first Northern MedTalks event took place, and was incredibly successful in reaching, and inspiring, our audiences of all ages. This year we are so pleased to expand the reach with a live stream to further increase accessibility to these powerful presentations, also allowing us to record the sessions for later access. Science North is proud to feature the work of the Science Communication program superstars as they show their skills in action!”

This is the second year that the Science Communication program has paired with Science North to deliver this exciting event. 
 

Laurentian launches Peer Wellness Program

Laurentian launches Peer Wellness Program

Health and wellness at forefront of University’s priorities

(April 8, 2022) - Mental health matters. It affects how we feel, think, and behave. It also impacts how we make decisions, how we handle stress, and how we manage relationships.

Students at Laurentian are making a positive impact toward the well-being of fellow students. While many resources and services are dedicated to support mental health and wellness, such as Counselling, Health and Wellness Services, Accessibility Services, the Indigenous Student Affairs office, and the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office (EDHRO), the new Peer Wellness Program will contribute exponentially to student mental health and wellness. The program is in its early stages of implementation, and is already gaining traction on campus. 

Kayla Dibblee and Amalia Secenj are amongst the many dedicated students who have contributed to the development of this Program. Dibblee is a Master’s student in Social Work and a Physical and Health Education and Education alumna, whereas Secenj is completing her final semester of the Health Promotion program.

Describing the mission of the Peer Wellness Program, Secenj said: “It’s about providing guidance and creating goals to help support mental health and de-stigmatize mental health on campus. It’s about the development of peer support relationships amongst students.” The Program hopes to uplift the voices of student communities on campus in respectful and empathetic ways. It is designed to complement existing professional services on campus. To date, more than forty students have signed up to become peer supporters. Notably, not only will peer-to-peer relationships be fostered amongst students by the Program, but supportive resources are equally made available online. 

Added Dibblee: “There is great value in peer-to-peer support. Power and knowledge comes from lived experience, and students, especially those equipped with the right training, can often provide excellent support for fellow students. They understand the student experience, as they themselves live this experience.” 

Stephanie Harris, Intake Support and Community Outreach Coordinator of the EDHRO office added: “Students care about other students. They care about creating an environment where everybody feels welcomed and respected.” 

Isabelle Chaussé, Manager of Counselling and Accessibility Services also said: “My team and I are very excited to be working with students who are passionate about mental health. We've dedicated a space within the Counselling department for the Peer Wellness Program where student peers will play a crucial role in our service delivery model. The Peer Wellness Program will enhance the experience of students feeling seen, heard, and understood. 

Contact details for various student services: 

Counselling Services: 705-675-1151 ext. 6506 or peerwellness@laurentian.ca 
Accessibility Services: 705-675-1151 ext. 3324 or accessibilityservicesinfo@laurentian.ca 
Indigenous Student Affairs office: 705-675-1151 ext. 4052 or isa@laurentian.ca 
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office: 705-675-1151 ext. 3427 or edhr@laurentian.ca 

Students are also encouraged to call the Crisis Intervention Services 24 hour hotline at 705-675-4760 or Good 2 Talk, at 1-866-925-5454.
 

Board of Governors appoints three new members, thanks departing governors

Board of Governors appoints three new members, thanks departing governors

(April 7, 2022) - Laurentian University is pleased to welcome three newly-appointed members to its Board of Governors and thank six departing members for their contributions to the University.

Judy Gougeon, Vernon Cameron and David Harquail join the Board of Governors, bringing expertise and skills necessary to advance the University’s transformation plan. Departing members include Maxim Jean-Louis, Cathy Modesto, Brian Montgomery, Guy Labine, Gerry Bilodeau, and Debbi Nicholson.

“On behalf of Laurentian’s Board of Governors, I am pleased to welcome our new Governors, who bring exceptional experience to this Board. I also want to thank our departing Governors for their voluntary service, especially as this University continues to navigate through its restructuring,” says Jeff Bangs, Interim Chair, Laurentian University Board of Governors.

 

Appointed Board Members

Judy Gougeon

Judy Gougeon, an alumnus of the University, is an insurance industry veteran and serves as the Director of National Commercial Lines for BrokerLink. Gougeon has been active in the community, serving on the boards of the Sudbury Community Foundation, the Adanac Ski Club, and the YWCA. 

 

Vernon Cameron

Vernon Cameron is an accomplished executive, having spent the last 19 years in the U.S. in the public and private sectors, and an additional 12 years leading Private Equity companies in President and Chief Executive Officer roles. 

 

David Harquail

David Harquail is Chair of the Board of Directors of Franco-Nevada Corporation. Mr. Harquail has over 35 years of experience on public and non-profit boards and task force advisories. As a major benefactor of the School of Earth Sciences and its Mineral Exploration Research Centre (MERC) at Laurentian University, Mr. Harquail has long been committed to the betterment of the University.

Graduate Research Symposium Winners Announced

Graduate Research Symposium Winners Announced

Diverse topics featured at week-long event.

(March 30, 2022) - Laurentian’s Graduate Student Association, with the support of the Graduate Studies office, hosted a week-long ‘Discovery and Dissemination Graduate Research Symposium’ from March 21 - 25, 2022.  The event drew attention to diverse research projects of students enrolled in Masters and PhD programs. Presentations demonstrated the depth and breadth of research taking place at the University. 

Symposium awards, judged by students in the Science Communication program, recognized best presention in various categories: 

  • Faculty of Arts: Sarah de Blois (Ph.D Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity), Gendered experiences of women in mining: Challenging resistance to acceptance and respect
  • Faculty of Education and Health: Taylor Watkins (M.A. Interdisciplinary Health), Supporting Healthy Pregnancies: Understanding Pregnant Women and New Mothers’ Perspectives Regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Campaigns to Inform Effective and Non-Stigmatizing Prevention Approaches in Northeastern Ontario
  • Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture: Kyle Vincent (M.Sc. Biology), Weaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science to Investigate the Impacts of Railways on Wildlife
  • French language presentation: Léa Fieschi-Méric (Ph.D Boreal Ecology), Améliorer la conservation des amphibiens grâce à l’étude de leur microbiome cutané
  • Indigenous content presentation: Kyle Vincent (M.Sc. Biology), Weaving Indigenous Knowledge and Western Science to Investigate the Impacts of Railways on Wildlife

This year’s 3 minute thesis (3MT) winner, Sarah de Blois, PhD candidate in the Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity program, was determined by judges Markus Schwabe (CBC Radio host), Leah Britt (alumna and lawyer, Lacroix Lawyers / Avocats), and Cindy Fowler (alumna and Corporate Sites Manager, Plan A Long Term Care Staffing and Recruiting). de Blois is also the recipient of the event’s People’s Choice Award, and will compete at Provincial Finals at the University of Guelph on May 4th, 2022, with her presentation, Women, Mining, and Gender: Experiences from Sudbury, Ontario.

Describing with gratitude, the excitement of the week-long event, Paul Marchetta, President of the GSA and Master’s in Biology student, said: “This was truly an exciting week for Graduate research at Laurentian University. I would like to thank all participants whose research made this week so notable. Also, a special thanks to the dedicated students and staff involved in organizing this event, as well as faculty who support students in their graduate studies journeys.” 
 

Urbanization is driving evolution of plants globally, study supported by Laurentian U finds

Urbanization is driving evolution of plants globally, study supported by Laurentian U finds

Second year Biochemistry student, Danica Levesque, amongst researchers published in the journal, Science.

(March 21, 2022) - Humans re-shape the environments where they live, with cities being among the most profoundly transformed environments on Earth. New research now shows that these urban environments are altering the way life evolves.

A ground-breaking study led by evolutionary biologists at U of T Mississauga (UTM) examines whether parallel evolution is occurring in cities all over the world. In findings published in the journal Science, the Global Urban Evolution Project (GLUE) analyzed data collected by 287 scientists in 160 cities in 26 countries, who sampled the white clover plant in their cities and nearby rural areas. Included samples derived from Greater Sudbury; fieldwork and data analysis supported by Laurentian University Biochemistry professor, Dr. Thomas Merritt, Lila Elizabeth Merritt, and second year Biochemistry student, Danica Levesque. 

The study has found the clearest evidence yet that humans in general, and cities specifically, are a dominant force driving the evolution of life globally. Discovered is that white clover is frequently evolving across the globe and in direct response to environmental changes taking place in urban settings. 

The GLUE study illustrates that the environmental conditions in cities tend to be more similar to each other than to nearby rural habitats. In that sense, downtown Sudbury is more comparable to downtown Tokyo in many ways than it is to surrounding farmland and forests outside of the city. Nevertheless and explained by Dr. Merritt, “similar to genetics, evolution is complicated. Patterns vary, but the more examples that we have of studies rooted in our real world, the easier it is to explain and understand the complexities of genetics and evolution.” 

Not only were researchers able to observe global adaptation to cities, they identified the genetic basis of that adaptation and the environmental drivers of evolution. White clover produces hydrogen cyanide as both a defense mechanism against herbivores and to increase its tolerance to water stress, and GLUE found that clover growing in cities typically produce less of it than clover in neighbouring rural areas due to repeated adaptation to urban environments. 

It is the changes in the presence of herbivores and water stress in cities that is pushing white clover to adapt differently than their rural counterparts. That finding holds true for cities across various climates, and the implications reach far beyond the humble clover plant.

Speaking about the inclusion of Greater Sudbury in GLUE, Dr. Merritt said that “one of the real strengths of Laurentian is that geographically, we are close to an edge. For many species, you don’t get a whole lot North of where we are. So, while this is something that we often think about as being a bit of a challenge, scientifically, our location is a real asset and we are able to be a part of these studies because we really are at the Northern edge of many things.” 

Impressively, Levesque was but sixteen years old and in grade 11 at École Secondaire Sacré-Coeur, when she got involved in GLUE. As a high school student, she advocated for her interest in the field of Biochemistry when she reached out to Laurentian to inquire about a research internship. “Having Danica on board has been incredible,” said Dr. Merritt. “One of the best parts of being a professor is watching a student generate their first data set. It’s the kind of thing that sticks with you.” Danica will be working in the lab this summer on an N-SERC USRA fellowship. 

“My participation in GLUE has been awesome. This experience was my first time ever in a lab. I was just very thrilled to be involved, get my hands dirty, see results, and contribute to this study,” said Levesque who is also on Laurentian’s Varsity Women’s Nordic ski team. “To be a part of a project of this magnitude has been amazing.” 

The project is a model for inclusive science. The team was equally split between women and men and included not just established researchers, but also students at all levels and from all inhabited continents across the world. This publication is just the beginning for GLUE that supports an unprecedented global collaboration. 
 

College of Nurses of Ontario provides preliminary approval of a new bridging program for French registered practical nurses to obtain Bachelor of Science in Nursing

College of Nurses of Ontario provides preliminary approval of a new bridging program for French registered practical nurses to obtain Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Laurentian University and Collège Boréal celebrate bridging accreditation.

(March 21, 2022) - On March 3, 2022, the College of Nurses of Ontario provided preliminary approval for a new program bridging accreditation for French registered practical nurses seeking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN). This accreditation will enable diploma holders of Collège Boréal’s Practical Nursing (RPN) program to obtain a BScN from Laurentian University in three rather than the conventional, four years. A shortage of francophone registered nurses in Northern Ontario catalyzed the development of this accreditation. 

Laurentian’s French BScN obtained an outstanding seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN); the CASN’s highest honour. Students enrolled benefit from updates to the program that support current and future practices of nursing. 

Speaking about the development of this new RPN to RN bridging accreditation that is tailored to the learning needs of RPNs, Dr. Céline Larivière, Dean of Laurentian’s Faculty of Education and Health, said as follows: “French-speaking nurses are required to provide excellent care within our northern and francophone communities. This bridging program will help to address the current shortage of nurses. I wish to thank Dr. Sylvie Larocque and Dr. Anne Marise Lavoie, members of the French BScN program and colleagues from Collège Boréal for their tireless effort to create this bridging program.”

According to Lyne Michaud, Vice-President Academic, Collège Boréal: “Today's students want flexibility more than ever. This agreement will enhance our offerings in terms of student mobility and is consistent with our commitment to be part of the solution to the shortage of qualified, bilingual health care professionals in Ontario. We are proud to be training the next generation of health professionals.”

Educational partnerships between Collège Boréal and Laurentian University are plentiful, and this new bridging accreditation builds on the excellent programming offered by both institutions. Fittingly, this approved accreditation that supports Francophone learners is celebrated during le mois de la francophonie. Notably, RPNs from any approved college program are also eligible to benefit from this new bridging program. RPNs interested in the opportunity to obtain a B.Sc. Nursing degree in three rather than the conventional four years, are encouraged to apply for ongoing studies at Laurentian.

A comprehensive review of this new Programme de baccalauréat en science infirmières en français pour le IAA [programme passerelle] will take place by the College of Nurses of Ontario in the academic year following the first class of graduates. 
 

Laurentian University celebrates a most successful Spring Open House event

Laurentian University celebrates a most successful Spring Open House event

Prospective students explored campus, and met with staff, faculty, and current students.

(March 17, 2022) - On Saturday, March 12, 2022, Laurentian University hosted a most successful Spring Open House event that welcomed many prospective students and their families to campus. Smiles, energy and enthusiasm were palpable at this event, and guests were treated to the individual attention and care that is characteristic of the Laurentian experience. 

“I believe that Saturday marked a turning point for us as we move positively toward our future and toward a new normal. Registrations surpassed our 2019 Spring Open House numbers, a strong sign of confidence in Laurentian’s track record of preparing students for solid career prospects, and graduating strong innovative leaders for our communities across the North and beyond”, said President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Haché. 

The event was spearheaded by Liaison Services, the first point of contact for individuals interested in programs and services offered by the University. According to Liaison Events and Communications Coordinator, Danielle Yasko-Pellerin: “We are extremely proud of the tireless efforts of all those involved including Laurentian students, faculty and staff. Our team included a dedicated crew of knowledgeable student ambassadors who were on hand to provide personalized campus tours.” Guests also had the opportunity to engage with high-energy faculty members and staff from the many departments that encompass the University. 

Campus tours continue this week and throughout March Break. Tours are also available all year long, Monday to Friday at 10 am and 1:30 pm, and Saturdays at 12:00 noon. Visiting campus is the best way to get the full experience of life at Laurentian University for your undergraduate or graduate degree. Tours showcase everything from learning spaces and lecture halls, to labs, libraries, residences, food services, and everything in between. 
 

Book Launch: “Beyond the Divide - A Century of Canadian Mosque Design”

Book Launch: “Beyond the Divide - A Century of Canadian Mosque Design”

Director of the McEwen School of Architecture, Dr. Tammy Gaber, celebrates release of the first comprehensive study of mosque history and architecture in Canada.

(March 17, 2022) - Today and on March 17, 2022 at 6:30pm, the McEwen School of Architecture will host a hybrid event to celebrate the launch of Dr. Tammy Gaber’s book: “Beyond the Divide: A Century of Canadian Mosque Design.” Beyond the Divide explores the mosques of Canada in their diversity, beauty, practicality, and versatility. For nearly a century, Muslims have made mosques in a variety of spaces, from converted shops and vacated churches to large, purpose-built complexes. The study includes on-site photographs, architectural drawings, and interviews. Dr. Gaber explores the extraordinary diversity as to how mosque spaces have been designed, built, and used – as places not only of worship, but of community gathering, education, charitable work, and civic engagement. Throughout, Beyond the Divide provides a groundbreaking analysis of gendered space in Canadian mosques, how these spaces are designed and reinforced, and how these divides shape community experience.

“The research for this book began in 2015, with the support of a SSHRC Insight Development Grant,” explained Dr. Gaber. “Between 2015 and 2017, I travelled to 53 different cities across Canada to document 90 mosques, including those in Canada’s most northern places of worship in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.” 

In 2017, an exhibit of photographs from Dr. Gaber’s research demonstrated preliminary findings. This exhibit was curated in partnership with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) and was hosted in Toronto. Following this and in early 2021 with McGill-Queen’s press, Dr. Gaber submitted another SSHRC grant application. “I was successful obtaining a SSHRC ASP which allowed for the subvention of the book so that it could be published fully in colour.” The result produced a stunning publication; the first comprehensive study of mosque history and architecture in Canada. 

Dr. Gaber’s book launch will be hosted at the McEwen School of Architecture library. Copies of Beyond the Divide will be available for purchase, and Dr. Gaber will be present to talk about the book and her work. While a few people will be in attendance, all are invited to attend the live streaming of March 17th’s event, at 6:30pm, via Zoom. 
 

University community prepares for Graduate Research Symposium

University community prepares for Graduate Research Symposium

The Graduate Students’ Association plans week-long event in support of the discovery and dissemination of research.

(March 16, 2022) - A week-long event that promotes graduate student research at Laurentian University will take place March 21st to 25th, 2022. This student-led ‘Discovery and Dissemination Graduate Research Symposium’ is spearheaded by the Graduate Student Association, with support from the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Presentations about current research projects from students and candidates enrolled in Master and PhD programs will be offered. A volunteer panel of student judges from the Science Communication program will award prizes to the best presentation delivered in each faculty. Awards will also be distributed for the top French presentation and top Indigenous content presentation. 

Students from Biology and Science Communication programs will additionally participate in a ‘Sci Comm Bio Bites Showcase.’ Produced and directed by the Science Communication students, this group of biologists will engage and inspire the audience with their fascinating research and polished presentation skills.

Graduate students also have the opportunity to compete in Laurentian’s 3 minute thesis (3MT). 3MT is a university-wide competition in which participants present their research in 3 minutes or less to a panel of non-specialist judges. The challenge is to present complex research in an engaging, accessible and compelling way, using only one slide. 

“The 3MT competition provides graduate students with an opportunity to refine skills that can be transferred after graduation to diverse career paths,” said Stacy Sathaseevan, Laurentian’s Graduate Information Officer. “Distilling research into a clear form, without over-simplifying or making it overly-complex, and highlighting the wider implications of the research are important skills to carry into post-graduate employment and public service.”

Laurentian’s 3MT competition winner will be invited to compete at Provincial Finals to be held at the University of Guelph on May 4th, 2022. 

Speaking positively about the upcoming symposium and its numerous offerings, Laurentian’s Vice President of Research, Dr. Tammy Eger said: “We are extremely proud of the tireless efforts and dedication of our graduate student body. Research and scholarship conducted by Laurentian’s graduate students continues to address important questions for northern Ontario and Canada, often done in partnership with industry and community partners.” 

All are invited to take part in this week-long event. Apart from the 3MT competition that will take place in the Classroom building, in Room C-203, on March 23rd, 2022, 12:00 noon - 2:00pm, all other events will be hosted via Zoom. 

The following Zoom link provides access to the week-long event. 
The Symposium presentation schedule with abstracts can be found here.
 

Curling stones no longer taken for granite

Curling stones no longer taken for granite

Study challenges long-standing thoughts on manufacturing of curling stones.

(March 14, 2022) - Curling is a popular winter sport that originated in 16th century Scotland and was brought to Canada by the Scottish Highlanders. Since then, Canada has dominated in curling, having medalled in nearly every Olympics. At the most recent Olympic Winter games that took place in Beijing, China from February 4-20, 2022, the Canadian men’s curling team defeated the United States to take home the bronze medal. 

Curling involves sliding cylindrical stones across a sheet of ice. The stones used for international competition come from only two locations: either Ailsa Craig, a rocky isle off the western coast of Scotland, or the Trefor quarry in North Wales. But are these rocks unique? Could curling stones be made from other locations?

In the first study of its kind since 1890, these questions were addressed by Laurentian University PhD Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology student, Derek Leung. An article based on Leung’s undergraduate thesis was recently published in The Canadian Mineralogist, co-authored with supervisor Dr. Andrew McDonald, Professor of Mineralogy and Director of the Microanalytical Centre at Laurentian’s Harquail School of Earth Sciences. The study was supported by a scholarship from the Society of Economic Geologists Canada Foundation, with fieldwork supported by the Mykura Fund from the Edinburgh Geological Society. Leung is also a recent recipient of a prestigious NSERC PGS-D scholarship. 

The team from Laurentian University used modern analytical techniques to probe the mineralogical makeup of the rocks. They found that curling stones belong to a group of granite-like rocks known as granitoids. Additionally, the curling stones share some common characteristics, but none of these geological characteristics can be considered unique to curling stones. This opens the door to the manufacture of the same from materials in other locations, perhaps even from materials right in our backyard, in Sudbury, Ontario. 

About the study’s findings, Leung said as follows: “I’ve always wondered what curling stones are made of. This study lays out the groundwork for future research on curling stones, such as linking rock textures to the curling motion of a stone, which is a controversial topic among scientists and the curling community.”

Dr. Andrew McDonald added: "Curling is part of our Canadian DNA, so it's most apt that a high quality, cutting-edge study into the geological and mineralogical makeup of curling stones should be at a Canadian institute and what better place than the Harquail School of Earth Sciences.”  

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