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Laurentian University Welcomes New University Librarian

Laurentian alumna chosen to lead library and archives

March 20, 2024 - Laurentian University looks forward to welcoming Danielle Dennie as its new University Librarian commencing July 1, 2024. Dennie holds a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from McGill University, a Master of Science in Applied Microbiology from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, and she brings 20 years of experience working in academic libraries. Currently she serves as Head, Vanier Library at Concordia University in Montréal.

“Danielle’s experience and her user-centric approach to delivering exceptional support and services to students, faculty, staff and the community will contribute immensely to the realization of our Strategic Plan and expanding the role of the Library and Archives”, said Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic. “She will lead a strong, experienced, and dedicated team of library staff and faculty - the library is in great hands.”

Dennie is Franco-Ontarian, with Sudbury roots, and she is a Laurentian alumna (B.Sc Biochemistry). She is passionate about the role of the university library in cultivating community and advancing teaching, learning and research; and how it must evolve to meet the ever- changing needs of its current and future patrons.

“Libraries must be inclusive, welcoming spaces with collections and services that stimulate creativity, innovation and different ways of knowing and thinking. I am thrilled to be returning to Laurentian as University Librarian and very excited by the possibilities as we collectively and collaboratively realize the vision for the Library and Archives,” said Danielle Dennie, incoming University Librarian.

Dennie will begin her five-year term at the J.N. Desmarais Library and Archives on July 1, 2024.

11 Teams Compete in 6th Annual Goodman Gold Challenge

Teams from universities in Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom competed in the most unique and realistic mining investment case competition

February 5, 2024 - The Critical Minerals Edition of the Goodman Gold Challenge (GGC), a realistic mining investment case competition, ran from January 31st to February 2nd, and included a European team for the first time ever.

Teams of university undergraduate students acted as finance firms in this unique annual competition, organized by the Goodman School of Mines at Laurentian University and presented by Kinross Gold as the title sponsor. The teams were tasked with evaluating and justifying which of three companies would be the best to invest in. The investment choices included real mining companies, Canada Nickel Company, Magna Mining, and Talon Metals. CEOs from each company had 30 minutes to convince teams that they should invest with them. Teams then had an opportunity to sit down with each CEO to ask hard hitting questions, consider important data, and discuss analytics to help form their decision.

Executive Director of the Goodman School of Mines, Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk, commended the students on demonstrating forward thinking, “Mining is undergoing a big transition, and having students understand the critical minerals value chain and how to build successful mines will be a great asset for the industry as a whole.”

Students interacted with industry experts throughout the event. Theresa Nyabeze, Technical Leader, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Vale Base Metals, gave a keynote address and the competition judging panel consisted of highly experienced executives from Canaccord Genuity, Dundee Corporation, Kinross Gold, Orix Geoscience, RBC Capital Markets, and Technica Mining.

The Camborne School of Mines from England and Colorado School of Mines from the USA were international attendees but it was the University of British Columbia that took home the title. The winning team chose to invest in Canada Nickel Co., and went home with the cash equivalent of four ounces of gold.

“A big congratulations goes to the University of British Columbia, winners of the 6th Annual Goodman Gold Challenge. As someone who has worked in the investment business for a long time, watching these students present their work is always so impressive and gives me great hope for the future of the industry,” said Jonathan Goodman, Chairman of the Goodman Gold Challenge and Chairman and CEO of Dundee Corporation.

Second place, Colorado School of Mines, and third place, University of Manitoba, received silver coins. All participating teams received Sudbury-made miner’s lunchboxes for their participation. Students from the eleven teams learned invaluable lessons in mining investment decision-making and built lasting relationships with peers and industry leaders.

What happens when antibiotics stop working?

Mutation of viral bacteria is reducing effectiveness of treatments

January 31, 2024 - Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been a problem since the discovery of penicillin, and will continue to be a problem as long as there are infections that require treatment. It is a global issue that results in 4.95 million deaths per year, according to the World Health Organization. What is AMR and how can it be managed?

Antimicrobial resistance is the physiological adaptation of microorganisms to agents that would be toxic to them. A bacteria that makes people sick (known as a pathogen) learns to resist the medicinal effects of a medicine, or antibiotic. That new variation of the bacteria then spreads and results in the medicine no longer having an effect against an infection.

“AMR is a global issue,” says Dr. Mazen Saleh, Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences at Laurentian University. “Normally when a person gets an infection, they get prescribed a specific antimicrobial, commonly known as antibiotic, although the two terms are not synonymous. If that microbe builds resistance by mutating, the option would be to prescribe a different antimicrobial to treat the infection. The problem lies therein. The antimicrobials become useless as the bacteria continues to mutate against one, two, sometimes three antimicrobials. We can get to a point where a pathogen is resistant to all of the antimicrobials available to us.”

This is something that scientists are already seeing happen with tuberculosis. There are multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) forms, which is when “the pathogen is resistant to multiple structurally unrelated antimicrobials, including first and second line antimicrobials. The major concern in this case is when the pathogen becomes resistant to all the antimicrobials we have at our disposal and these infections can no longer be treated with traditional medications,” says Dr. Saleh.

While chemical antimicrobials like sulfa drugs and penicillin have been used to treat infection since the time of the second World War, naturally occurring non-chemical antimicrobials, called phages or bacterial viruses, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are newer treatments. Phages and peptides behave the same way as chemical-based antimicrobials, in that they attack the bacteria but rather than being created in a lab, they are abundant in nature and they target the pathogen more specifically.

“Phages and peptides can be useful when multidrug-resistance or extensive drug-resistance occurs,” says Dr. Saleh. “With the increasing resistance to antibiotics globally, peptides and phages are receiving renewed interest by scientists. Still, phages and peptides have their downsides and are not the perfect replacement for what is currently the most ideal treatment for bacterial infections, antibiotics.”

“The most pressing potential outcome if we don’t take action against antimicrobial resistance is the spread of lethal pathogens. The risk of spread of antimicrobial resistance can not be overstated,” says Dr. Saleh. “At that point, we would not have any other options. In general, bacteria becomes resistant to every new drug that we develop, but we can slow down the spread of resistance.”

Slowing down the spread of antimicrobial resistance happens in a few ways.

According to Dr. Saleh, patients and physicians alike have a responsibility when it comes to taking antimicrobials. “Physicians are cautious when prescribing antibiotics to ensure that a bacterial infection is the cause of the ailment. Likewise, patients should not expect antibiotics to resolve any infection, particularly self-resolving mild viral infections that cause the common cold. Additionally, Dr. Saleh cautions, “Patients should always complete the course of an antibiotic that has been prescribed to them. Don’t stop taking it when symptoms stop or after a few days. Complete the course.”

Dr. Saleh also says that the way that leftover antibiotics are disposed of is of critical importance. “Dispose of leftover medication by bringing it into a pharmacy. If these antibiotics end up in the environment, like water ways and landfills, they can encourage resistance. Similarly, if antibiotics are left in the cabinet, it increases the potential of people taking the medication later to self-medicate or self-treat an illness which also contributes to antimicrobial resistance within the population.”

With the cold and flu season in full-effect, Dr. Saleh emphasizes that considering these cautions around the use of antibiotics will support global efforts in slowing antimicrobial resistance.

Laurentian students and alumni hold Model Parliament in Canada’s capital

More than 100 alumni and students participated in the parliamentary event, which was first held in 1992

January 29, 2024 - Since 1992, members of the Laurentian University community have been participating in a Model Parliament event held in Canada’s Parliament in the nation’s capital of Ottawa, but this year marks the just the fifth time the event has been organized by alumni of Laurentian University, and the first student/alumni hybrid event. On January 27th, a group of more than one hundred students, alumni, and donors continued the tradition by debating their bills in the Senate Chamber.

The unique opportunity offers a look into the inner workings of the Canadian federal parliament. The event was planned by an organizing committee made up of alumni, students and staff, and offered a packed schedule to attendees which included a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, a full day in the Senate, and an evening banquet.

“It’s difficult to imagine Laurentian University without Model Parliament. It is widely regarded as one of Laurentian’s most appealing assets. For almost half of its 63-year history, LU has given its students the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and practice their political acuity in this way. Over all these years, hundreds of students, faculty members, and public servants have devoted much time and talent to making Model Parliament happen. It is wonderful to find ourselves with a triumphal return to Ottawa with this hybrid student-Alumni Model Parliament,” said Dr. Rand Dyck, Chief Advisor and founder of the Model Parliament.

Addressing the Laurentian group at the banquet dinner that followed the parliamentary visit, Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University said, “there have been many model parliamentarians who have gone on to run for office, filled key roles within political campaigns, and worked in multiple levels of government. Through this experience over the years, students have learned about far more than parliamentary procedure–they have learned about themselves and have been genuinely inspired and transformed by this event.”

Model Parliament has seen participation from sitting politicians from Sudbury and many other ridings, cabinet ministers, former Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, and Laurentian chancellors Madame Aline Chrétien and Steve Paikin.

Dr. Embleton also thanked the organizing committee and remarked on the impressive impact that Model Parliament has had on students and faculty over the years.

Model Parliament attendees pose for a group photo in the Senate Chamber

Student Spotlight: Anthony Zanetti

Laurentian student uses video games to study concentration and performance

(January 26, 2024) - Technological advancements are rapidly changing the way we interact with the world around us. Can we use advancements in wearable technology to improve performance in high-concentration activities? Anthony Zanetti, second year Masters of Psychology student at Laurentian University, is working to answer just that.

Anthony didn’t always know he had a strong passion for studying the human brain. Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Anthony grew up in Copper Cliff and attended St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School. Right after high school, Anthony began a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Biology at Laurentian.

A couple years into the program, Anthony realized he did not want to go on to attend medical school, even though many of his classmates were planning to take that route. It was a psychology elective in third year that inspired Anthony to start thinking about different career options. After completing his undergrad, he enrolled in Laurentian’s Bachelor of Psychology program to pursue his second degree.

Now a graduate student, Anthony is enjoying his experience at Laurentian. “In my Masters, I noticed it isn’t just about lectures. We have actual conversations because it is a smaller group that allows for that dynamic,” Anthony says, reflecting on the evolution of his education journey. “There is continuous support from my professors. My supervisor, Dr. Blake Dotta, has been the most amazing support throughout the entire process in terms of motivating me and allowing for creative ideas and space. He has a wealth of knowledge in neuroscience and I received ample support from him along the way.”

Anthony explains his thesis involves a unique activity – video game play. “Through my research, I am looking to see if electromagnetic fields can be used to have neurological effects like improved focus, concentration, and attention for people,” Anthony explains. “The idea is that if performance is improving in these areas during video game play, the same might apply to studying, composing music, or playing sports, among other activities.”

To conduct this research, Anthony had participants, who were mostly undergraduate Laurentian students, play the high concentration video game, Snake, with and without an electromagnetic field present. “An electromagnetic field is created when you run an electric charge through something conductive. For my study, Laurentian provided a device with two boxes, each containing a copper coil, that created an electromagnetic field as an electric charge moved through it,” explained Anthony. While participants played the video game, Anthony measured their performance and brain activity in areas responsible for concentration and focus. “When we looked at the results, we saw changes in regions of the brain that are associated with sustained attention, concentration, and focus in a way that suggests that the field was having beneficial effects in these areas.”

Now in the process of publishing his findings, Anthony is excited to be able to contribute to this area of research. He is hoping his results will help future innovators create wearable electromagnetic headpiece devices to boost concentration.

With his graduation fast approaching in summer 2024, Anthony is hoping to stay in Sudbury and practice as a Psychological Associate at Health Sciences North or a private practice. No matter what Anthony goes on to accomplish, his research has already made an impact and he will surely make a great practitioner.

Laurentian University seeing consistent growth in domestic student applications

1st Choice Applications from Ontario High School students up by 16%

January 22, 2024 - Laurentian University is once again seeing an increase (+5.9%) in the number of applications from Ontario High School students. The Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) released their January report of application data for Ontario Universities and Laurentian University’s applications have increased in number and at a rate higher than the sector average (+5.0%).

“We are pleased that more students want to study at Laurentian and are selecting our university as their first choice,” said Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic. “The investments we’ve made in faculty and staff renewal and introducing resources to enhance the student experience, is having an impact on positioning Laurentian as a destination of choice.”

In addition to the increase in 1st Choice Applications, there are increases in all choices including a 12% increase in second choice. These increases in applications are in both on campus (+7%) and online degree (+23%) programs.

Importantly, Laurentian is seeing an increase in applications from all regions of the Province, with the most significant growth taking place in Northeastern Ontario +13%, Eastern Ontario +11%, Greater Toronto Area +10% and Central Ontario +7%.

“We have focused recruitment efforts in the region and the province which has included many Ontario high school visits - we’re thrilled to see that the effort is paying off,” added Dr. Brouwer. “We’re confident that application trends will translate to increased enrolment. We're already seeing an increase in the number of domestic students who have confirmed their offers (+68%) relative to this time last year.”

The University continues to accept applications for fall 2024 and interested students are encouraged to learn more about the 100+ programs available, including 34 offered in French.

Five year funding agreement reached between Vale Base Metals and Laurentian University

New agreement to support ongoing research at Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit

(Sudbury, Ontario) January 22, 2024 - Vale Base Metals has committed to a 5-year funding agreement with the Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit (CFEU) at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, Laurentian University, in support of their long-term monitoring of Sudbury area ecosystems. The agreement includes a total contribution of $960,000 over 5 years.

The Cooperative Freshwater Ecology Unit, housed within the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, is a unique partnership between Laurentian University, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Since 1997, the scientists and students at the CFEU have been working with local mining companies (Vale, SINO Glencore) and government partners to assess the effectiveness of atmospheric emission reduction programs in recovering Sudbury area aquatic ecosystems and watersheds.

“We’re very grateful to receive this funding from our long-term partners at Vale,” says Dr. Jackie Litzgus, Director of CFEU at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre. “This support will go a long way to foster research at Laurentian and to leverage additional support many times over.”

The work of the CFEU assists industry and government partners in measuring the success of their remedial and conservation actions, helping them set realistic targets for restoration. Vale has been a long-time staunch supporter of the CFEU, a team internationally recognized for its research in freshwater restoration.

“Research of this caliber is critical to allow industry to make informed decisions on sustainability initiatives. Vale is proud to continue supporting this important partnership and is in keeping with our commitment to be a sustainable operator.” said Glen Watson, Senior Specialist in Sustainability at Vale.

Creativity and Community Core Components of Architecture Career

Two Northern Ontario Master of Architecture Alumni say the career is better than they could have imagined.

January 15, 2024 - When Laurentian University welcomed the inaugural class to the McEwen School of Architecture in 2013, Taylor Kreps was part of that cohort. Today she is a Project Architect at an architectural firm based in Sudbury. Alain Roy works at the same Northern Ontario firm as an Intern Architect. The road to becoming an architect is long but according to these two Laurentian alumni, it’s also full of rewarding experiences.

To become a licensed architect, a person has to complete their undergraduate degree in Architectural Studies, their graduate degree in Architecture, and then complete a certain number of hours as an intern at an architecture firm. Throughout the entire process, the learning is hands-on. Students start working with materials in the shop in their first year of study.

Taylor says that from the beginning, her values as an architect were being formed by her experience in the program. “Part of being a good architect is listening. Almost everything we did in the program at Laurentian was in groups or teams, always involving the community,” says Taylor. “It built my understanding of how to be an architect but also built my love of working with communities.”

Alain Roy, just beginning his career having graduated from the Master of Architecture program in 2022, recently supported a project that involved designing an addition to the Louis-Riel Centre at College Boreal. “It’s a place where Indigenous students and community members can gather,” Alain explained. “The project has been a learning experience for me. It is currently being constructed and I have really enjoyed being a part of the design team from the start.”

Both Taylor and Alain are from Ontario and knew they wanted to be licensed here but more than that, they wanted their education to happen in the North because they love what the area has to offer. “Sudbury offers so much for architects. There are large scale commercial projects and intimate community-based projects all within this huge Northern Ontario geographical area,” says Taylor. “Having grown up in the north and in a small community, learning in this setting was a big factor in shaping my student experience.” The setting was a determining factor for Alain as well, “I wanted to stay in the North but most of all, I wanted to be able to study and practice in French. Now in my work, many of my colleagues are bilingual and I often work on projects that require bilingualism. It’s a core value for me.”

Taylor, on the other hand, is four-years-in to her career and is starting to visualize what the future looks like for her. She loves the firm where she works and is hoping to take on leadership roles on projects. “I like design and I like exploring how to effectively serve the community with well-designed spaces. For example, I like working on healthcare projects because the final product really supports the needs of the community.” Taylor worked with a team on the emergency department addition at the Manitoulin Health Centre and cites that project as being a most fulfilling and favoured project for her.

For future students considering the program, both Taylor and Alain agree that creativity, community, and hands-on learning are key to a well-rounded education. “We are taught to be crafts people. We understand detailing and we understand design. The education we received offered enough of a spectrum that students are prepared for any aspect of the field and can pick what they want the focus of their work to be,” said Taylor. Alain agrees, advising future students to “make the most of it and enjoy the creative freedom in school”. Both are as enthusiastic about their love of their career as they are for their love of their community. “This career is better than I ever expected. I love it.”

School of Indigenous Relations Tenure Track Faculty Look Forward to Future at Laurentian

Community, creativity, and kinship priorities for newly appointed tenure track profs

January 11, 2024 - Becoming a faculty member at Laurentian University is a dream realized for Adria Kurchina-Tyson, Nicole Wemigwans, and Sharlene Webkamigad. As their academic journeys evolve, so too do their dreams. With PhDs nearing completion, the professors are looking ahead at the ways they intend to make an impression on the Laurentian Community as newly appointed tenure-track faculty.

Professor Adria Kurchina-Tyson grew up in Sudbury with roots in Shebahonaning and knew they always wanted to study in the community where they grew up. So when they decided to stay in academia as a researcher and professor, they knew it would be at Laurentian. Now they most look forward to working increasingly with masters students. “I have been consistently blown away by the masters students I work with at Laurentian. The students are brilliant and I’m so excited for the expansion and regrowth of Indigenous Relations in new courses.”

Professor Nicole Wemigwans is from Serpent River First Nation and Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory. She has worked extensively in community-based programs over the past decade, and is inspired by that work, her prized roles of mom and auntie, and her love of her community. Wemigwans looks forward to engaging with students and empowering them with culturally appropriate skills and knowledge that will help them be effective practitioners in their field. “I enjoy having discussions with future social workers to understand the work that they do within Indigenous communities. Through this discourse, I believe we can increase safety for our kin in Indigenous communities.”

Professor Sharlene Webkamigad, originally from Wiikwemikoong Unceded Territory, has a passion for research that started back in 2004 when she began her undergrad. As a tenure-track professor, Webkamigad is eager to continue this important research and work collaboratively with students and colleagues. “Creative and alternative ways of learning were an integral part of my experience as a graduate student here at Laurentian. As a professor, I look forward to exploring the same methods in the courses I teach,” she says, “I’m excited to put proposals together on a national level and to collaborate on research that finds solutions to some of the structural barriers Indigenous peoples face when accessing culturally safe and holistic health care.”

The professors’ areas of academic focus vary, from gender and sexuality, to kinship and nation building, to nursing and healthcare but they are united in their passion for their communities and their drive to contribute to the future of Laurentian. “I want to be a part of and help contribute to the growth of Indigenous Studies and Indigenous faculty at Laurentian”, says Kurchina-Tyson. The professors have a shared belief that the continued inclusion of Indigenous and First Nations perspectives across programs is essential to the University’s identity and is inherently valuable to prospective faculty and students all over the world.

What does it mean for these Indigenous and First Nations academics to teach at a school that prioritizes a tricultural mandate? “For me, it is everything. Being surrounded by a team of Indigenous staff and faculty is a strength,” says Webkamigad. She says that applying culturally safe principles to break down structural barriers in the healthcare field is an endeavor that can make a positive impact in communities everywhere. Kurchina-Tyson is enthusiastic about the invaluable integration of Indigeneity in academia at Laurentian saying, “Decolonization efforts are on the increase as a whole. There are Indigenous peoples all over the world and anti-colonial movements all over the world which makes the Indigenization at Laurentian alluring to folks all over the world. Laurentian has the unique opportunity to be a leader in decolonial scholarship.”

Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering, Interim Director, School of Indigenous Relations, says the professors’ passion for teaching, research, and culture fit right in at the school. “Professor Kurchina-Tyson, Dr. Wemigwans, and Professor Webkamigad bring an incredible wealth of experience with them to their roles. The addition of intelligent and dynamic Anishnaabe kweok and two-spirit folks as tenure-track faculty at Laurentian enriches the experiences of students, the quality of research, and the Laurentian community as a whole."

Laurentian University Appoints Roxanne Bouchard to Board of Governors; Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau Elected Vice-Chair

New member brings experience in financial sector

(Sudbury, ON, January 9th, 2024) - Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Roxanne Bouchard CIM, CFP, CPA, to its Board of Governors and the election of Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau as Vice-Chair. These decisions were unanimously approved by the Board, and both Bouchard and Barbeau will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles.

"We are pleased to welcome Roxanne Bouchard to the Board. Her background in the financial sector, multiple designations, francophone roots, and proven leadership makes her an exceptional addition. Jay’s appointment as Vice-Chair will also provide strong leadership to the Board as we move forward,” said Vern Cameron, Chair of the Laurentian University Board of Governors.

"I am honored to join the Board of Governors at Laurentian University. As a proud graduate of the Faculty of Management, I look forward to contributing to the University’s governance as a way to give back to the community that was so influential to my development,” said Roxanne Bouchard.

About Roxanne Bouchard
A highly accomplished bilingual leader with a focus on change management and executing business development strategies for aggressive asset growth and revenue. Currently serving as Vice President and Market Leader at BMO Private Wealth, Bouchard has demonstrated success in leading integrated teams of advisors, bankers, investment counselors, and trust officers. She has a proven track record of achieving financial objectives, fostering collaboration, and adapting to regulatory changes in the industry.

A graduate of Laurentian University's Faculty of Management, Bouchard's extensive experience includes leadership roles at BMO and Scotiabank, where she consistently drove results, implemented change management strategies, and recruited top-performing teams. Bouchard's commitment to community involvement is evident through her roles as Treasurer for the Ottawa Gatineau Youth Foundation and Board Chair for Seasons Centre for Grieving Children.

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