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Profile: Masters in Human Kinetics and CROSH researcher fully embraces graduate student experience

Profile: Masters in Human Kinetics and CROSH researcher fully embraces graduate student experience

Willa Hladun is a leader who makes the most of each opportunity

(March 27, 2023) - Willa Hladun is a graduate student who inspires. 

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, her family now lives in Cranbrook, British Columbia. It was in this province and at the University of Victoria that she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2020). In her fourth year, she started to take an interest in Sports Psychology. “I loved it. I loved the content. Exercise and movement has always been a huge part of my life, especially in terms of managing my mental well-being.” 

Hladun now resides in the city of Greater Sudbury where she studies her Master in Human Kinetics at Laurentian University. She is also a Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) affiliated graduate researcher.

Hladun’s Master’s thesis, Motherhood Journeys On and Off the Ice: A Narrative Analysis of Digital Media Stories of Professional Hockey Mothers,’ examines digital news stories that cover elite hockey athletes who are also mothers to examine what narratives are present in the mediation surrounding them, how these narratives influence their identity formation, and the psychosocial and cultural implications of such narratives. “The sport media is a powerful tool in influencing our own and others perception of elite athletes,” explained Hladun. “Understanding how certain media narratives can be positive or negative to the psychological wellbeing of athlete mothers and the culture of sports can assist us in fostering a more supportive and inclusive hockey culture, a highly popular sport not only in Northern Ontario, but throughout North America.”

Hladun’s study is part of a larger Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant earned by her faculty supervisor and School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences Full Professor, Dr. Kerry McGannon. “My experience working with Kerry has been incredible. Kerry is everything I could have ever wanted in a supervisor…. Ultimately, she really wants you to be the driver in your research. I’ve been learning so much working with Kerry who always goes the extra mile.” 

Recently, Hladun addressed her peers to share preliminary findings collected by her study at CROSH Café, better known as CRAfé, a weekly occupational health and safety themed dialogue for CROSH affiliated students, faculty and industry speakers. 

Hladun also works a paid internship with United Steelworkers local 6500. “I am looking at claims that have been rejected by WSIB...looking through these claims, connecting literature to these experiences and their injuries, both physical and mental, and supporting appeals to the WSIB.” Hladun emphasized that since joining CROSH last spring, she’s been grateful for the many opportunities available, including the support obtaining this internship. 

For Hladun, other involvement with CROSH includes that she helped offer a mental health first aid course to CROSH members. “I wanted to attend a mental health first aid training course to learn how to respond to crises,” she explained. “I did my research and found a really great course offered through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, but it was pretty expensive to pay out of pocket, so I reached out to CROSH to ask if they might be willing to help pay a part of the bill. What we ended up doing together is setting up the opportunity for all CROSH students and faculty to get this training.” CROSH agreed with Hladun that this course would be relevant to its members. 

Hladun is also Team Captain for the upcoming CROSH charity fundraiser, Steps for Life. This fundraising walk, on April 29, 2023, will help support families affected by life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths. It’s another way to educate our community about the devastating ripple effects of a workplace tragedy and how we can work together to prevent others from being injured or killed on the job. This year, CROSH Steps for Life follows April 28th’s National Day of Mourning, a day to remember workers who have died, were injured, or became ill from their job.

Outside of CROSH, Hladun is a member of the Students for Social Action committee (SSAC), a student-led committee whose voices support equality, diversity and equity on campus, partnered with the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office (EDHRO). “We promote the safety and respect of human rights for all students,” said Hladun. She self-identifies as a proud member of the LGBTQ2+ community, and shared that she feels “a real responsibility to the queer community to take my place as a queer academic and support that community.” 

Next up for Hladun is to participate in Laurentian’s third annual Graduate Research Symposium, a week-long event offered March 27-31 that promotes graduate student research.

Reflecting on her experience as a graduate student, Hladun shared that “getting involved in things that interest you is really important.” She perceives that graduate students benefit from taking advantage of as many opportunities  as possible. “I’ve learned a lot being in grad school. I don’t like the idea of wanting to try something or having an idea and sitting on that idea. I’d rather do my best to try and make it happen.” 

For Hladun, who is a leader amongst her peers, the sky’s the limit.

Laurentian Residence Life hosts 18th annual Airbandz for Cancer fundraiser

Laurentian Residence Life hosts 18th annual Airbandz for Cancer fundraiser

$1,680 raised for the Northern Cancer Foundation

(March 23, 2023) - On Saturday, March 11th, the Laurentian University Residence Life team hosted its 18th annual Airbandz for Cancer fundraiser. This event showcased student groups who choreographed and performed dance routines in order to raise money for cancer research. Proceeds in the amount of $1,680 were donated to the Northern Cancer Foundation. 

“This year, two enthusiastic student teams competed, and Team Percy Jackson was victorious,” said Residence Life supervisor, Holly Jackson. She, alongside 4th year Sport Psychology student, Kiera Lawn (Etobicoke, Ontario) organized this year’s event. 

Since inception in 2003, LU Airbandz has raised well over $100,000 for the Northern Cancer Foundation which supports cancer care, local cancer research and vital equipment purchases at the Shirley and Jim Fielding Northeast Cancer Centre in the City of Greater Sudbury. LU Airbandz was started by a student named Michael ‘Dex’ Brown. 

“We are consistently impressed with the efforts that LU students make at Airbandz,” said Lawn. “We are also very proud of the altruistic nature of those who participate in Airbandz. Giving back to the Northern Cancer Foundation is a great feeling.”

In addition to Airbandz team performances, LU’s dance team wowed the crowd in the Fraser Auditorium with their contagious energy. 

This year’s judges consisted of Laurentian alumna and folk musician, Cassidy Houston, and Laurentian alumna and Northern Cancer Foundation representative, Tannys Laughren. Judging criteria included originality, enthusiasm, costume design, overall performance and lip-syncing quality.

University community prepares for third annual Graduate Research Symposium

University community prepares for third annual Graduate Research Symposium

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

(March 22, 2023) - The third annual Graduate Research Symposium, a week-long event that promotes graduate student research at Laurentian University, will take place in the Fielding Innovation Center on March 27th to 31st, 2023. This student-led ‘Discovery and Dissemination’ event is spearheaded by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) with support from the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Presentations about research projects from students and candidates enrolled in Master and PhD programs will be offered. A volunteer panel of faculty will award prizes to the best presentation delivered in each faculty: Education and Health, Science, Engineering and Architecture, Management, and Arts. Awards will also be distributed for the top French presentation and top Indigenous content presentation. Judges will be looking for presentation skills, audience engagement, structure of research, audio visuals, and critical analysis or interpretation. 

“The Graduate Research Symposium is an event hosted by grad students for grad students,” said GSA President, Meghan McCue. “It showcases the excellent research being done by graduate students across the university. It is a great opportunity for students to share proposals, progress, and new discoveries with students and faculty from all departments.” McCue is a PhD candidate in Biomolecular Sciences. 

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

Laurentian’s 3MT® competition winner will be invited to compete at Provincial Finals to be held at Queen’s University on May 17th, 2023.

Speaking positively about the upcoming symposium, Laurentian’s Vice President of Research, Dr. Tammy Eger said: “We are very proud of the dedication of our graduate student body whose research and scholarship continues to address important questions that impact our community. The Graduate Student Symposium and 3MT® offers a unique opportunity to showcase the tireless efforts of graduate students, often done in partnership with industry and community partners.” 

All are invited to take part in this week-long event. The Symposium presentation schedule with abstracts can be found here.
 

Accreditations renewed for French-language Teacher Education programs at Laurentian University

Accreditations renewed for French-language Teacher Education programs at Laurentian University

New programs committed to responding to teacher shortage

(March 21, 2023) - Graduates of Laurentian University’s education programs have been, and continue to be, in very high demand. French language programs offered by Laurentian’s School of Education have successfully renewed their accreditation for seven years with the Ontario College of Teachers. This includes the accreditation of new and existing programs: 

A unique incentive to enroll in Laurentian’s Baccalauréat en éducation (en plusieurs parties, en ligne, à temps partiel) is now available to francophone students. This OCT-accredited multi-session program aims at enabling teacher-candidates to enter the profession with a Transitional Certificate of Qualification and Registration as they are completing their program. Once a student completes specific requirements, including completing two weeks of placements, they will become eligible for this transitional certificate. 

 “Graduates from Laurentian’s education programs are in high demand, and this is especially true of those enrolled in our French-language teacher education programs. This accreditation will act as a catalyst for those considering a career in education,” said Dr. Patrice Milewski, Laurentian University’s Interim Dean, Faculty of Education and Health. 

The teacher shortage has been a concern for the Province’s French-language school boards for many years. Laurentian will help counter this shortage with its education programs.

“Laurentian University is committed to responding to the current teacher shortage. These newly accredited programs will assist not only our students, but also French-language school boards who seek to fill the employment gap of qualified teachers. Laurentian University is very well positioned to support the need for teachers in Northern Ontario, and in the wider reaches of the Province,” said Roch Gallien, Special Advisor of the Office of Francophone Affairs, Laurentian University. 

Laurentian currently has nearly 250 students studying in French-language education programs, and applications remain open for fall 2023. 


 

Laurentian alumna and Master’s of Social Work student enjoys studying and working in Northern Ontario

Laurentian alumna and Master’s of Social Work student enjoys studying and working in Northern Ontario

Chloé Génier is passionate about youth, mental health, and education

(March 16, 2023) - Chloé Génier, a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) student, was born and raised in the small town of Cochrane, Ontario, located about four-hundred kilometers north from the city of Greater Sudbury. She graduated from École Catholique Nouveau Regard (2016) before attending Cambrian College where she earned her diploma in Community and Justice Services (2018). She went on to continue her undergraduate studies at Laurentian University, and is an alumna of the service social program (2022). 

“I’ve had a unique experience in post-secondary education,” explained Génier who earned about a year’s worth of transfer credits toward her Bachelor’s degree, thanks to her efforts at Cambrian College. “My undergraduate degree at LU was also completed fully online, which kept me on my toes as online programming requires students to make their own schedules but nevertheless work toward tight deadlines.”

For Génier, maintaining a positive mindset throughout her post-secondary journey has been a top priority. When she graduated high school, she admitted that she wasn’t initially sure if university was the route she’d want to take, however, upon earning her college diploma, she felt compelled to earn a degree. “I knew Laurentian was where I wanted to go, and even if I was a little nervous, an important mentor and a close family member once told me that we need to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This mindset has helped me get to where I am today and to continue challenging myself and stepping outside of my comfort zone.” 

While the fact that Laurentian offered a degree for which Génier could earn transfer credits was enticing to her, that the program she sought to study was available in French was of equal value. A proud francophone, Génier enthused, “when I graduated from service social, I earned my certificate of bilingualism, which was pretty cool.” This certificate is a recognized acknowledgment of bilingual (English & French) competency that is sought after by the province’s employers.

Even though her undergraduate courses were accomplished online, Génier stressed that she has met some incredible friends at Laurentian. “I’ve been so lucky to have made such strong connections with my peers. My friends and family are so important to me - they have motivated me to reach my full potential.” Génier explains that supportive faculty members have also assisted her efforts, as have her experiences in placements better prepared her for career opportunities. 

As she works toward her Master’s degree, Génier keeps busy as a Probation and Parole Officer at the Cochrane Probation and Parole Office. “I’m also a registered social worker. Though I support all sorts of clients, I am especially interested in and passionate about mental health amongst youth and children.” Soon, Génier will select a topic of inquiry for her graduate thesis. “I’m not yet sure what my focus will be, but my interests in youth, mental health, and education are good stepping stones.” 

Once she completes her MSW, Génier, who lives with her partner in Cochrane, hopes to stay in the region. She has a special place in her heart for Northern Ontario and for contributing to her community. “I’m certainly open to opportunities, and am excited for what my future holds.”

NOSM University and Laurentian University Celebrate New Research Agreement

NOSM University and Laurentian University Celebrate New Research Agreement

Universities working together to attract more research funding to Northern Ontario

(March 15, 2023) - Vital Northern health research will continue—and perhaps expand—thanks to a new deal reached by NOSM University and Laurentian University. 

A new research agreement has been negotiated by the universities following the establishment of NOSM University as Canada’s first independent medical university in 2021. 

“Our institutions have always worked closely on Northern health research,” says Dr. Sarita Verma, President, Vice-Chancellor, Dean and CEO of NOSM University. “We have an opportunity to continue to leverage each others’ strengths to better serve the needs of Northern Ontario.”

Laurentian University has collaborated with and supported NOSM University since its inception. Where NOSM University has emerged to play a critical role in Northern and rural medical and clinical research, Laurentian has the systems and supports in place to enable such a high level of research.

“The diversity of Laurentian’s research interests and expertise will allow this collaboration to extend beyond traditional health research. Leveraging researchers in business, the arts, and even disciplines like engineering will open new opportunities,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.

“We have a shared interest to strengthen research capacity and attract more research funding to Northern Ontario,” says Dr. David Marsh, Vice Dean, Research Innovation and International Relations at NOSM University. “Continued research alongside aligned health-research partners is a must if we’re going to help solve the health-care challenges in Northern Ontario and beyond.” 

“This is for our universities, and for the people of the North,” says Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University. “Working together, researchers and students at NOSM University and Laurentian University will be able to address many of the critical research questions raised by community and industry partners.”
 

About NOSM University:
NOSM University is Canada’s first independent medical university and one of the greatest education and physician workforce strategy success stories of Northern Ontario. More than just a medical university, it was purpose-built to address the health needs of the region. While advocating for equitable access to care, the university contributes to the economic development of Northern Ontario. NOSM University relies on the commitment and expertise of the people of Northern Ontario to educate health-care professionals to practise in Indigenous, Francophone, rural, remote and underserved communities. With a focus on diversity, inclusion and advocacy, NOSM University is an award-winning, socially accountable organization renowned for its innovative model of distributed, community-engaged education and research.

Laurentian to celebrate International Women’s Day all week long

Laurentian to celebrate International Women’s Day all week long

Events include Women’s Centre Open House and key discussions about women, gendered bodies, and gender equity.

(March 6, 2023) - International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. A gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination is one that we must collectively strive towards, and though International Women’s Day is annually celebrated on March 8th, Laurentian University is recognizing women and their achievements all week long, March 6th - March 10th, 2023.

Events will kick off on March 6th with a presentation in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) by journalist, professor, activist and Halifax’s former Poet Laureat, El Jones, who will speak about “Women, resistance and empowerment.”  

On March 7th, LU’s Women’s Centre (P-222), a volunteer-led group who advocates for women’s equality and a positive environment for women on campus, will host an Open House from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. “The Women’s Centre is important to have at Laurentian University because it allows women to have a place where they can feel at peace, feel safe and have support,” said LU’s Women’s Centre Coordinator and third-year Psychologie du sport student, Monica Jean-Baptiste.

“Historically, the function of the Women’s Centre has been to support women in crisis or who are disadvantaged. We offer a friendly atmosphere in addition to emergency support,” added volunteer and third-year Bachelor of Arts student, Josephine Suorineni. “Being student-led, the Women’s Centre is where women can find their voice among peers and help make positive changes at Laurentian. Sometimes, our community members may not be aware of what help is available to them, therefore, the Centre plays a crucial role in connecting women to services and resources.” 

On March 8th, the Brenda Wallace Reading Room in the JN Desmarais Library will host Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Dr. Victoria Kannen, for a book reading, “Gendered Bodies and Public Scrutiny.” 

Events on March 9th include presentations in the ISLC by Inuk Architectural Designer Nicole Luke, and a keynote panel at the McEwen School of Architecture, “Embracing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities.” Facilitators include keynote Nicole Luke and panelists, Dr. Brenda Brouwer (Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic), Dr. Jennifer Johnson (Manager of Laurentian Online and Adjunct Professor), and Yacine Cisse. 

“Celebrating the achievements of women can inspire and empower others – by sharing their journeys and experiences, women raise awareness about challenges, successes and what fuels their fire to do what they do,” says Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic, Laurentian University. She adds that the International Women’s Week events will shine a light on issues relating to gender equality. 

Community members are encouraged to participate in the many offerings of International Women’s Week.

A full schedule of events may be found here. 

Laurentian University Engineering Students Top Multiple Categories at Canadian Mining Games

Laurentian University Engineering Students Top Multiple Categories at Canadian Mining Games

Students placed first in Underground Mine Design and Sustainable Development

(March 3rd, 2023) - Laurentian students have once again made their mark on the Canadian Mining Games, taking home two first place finishes as well as two third place finishes in the 2023 competition. The 33rd edition of this long-standing event saw students compete in multiple facets of mining. This year’s competition was jointly hosted in Vancouver by UBC and BCIT, with events at each campus. 
 

Laurentian University:

  • 1st Place: Underground Mine Design
  • 1st Place: Sustainable Development
  • 3rd Place: Health & Safety
  • 3rd Place: Tailings & Closure Management

Next year, the 34th Canadian Mining Games will be proudly hosted by Laurentian University and will see hundreds of participants traveling to Sudbury to compete. 

In addition to the students who competed in Vancouver, another group of Engineering students competed in Denver, Colorado, within the international mine rescue competition. They finished in third place for the first aid event and Quinn Roos also finished third in the individual field test technician event.


Canadian Mining Games Team Members:

  • Georgina Coste-Ramsay - Mississauga
  • Jackson Miteff - Toronto
  • Zayan Mansoori - Milton
  • Nicholas Eyre - Sudbury
  • Joshua Kroll - Thompson Manitoba
  • Matthew Price - Toronto
  • Nana Awuah-Ben - Accra, Ghana
  • Darshan Shah - Ahmedabad, India
  • Kirsten Deneka - Sudbury 
  • Joseph Boye - Richmond Hill
  • Alex Colangelo - Georgetown
  • Justin Gmehlin - Strathroy
  • Quentin Quibbell - Innisfil
  • Miguel Lefebvre - Sudbury 
  • Sharon Cardenas Sanchez - Junin, Peru
  • Cat Biskupski - Vaughan

Laurentian University Mine Rescue Team Members:

  • Noah Lambert  -  Iroquois Falls
  • Dan McCormick - Barrie
  • Felix Gervais - Hanmer
  • Quinn Roos - Sudbury
  • Camryn Dunn - Ottawa
  • Jordan Sutton - Kirkland Lake
  • Philip Vipond - Staff Advisor

Laurentian Relay for Life returns for the 8th consecutive year

Laurentian Relay for Life returns for the 8th consecutive year

Campaign aims to add $30,000 to a total of over $280,000 since 2015.

(March 3, 2023) - On March 10 and 11, 2023, Laurentian Relay for Life will host its eighth annual event. Relay for Life raises awareness and funds in support of the battle against cancer. Fundraising efforts are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS); the nation’s largest cancer charity and charitable funder of cancer research. The campaign has raised $284,493.61 since 2016 and hopes to raise another $30,000 this year. 

Ann VanDerAa (Mount Forest, Ontario), fourth year Bachelor of Arts and Education student double majoring in History and English Literature, Media and Writing is this year’s LU Relay for Life President, and one of twenty student volunteers on the 2022-2023 organizing committee. “I started volunteering with LU Relay for Life in my first year, and I’ve managed to work my way up all the way to the executive team. Every year’s campaign has taught me so much, and it's amazing being a part of something that affects us all. I haven’t met a person who hasn’t been impacted by cancer in one way or the other, so being a part of making a difference, that’s been really powerful.” 

Other members of the 2022-2023 LU Relay for Life executive team include Vice-President of Engagement, Caitlyn Brannon (Whitby, Ontario), fourth year Sports Psychology student, and Vice-President of Finance, Cameron Hourtovenko (Sudbury, Ontario), fourth year Biomedical Biology student. 

“We are very proud of the work put in to support Relay for Life, a truly collaborative effort,” said VanDerAa. “The event takes place in the Ben Avery gymnasium from 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening through 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The night is filled to the brim with live entertainment, food stations, games, sports tournaments, everything you can think of. Ultimately, at the end of the night, we come together to reveal our fundraising total.” Laurentian competes with some of the largest schools in the country in terms of number of participants and amounts fundraised. 

“Relay For Life is a global movement, taking place in 29 countries and 6000 communities worldwide and this year, we are so excited to celebrate the 8th annual Relay For Life event at Laurentian University. When Laurentian Relays, the school community helps make it possible for the Canadian Cancer Society to provide a national support system for people with cancer and their families. Together, we’re helping people manage life with cancer with services including accommodation at our cancer lodges, transportation to treatment, and one on one support with peer support volunteers. It’s truly because of the work from our incredible student leaders, volunteers and donors that our mission at the CCS is possible. We thank the Laurentian University community for making a remarkable impact and together, we can unite and inspire all Canadians to take control of cancer,” said Allie Raper, Senior Specialist, Relay For Life Youth, Canadian Cancer Society. 

LU Relay for Life is centered around four key ceremonies. An opening and closing ceremony, a survivor ceremony and a luminary ceremony. “The luminary ceremony is a particularly emotional and heartfelt point where participants get the chance to honor people they may have lost in a very respectful way,” said VanDerAa. Participants are each given a small paper bag to decorate, in which a light is inserted. “We dim the lights in the gym and give people time to reflect. It’s genuinely some people’s favourite part of Relay.” 

Though more than 125 Laurentian students have registered to participate in this year’s Relay for Life, the goal is for over 300 LU students to get involved. Students can register individually or in teams of 5-12. 

LU Relay for Life welcomes new registrants up until the day of the event, March 10th. They are grateful to their many supporters, including local sponsors as below: 

Platinum sponsors: Verdicchio’s Ristorante
Gold sponsors: Starbucks, Sudbury Five, Angèle’s Bakes
Silver sponsors: Greater Sudbury Utilities, Peavey Mart, Ferguson Deacon Taws, TestMark
Bronze sponsors: Salute Coffee Company, Handmade by Logan, New Sudbury Spice Co., Science North, Joyful Home, Sage, Twiggs Coffee Roasters, the Daventry, That’s My Jam, Positive Inception, Mastermind Toys, Sudbury Wolves, Party City, and Gourmet World

Black Futures keynote address, "Trust Black Women"

Black Futures keynote address, "Trust Black Women"

(March 2nd, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office and Black Lives Matter Sudbury is pleased to present the Black Futures keynotes address, Trust Black Women, on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 from 2-5:00 p.m. in the Fraser Auditorium.

This keynote address features a one-to-one conversation with journalist, professor, activist and Halifax’s former Poet Laureate El Jones, with artist, professor, Black Lives Matter Sudbury cofounder and LU alumna, Ra’anaa Ekundayo (formerly Brown).

In this intimate discussion, panellists will tackle themes where race and gender are foregrounded, noting how Black women have been at the helm of many movements for social change. This panel discussion will have ASL interpreters provided by Interprétation signes et paroles.

Keynote speaker and moderator bios may be found here. Please register and obtain a ticket in advance. Laurentian students are offered a ticket free of charge. 

Click here to view the poster.

For further details or questions: 
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office, Laurentian University 
edhr@laurentian.ca 

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