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Dr. Joy Gray-Munro named Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Dr. Joy Gray-Munro named Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Long-time University leader begins new role immediately.

(July 29, 2022)  – The national search for the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture has now been completed and Laurentian University is pleased to introduce Dr. Joy Gray-Munro as Dean.
 
Dr. Gray-Munro, an Associate Professor from Laurentian University’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture has been at Laurentian for nearly 20 years and has filled multiple leadership roles within the University, including: 

A leader amongst her peers, her dedication to teaching was also recognized as the winner of the Laurentian University Full Time Teaching Excellence Award in 2018. Her research has focused on Chemistry, specifically in the area of surface chemistry with an emphasis on the surface modification of biomedical implant materials to improve their biocompatibility. One particular focus is on the development of coatings to control the biodegradation rate and biocompatibility of biodegradable metallic implants for orthopedic applications.

Dr. Gray-Munro earned her Doctor of Philosophy, Chemistry at the University of Western Ontario in 2001 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mount Allison University. Her doctoral work involved the surface modification of biomedical polymers to give them antibacterial properties. She completed postdoctoral positions at the National Research Council and the University of New Brunswick before becoming a faculty member at Laurentian University in 2003.
 
Dr. Gray-Munro begins her term as Dean on August 1, 2022. The University also wishes to recognize the many efforts of Dr. Dean Millar who served in the role of Interim Dean since December of 2020.
 

Laurentian University hosts Canadian high school students for bilingual, tricultural summer program

Laurentian University hosts Canadian high school students for bilingual, tricultural summer program

Shad Canada partnership equips youth to tackle challenges via STEAM-based solutions.

(July 28, 2022) - Fifty-six grade ten and eleven Canadian high school students have been keeping busy on Laurentian’s campus, participating in Shad Canada’s twenty-seven day program from July 3rd through July 29th. Laurentian University is one of twenty-one host universities across the nation in partnership with Shad Canada, a not-for-profit organization who equip youth to tackle social and economic challenges via a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and entrepreneurial lens.

“We have students participating in this year’s program from nearly every province,” said Christian Laforge, program co-director, Shad Laurentian. “This year’s cohort is a very talented and diverse group. Some are provincially or nationally ranked athletes, others are well versed musicians, or national science fair winners.” For many of these students, this is their first time being away from home for such a lengthy period of time.

Shad students (referred to as ‘shads’) immerse themselves fully in the program by living in residence on Laurentian’s campus. Shads follow a carefully planned schedule of activities that finds them attending academic lectures and workshops, participating in canoe trips and camping adventures, and engaging in Indigenous teachings, thanks to Laurentian’s tri-cultural identity. This July, eighteen out of twenty-one Shad Canada partnering institutions offered the Shad program, and Laurentian is the only institution that offered a bilingual experience. 

While educational and cultural enrichment via a STEAM and entrepreneurial lens is central to Shad Laurentian, so is the promotion of a sense of community. This kept in mind, Shads benefitted from visits across Greater Sudbury, including to Collège Boréal, Cambrian College, Dynamic Earth, Science North, NOSM University, and even a local farmer’s market. A grant from the City of Greater Sudbury’s Event Support Fund, through the Tourism and Culture department, helped subsidize some of Shad Laurentian’s programming, developed around the theme of wellness. 

“The City of Greater Sudbury and Sudbury Tourism are proud to support this program that provides a transformative learning journey for students from across Canada,” said Mayor of Greater Sudbury, Brian Bigger. “The Shad program provides a unique experience unlike any other, allowing students to learn about STEAM and entrepreneurship while exploring the surrounding learning environment here in Greater Sudbury.” Mayor Brian Bigger visited the University’s campus in July, to meet Laurentian shads.

While Shad Laurentian 2022 wraps up this week, today, Shads have the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned and enjoyed most about the program through an Open Day of activities. 

“This is a fantastic group of young people. Over the last three weeks we’ve watched them explore their own interests in the STEAM fields, work as teams, ask questions, and come up with solutions. Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious,” said Shad Laurentian co-director and Full Professor at Laurentian University, Dr. Thomas Merritt.

Shad Laurentian anticipates many future years of success through partnership with Shad Canada. Not only does the program offer a unique educational opportunity to high school students who may be interested in the pursuit of future studies at the University, the program also employs several current and former Laurentian students.

“Shad Canada is thrilled to have Laurentian University join our complement of in-person program offerings in 2022. We are excited for the exceptional tri-cultural experience they are offering our pan-Canadian participants!” - Leanne O'Donnell, Director, National Programs, Shad Canada.

For those interested in future opportunities through Shad Laurentian, please contact Christian Laforge at christian.laforge@laurentian.shad.ca or Dr. Thomas Merritt at thomas.merritt@laurentian.shad.ca. 

Laurentian Ph.D. alumnus, Xuyang Meng, awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal

Laurentian Ph.D. alumnus, Xuyang Meng, awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal

An academic feat of hard work, resilience, and honour.

(July 27, 2022) - Post-doctoral researcher and Laurentian University alumni Xuyang Meng, has received a prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal award for academic excellence at the graduate level. Meng’s Ph.D in Economic Geology, belonging to the Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology program at Laurentian, focused on understanding the formation of porphyry copper deposits in the early Precambrian eon. Established in 1873, Governor General Academic Medals encourage strong scholastic performance across Canada. Medals are awarded annually to students graduating with the highest academic standing in four distinct levels of education; secondary, post-secondary collegiate, undergraduate, and graduate.

Nominated for this achievement by the Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Meng described feeling honored and humbled to be a recipient. “I am grateful for the encouragement, advice, and help from my supervisors and colleagues at Laurentian, advisors on my Ph.D. committee, and collaborators from around the world. I treasure this award for recognizing our efforts.” 

Meng has demonstrated great resilience and determination along his academic journey. His post-secondary studies began in Beijing, China, where he obtained his B.Sc. in Geology (2013), followed by M.Sc in Mineralogy, Petrology, and Mineral Deposit Geology (2016). Meng then moved to Canada to begin his Ph.D. in Economic Geology at the University of Alberta where he began to work closely with his faculty supervisor, Dr. Jeremy Richards. 

In 2017, Dr. Richards was offered a Canadian Research Chair (Tier I) position at Laurentian. In light of this and Meng’s attested interest in the University’s Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology program, both relocated to Sudbury. About this decision, Meng described with confidence that, “there were so many great professors [and] this program could take me back to the geological processes of ancient times when the studied mineral deposits formed, which is very interesting.” 

Sadly, in 2019, Dr. Richards passed away after a battle against cancer. “I was shocked by this sad and sudden news,” said Meng. “I even considered the possibility of quitting my Ph.D.” However, with Dr. Richards in mind, Meng decided to push forward and follow his passion for research: “I wanted to continue the projects that we’d started, and achieve our goals. That was what I thought I could do for Jeremy.” Notably and even after Dr. Richard’s passing, his contributions and insights assisted Meng in the completion of his doctoral degree: “I am grateful for the research opportunities that my supervisor brought me… He was a brilliant scientist and knew almost everything regarding porphyry copper deposits.” 

Meng described being grateful that Dr. Richards’ colleagues at Laurentian stepped up to supervise his students. “I always felt lucky to be at Laurentian, where people were there to help me when I met obstacles. I could not have overcome these difficulties without the support from many friendly people in the department [at the Harquail School], and at Laurentian.” Faculty from Laurentian who supported the completion of Meng’s degree mainly include Drs. Daniel Kontak, Pedro Jugo and Ross Sherlock. Dr. Adam Simon, who Meng currently works with at the University of Michigan for his postdoctoral research, and Dr. Jingwen Mao, the supervisor of Meng’s master thesis, have also been sources of support for Xuyang.  

Meng has high aspirations for his future. His passion for scientific discovery is ongoing and as he attested: “Having met many eminent geologists since coming to Canada such as Jeremy, Dan, Adam, Pedro, Ross, and others, as well as having obtained my Ph.D. degree and now the Governor General’s Gold Medal, I have strengthened my confidence in my field.” Speaking about his future contributions, Meng said that he looks forward to helping bridge the gap in geological studies between various nations across the globe. 

“I hope to continue to be able to make more significant academic contributions to our society.”
 

Laurentian University files Plan of Arrangement

Laurentian University files Plan of Arrangement

Plan brings the university one step closer to a successful emergence from CCAA proceedings

Sudbury ON, July 21, 2022  – Laurentian University reached a significant milestone in its restructuring today with the filing of its Plan of Arrangement with the Superior Court of Justice. The Plan represents the culmination of more than 18 months of collaboration in the CCAA proceeding by Laurentian and its creditors, union leaders and key stakeholders, and brings the university much closer to emergence from CCAA protection.  

Laurentian will be seeking a court Order on July 28, 2022, authorizing it to call a meeting of creditors to be held on September 14, 2022, in order to vote on the Plan. Provided the Plan is approved by creditors at the meeting, a further court Order will be sought by Laurentian on October 5, 2022, which allows the Plan to be implemented following satisfaction of certain conditions. Once the Plan is implemented, Laurentian will have successfully emerged from its CCAA restructuring as a more financially sustainable university with a solid path for future success. 

“We are pleased to confirm that the materials filed today provide Laurentian University with the opportunity to hit the reset button and emerge as a restructured university with a clear path for financial sustainability,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of Laurentian University’s Board of Governors. “This is the result of 18 months of productive dialogue with our stakeholders, with the common goal of ensuring that Laurentian University continues to operate for years to come as a critical part of the fabric and economy of Northern Ontario.” 

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and for the active participation of all of our partners throughout the restructuring,” added Bangs. “This milestone sends a strong message to current and future students, to our dedicated staff and faculty, to anyone within the Laurentian community and to people throughout the North. We’re confident we will be able to emerge from the restructuring much stronger than before and look to the future with renewed optimism.”

Laurentian University Board of Governors announces leadership transition

Laurentian University Board of Governors announces leadership transition

President and Provost to Retire

Sudbury ON, July 21, 2022  – As part of the Plan of Arrangement materials filed today with the Superior Court of Justice, Laurentian University announced the pending retirement of Dr. Robert Haché as President and Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Marie-Josée Berger as Provost, to be effective prior to emergence from CCAA. An interim president and provost will be appointed, and the formal search process to identify a permanent president, in consultation with the Laurentian community, will be commenced.

“We deeply appreciate President Haché’s and Provost Berger’s leadership and contributions to Laurentian,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Board of Governors. “Their guidance and resolve have been indispensable during the most challenging period in our history.” 

“At this pivotal time for Laurentian University, I leave my leadership role with energy and optimism for the future,” said President Haché. “I’ve approached my role with clear priorities: to learn from the Laurentian community, to successfully complete the CCAA restructuring process, and to put our university on track for an academically rich, culturally diverse, and fiscally sound future. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to serve this great university.” 

“While we still have far to go, our Board feels renewed optimism as we work with our community and government partners to protect and advance Laurentian’s unique mission as a bilingual and tricultural institution for Ontario’s North,” said Bangs.

Donor provides $200,000 to bolster School of Education programming

Donor provides $200,000 to bolster School of Education programming

Wyona Thompson posthumously provides major gift to support students

(June 28, 2022) - A new $200,000 gift has been made to the School of Education in the name of Wyona Thompson, Laurentian University alumna, who passed away in June 2021. This gift will be used to support full-time students in the Bachelor of Education programs in both English and French. The “Wyona Thompson Fund” will create scholarships to reward students for academic merit, bursaries to assist students in financial need, and will provide travel support to students completing placements outside the Greater Sudbury area, with preference given to placements in underserved Northern areas. 

“This funding will directly benefit our students in a significant way. It will also allow students to spend time in communities in Northern areas that currently lack educators, benefiting both the students as well as the communities themselves.” - Dr. Céline Larivière, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Health. 

Wyona and her late husband, Dr. Ollan White, were strong believers in the transformative power of education. Once educators themselves in the communities of Sudbury, Petawawa, and Kingston, they would be proud to know that this gift will support the next generation of educators on their journey. 

“Our graduates lead by innovating in classrooms, by positively impacting the wellbeing of children and strengthening communities. Teachers are role models to children. Wyona’s gift will support education students to undertake placements in schools located in more remote and underserved communities where role models will have a tremendous and long-lasting impact on young people.” added Dr. Larivière. 

The new funding will begin supporting students in the 2022-2023 academic year; students who are interested in applying for these scholarships will be able to do so via the Student Awards office.

Laurentian University celebrates federal NSERC Discovery Grants

Laurentian University celebrates federal NSERC Discovery Grants

Funding in amounts of $820,000 and over $470,000 will support discovery research.

(June 27, 2022) - Researchers with Laurentian University and affiliated researchers with NOSM University and Health Sciences North Research Institute have received $820,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to fund five research projects. 

The Discovery Grants Program is NSERC’s largest and longest-standing program supporting areas of research including Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Human Kinetics, Math and Computer Science, and Physics. Grants that derive from this program typically last for five years and provide the core funding for Canada’s top researchers to pursue their most promising ideas and breakthrough discoveries. An additional $470,000 was also received to support affiliated faculty conducting research in subatomic physics. 

“The Discovery Grant program is critically important for researchers in natural sciences and engineering. This investment from the Federal government will ensure researchers at Laurentian University and its affiliated partners at Health Sciences North Research Institute and the NOSM University have the resources needed to advance knowledge in areas critical to Canada, said Dr. Tammy Eger, Laurentian University's Vice-President, Research. “We are extremely proud of the grant recipients and their teams including graduate students who will have an opportunity to advance their learning through these grants.”

NSERC Discovery Grant recipients from Laurentian and its affiliates: 

  • Dr. Brent Lievers: Quantifying the nature and consequences of morphological changes in trabecular bone structural units
  • Dr. Corey Laamanen: Microalgae production of high-value antioxidants in Canada
  • Dr. Guangdong Yang: Deciphering the roles of cystathionine gamma-lyase/H2S system in Fe-S protein biogenesis and iron homeostasis
  • Dr. Sujeenthar Tharmalingam (primary appointment at NOSM University): Elucidating the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the DNA damage response
  • Dr. Chris Verschoor (primary appointment at Health Sciences North Research Institute): Exploring how age impacts the TNF-mediated activation of monocytes

Three of the above researchers (Drs. Laamanen, Tharmalingam, and Verschoor) also received Discovery Launch Supplements, awarded to early career researchers in the first year of the Discovery Grant. 

“Laurentian University continues to push the boundaries of discovery research,” added President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Robert Haché. “We recognize the efforts of our skilled researchers who make significant investments in scientific research. Congratulations to all recipients who merit these grants and will pursue breakthrough discoveries.”

Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute at Laurentian University receives $430, 832 in SSHRC funding

Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute at Laurentian University receives $430, 832 in SSHRC funding

Funding will support Maamwizing: A hub for Indigenous community-driven research.

(June 21, 2022) - The Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI) at Laurentian University has received $430,832 in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s (SSHRC) Race, Gender and Diversity Initiative. This grant was awarded to Dr. Joey-Lynn Wabie, with funds to support a three-year project, titled: Maamwizing: a hub for Indigenous community-driven research.  

This exciting news is celebrated today on National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day recognizes and celebrates Indigenous cultures, communities and peoples and offers the opportunity to reflect and commit to principles of Truth and Reconciliation. Laurentian is Canada’s only university with a tricultural mandate, offering a post-secondary experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. These are principles that Laurentian takes pride in, and MIRI complements by providing opportunities for, and with, Indigenous students to learn about authentic relationships and research with communities.  

Maamwizing: a hub for Indigenous community-driven research will be led by Dr. Wabie and two local Anishinaabe community partners: Akinomooshin Inc., & White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge Inc. These organizations are dedicated to Indigenous resurgence, or the reconnecting of Indigenous peoples with Indigenous knowledges, governance, languages, ceremonies, relationships, and lands at the grassroots level, thereby addressing the systems and impacts of racism and colonialism as they impact Indigenous peoples. Drs. Darrel Manitowabi, Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara, and Kevin Fitzmaurice are also integral to the success of the grant as co-applicants.

Dr. Joey-Lynn Wabie, Algonquin Anicinabe ikwe from Mahingan Sagahigan (Wolf Lake) First Nation, incoming Director within Laurentian’s School of Indigenous Relations and Acting Director of MIRI celebrates this funding announcement: “In fostering a research space that is driven by community partners and supported by the MIRI research team, our objective is to center community and culturally based knowledge and perspectives towards the co-creation of evidence based research findings that best responds to specific programming and service delivery needs. This can further inform the larger policy questions relating to effective and equitable community and culturally based programming for Indigenous youth in the north and within an overall framework of Indigenous self-determination and decolonization.”

Dr. Susan Manitowabi, Interim Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous programs shares Dr. Wabie’s enthusiasm: “This research is an expression of Indigenous self-determination in that it is being proposed by, for, and with Indigenous people. The application of the 7 Pointed Star Hub Model, as a uniquely MIRI approach to community-driven research will provide an Anishnaabe, culturally based and supportive method for community engagement, planning, and research sharing practices; which are grounded in the principles of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Love, Wisdom, and Truth.” 

Vince Pawis Sr., founder and Executive Director, White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge Inc. added that he and his team are grateful to be a part of this critical project: “Having worked in the community with Indigenous youth and adults since our inception in 2005, this is a great opportunity to research the work of grassroot Indigenous agencies to help support Indigenous healing.”

“Miigwechiwendam” is the sentiment of Julia Pegahmagabow, founding eniigaanizid for Akinoomoshin Inc. “With the support of this partnership and grant, we will be able to re-search our pathway to anishinaabe kendaaswin and come to understand the relationship to anishinaabe pedagogies and how to apply them. We have the support of Maamwizing to find the threads that our ancestors were able to leave for us and weave them into a strong foundation of knowing and knowledge transmission for our children, youth, and communities.”

In November, Laurentian University and MIRI look forward to hosting Maamwizing 2022: Land and Language, a conference that will focus on the sharing of stories and wise practices to ensure the health and wellness of both land and language is cared for. This will include broad interpretations and wider connections between land and language by grassroots community voices, alongside Indigenous scholars and non-Indigenous people who work in allyship with them. Confirmed keynote speakers include Dr. Niigaanwewidan Sinclair (University of Manitoba), Dr. Jennifer Walker (McMaster University), and Joseph Pitawanakwat (Creator’s Garden). Dr. Celeste Pedri-Spade (Queen’s University), inaugural Director of MIRI from 2016 to 2019, will provide an opening address. 

 

About White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge Inc.:
White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge Inc. is a non for profit organization incorporated in 2005, located in Shawanaga First Nation, approximately 30 kilometres north of Parry Sound. White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge Inc. is the vision of Vince Pawis Sr., the founder and current Executive Director. The Healing Lodge provides traditional Aboriginal youth-at-risk programs, Indigenous Elder Assisted Parole Circle Hearings and currently provides on a contractual basis Aboriginal traditional female and male Native Inmate Liaison Officer Services in Thunder Bay, Sudbury, North Bay, Orillia, Brampton and Lindsey, Ontario correctional facilities.

White Buffalo Road Healing Lodge Inc. works with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, Safety, Licensing Appeals and Standards Tribunals Ontario (SLATSO) and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

About Akinomooshin Inc.:
Akinoomoshin Inc. is a grassroots not-for-profit organization working to center anishinaabe kendaaswin in the daily lives of anishinaabek. Our dream is to offer daily anishinaabemowin immersion and aki (earth) learning for children and youth, their families and communities through our teaching lodge, akinoomoshin wigwam. 

Akinoomoshin Inc. began to meet and organize in 2016 with kitchen table visits and discussions on the challenges of the systems for our children and youth. Incorporated in 2017, Akinoomoshin Inc. is situated in the community of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.

Akinoomoshin Inc. has working relationships with Science North, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek for cultural and language-related sharing and learning. Akinoomoshin Inc. has been granted funding by the Ontario Arts Council, Niigaan Gdizhaami Fund, and Canadian Heritage to carry out language and earth-learning focused activities, including Maamwizing and the RDGI funding to move our work forward.
 

Gifts that Grow

Gifts that Grow

Spring convocation graduates at Laurentian helping tackle climate change.

(June 9, 2022) - Graduates at Laurentian University’s Spring convocation were thrilled to receive a pine tree seedling to mark their place in the world and create a memory of their special day. Laurentian’s Environmental Sustainability committee distributed the beautiful trees donated by Vale, as well as packages of wildflower seeds and QR code links to access selected videos produced by Laurentian describing the University’s globally-recognized research. There were smiles all around!

The trees that graduates took home to plant will serve as a lasting reminder of their momentous day, which they will be able to share with loved ones for the next 70 years (lifespan of the tree). Although the trees at convocation have a sentimental purpose, they also serve as critical tools in tackling climate change. Each tree planted will capture carbon, reduce soil erosion, and help in the reduction of stormwater runoff, resulting in cleaner and healthier water. These efforts represent the University's ongoing commitment to ecosystem restoration, led by students and faculty members. 

Laurentian University alumni are proud to be a part of a globally known regreening story and the UN Decade of Restoration's global initiatives. These efforts have resulted in significant land reclamation, better air quality, and cleaner water. Upcoming UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration initiatives include the development of a carbon-offset interpretive forest next to the Fraser Auditorium that will provide future graduates, family, and friends with an area to experience Laurentian’s environmental science stories.
 

Laurentian Lunars win international engineering competition

Laurentian Lunars win international engineering competition

Mechanical Engineering Spring 2022 graduates defeat students from across the globe at “Over the Dusty Moon Challenge.”

(June 9, 2022) - June 3rd 2022 officially marks a day of celebration for engineers at Laurentian University.

A team of eight Mechanical Engineering and mechatronics Spring 2022 graduates, called the “Laurentian Lunars”, claimed victory in the inaugural Over the Dusty Moon Challenge, hosted by the Colorado School of Mines. The competition found six finalist teams from the United States, Germany, Poland, Australia, and of course, Canada (the Lunars), immerse themselves in the challenge of producing a prototype that could effectively transport regolith (or in other words sand or fine aggregate) in outer space. 

Participants from Laurentian included Ethan Murphy, Adam Farrow, Alexander MacKenzie, Christian (Quade) Howald, Goran Hinic, Kevan Sullivan, Kyle Wulle and Reid Ludgate. All made the difficult decision to not attend their in-person convocation ceremony on campus last week, to instead compete on the international stage. Dr. Markus Timusk and Greg Lakanen were faculty supervisors who supported the development of this project that began for these recent graduates, approximately nine months ago. 

“The challenge was a part of our capstone design project - a requirement for Mechanical Engineering students,” said competitor Ethan Murphy. “It’s been an incredible opportunity. We’ve all been really grateful for this experience and we also got a lot of enjoyment out of doing it.”

Added competitor Adam Farrow: “Meeting other engineering students and graduates from all around the world was really amazing. Connecting and sharing ideas was such a learning experience, and time was well spent speaking with the judges, including representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin Space, and ICON.” 

“It’s amazing what this team of graduates have accomplished,” said Dr. Markus Timusk, Mechanical Engineering professor at Laurentian. “This challenge found the Lunars taking technology used for terrestrial mining and bringing it to the context of outer space. We are incredibly proud of our students' outstanding performance in this prestigious international engineering competition.” 

“It’s no secret that Sudbury’s a mining hub, and I think that the focus [that] Laurentian puts on their engineering programs, specifically in mining, sets them apart from other institutions….Laurentian has a pretty well established history of succeeding in competitions like this, and that’s not only because of where we’re from, but also because of the support that our professors are able to provide,” said Murphy. Added Farrow: “Our entire four years [of study] at Laurentian, knowledge-wise and academically, our professors have really helped us find success.” 

For faculty at Laurentian, it was unanimously attributed that it was the dedication and tireless efforts of the Lunars that brought them home this victory. 

Notably, the Lunars expressed their gratitude for the many supporters who helped make participating in this competition a reality. Financial sponsors included ITW Devcon, Studio Terra, Keith Pennells, CA, and Technica Mining. Other donors included Duplicators, Part Source Sudbury, and Lalonde Property Management. Industry advisors who positively contributed to the Lunars included Douglas Morrison, President and CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Mining (CEMI), and world class space expert, Dale Boucher. 

Mario Grossi, President and CEO of Technica Mining, expressed his enthusiasm for this competition win: “Technica Mining was honored to support the Laurentian Lunars at the Over the Dusty Moon Challenge. This team of young engineers should be very proud of their achievements that demonstrate exceptional innovation at an international level. It is no surprise that Laurentian has helped shape such brilliant engineering students with its rich and accomplished School of Engineering pedigree. I encourage every business who has benefited from Laurentian’s Engineering and Computer Science programs to re-invest into our future and support Laurentian.” 

Engineering at Laurentian is built on a solid reputation of grit, innovation and strong competitive edge. This is just the latest entry in a long list of achievements:

  • 2021 Canadian Mining Games – 2nd Place
  • 2017 Intercollegiate Mines Emergency Response Development (MERD) competition in Colorado
  • 2016 Ontario Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category and Consulting Category (winners)
  • 2015 Canadian Engineering Competition – Junior and Senior Design Category (winners)
  • 2015 Ontario Engineering Competition – Junior Design Category (winners)
  • 2014 Ontario Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category (winners)
  • 2013 Baja Competition
  • Canadian Mining Games – 2012 / 2009 / 2005 / 2004 / 2002 / 2000 / 1999 / 1994 (winners)
  • 2012 NASA Robotic Mining Competition
  • 2011 NASA Robotic Mining Competition (winners)
  • 2010 Canadian Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category (winners)
  • 2010 Ontario Engineering Competition – Senior Design Category (winners

When it comes to the culmination of the Over the Dusty Moon challenge, a few representatives from Laurentian remain in Colorado. These representatives will present their “out of this world” design at the Space Resources Roundtable, on Thursday, June 9th, 2022. 
 

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