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Laurentian University celebrates discovery research

Laurentian University celebrates discovery research

University researchers receive $1.4 million in federal funding as part of NSERC’s Discovery Grants Program

(2018-10-09) Laurentian University researchers have received $1.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to fund 10 research projects.

Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre and Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré made the announcement earlier today at a press conference held at the Laurentian’s Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building.

“Laurentian University is committed to strengthening the foundation of knowledge in higher education and research,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University. “Through critical inquiry we strive to discover answers relevant to society. Today’s announcement testifies of our engagement – and particularly the engagement of our professors – to pursue this mission. Congratulations to all the recipients.”

“Our government believes in science, and investments in science support new discoveries and the commercialization of ideas, leading to sustainable growth and new jobs. That’s why our government continues to make significant investments in fundamental science, including right here at Laurentian University,” said Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre.

“Laurentian University is one of Ontario’s scientific powerhouses fostering innovative ideas with some of the most acclaimed scientist and researcher teams at the helm,” added Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré. “We will continue to support and recognize the efforts of our skilled researchers as their findings hold the key to countless discoveries which will create future opportunities! Congratulations to all the brilliant recipients and their teams for this well-deserved grant. I wish you much success as you forge ahead with each of your research initiatives.”

The Discovery Grants Program is NSERC’s largest and longest-standing program. The grants provide the core funding and freedom so Canada’s best researchers can pursue their most promising ideas and breakthrough discoveries.

 

LAURENTIAN RESEARCH PROJECTS FUNDED BY NSERC’S DISCOVERY GRANTS PROGRAM

Hoyun Lee, Health Sciences North Research Institute ­­
Cell cycle regulation by PP1 and Cdc7.

David Lesbarreres, Department of Biology
Local adaptations to infectious diseases: curse or opportunity?

Thomas Merritt, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Genetic dissection of the NADPH metabolic network in drosophila.

Ralf Meyer, Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences  
Modelling of nanoscale phonemic crystals.

Jesse Popp, Department of Biology  
The influence of natural and anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife diversity, demographics, and distributions.

Michael Schindler, Harquail School of Earth Sciences        
Nano-Earth sciences: Understanding environmental processes at the nano-scale.

Stefan Siemann, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry         
Metal requirement and mechanism of anthrax lethal factor and other zinc proteases.

Alain Simard, Northern Ontario School of Medicine 
Regulation of immune functions by the non-neuronal cholinergic system.

T.C. Tai, Northern Ontario School of Medicine         
Role of ROS in hypoxia-mediated regulation of the phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase gene.

James Watterson, Department of Forensics 
Xenobiotic and Metabolite Profiling in Skeletal Remains for Classification of Xenobiotic Exposure Patterns.

 

Laurentian University opens new Research, Innovation and Engineering Centre

Laurentian University opens new Research, Innovation and Engineering Centre

Laurentian celebrates the grand opening of its $30M Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building

It is a historic day today at Laurentian University as Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre joined community members and local partners as well as Laurentian University staff, faculty and students for the opening of the new Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building.

The new 60,000-square-foot facility located in Founders’ Square (between the Parker and Fraser buildings) on the Sudbury campus, houses all engineering labs, including mining, chemical and mechanical, with space to eventually add a full civil engineering program. “There was a critical need for the new building,” said Dr. Rizwan Haq, Interim Vice-President, Research. “Our engineering program has grown to 700 students in 10 years with no new space.” 

The building is also home to a collaborative research hub for Laurentian research centres, an innovation and commercialization space, a state of the art analytical facility for industry and scholars alike. Each of these spaces have been identified in consultation with local industry in order to maximize interdisciplinary opportunities.

“This is a remarkable building and it’s a testament to our commitment to student success and the needs of our community,” said Laurentian Board of Governors Chair Jennifer Witty.  “It’s more than a building.  It represents Laurentian University’s commitment to leadership in research and innovation.”

The $30M project announced almost exactly two years ago on September 23, 2016, was designed by Sudbury-based Yallowega Bélanger Salach Architecture and built by M. Sullivan and Sons. The federal and provincial governments invested $27.4M into the project while private donors provided additional funding. A $3 million investment by Mrs. Lily Fielding and her family was recognized by the naming of the building. A $1 million investment by the Perdue family was recognized by the naming of the University’s new research and development centre housed within the facility.

“A number of individuals and key partners have been integral in realizing this critical expansion of research and innovation space,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University. “The Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building will not only benefit Laurentian students; it will have an immense impact on further driving economic activity and innovation in the City of Greater Sudbury, Northeastern Ontario and beyond.”

Laurentian University professor and research chair among four Canadians selected for women in science expedition

Laurentian University professor and research chair among four Canadians selected for women in science expedition

Dr. Tammy Eger is one of 95 leading women in science worldwide who will journey with “Homeward Bound” to Antarctica in 2019.

Dr. Tammy Eger, Professor of Human Kinetics at Laurentian University and Research Chair at the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health is among only four Canadians selected for the fourth “Homeward Bound” cohort (HB4). She and 95 women representing 28 countries will complete a 12-month intensive leadership program for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Medicine (STEMM). The leadership program will culminate in a 3-week journey to Antarctica in November 2019 to learn about climate change and polar science. 

“Homeward Bound” is a 10-year global initiative to equip 1,000 women in the STEMM fields with the skills to lead and to influence policy and decision-making in ways that will help to create a sustainable future for the planet.

According to the Unesco Institute for Statistics (UIS), less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women. “Even fewer women are in leadership positions in STEMM,” said Dr. Eger. “Initiatives such as this are critical to provide leadership training for women and to raise awareness about gender issues in these fields.” 

“I am absolutely thrilled to have been chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” added Dr. Eger. “I look forward to meeting the members of my cohort, sharing our experiences and collectively working to increase global leadership opportunities for women in STEMM.” 

The 12-month program has four core development components: leadership development, strategic capability, visibility and science communication, and science collaboration. Delivered by an expert global faculty, “Homeward Bound” comprises lectures, personal and leadership development tools, coaching sessions, visibility training and the opportunity to develop meaningful collaborations in forums, in teams with a focus on areas of interest, and in small diverse cohorts. More information on Homeward Bound, including a full list of HB4 participants, visit the program website.

Urban diet linked to obesity and elevated blood glucose in raccoons

Urban diet linked to obesity and elevated blood glucose in raccoons

Laurentian University study examines the consequences of human food waste on wildlife

Raccoons living in urban landscapes are feasting on our leftovers and suffering the consequences. Researchers at Laurentian University have examined how access to human food waste is increasing body mass and blood glucose in raccoon populations.

The study, recently published in the journal Conservation Physiology, was led by Dr. Albrecht I. Schulte-Hostedde, professor in evolutionary ecology at Laurentian University, in collaboration with assistant professor in obesity and metabolic disease research Dr. Jeffrey Gagnon.

“Urban environments are novel habitats for raccoons from an evolutionary perspective,” said Dr. Schulte-Hostedde. “We wanted to see if they are experiencing the same health problems as humans—obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome.”

“At Laurentian, there is a wealth of wildlife biologists and ecologists,” said Dr. Gagnon. “This collaborative study allowed me to provide expertise on how metabolism is affected during weight gain driven by a high fat and sugar diet.”

The study compared data from three groups of raccoons: those with high access to human food waste living on the grounds of the Toronto Zoo, those in a conservation area with moderate access to garbage, and those in a farming area with little access to food waste. The results were clear: due to a high consumption of human food, urban raccoons are not only putting on excessive weight, but are also experiencing higher blood sugar levels.

The project was also conducted as part of Laurentian University’s department of Biology undergraduate thesis course with fourth-year student Zvia Mazal. “This is a major achievement for Zvia to have published a peer-reviewed article this early in her career, and is testament to the quality of our students and programming,” said Dr. Gagnon.

Dr. Claire Jardine, a veterinarian and associate professor from the University of Guelph, also contributed to the study.

“The next step,” added Dr. Schulte-Hostedde, “would be to explore what—if any—impact human food is having on raccoons from an evolutionary perspective. Stay tuned!”

Laurentian University appoints Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs

Laurentian University appoints Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs

Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Yves Pelletier

Laurentian University’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Yves Pelletier to the position of Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs effective August 1, 2018, for a five-year renewable term.

“Dr. Pelletier is a seasoned leader and strategic thinker in the post-secondary education sector with a demonstrated commitment to improving the availability and the quality of French-language academic programs,” said Laurentian University Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost Dr. Serge Demers. “He brings to the role extensive experience, recognized expertise and unmatched leadership qualities.”

Born and raised in Sudbury, Dr. Pelletier has made significant contributions to the post-secondary sector over the past 20 years. Since 2013, Dr. Pelletier worked directly with post-secondary institutions across the country to support new strategic directions and lead inclusive and engaging change management and business planning processes. He managed the overall post-secondary sector as the Assistant Deputy Minister for Post-Secondary Education in New Brunswick. He tested promising practices to remove barriers to accessing post-secondary education for the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation. He also promoted academic research and expanded research opportunities at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Dr. Pelletier has served on numerous post-secondary education boards and committees, notably the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, the Consortium national de la formation en santé and the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission. He holds undergraduate degrees from Laurentian and the University of Ottawa, a master’s degree from the University of Ottawa as well as a PhD in History from Queen’s University. Dr. Pelletier has served on the Laurentian’s Board of Governors and the Executive Committee of the University’s Alumni Association.

“I look forward to returning to Sudbury and joining the dynamic team at Laurentian,” said Dr. Pelletier. “I am honoured for the opportunity and thank the University for entrusting me to lead this important portfolio.”

The appointment of Dr. Pelletier was recommended after an extensive search by a 12-member search committee composed of Board members, faculty, students and administrators.

Dr. David Lesbarrères, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, had been acting as Interim Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs since August 1, 2017. “The University joins me in thanking Dr. Lesbarrères for taking on additional responsibilities over the past year,” added Demers. “His efforts have allowed the division to continue to promote outreach and development of Laurentian’s Francophonie at the institution and beyond.”

Laurentian University appoints Associate Vice-President, Learning and Teaching

Laurentian University appoints Associate Vice-President, Learning and Teaching

Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Shelley Watson

Laurentian University’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Shelley Watson to the position of Associate Vice-President, Learning and Teaching effective July 1, 2018, for a five-year renewable term.

 

“Dr. Watson knows the Laurentian community and culture and has made significant contributions over the years to making the University a leading institution in teaching excellence,” said Laurentian University Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost Dr. Serge Demers. “It gives me great pleasure to formally announce this appointment.”

 

Dr. Watson was appointed to Laurentian University in July 2007 as Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and received tenure in 2011. She was the recipient of a Laurentian University Teaching Excellence Award in 2016, and the following year, she was promoted to the rank of Full Professor. Dr. Watson served as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies in 2016, was coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Health Master’s program, and was a member of the Laurentian University Strategic Plan 2018-2023 Steering Committee. She received her PhD in Educational Psychology in 2008 from the University of Alberta and a M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from Brock University. Dr. Watson is currently the chair of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) Research Special Interest Group (RSIG) and a board member at ICAN Sudbury-Manitoulin.

 

Dr. Watson lead several key initiatives as Acting Associate Vice-President, Learning and Teaching, this past year, notably the creation of the Learning Commons, the organization of the University’s 1st Teaching and Learning Day, and the establishment of the Teaching Fellows program.

 

“Teaching and learning define us at Laurentian University,” said Dr. Watson. “I am proud to continue playing a leadership role at Laurentian and in the Centre for Academic Excellence, in promoting and supporting high quality teaching, as well as ensuring students have the highest quality learning experiences.”

 

The appointment of Dr. Watson was recommended after an extensive search by a 12-member search committee composed of Board members, faculty, students and administrators.

Laurentian University invests in strategic plan

Laurentian University invests in strategic plan

Board of Governors approves the University’s 2018-2019 operating budget

Laurentian’s Board of Governors approved the University’s 2018-2019 operating budget of $160.7 million. Following a rigorous consultation process, the budget represents an increase of $3.2 million over the last year to focus on priority investments linked to Laurentian’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan entitled Together. Ensemble. Maamwii.

The budget allows Laurentian University to run a deficit up to $4.4 million in 2018-2019 with a plan to return to balanced budgets by 2019-2020.

“We have seen a decrease in enrollment because of demographics, and we are developing strategies to buck the trend. With the projected decrease of nine percent in the 20 to 24 year-old population by 2023, Laurentian University has had to make some targeted decisions to keep us on a steady course in the years ahead,” said Vice-President, Administration, Lorella Hayes.

The Board made the decision to allow for short-term deficit spending in order to maintain critical investments in the strategic plan and allow for investments to continue to position Laurentian for future growth. According to Hayes, “We will be enhancing our focus to increase student recruitment and retention in all spheres and providing them with an education that is well-rounded to better prepare them for a future outside of Laurentian.”

A new, more inclusive and transparent budget process was key to developing budget proposals in line with the University’s strategic priorities while ensuring Laurentian’s long-term sustainability.

Investments will be made to:

  • enhance mental health services for students, faculty and staff; 
  • increase support for recruitment and retention strategies;
  • increase resources for accredited programs and services in French;
  • continue real-life experiential learning opportunities for students;
  • add additional support for Indigenous programming;
  • support technology for improved student services; and
  • provide support for the Centre for Academic Excellence to improve student and faculty success. 


The University will open the new Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation and Engineering Building in time for the fall semester. This year will also see the graduation of our first cohort of master’s students in Architecture and Canada’s only master’s program in Science Communications. Laurentian is now number one in research funding among comparable universities, and still boasts the highest post graduation employment rates among Ontario universities while increasing the average entry grade from 80.8% to 82.6% in the last 8 years.

“Laurentian University is building on success and moving forward with a renewed momentum,” said Dr. Pierre Zundel, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “With the launch of our new Strategic Plan, we are focused more than ever on seeking out opportunities for collaborations that build on our existing strengths in education and research. We are committed to creating beneficial initiatives for the North, providing our students with experiential learning opportunities and making an important contribution to the reconciliation process. This budget shows our commitment to these beliefs,” added Zundel.

Renewed appointment of Laurentian University Chancellor

Renewed appointment of Laurentian University Chancellor

TVO’s Steve Paikin to take on second term as Chancellor until 2021

Laurentian University Board of Governors unanimously approved the renewal of Mr. Steve Paikin’s appointment as the Chancellor for a second term of three years, beginning July 1, 2018.

Mr. Paikin was appointed as Laurentian University’s second Chancellor in July 2013 for a five-year term. During that time, he has acted as Speaker of the Laurentian Model Parliament at the House of Commons five times, and assisted the University in a number of other honorary functions. He has also presided over numerous convocation ceremonies, his interaction with graduates on stage having been widely praised.

“It is a great honour to be asked to take on a second term as the Chancellor of Laurentian University – an institution whose students, faculty, staff and alumni contribute immensely to making our world healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive,” said Mr. Paikin. “I am passionately committed to collaborating with our talented Board of Governors, Senate and many institutional partners and supporters to consolidate and shape these next years at Laurentian.”

Mr. Paikin is a journalist, author, documentary film producer and well-known Canadian television personality who has contributed to Laurentian University’s national reputation. He is the anchor and senior editor of TVO’s flagship current affairs program The Agenda with Steve Paikin, which often draws its expertise from Laurentian University.  

He has been conferred with honorary degrees from Laurentian University, Victoria University at the University of Toronto, McMaster University and York University, as well as honorary diplomas from Humber College, Centennial College and Mohawk College. In 2012, Mr. Paikin was presented with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to Canadian society. In December of 2013, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions as a journalist who engages, informs and educates viewers on a broad range of public policy issues.  He was also invested into the Order of Ontario in 2014. To date, he has authored seven books.

“We are proud to have Mr. Paikin serve as Chancellor of Laurentian University, and we are thrilled that he has accepted this appointment for a second term,” said the Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, Jennifer Witty. “Mr. Paikin embodies the shared values identified in our Strategic Plan entitled Ensemble. Together. Maamwi. and we look forward to his continued leadership as an ambassador for Laurentian.”

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day

A message from Pamela Toulouse, Interim Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs, Laurentian University

National Indigenous Peoples Day offers us a moment to celebrate and recognize our accomplishments. This is also a time when reflection is welcomed in order to identify the challenges that we still face.

Laurentian is committed to the principles of truth and reconciliation. Our new strategic plan acknowledges this in many ways. One of our five key strengths is Indigeneity and our commitment to the principles established by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Outcomes include a commitment to enhance relationships with Indigenous communities, to implementing the calls to action from the TRC, to undertaking research that enhances mino-bimaadiziwin and to offer Anishinaabemowin language training to faculty, staff and students.

Laurentian was one of the first universities in Canada to create a senior academic position dedicated to Indigenous issues. This ongoing commitment to capacity building has resulted in the hiring of 25 Indigenous faculty members. We are also proud that our student population represents approximately 1100 self-identifying Indigenous learners.

Laurentian is a leader in Indigenous curriculum and programming. We house a unique community based master’s program in Indigenous Relations. Also, anyone who graduates with a BA must have completed at least six credits in courses with predominantly indigenous content.

Today also marks exactly one year since Laurentian opened the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre.  A place that is home to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike. It is a culturally relevant space that is constructed in a traditional Anishinabe wigwam design. It is positioned at the front door of our university and is a reminder of the traditional lands that our institution is located on.

The McEwen School of Architecture is proudly led by Dr. David Fortin, who is the first Indigenous director of an architecture school in Canada. His work is currently prominently displayed at the Vienna Bienniale in Architecture.  It is important to note that within a few years, McEwen grads will double the number of indigenous architects in Canada.

Laurentian’s Maamwizing Research Institute is dedicated to creating research partnerships with Indigenous communities. This institute is based on the principles of respect and reciprocity and is guided by Indigenous faculty. Maamwizing will be hosting its second conference in November 2018 with the theme “Pursuing Research in a Good Way” as its foundation.

It is critical that National Indigenous Day becomes a platform where we look forward together, speak our truths and listen honestly. This is the only way to make critical change for all of our peoples.

Pamela Toulouse

Interim Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs

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Laurentian recruits local star for new varsity baseball team

Laurentian recruits local star for new varsity baseball team

This fall 17-year-old Julia Jodouin of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School will be making history as the second and youngest female athlete in Ontario University Athletics’ (OUA) history to play for a men’s varsity baseball team. Julia will be working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing starting this September. She joins the team as a pitcher. 

“One of the main reasons I accepted the offer at Laurentian was so that I could continue to play ball,” Jodouin said. “I am excited to begin my journey at Laurentian pursuing two things I love – nursing and baseball. September can’t come soon enough!”

Jodouin’s athletic success landed her a spot on the Sudbury Shamrocks peewee travelling team. She then joined the Team Ontario 16U girls’ team for two seasons. She played a summer of both softball and hardball with the Waterloo Ghosts Gold 16U fastpitch team, making it all the way to Nationals. She was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) and All-Star 1st Base Player with Team Ontario 21U Women’s team.

Jodouin continues to highlight her exemplary skills at all levels earning as spot on the Canadian Women’s National team.  Last summer she participated in a development series playing for Canada against Team USA.

“Jodouin is an excellent player. Having someone of that calibre on the team will raise the bar for each and every player,” said Brodie Jeffery, coach of the men’s baseball team at Laurentian. “When starting a baseball program from the ground up, you need good players to build a solid foundation. Julia not only brings the necessary talent, but also steadfast determination and commitment to the sport.”

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