Laurentian University |

New school of academic innovation in Northern Ontario

Laurentian University and CSPGNO strengthen French language services and continuum of studies

June 14, 2016 – Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO) and Laurentian University today announced the creation of a school of academic innovation which will be housed at École publique Jeanne-Sauvé in the city of Greater Sudbury.

Beginning September 2016, this school of academic innovation will be a focal point where Laurentian University professors and students will engage in activities aimed at:

pursuing various research initiatives proposed by Laurentian and CSPGNO;
facilitating the training of Laurentian students and CSPGNO staff;
establishing intervention projects carried out on site at École publique Jeanne-Sauvé;
disseminating results of various research projects and studies within the educational community.

The school of academic innovation will benefit from a wealth of expertise provided by Laurentian University professors and students in the following areas: physical activity, education, speech-language pathology, nursing and social work.

Quotes

“This new collaboration between Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario and Laurentian University improves the services offered to our students and raises their awareness of the possibilities they have to pursue their postsecondary education in French.”

Marc Gauthier, Director of Education, Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario

“The establishment of this new school of academic innovation allows students in many programs offered in French at Laurentian University to acquire additional community experience which enriches their training and also increases their collaborative and inter-disciplinary skills.”

Dominic Giroux, President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University

Laurentian strengthens Indigenous education leadership through the expansion of course offerings

Effective September 2017, requirements for a Bachelor of Arts will include six credits of courses with Indigenous content.

May 26, 2016 – Laurentian University has announced new requirements that will transform the structure and the content of its Bachelor of Arts programs. Effective September 2017, requirements for a Bachelor of Arts will include six credits of courses with Indigenous content to promote understanding of the histories, cultures and realities of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

“Laurentian University is at the heart of Indigenous education in northern Ontario and embraces its role in the reconciliation process,” said Dr. Sheila Coté-Meek, Associate Vice President, Academic and Indigenous Programs. “The University is a culturally responsive, welcoming institution for Indigenous students but also one where doors are opened to Indigenous thought and culture for students and faculty from all backgrounds.”

Laurentian has been working to strengthen Indigenous education leadership by updating academic programs to reflect Indigenous history and realities, and foster meaningful inter-cultural engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. “We now offer over 100 courses with more than 50% indigenous content and additional courses are in development,” said Dr. Coté-Meek.

The University’s Faculty of Arts is one of the strongest in Canada with respect to its critical mass of tenured or tenure-track Indigenous faculty members. Laurentian has also recently broke ground on an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre that is a physical embodiment of its commitment to Indigenous education. The Centre will provide the space for scholars, students and community members to engage in research endeavours in social sciences and humanities, and in innovative capacity building to support Indigenous communities. Consistent with the Calls for Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it will become a platform “to advance understanding of reconciliation.”

“We are proud of the tremendous work done within the Faculty of Arts to bring indigenous content into its programs and courses,” said Robert Kerr, Vice-President Academic and Provost. “The new requirement approved by Senate means that more students who graduate from Laurentian will have a good understanding of Indigenous history and culture.”

Six distinguished Canadians to receive Honorary Doctorates

Chief Justice of Canada, Chief Executive of Anglo American among recipients

MAY 26, 2016 – Six distinguished Canadians from the fields of law, mining, engineering, journalism, education and social activism will be awarded Honorary Doctorates by Laurentian University at Spring 2016 Convocation ceremonies in Sudbury and Barrie.

Among the recipients of Honorary Doctorates this Convocation season are the Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin (May 31, 10:00 a.m.) and Suzanne Tessier, the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering.

“It is a privilege for us to pay tribute to these outstanding Canadians who have led the way in their respective fields,” said Laurentian University Chancellor Steve Paikin. “Each of them has inspired and enlightened so many others, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

The full list of Honorary Doctorate recipients follows:

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C (May 31, 10 am, Sudbury, ON)

Born and raised in Pincher Creek, AB, The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin is the 17^th and current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Appointed on January 7, 2000, she is the first woman to hold this position and is the longest serving Chief Justice in Canadian history. The Chief Justice also chairs the Canadian Judicial Council, the Advisory Council of the Order of Canada and the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute.

Mark Cutifani (June 1, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

A champion for workplace safety in mining, Mark Cutifani is the current Chief Executive of Anglo American, one of the world’s largest mining companies. He is also a member of the Board and Group Management Committee, a non-executive director of Anglo American Platinum, Chair of Anglo American South Africa and Chair of De Beers. Mr. Cutifani is the former COO for Inco and Vale’s global nickel business.

Suzanne Tessier (June 1, 7:00 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Sudbury-born Suzanne Tessier was the first woman to graduate from Laurentian University’s School of Engineering (B.Eng ’79) and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Laurentian’s Bharti School of Engineering. One of her great passions has been encouraging girls and women to consider science and engineering as career choices, and mentoring new women engineers in the mining industry. She was elected to the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers Board of Directors in 2014.

André Picard (June 2, 10:00 am, Sudbury, ON)

As a public health journalist for The Globe and Mail, André Picard’s work has shone a light on health policy in Canada. Considered one of the country’s leading voices on health policy, his work includes articles on the treatment of thalidomide survivors and on the death toll of asbestos. He is a best-selling author and the recipient of the Michener Award for Meritorious Public Service Journalism, the Canadian Policy Research Award and the Atkinson Fellowship for Public Policy Research.

Dr. Charles E Pascal (June 2, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Dr. Charles Pascal is a Canadian educator with expertise in early and higher education, public policy and leadership development. In 2007, he was appointed Ontario’s Special Advisor on Early Learning. In June 2009, he released his seminal report With Our Best Future in Mind: Implementing Early Learning in Ontario, which has informed policy and practice across and outside of Canada. Dr. Pascal also serves as Chair of the Ontario Council of Regents for the province’s colleges of applied arts and technology and has held several Ontario Deputy Minister positions including the Premier’s Council on Health, Well-Being and Social Justice.

Joseph Roberts (June 23, 2:00 pm, Barrie, ON)

Joseph Roberts is a social activist, author, motivational speaker and CEO. Born and raised in Barrie, Mr. Roberts overcame personal struggles with addiction, poverty and homelessness. He created a foundation dedicated to youth drug prevention after entering an alcohol and drug intensive treatment program. As a motivational speaker, Mr. Roberts has reached thousands of young people. He is currently leading a campaign to end homelessness among youth. He was named to the Maclean’s Magazine’s Honour Roll in 2003 and has won several awards for his public service.

Laurentian Architecture team celebrates first place win in Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway

The Bergen International Wood Festival is a biennial global competition focussing on the use of wood for its constructive, structural and tactile qualities.

MAY 18, 2016 - Laurentian University is extremely proud of students and faculty from the School of Architecture who have won the gold medal in an international competition in Bergen, Norway.

The Bergen International Wood Festival is a biennial global competition focussing on the use of wood for its constructive, structural and tactile qualities. This year, 20 teams of designers, architects, artists and students from around the world competed by building installations in a Bergen park with the theme of ‘Green Transition’. The installations will remain on display for one year, to be enjoyed by the city.

Two teams from Laurentian Architecture included: Matt Hunter, Marie Jankovich, Marina Schwellnus, Derrick Pilon, Angela Perdue and Henry Dyck. Derrick, Angela and Henry placed first in the competition with their hexagonal design that adapted to the site. More than 100 hexagons were constructed with an adaptable jig.

The Scandinavia study trip and International Wood Festival teams were led by Laurentian Architecture professor Dr. Tammy Gaber. The teams were joined by Laurentian Architecture professor Randy Kober for the week-long competition.

“This study trip to Scandinavia and this wood design competition are incredible opportunities for teaching design. The success of our week in Bergen was in the collaboration of our students, their work ethic in a new environment and our conversations about wood design with artists, architects, carpenters and students from around the world,” said Dr. Gaber. “The prize is exciting, and as the youngest participants, reinforces the hope and opportunities latent in all design questions. I am extremely proud of them and ecstatic to have led this.”

Prior to arriving in Norway, Laurentian teams spent a few days in Iceland to study key buildings and sites with Dr. Gaber. The group will continue on to visit key building sites in the country and then Finland.

Marketing Professor Luc Lagrandeur wins the Enactus Faculty Advisor of the Year 2016 National Award

Toronto - The Enactus-Laurentian Student Team was recognized with the SPIRIT award; previously, it received three impact awards at the regional competition in March for projects conducted among First Nations, including Moose Factory and Moosonee.

CROSH moves forward in safety and health with $1.2M in new funding

Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health at Laurentian to create Mobile Lab

APRIL 29, 2016 – The Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) at Laurentian University today celebrates the launch of two ground-breaking new initiatives, thanks to research awards that total more than $1.2M in new funding.

CROSH has been awarded $550,000 toward purchasing and equipping a Mobile Laboratory, a 32-ft custom-built trailer that will support ongoing research in occupational safety and health. The mobile lab, or M-CROSH, will bring researchers to communities and workers who are typically excluded from occupational research. M-CROSH and its portable equipment will enable field research in numerous areas, including musculo-skeletal disorders, mobile equipment ergonomics, vibration, air quality, fatigue management, and mental health.

“With this mobile lab, workers across the north will be able to contribute directly to important research in occupational health and safety,” said Leo Gerard, International President, USW and Chair of the CROSH Advisory Board. “This innovative approach brings the research facility right to the workers, in their communities and on their jobsites, and gives them the opportunity to play an active role in improving workplaces.”

CROSH has also received close to $200,000 toward the construction of its Workplace Simulator, which will allow researchers to replicate the environment and conditions of almost any northern Ontario workplace. The simulator, W-SIM, integrates a robotic motion platform to simulate vibration, an environmental chamber that controls temperature and humidity, and a virtual reality eye-tracker to simulate a worker’s surroundings.

Both the Workplace Simulator and the Mobile Laboratory are unique pieces of infrastructure, believed to be the first of their kind anywhere in Canada.

“These new tools will truly solidify our position in the forefront of research in occupational safety and health,” said CROSH Research Chair, Dr. Tammy Eger. “With these investments, along with the funds dedicated to supporting and expanding our research capacity, we will be able to address critical issues in health and safety in Ontario workplaces.”

Funders of the latest CROSH initiatives include

Ontario Ministry of Labour, $500,000 (M-CROSH) and $492,000 (Research Capacity grant)
Canada Foundation for Innovation $143,000 (W-SIM)
Goodman School of Mines $50,000 (M-CROSH) and $50,000 (W-SIM)

“We congratulate CROSH and we gratefully acknowledge the funders whose support has been so crucial to our ambitious research program,” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President Research at Laurentian University. “These investments demonstrate a high degree of confidence in CROSH and in Laurentian University in its mandate to lead the field in Occupational Safety and Health.”

Laurentian University honours Dr. Dickinson and Dr. Watson with Teaching Excellence Award

The annual award recognizes exceptional teaching performance by full-time faculty members and nominations must be supported by students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community.

APRIL 21, 2016 – Dr. Joël Dickinson, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department and Dr. Shelley Lynn Watson, Associate Professor in the Psychology Department were honoured by Laurentian University with the 2015-2016 Teaching Excellence Award.

The annual award recognizes exceptional teaching performance by full-time faculty members and nominations must be supported by students, peers, alumni and other members of the university community.

“I am gratified by the accolades of the students, alumni, peers and colleagues within the university, it is truly an honour to receive this award,” said Dr. Dickinson. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with amazing students and colleagues and I appreciate my time in the classroom immeasurably.”

A member of the Cognitive Health Research Laboratory, Dr. Dickinson joined Laurentian University in 2007 as an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department. She is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick, where she completed her B.A in Psychology, and her M.A and Ph.D. in Psychology. Dr. Dickinson’s impact on the Laurentian community goes beyond just the classroom, currently a member of the Safe Space Training, Teaching & Learning Committee, Chair in Psychology, Academic Planning Committee (ACAPLAN) and Co-Chair on the Committee for Sexual and Gender Diversity meeting. Her recent research on mental shortcuts was featured on CBC’s radio program, “Summer U”.

"I consider teaching to be the most important part of my job, whether in first year or at the Master's level," said Dr. Watson. "I am thankful for the opportunity to supervise so many fantastic emerging researchers, at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Mentoring involves not only data analysis, public speaking, and publications, but also dealing with work-life balance, handling rejection, and celebrating achievements."

An Associate Professor in the Psychology Department, Dr. Watson has been with Laurentian University since 2007. She earned her B.A. (Hons.) in Child Studies & Psychology and M.Ed. at Brock University and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta. Dr. Watson plays an integral role within the Laurentian community, as she is currently the chair of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD) Research Special Interest Group (RISG), Coordinator of the Masters in Interdisciplinary Health and an associate member of Rural and Northern Health Ph.D.

“It is a pleasure to present Dr. Joël Dickinson and Dr. Shelley Watson with the 2015-2016 Teaching Excellence Award,” said Dr. Denis Hurtubise, Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs. “Dr. Watson and Dr. Dickinson are true leaders both in and outside of the classroom with their passion, which has had a remarkable impact on their students.”

Laurentian Biology Professor awarded $1.65M in NSERC funding

Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde to lead project to train conservation professionals

APRIL. 18, 2016 – A team led by Laurentian University’s Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde has been awarded a grant of $1.65 M under the CREATE program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The award will support a new program to train conservation professionals for zoos/aquariums and their conservation partners.

Dr. Schulte-Hostedde is Canada Research Chair in Applied Evolutionary Ecology and a Professor of Biology, as well as Founding Director of the Centre for Evolutionary Ecology and Ethical Conservation at Laurentian University.

“Species are disappearing rapidly around the world, and zoos and aquariums are important players in mitigating this loss of biodiversity,” said Dr. Schulte-Hostedde. “We see a growing need for conservation professionals with the analytical and practical skills to do research related to conservation, both in captivity and the wild. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the capacity of Canada's accredited zoos and aquariums in conservation and research.”

The funded project, called ReNewZoo, will provide training in conservation-related research by leveraging the resources of five major research-intensive zoos/aquariums in Canada, as well as the Canadian (CAZA) and American (AZA) zoo/aquarium organizations. The six-year project is expected to strengthen and support the zoos and aquariums of the future, as research and conservation become critical strategic goals.

The team led by Dr. Schulte-Hostedde will include project co-applicants Dr. David Lesbarreres, Dr. Jacqueline Litzgus and Dr. Gillian Crozier, as well as collaborators Dr. Brett Buchanan and Dr. Chantal Barriault.

"This prestigious NSERC grant is the recognition of the ground-breaking research in conservation and evolutionary ecology from an excellent research team at Laurentian University, led by Dr. Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde. ” said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University. “Their research project is both global in scope and forward-looking, and could change the way zoos and aquariums fulfill their roles in future.”

The award to Dr. Schulte-Hostedde is one of 13 announced by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. A total of 10 Canadian universities will share in more than $20M in CREATE grants. NSERC established the CREATE program—Collaborative Research and Training Experience Program—to improve mentoring and training of Canadian researchers by supporting communication, collaboration and professional skills, while providing relevant experience in both academic and non-academic research environments.

Laurentian University Board of Governors welcomes new Chair

Jennifer Witty to lead Board after current chair Michael Atkins completes term

APRIL 15, 2016 – The Laurentian University Board of Governors today voted unanimously to appoint Jennifer Witty as incoming Chair for a one-year term, effective June 2016, when the term of current Chair Michael Atkins is complete. Ms. Witty has been a board member since 2005 and currently serves as Vice-Chair.

“We are fortunate to have a board member with the experience and the vision that Jennifer brings to the role,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “Michael has been a superb Chair, guiding the Board through a remarkable period of growth, and we will also benefit from his continuing contributions as past-Chair.”

Jennifer Witty is a proud Laurentian alumna (MBA 1999) and was an active member of the Laurentian University Alumni Association from 2000 through 2004. She is Superintendent of Human Resources Systems with Vale Ontario Operations. As a Certified Human Resources Professional holding a Master of Business Administration, Jennifer began her human resources career in recruitment and consulting with Drake International in 1996. She moved to the mining industry in 2001 when she joined Inco (now Vale), and progressed through various roles spanning labour and employee relations, organizational development and organizational effectiveness, compensation, pension and benefits, and collective bargaining.

“Laurentian University faces both challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, and I am honoured to lead the Board of this vital institution,” said Ms. Witty.

She was an elected member of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2000-2006 and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC). She is also a member of the Community Economic Development Committee.

Laurentian University’s Climate Change Division at MIRARCO Receives $5M from Green Investment Fund

Ontario Investment Will Help First Nations Adapt To Climate Change

March 17, 2016 - Winter roads are already beginning to melt, much earlier than when the Elders of Far North First Nations were young. Geese are about to fly north, but now they fly over places where they used to land. Life is changing fast for First Nations in the far north of the province. Understanding and describing the impacts of those changes is the goal of a Climate Change Impact Study for remote First Nations in Northern Ontario, to be led by the Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources (OCCIAR) at Laurentian University. The study is one of three OCCIAR initiatives to be funded by a $5M investment from the province’s Green Investment Fund, announced today by the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Zimmer, as part of Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy.

Working with First Nations and in partnership with the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation, OCCIAR will allocate the $5M through three projects supporting climate change response in Ontario indigenous communities. OCCIAR will

develop a Climate Change Impact Study for Ontario’s remote First Nations;
work with First Nation communities in preparing for the effects of climate change; and
help First Nations to capitalize on opportunities created by the proposed cap-and-trade program.

“Ensuring that First Nations have the tools they need to fight and adapt to climate change is an imperative that we must take now. Today’s investments will help northern communities most affected by climate change to take the action they need. It will also set the foundation for future planning,” said the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, David Zimmer.

“Climate change is already having a significant impact on First Nations communities and their environments,” said OCCIAR Director Al Douglas. “We are seeing a dramatic reduction in the season for winter roads, which means higher costs and an increasing need to fly supplies in. This investment will help First Nations to build capacity, to deal with climate risks and to limit climate change through carbon storage and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

OCCIAR is a division of the Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation (MIRARCO) at Laurentian University. It provides climate science and adaptation strategies to assist communities and sectors in adapting to climate change, while serving as a resource in climate change research. The OCCIAR initiative will strengthen the capacity of First Nations to be more resilient to climate change, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

OCCIAR’s work will be done in collaboration with Laurentian’s School of the Environment through the participation of Laurentian Professor David Pearson, former Co-chair of Ontario’s Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation and Science Advisor at OCCIAR.

“This is not just about working with First Nations to help make their communities more environmentally friendly. It’s also about trying to inspire young people to see themselves with jobs that fit with the environmental values of the Elders in their community. It’s about vision and imagination as well as reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and managing carbon,“ said Dr. Pearson.

Ontario’s $325M Green Investment Fund is part of the province’s Climate Change Strategy.

Top Searches

Languages

New school of academic innovation in Northern Ontario

New school of academic innovation in Northern Ontario