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Laurentian Creates First Research Chair in Open-Pit Mining

Laurentian Creates First Research Chair in Open-Pit Mining

January 14, 2013 - The Bharti School of Engineering at Laurentian University in Sudbury will establish Canada’s first Research Chair in Open-Pit Mining, with the support of a significant investment from Canadian mining firm, IAMGOLD Corporation.

The company’s investment of $1.25M, dedicated to the creation of a Research Chair, was announced by IAMGOLD’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Letwin at a celebration at Laurentian University this afternoon. 

“This investment represents a critically-important enhancement of our research capacity at the Bharti School.  This new Research Chair will attract more cutting-edge knowledge to our mining engineering programs, and will certainly augment our international reputation in mining,” said Dr. Ramesh Subramanian, Director of the Bharti School of Engineering.

“The future of the mining industry depends on our ability to step up the pace of innovation and this has to start with educational programs and research opportunities specializing in advanced mining techniques,” said Steve Letwin, IAMGOLD’s President and CEO. “Creating Canada’s first Research Chair in the highly specialized field of open-pit mining, positions Laurentian University as a leader in mining research. We are honoured to support this unique and valuable program, and given Laurentian’s reputation expect it to attract the best and the brightest. With the development of our Côté Gold project in northern Ontario as an open-pit mine, it’s gratifying to know that we will be both helping to address the serious shortage of skilled mining professionals in this country and creating job opportunities for our future mining engineers.”

IAMGOLD is a leading mid-tier gold mining company producing approximately one million ounces annually from five gold mines (including current joint ventures) on three continents. The company’s Côté Gold project, which is being developed to become an open-pit gold mine, is located south of Gogama, about 180 kilometers north of Sudbury.  

“This is fantastic news for Laurentian and for the Bharti School of Engineering,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor, Dominic Giroux.  “This position will be the first Research Chair at Laurentian that is fully funded by a private sector investor.  We are especially proud to be associated with a company like IAMGOLD, whose corporate philosophy enshrines the highest standards in human health, environmental impacts, social responsibility and co-operation with host communities,” added President Giroux. 

The search for the Research Chair in Open-Pit Mining is expected to begin soon and it is hoped that the successful candidate will be in place by July, 2013.  The Chair will provide leadership for national and international collaborative research into open-pit mining involving the Bharti School of Engineering and the Department of Earth Sciences.  The ideal candidate will bring both academic experience and expert knowledge in aspects of the field, including open-pit design and slope stability, resource estimation, optimization of drilling and blasting, and practical application of grade simulation. 

 

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Invests in Laurentian Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Invests in Laurentian Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety

December 19, 2012 - The Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), today announced funding for the establishment of a Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety at Laurentian University. 

The new Research Chair in the existing Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) will lead research relevant to a broad range of workplaces.  The Research Chair will work to make the Centre a national and international leader in occupational health and safety research, development, education, training, and global best practices. The CROSH Research Chair will be supported by a team of research assistants and other personnel.

“Our government continues to partner with universities to support important research initiatives,” said Minister Bartolucci.  “I am very pleased that the NOHFC could invest in this Research Chair that will further help establish Laurentian University and Northern Ontario as a leading centre in occupational health and safety.”

“We thank the government and NOHFC board members for their support of this project, which will help Laurentian University build on a strong foundation of occupational health and safety research, and contribute to many industries in our local community," said Dominic Giroux, President, Laurentian University.

Dr. Tammy Eger, associate professor at the School of Human Kinetics and CROSH director said, “This investment will help us realize our goal of becoming a world-class, benchmark centre of excellence in OHS.  We hope, and we believe, that workers and workplaces will ultimately become safer as a result of CROSH research.”

For over a decade, Laurentian University has been building on its expertise in the area of occupational health and safety, beginning with mining and expanding to other workplace sectors. Officially approved by Laurentian University’s Senate in 2008, CROSH is a multidisciplinary group of researchers, guided by an advisory board comprised of representatives from labour, industry and local health and safety organizations.  CROSH leads and engages in innovative studies aimed at identifying health and safety concerns and eliminating hazards, occupational injury and disease from workplaces around the North.

Vale Invests in Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

Vale Invests in Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health

December 7, 2012 - Vale representatives presented Dr. Tammy Eger, associate professor at the School of Human Kinetics and current CROSH director, with a cheque for $125,000 at the 3rd Annual Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH) Community Symposium. The funds will be used to aid in the establishment of a permanent Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety, a key priority in the Centre’s growth plan.

 

“This is a proud day for CROSH,” said Dr. Eger. “We’ve come a long way in the past four years, and this donation will bring us closer to achieving one of our most important objectives. The creation of a Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety will provide the leadership needed to build upon CROSH’s successes and expand its vision and influence.”

 

Officially approved by Laurentian University’s Senate in 2008, CROSH is a multidisciplinary group of researchers, guided by an advisory board comprised of representatives from labour, industry and local health and safety organizations, who engage in innovative studies aimed at identifying health and safety concerns and eliminating hazards and occupational disease from workplaces around the North.

 

Once full-funding for the position has been secured, the Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety will drive innovative research that will establish the Centre as a national and international trendsetter in occupational health and safety research, development, education, training, and global best practices.

 

“We see our ongoing relationship with Laurentian as an important strategic partnership and a true win-win-win for our company, the university and our community,” said Kelly Strong, vice-president of Vale’s Ontario and UK operations. “We believe our support for the development of a Research Chair in Occupational Health and Safety reinforces our commitment to providing employees at Vale and beyond with safer and healthier work environments. We are proud to support this initiative.”

 

“There is absolutely no question that CROSH has made, and will continue to make, significant contributions to improving health and safety practices around Northern Ontario,” said Jody Kuzenko, general manager of sustainability for Vale’s North Atlantic operations and a member of the CROSH advisory board. “I’ve seen first-hand how CROSH-directed research has added value to our industry, and I know this Research Chair will be a catalyst to drive even further innovation.”

 

“Once again, Vale has shown its deep commitment to the Sudbury community, as well as its faith in Laurentian’s ability to set a standard of research excellence,” said Laurentian University President Dominic Giroux. “Vale’s ongoing support for CROSH, both financially and from an advisory standpoint, will ensure its success and its ability to remain uniquely responsive to the needs of industry on a local, regional, and national basis.”

Laurentian Welcomes Celebrated Aboriginal Advocate

Laurentian Welcomes Celebrated Aboriginal Advocate

November 30, 2012 - On Wednesday, November 28th, Laurentian University welcomed Phil Fontaine, one of Canada’s most passionate advocates for First Nations rights, to its Sudbury campus.  The visit was sponsored by RBC in support of Laurentian’s proposed Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre.  RBC has been a significant suppporter of the ISLC project, donating $400,000 toward its construction.  To date, more than $1.5M has been raised for the creation of this unique hub of indigenous learning and culture.

“Mr. Fontaine has served as a Special Advisor to RBC since 2009, and his insight and guidance has been essential in strengthening our ability to serve the needs of our Aboriginal clients across Canada” said Bill Bray, RBC’s regional vice-president of the Northern Lakes region of Ontario.  “We’re very pleased that he shares both our commitment to the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, and our belief in its power as a resource for success for Aboriginal students at the post-secondary level.”

Fontaine, a former three-term National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, met with members of the Laurentian University Native EducationCouncil (LUNEC) to discuss the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre and its role in supporting the university’s expanding Aboriginal student population.  LUNEC is an advisory committee of representatives from regional First Nations, Métis and Aboriginal organizations and provides advice on matters related to Native education at Laurentian.

“Having experienced firsthand the realities of the residential school system, Mr. Fontaine is acutely aware of the need for educational programming that is culturally sensitive and uniquely responsive to the needs of Aboriginal students” said Sheila Coté-Meek, associate vice-president of academic and Indigenous programs at Laurentian University.  “The gift of education is a gift of bigger and brighter dreams.  Laurentian has identified the construction of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre as a strategic priority, and Mr. Fontaine’s support of that goal makes a powerful statement about our university’s leadership role in Aboriginal education.”   

During his visit, Fontaine gave a public lecture in the Alphone Raymond auditorium, and also spoke with more than a dozen Aboriginal students, Native student counselors and members of the Indigenous Student Circle.

Voyageurs Keep the Ball Rolling Against Western

Voyageurs Keep the Ball Rolling Against Western

November 19, 2012 - The Laurentian Men’s Basketball team found themselves in another full house in the Ben Avery Gym on Saturday night as they aimed to continue their fantastic play demonstrated on  Friday night. The Voyageurs went into tonight with a 2-1 record after upsetting Windsor yesterday. Students came out wearing their blue and gold again and it definitely gave the Voyageurs a competitive advantage.

The game began with both teams struggling to find their offense and both defenses standing strong in their own court. The Voyageurs took a 17-10 point lead going into the second quarter where they found themselves successful on offense and grew that to a 13-point lead going into the half.

The Mustangs came out strong in the third quarter and managed to work the lead down to nine points, going into the fourth quarter trailing 59-50. After a few big shots from Laurentian players such as Jamie Weldon (Sault Ste Marie, ON) and Manny Pasquale (Victoria, BC) the Voyageurs never looked back and finished the game strong with a 75-65 victory.

The Voyageurs were led by offensive powerhouse Georges Serresse (Blezard Valley, ON) who had a game high 20 points as well as 9 rebounds. Serresse hit a big three point shot at the beginning of the fourth quarter, which got the crowd back into the game and seemed to take Western out of it. The Voyageurs also saw strong performances by Laurentian rookie Josh Budd (Timmins, ON) who scored 12 points and Yaounde, Cameroon native Nelson Yengue who scored 11 points with a few slam dunks that brought the crowed to their feet as well.

The Mustangs were led offensively by Peter Scholtes (London, ON) who scored 15 points in the game and Charlie Drouin (Oakville, ON) who had a respectable 14 points throughout game.

When asked about the victory, Laurentian head coach Shawn Swords said, “The noise in the gym is why we have one of the best home gyms in the country. Western still outworked us but the fans helped us find the energy to pull out the victory.”

The Voyageurs will look for two more wins next weekend as they play host to Laurier and Waterloo. Both games are scheduled for 8 pm at the Ben Avery Gym on the Laurentian University campus.

For more information on your Voyageurs, visit www.luvoyageurs.com for the latest news and information.

Invitation to the 2nd Meeting of the Thought and Culture Seminar, 2012-2013

Invitation to the 2nd Meeting of the Thought and Culture Seminar, 2012-2013

November 7, 2012

Conference Title: Interrogating Scholarly Responsibility in the Era of the Neoliberal Global University

Who? Dr Alison Hearn, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario

When? Wednesday November 14th, 2012, from 4:30 pm to 6 :00 pm.

 Where? C-205

Light refreshments provided.

 For general information: www.penseeetculture.ca

For further information please consult the attached document.

The School of Human Kinetics Research Seminar Series

The School of Human Kinetics Research Seminar Series

November 7, 2012

Internationally Renowned Presenter and Researcher, Dr. Stuart McGill will present a lecture entitled:

 

"What I have learned from the Great Athletes"

All are Welcome.

The School of Human Kinetics Research Seminar Series

The School of Human Kinetics Research Seminar Series

November 7, 2012

Internationally Renowned Presenter and Researcher, Dr. Stuart McGill will present a lecture entitled:

 

"What I have learned from the Great Athletes"

All are Welcome.

The Laurentian University Psychology Department cordially invites you to the Fourth Annual Psychology Department Research Conference 2012

The Laurentian University Psychology Department cordially invites you to the Fourth Annual Psychology Department Research Conference 2012

November 7, 2012 - This conference highlights research posters – from a variety of professional conferences (e.g., CSBBCS, AAIDD, CPA, Psychonomic Society) recently presented by our students and faculty members.

All students and faculty members (from any discipline) are welcome! Come check out some of the exciting psychology research happening at LU! Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, please contact Shelley Watson at swatson@laurentian.ca.

 

Laurentian University is pleased to announce that the Silver Birch String Quartet has been appointed as its inaugural String Quartet-in-Residence, effective September 2012

Laurentian University is pleased to announce that the Silver Birch String Quartet has been appointed as its inaugural String Quartet-in-Residence, effective September 2012

October 30, 2012 - Laurentian University is pleased to announce that the Silver Birch String Quartet has been appointed as its inaugural String Quartet-in-Residence, effective September 2012. This position will see the SBSQ undertake new collaborations with various faculties, schools, and departments inside the university, develop closer connections between the Sudbury community and Laurentian, and act as cultural ambassadors for Laurentian University in Northern Ontario and beyond. The SBSQ is nationally recognized as one of Canada's most exciting and innovative young string quartets, earning praise from audiences and critics for their performances across the country. Their first CD album “SILVERBIRCH” earned critical acclaim including a 5-star review in both the Montreal Gazette and the Vancouver Sun, as well as a 2010 JUNO nomination, and 2 Félix Awards nominations in the province of Quebec. Earlier this year, the quartet received a prestigious recording grant from the Ontario Arts Council for their second commercial CD on the Centrediscs record label, which will be the first complete recording of the music for string quartet by Sudburian composer and Laurentian University faculty member Dr. Robert Lemay, and will also feature a quintet collaboration with pianist and Laurentian University Associate Professor Dr. Yoko Hirota. More information on the Silver Birch String Quartet can be found at their website: www.silverbirchstringquartet.com

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