You are now in the main content area

Two new scholarships from Perkins&Will are awarded to support Indigenous Architects in Canada

Two new scholarships from Perkins&Will are awarded to support Indigenous Architects in Canada

The annual awards are now available to Indigenous students in partnership with Laurentian University and Indspire

(February 22, 2023) - Perkins&Will is pleased to announce the recipients of the studio’s Architecture Excellence and Graduate Architecture awards for Indigenous students enrolled in the Bachelor and Master programs at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The two new annual scholarships were created as part of the studio’s commitment to reconciliation in Canada. Matched in available years by Indspire, Canada’s national, award-winning Indigenous registered charity, students will be awarded up to $5,000 for each scholarship. Recipients will also be granted an internship at Perkins&Will’s donor studio in either Vancouver or Calgary.

“Indigenous peoples are underrepresented in architecture with less than thirty professionals registered in Canada. We created these scholarships to support talented students to graduation and build capacity within the field,” says Susan Gushe, Principal and Managing Director of the Vancouver and Calgary studios of Perkins&Will.

The awards were conceived in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report. Further demonstrating its commitment, the studio developed an internal Reconciliation Working Group and engages with Indigenous consultants to speak with and educate employees around knowledge of Indigenous culture and history. The studio continues to advocate to bring Indigenous peoples to the table and to involve them in projects in a meaningful way.

“The McEwen School of Architecture is proud of its tri-cultural mandate with Indigenous learning embedded in many courses throughout the program and members of Indigenous communities, Knowledge Carriers, and Elders contributing regularly in design and theory courses. The McEwen School of Architecture is proud of the students and graduates who have chosen to learn, apply, and respectfully engage to support further knowledge and design with and for Indigenous peoples,” said Dr. Tammy Gaber, Director and Associate Professor at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture.

As the only University in Canada with a tri-cultural mandate, Laurentian offers a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Indigenous worldviews and knowledge are present in courses and community settings throughout the program. Design studio options include ‘Architecture and Craft,’ ‘Indigenous Design’ or ‘Community Building’ and emphasis is placed on developing expertise in wood and sustainable materials.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Perkins&Will and Laurentian University on this important initiative. These scholarships not only represent a significant new opportunity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students who want to pursue careers in architecture, it is also a tangible sign of reconciliation in action. We look forward to walking this productive path together with Perkins&Will and Laurentian University,” says Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire.

 

Perkins&Will, Indspire and Laurentian University congratulates the following award recipients: 

The Perkins&Will Canada Indigenous Graduate Architecture Award

  • Recipient for the 2022-2023 academic year: Kyara Wendling, MA Architecture student
  • Recipient for the 2021-2022 academic year: Bohdana Chiupka Innes, MA Architecture graduate

(This award is distributed to Indigenous students who are enrolled in the Masters in Architecture program at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The recipient is selected based on academic achievement and a thesis research project.)

The Perkins&Will Canada Indigenous Architecture Excellence Award 

  • Recipient for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years: Mackenzie Pitawanakwat, BA Architecture student

(This award is distributed to third and fourth year Indigenous students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The recipient is selected based on academic achievement and design excellence.)

To find out more about the awards or apply, visit: https://indspirefunding.ca/laurentian-university/. Application deadlines are February 1, August 1, and November 1. 


More about the winners

Kyara Wending was born and raised in Port Colborne but is also a member of the Archigantegou community. She is a 2nd year Master's in Architecture student studying and writing her thesis in French at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. Kyara describes being fortunate to have learned a great deal about history and the significance that buildings hold through travel. “Buildings are artifacts that speak to us about how past cultures leave a lasting impact on today's world. As an artist, I've always wanted to leave my mark and I believe architecture is my outlet.” After graduation, Kyara hopes to continue working in the field of architecture in Canada and become a registered architect. She is eager to focus on integrating Indigenous methodologies, traditional knowledge and culture within the context of architecture. “I hope to continue to engage with various Indigenous communities and empower them through the built environment by learning from those around me while also continuing to find my own identity through my work.”

Bohdana Chiupka-Innes is a Moose Cree from Moose Cree First Nation. Having fostered an interest in Interior Design since a young age, Bohdana’s passion to learn more about Indigenous Architecture found her applying to Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture where she obtained her B.Arch in 2020 and M.Arch in 2022. “Learning about Indigenous Architecture at Laurentian University and how architecture can be a way to express our culture through built form has become a passion of mine. I hope to work with Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, bringing their vision and culture to life through architecture. Learning the history of our people is important, and I see Architecture as a way for our people to heal by connecting back to teaching and traditions through building design.”  

Mackenzie Pitawanakwat is an Anishinaabekwe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. She is a fourth-year student studying her Bachelor in Architectural Studies at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. From a young age, Pitawanakwat found passion in the act of designing and creating. Keeping inclusivity in mind, she describes that she has benefited from the McEwen School of Architecture’s curriculum that supports the integration of Indigenous and natural materials in building and design. She has also benefited from interaction and guidance with elders and knowledge carriers (First Nations and Métis). “As an architect, I hope to influence the world we live in by working diligently to bridge the gap between a holistic and technical relationship within Architecture itself. I hope to contribute to First Nations Architecture and representation with the goal of giving back to my community and Indigenize land through design.”

 

About Perkins&Will:
Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. Guided by its core values—design excellence, diversity and inclusion, living design, research, resilience, social purpose, sustainability, and well-being—the firm is committed to designing a better, more beautiful world. Metropolis named Perkins&Will “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry leadership in advancing climate action and social justice. Fast Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture three times, and in 2021, it added the firm to its list of Brands That Matter—making Perkins&Will the only architecture practice in the world to earn the distinction. With an international team of more than 2,000 professionals, the firm has over 20 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. Industry rankings consistently place the firm among the world’s top design practices. Partners include Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen; retail strategy and design consultancy Portland; sustainable transportation planning consultancy Nelson\Nygaard; and luxury hospitality design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

About Indspire:
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2021-2022, Indspire provided more than $23 million through 6,612 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada.

Laurentian University approves $8.4M in maintenance upgrades for the coming fiscal year

Laurentian University approves $8.4M in maintenance upgrades for the coming fiscal year

5-year deferred maintenance plan approved by Board

(February 21, 2023) - Laurentian University's Board of Governors has approved $8.4 million in spending on deferred maintenance for 2023-2024. The 5-year plan (ending in 2028) calls for an additional $7.6M in annual spending for deferred maintenance projects. 

“These investments to the campus infrastructure are critical. The goal is to maintain facilities over the next five years before costly emergency repairs are necessary. The project list includes multiple roofing projects, residence renovations, and various accessibility improvements,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Board of Governors.

The approved maintenance will be funded jointly by the Ministry of Colleges & Universities’ Facilities Renewal Program (estimated at $2.6 million) and the University’s operating fund ($5.8 million). 

The spending will support the renewal of multiple campus facilities including:

  • Alphonse Raymond Building roof
  • Arts Building roof 
  • Science 2 Building roof 
  • Jeno Tihanyi Pool* 
  • Residence renovations 
  • Electrical upgrades 
  • Ventilation upgrades
  • Modernization of elevators
  • Campus washrooms
  • Multiple outdoor stair repairs 

*The total amount required to fund the pool deferred maintenance projects is not yet determined, though the University is planning to spend up to $300,000 to address immediate issues. 

The submission of Laurentian’s 2023-24 deferred maintenance projects and its five-year deferred maintenance plan addresses the Auditor General’s recommendation to provide information on the University’s annual capital life cycle maintenance report.

These investments in the future of the University are key to the renewal and long-term viability of the campus infrastructure.

Economics Professor invited to keynote United Nations Development Policy event

Economics Professor invited to keynote United Nations Development Policy event

Dr. Louis-Philippe Rochon will address the topic of inflation and rising interest rates

(February 16, 2023) - It’s safe to say that most people feel the effects of increases to the cost of living. Whether it be the rising price of gasoline or groceries, when the inflation rate is high, we are all impacted. 

It’s also safe to say that Louis-Philippe Rochon, Full Professor of Economics at Laurentian University knows a great deal about the challenges that inflation poses for the economy and for members of society. He was recently invited by the Director of the United Nations (UN) Policy and Implementation committee to be the keynote speaker at an upcoming Development Policy UN event in New York. On February 22nd, he will address the topic, “Inflation and development: Some critical thoughts of current inflation challenges.” 

“It’s an honour to have received this invitation and I’m very excited to be going to New York,” said Rochon. “I’ll be speaking about inflation, especially the way that central banks respond to inflation - the way they respond to inflation by raising interest rates. It’s no secret that this has consequences.” 

An expert in his field, Rochon has been teaching at Laurentian for over nineteen years. He has edited nearly forty books, is Editor-in-Chief of the journal Review of Political Economy and Founding Editor of the journal Review of Keynesian Economics. He is also Director of the Monetary Policy Institute, an international virtual institute whose purpose through publications, webinars, workshops and conferences is to shed critical light on central banking and monetary policy. Amongst other influences, social biases, including gender and race biases and the carbon-biases of monetary policy, are considered. 

“There is a class bias, gender bias, and a carbon bias embedded in changing interest rates,” Rochon explains. “And we have to ask ourselves, under what conditions is it appropriate to raise interest rates?... I argue that the fight against inflation is being fought on the backs of workers. Workers are the ones that pay the price.” 

In addition to demystifying the concept of inflation, Rochon will discuss monetary policies as they impact the income distribution of workers. “The way monetary policy is claimed to work is that raises in interest rates slow down economic activity and in doing so, this should discourage people from buying, and lower prices. Inflation in this model is driven by excessive demand for goods and services. We have to slow that demand down, but the problem is that inflation as it exists today is not caused by that. In doing so, it causes unemployment and a possible recession.  As such, it places the fight against inflation on the backs of workers. Monetary austerity is an attack on the middle class.” 

Rochon surmises that other driving forces of inflation need to be examined, hinting towards influences such as bottlenecks (goods not being able to be sent to their destination, an increased reality of the COVID-19 pandemic), the war in Ukraine (which has impacted rising costs of goods such as oil, wheat and flour), and the increased efforts of companies to raise their profits. Without a doubt, inflation is a complex and hot topic of discussion. 

“Equally exciting is that in April, I have been invited to speak at the UN’s Financing for Development conference which attracts heads of states and Nobel Laureates. This is an even bigger honour,” Rochon enthused. “I have been very fortunate and appreciate these invitations.” 

Though Rochon is eager for his addresses to be well received, he also hopes that by participating in these UN events, he may be able to develop a research group on conflict inflation that he described “would be good for everyone involved.” Rochon is no stranger to collaborative efforts; he has worked with academics from across the globe as a visiting Professor in countries including France, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, and Australia. He has also lectured in Kyrgyzstan, Switzerland, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, China, South Africa, Colombia, Denmark, Peru, Spain, the United States, and England.

Some of Rochon’s accolades include grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Mott Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. 

Students go for gold at the 5th annual Goodman Gold Challenge

Students go for gold at the 5th annual Goodman Gold Challenge

The most unique and realistic mining investment case competition saw teams compete from 7 Canadian and 1 American university

(February 15, 2023) - The Goodman Gold Challenge (GGC) held a special Battery Metal Edition this year from February 2-4 that saw teams from 7 Canadian and 1 American university compete in a very realistic mining investment case competition.

Organized by the Goodman School of Mines at Laurentian University and presented by Kinross Gold as the title sponsor, teams were tasked to evaluate and justify which of three case companies would be the best to invest with. Choices included real mining companies, Frontier Lithium, Magna Mining, and Generation Mining. CEO’s from each company had 30 minutes to convince teams that they should invest with them. Teams then had an opportunity to sit down with each CEO after investment presentations were complete. What competing teams did with their time of only ten minutes was totally up to them! Some teams asked hard hitting questions, while others looked at data and analytics to help form their decision.

Interactions with industry experts didn’t end with the CEO’s. Gold level sponsorships allowed for sponsors to send a representative from their company to judge the competition. This year’s gold level sponsorships judging panel consisted of highly experienced executives from Canaccord Genuity, Dundee Corporation, Kinross Gold, Orix Geoscience, RBC Capital Markets, and Technica Mining. 

Participating team’s included: Laurentian University, University of British Columbia, University of Manitoba, Goodman School of Business-Brock University, Queen’s University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Bishop’s University, and the Colorado School of Mines. Many teams traveled with coaches from their universities, and spent Friday evening perfecting their presentations in preparation for the following day. Teams presented in three leagues where the top team from each league advanced to the final round of presentations. The top three teams for the 2023 GGC were Queen’s University, Bishop’s University, and the Colorado School of Mines. 

Saturday night at the Awards Gala, Johnna Muinonen, President of Dumont Nickel, Magneto Investments LP, gave a keynote address about new horizons in the battery metal market. 

Ultimately, Queen’s University was selected as the winner of the 5th annual Goodman Gold Challenge: Battery Metal Edition, for their “out-of-the-box” approach. They selected Frontier Lithium over other case companies, and went home with the cash equivalent of four ounces of gold. 

“A big congratulations goes to Queen’s University, winners of the 5th Annual Goodman Gold Challenge and another congratulations to all participants whose hard work and presentations humbled those of us who have spent many years in the investment business. The students never fail to impress me and this year was no exception. It gives me great comfort to know that any financial problems of the future, especially with the incredible demand for battery minerals, will be in great hands with this next generation,” said Jonathan Goodman, Chairman of the Goodman Gold Challenge and Chairman and CEO of Dundee Corporation.

This learning experience would not be possible without the generous financial and in-kind support from industry partners. For the fifth year, the Title Sponsor was Kinross Gold. The Opening Gala was sponsored by Dundee Corporation, and the Thursday Evening Social was sponsored by Canaccord Genuity. 

The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation sponsored Gold Coins that were given to all teams. NORCAT sponsored breakfast, MIRARCO, PDAC, and CIM Sudbury sponsored snacks, the bar sponsor was the Canadian Mineral Processors. A mine tour was sponsored by MacLean Engineering, and rock core was donated by KGHM. 

The GGC organizing committee would like to thank all participating teams in this year's competition, making this, the first Battery Metal Edition, a shining success!

Bringing awareness to murdered and missing Indigenous women

Bringing awareness to murdered and missing Indigenous women

The Red Dress campaign honours the staggering number of Indigenous women no longer with us

(February 13, 2023) - Since the 2010 inception of Métis artist Jaime Black’s ongoing art series, The REDress Project, heightened awareness has been brought to the staggering number of murdered and missing Indigenous women across Canada. The Red Dress campaign that stems from Black’s art series has been honoured by Laurentian University since 2016. This year, Laurentian’s Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) office will recognize the campaign with an event held in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre’s Round Room on February 14, 2023. 

“The Red Dress campaign involves the hanging of red dresses to symbolize the many Indigenous women victimized by violence who are murdered and missing,” explained Mélanie Roque, the ISA’s Events and Media Coordinator. “On February 9th, red dresses were hung across campus in solidarity.”

Historically and disproportionately, Indigenous women are affected by violence. They are also over-represented in statistics of Canadian women that are murdered and missing.

“To honour the Red Dress Campaign and the spirits of murdered and missing individuals, we have invited guest speakers to join us,” said Roque. This includes members from the Greater Sudbury Police Service who will discuss their efforts regarding the elimination of violence against women, girls and those who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+. In virtual attendance will be Tanya Debassige from the Family Information Liaison Units, who will discuss this program and how it supports family members of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. A pre-recorded address by Navaeh Pine, member of Garden River who advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spirits and the Every Child Matters movement will additionally be screened in the ISLC. Pine is an award winning speaker who addresses various human rights issues.

“We also have a facilitator, Kristy Corbiere, hosting a Red Dress workshop in the afternoon,” said Roque. “She will be designing a red tea dress that will be split up into different sections. Participants will aid in assembling the dress and will also have the opportunity to work on some embellishments. All attendees will have the opportunity to take part, and the completed dress will then be displayed every year at our annual Red Dress Campaign event”. 

“As you are walking through campus and see the red dresses hanging along with our posters, it’s important to note that this does not reflect the actual numbers. When taking a moment to pause and reflect on the tens of thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA, we have to remember that one was too many,” said Mary Laur, Director of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre.

The Laurentian community and wider reaches of the Greater Sudbury community are invited to attend this Red Dress Campaign event. Individuals interested in participating in collective activism may choose to hang in their own homes or yards, red dresses, in memory and solidarity to the many Indigenous women whose lives have been affected by violence. These murdered and missing Indigenous women cannot be forgotten. We remember them in spirit.
 

Future Laurentian Nursing Students Eligible for Free Tuition

Future Laurentian Nursing Students Eligible for Free Tuition

Graduate and undergraduate students from Ontario studying Nursing may benefit from generous provincial grant

(February 9, 2023 - Sudbury, ON) - Future students interested in pursuing a career in Nursing received potentially life-changing news recently as the Provincial Government has introduced the “Ontario Learn and Stay Grant.” This grant, which applies only to Ontario residents, will soon provide free tuition for students enrolling in certain health care programs such as Laurentian University’s nursing programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“We are encouraged to see this investment into the future of Northern Ontario’s health care providers by the Provincial Government. Our diverse pool of students, including francophones, will benefit greatly from this grant, as will the many residents of our region,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor.

Students who receive this grant must commit to working in the region where they studied. For every year of schooling, students complete under the grant program, they must work in the region for a six-month period. In addition to providing free tuition, the funding will cover the cost of compulsory fees, books and other direct educational costs. 

“That this opportunity is extended to students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs will amplify the impact on addressing critical nursing shortages. Students training to become nurses and nurses advancing their professional education will contribute to strengthening health care in Northern Ontario communities,” said Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic.

Students enrolling in the undergraduate nursing programs in French or English will be eligible and Laurentian is working with the province to identify which specific graduate nursing program streams will be eligible for this grant.

Read more about the grant at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-learn-and-stay-grant or contact Laurentian University at info@laurentian.ca.

 

About the Laurentian University School of Nursing

With a long-standing history and presence in Northern Ontario, the School of Nursing has prepared students to enter the nursing profession for over 50 years. The 4-year English and French Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree programs are nationally accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing and provincially approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario. The Laurentian University School of Nursing also offers two additional programs in French: the BScN program for Registered Nurses and for Registered Practical Nurses.

In addition to offering undergraduate nursing education, students also have the opportunity to study nursing at the graduate level. The Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) program is offered in English and French with four streams including Nurse Practitioner (clinical stream), Advanced Practice Nursing (course-based stream), Thesis (research stream), and Post Nurse Practitioner Certificate (course-based stream). All streams in the MScN program are delivered remotely with the exception of onsite requirements for the Nurse Practitioner program. The School is proud to contribute to the community by building capacity for advanced practice nursing in the North and beyond.

After more than fifty-five years, Laurentian’s Doran Planetarium continues to educate and entertain astronomy enthusiasts.

After more than fifty-five years, Laurentian’s Doran Planetarium continues to educate and entertain astronomy enthusiasts.

New coordination team guided by Dr. Hoi Cheu is passionate about diversifying teachings outside the classroom.

(February 8, 2023) - Star gazing allows us to observe the many wonders of the night sky. It is an enjoyable pastime filled with many educational opportunities; star gazers often speak about how rewarding an experience it is to identify constellations such as the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) or Cassiopeia. And for those interested in astronomy, planetariums, which are essentially theatres designed to project a simulation of the night sky on a dome ceiling, offer out-of-this-world locations to learn and be entertained by the plethora of teachings and stories about the night sky. 

Laurentian University’s 10-meter wide Doran Planetarium recently welcomed a new Director, Dr. Hoi Cheu. Full Professor of Liberal Arts and interdisciplinary researcher, Cheu has been teaching at Laurentian since 1999. He is well known amongst his students and colleagues for his engaging lectures. In 2011, he received a Teaching Excellence award, presented annually to faculty members who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to impart knowledge and invoke enthusiasm from their students. About his recent appointment to the Planetarium, Cheu fittingly enthused that he is “‘over the moon’ excited.” 

“I was a science student until my second year of university,” said Cheu. “When I was in high school, astronomy was ‘my thing.’ I chaired the Science Club and my first project for the Joint School Science Exhibition was called ‘The Life of the Stars.’ In the following year, I led a project to explain how the dome of Hong Kong’s Space Museum was built.” Each of these projects involved about twenty to thirty students taking shifts through ten summer days in Hong Kong’s City Hall. “That was how I turned from being an extreme introvert into a public speaker – explaining astrophysics and the architecture of a planetarium to thousands of people.”  
 
The Doran Planetarium was donated by the Doran family to Laurentian University in 1967. At the time, William J. Doran was the President of Doran Breweries, better known in the Greater Sudbury community as Northern Breweries. 

Until 1970, the Doran Planetarium was located in a portable beside the University’s Science 1 building, after which it was housed in a specially constructed wing of the Fraser Building. Roger Leclaire served as the Planetarium’s Director for its first decade of operations. Thereafter and between 1977-1994, the Planetarium fell under the direction of a variety of professors, predominantly affiliated with the Physics department. 

In 1994, the University funded a complete update of the Planetarium and appointed Professor Paul Émile Legault to serve as its Director. He remained in this role for thirty-nine years, and taught in the University’s Physics department for fifty-four years. 

On January 18, 2023, Laurentian and SNOLAB paid tribute to Legault’s legacy. In this special event, Legault shared his favourite stories about stars and constellations from various traditions. Attendees were enthralled by the magic of the Planetarium, and celebrated Legault’s many years of service. 

“My family, friends and colleagues filled the planetarium for my last presentation as Director,” expressed Legault. “Their presence in such a large number overwhelmed me and I did not expect so many accolades for just doing work I enjoyed. The thoughtful words engraved on the trophy presented to me brought tears to my eyes. The Doran Planetarium has and will always be part of my heart. I am confident that Dr. Cheu, because of his interest and energy, will with his team, successfully continue to open up the minds of young students to science.”

“Paul Émile dedicated his whole career to education,” said Cheu. “And he communicates more than his rich knowledge in astronomy. He teaches children how to be curious while they are amused by the beauty of the night sky. That is invaluable for nurturing young scientific minds. We need a team to match his greatness.”

Alongside Dr. Cheu, the current bilingual team of the Planetarium includes Alexandre Leblanc (Materials Science PhD candidate), Juliette Deloye and Rachel Richardson (Education & Outreach Coordinators of SNOLAB), and Dr. Christine Kraus as supervisor (SNOLAB Research Scientist). Anishinaabe Akinomaagewin Bemwidoor (Knowledge Carrier), William Morin (Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity PhD student) is also a partner, who ensures that the Planetarium has tricultural capabilities. This team extends the reach of the Laurentian and Sudbury communities, as they welcome demonstration requests from any primary or secondary school, as well as other interested groups.

“We are excited about the future of the Planetarium,” informed Cheu. “And we have many plans to enhance the offerings of the Planetarium to members of our community. What we need to remember is that this space is not simply for science education. It also provides excellent opportunities to tell stories. Our Planetarium offers a weatherproof space for Indigenous land-based learning. Virtually, when sitting in the Doran, you are under the sky and can tell stories connected to Indigenous history, wisdom, as well as environmental and scientific knowledge.”

Cheu and team are in the process of applying for grants to turn the Doran Planetarium into a more diverse space for education.“The idea is to enhance this welcoming space to support inclusive teachings beyond the classroom,” said Cheu. “Looking at the cosmos can help us put things into perspective. It helps us recognize our humble existence, our fragile living environment, and our connection to the universe. Learning about astronomy can be deeply spiritual.” 

More information about demonstrations and special events at the Doran Planetarium are available online. 

Harquail School of Earth Sciences’s Minecraft-inspired rock ID game helps school children discover geology

Harquail School of Earth Sciences’s Minecraft-inspired rock ID game helps school children discover geology

Rock ID games available for use at all Greater Sudbury Public Library branches

(February 6, 2023) - The Harquail School of Earth Sciences (HES) at Laurentian University hopes to nurture interest in the geosciences among local youth by offering their “Special Edition Minecraft-inspired Rock identification game” at all 13 branches of the Greater Sudbury Public Library (GSPL). The game consists of 12 mineral and rock samples and bilingual clue cards to help players identify them. The game was conceived and developed by Tobias Roth, a Geoscience Technologist at Laurentian University, with funding support from the Canadian Geological Foundation (CGF). The idea to develop these Rock ID game sets started on a hike with kids that were around 10 years old and who loved collecting rocks, especially those they knew from playing Minecraft. The project then came to fruition through the generous support from the CGF. 

Roth created a first-edition game during the pandemic, sending the game to teachers who could share them with students in class, or use them during virtual classes and Earth Sciences outreach events. He has since refined the game, gathering feedback from players, and with much help from Earth Sciences students and colleagues at Laurentian. "Everyone has been really enthusiastic about the game, the box, and the rocks inside,” Roth said. “Many young children and teens are familiar with rocks like obsidian, granite, and diorite through playing the Minecraft video game, but many have never actually seen or held them in real life. The new Minecraft-inspired identification game has turned out to be a fun, hands-on way for youth to learn more about rocks and minerals and what they’re used for.” Children often like to challenge their family and friends with the game, but it can also be enjoyed as a single-player experience.

“The Greater Sudbury Public Library is happy to collaborate with the Harquail School of Earth Sciences at Laurentian University. The Greater Sudbury area is defined by rich mineral deposits so this partnership is a great way to provide an educational resource about the rocks under our feet. This Minecraft-inspired identification game is a welcome addition to resources available to the library that help provide educational and fun activities for library patrons of all ages to engage in while visiting the library. Join us at any one of our 13 library locations to take part in a drop-in programming activity to explore this interactive experience,” said Chantal MacRae, Child and Youth Programmer, Greater Sudbury Public Library. 

Throughout the past year, the Harquail School of Earth Sciences has organized and participated in numerous field trips, in-school class visits, fairs, and videoconferences. Teachers are encouraged to reach out to Tobias Roth (tm_roth@laurentian.ca), to schedule an event for their class, and find out how they can get a Minecraft-inspired rock ID game for their classroom.

The Harquail School of Earth Sciences is also planning virtual events to win one of these boxes. Stay tuned by following us on Instagram @luearthsciences, and Twitter @HarquailES.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:
"Many young folks today become familiar with rock and mineral names like obsidian, diorite, quartz, and calcite by playing Minecraft. We thought using the real rocks and minerals straight from nature would be a fun and hands-on way to introduce Earth sciences to youth.” 

- Tobias Roth, Geoscience Technologist, Harquail School of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University

"Wow! Thank you so much! I absolutely love it [the Minecraft-inspired rock ID game]. The quality of the specimens is really wonderful. I'm super thrilled and so grateful."

- Malinda Prud'homme, Rockhounding and Mineral Tour Guide, Toronto, Ontario

Engineering grad turning heads in Silicon Valley by turning waste into fuels

Engineering grad turning heads in Silicon Valley by turning waste into fuels

Monem Alyaser, Ph.D, credits Laurentian as foundational to his success

(January 26, 2023) - It sounds like something out of a movie - turning trash into valuable goods. For Monem Alyaser, Ph.D, it’s an average day in Silicon Valley. 

Alyaser is the Founder and CEO of Enventix, Inc, a company established in 2010 to develop advanced thermo-chemical systems for the conversion of non recyclable waste paper and plastics, biomass and shredded tires to valuable commodities and bioenergy. While perseverance has supported Alyaser’s entrepreneurial efforts, he recognizes Laurentian University as foundational to his success. Alyaser graduated from the Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering (1990) before furthering his education in Metals & Materials Engineering at the University of British Columbia (Masters, 1993; Ph.D, 1998). 

Originally from Libya, Alyaser began his studies and quickly found his footing: “I just loved Sudbury. I made great friends and found that community members were very welcoming. My experience at Laurentian was amazing. It was a small school, so I got a lot of one-on-one time with my professors. I was very fortunate.” Alyaser credits the attentive professors as well as hands-on experience obtained in laboratories, as critical to his future achievements in engineering. 

As a Laurentian student, Alyaser was awarded a JP Bickell Foundation scholarship for academic excellence. His interest in research, especially in pyro-metallurgy, catalyzed his interest to work each summer on campus under the mentorship of faculty, including Drs. Paul Lindon, Laxman Amaratunga, and Werner Dresler. “I enjoyed working in the labs because by the time I graduated from Laurentian, I already had a lot of experience under my belt.” 

While attending the University of British Columbia, Alyaser worked closely with Dr. James Keith Brimacombe, who guided Alyaser in his graduate research about the extraction of copper during the masters degree and then in studies of combustion and fluid dynamics in high temperature reactors for the Ph.D. “He was an amazing man who believed in doing research to solve actual problems in life,” Alyaser described, while also asserting that this perspective influenced his own mindset as an engineer. “This is what engineering is all about - solving problems in the most efficient way.” 

While for Alyaser, efficiency in engineering is important, so is ensuring that engineering practices keep in mind the sustainability of the environment. That’s why Enventix thermo-chemical systems are designed and integrated based on state-of-the-art technologies to offer the optimal carbon emissions reduction potential in processing of the most challenging feedstocks with scalability, reliability, efficiency and profitability. “We at Enventix are proud of the solutions we have developed, not only to combat climate change but also to make the world a better place. The reduction of waste and enabling a circular economy is a top priority.” 

It was when Alyaser was a Ph.D. candidate that he began to foster an interest in business. In fact, he is a repeat entrepreneur, having previously founded a company called Combustion and Process Technology, Inc. “I started this company at such a young age and without much experience as to how to run it, but I was driven by that,” he explains. 

With the goal to develop his business skills, he enrolled in an entrepreneurship program offered by the Canadian government in British Columbia, in 1998-1999. Later and after joining a startup called Asetek as their VP of Business Development and Applications Engineering, he attended several business programs including an Executive program: Interpersonal Dynamics For High Performance Executives at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. This program found Monem engaging with other senior-level executives to master interpersonal exchanges and develop attributes to cultivate strong professional relationships. “I read many books and also attended workshops on project management, product development, startups, business development, sales and marketing. It is not just engineering that I had to keep learning, it was finance, sales and marketing too.”  

“My advice, especially given that the world of engineering is rapidly changing, is for engineers to be taught to be entrepreneurs. That is my advice to aspiring engineers who really want to make a big difference in their career efforts. If you are driven to make a big impact, this will help you succeed.. Also, remember that there is value in every learning opportunity. Try hard and enjoy the ride as every learning opportunity will bring more value to you, your career and your life, just consider your university education as the best gift you receive.” 

Monem Alyaser, Ph.D is one of over 70,600 successful Laurentian University alumni. 

Laurentian University Approves Hiring of 10 New Tenure-Track Professors

Laurentian University Approves Hiring of 10 New Tenure-Track Professors

New faculty members will be sought in multiple disciplines spanning all faculties

(January 23, 2023) - Laurentian University today approved funding for 10 new tenure-track faculty members, sending a clear signal it intends to invest in the long-term sustainability of academic programs and strengthening our bilingual and tricultural mandate. The funding for these permanent hires comes as the University emerged from the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in November of 2022.

“We are eager to bolster so many of our successful programs with additional professors. This is a key priority for our leadership team,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice- Chancellor.

The search process will begin for faculty members in multiple disciplines:

  • Faculty of Arts - Psychology (1), Droit et Justice (1)
  • Faculty of Education and Health - Indigenous Social Work (2), Science infirmières (1)
  • Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture - Mining Engineering (1), Computer Science (1), and Architecture (specializing in Indigenous Architecture (1))
  • Faculty of Management - Accounting (1)
  • Library and Archives (1)

“These tenure-track roles will bring exceptional talent to Laurentian which will enrich our academic offerings and strengthen our research capacity. We’re pleased the University is now in a position to make this significant investment and it’s one of the many steps we’re taking to chart a new course for Laurentian,” said Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic.

It is anticipated that approvals for further faculty positions will be granted following the completion of the 2023-24 budget planning process, which is currently underway.

Pages