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Laurentian University Celebrates Innovation and Discovery During Research Week 2025

Laurentian University Celebrates Innovation and Discovery During Research Week 2025

Research Week 2025 taking place from February 24 to 28

February 24, 2025 - Research Week 2025 features a dynamic lineup of events designed to highlight the breadth and depth of research taking place at Laurentian University. Attendees will learn about groundbreaking work across disciplines from the researchers themselves in an exciting celebration of discovery, creativity, and academia.

The week started off strong with the announcement of three new research fellowships at the Opening Ceremony this morning. These fellowships recognized outstanding scholars advancing research in key areas:

  • Fellowship to advance research in the Faculty of Management: Kamran Eshghi (School of Sports Administration)
  • Fellowship to advance Indigenous research: Sharlene Webkamigad (School of Indigenous Relations)
  • Fellowship to advance Francophone research: Émilie Pinard (McEwen School of Architecture)

These are the most recent in several categories of research fellowships offered at Laurentian.

“Research fellowships are a demonstration of Laurentian’s commitment to encouraging research excellence and supporting innovative scholarly pursuits,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President, Research. “Advances in research, creativity, and scholarship happen year-round thanks to the dedication and passion of our researchers. This week is an opportunity for the entire community to come together to share knowledge, and celebrate our collective success.”

This year’s Research Week offers many new and returning events, including:

  • Voyageurs’ Innovation Challenge – A competition where teams of faculty and students pitch innovative business ideas to a panel of judges.
  • Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) and GRADFlix Competitions – Graduate students will present their research in brief but engaging formats.
  • 2024 Research Excellence Award Winner Reading – Dr. Linda Ambrose will share insights from her latest book, Pentecostal Preacher Woman: The Faith and Feminism of Bernice Gerard
  • *NEW* Planting Hope Film Screening – A special event in partnership with Science North, featuring a screening of Planting Hope in English, French, and Anishinaabemowin.
  • *NEW* 5-Minute Research Insights – A new event where faculty share their research in concise and compelling five-minute presentations.
  • Graduate Research Symposium – Showcasing the innovative work of graduate students in short interactive presentations.
  • *NEW* Pathways to Research for Undergraduate Students – A special session highlighting opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research, including thesis projects, summer research, and graduate school pathways.

 

The community will have many opportunities to explore diverse graduate student research. New this year, research posters will be on display in the Parker Building Atrium throughout the week and a returning favourite, Gradflix, is an entertaining showing of short videos created by student researchers to share their projects.

 

These events bring together all levels of academics to engage and explore together, building new relationships around mutual scholarly interests. Event attendees will be eligible to win amazing prizes, including gift cards, Canadian-made goods, and a Laurentian University parking pass.

 

All members of the Laurentian community are encouraged to attend Research Week events to support research excellence and celebrate innovation at Laurentian University.

Dr. Alain Simard named Dean of Graduate Studies and International at Laurentian University

Dr. Alain Simard named Dean of Graduate Studies and International at Laurentian University

Dr. Simard to begin role on September 1, 2024.

July 15, 2024 — Dr. Alain Simard has been named the Dean of Graduate Studies and International. Dr. Simard, an alumnus of Laurentian University, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

Dr. Simard earned both his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and his Master of Science in Chemistry from Laurentian University. He then completed his PhD in Physiology-Endocrinology at the Université Laval and held post-doctoral fellowships in the United States.

"I am pleased to return to Laurentian University as Dean of Graduate Studies and International," said Dr. Simard. "I believe that Laurentian offers students an ideal environment for advanced learning and I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to foster an environment where all feel supported and empowered to achieve their full potential."

Prior to returning to Northern Ontario, he served as assistant professor and later associate professor at the Université de Moncton in New Brunswick from 2011 to 2017, where he contributed to the Département de Chimie et Biochimie and the Centre de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick. Dr. Simard then accepted an associate professor position at NOSM University in the Division of Medical Sciences in 2017. Since 2020, he has been the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at NOSM University and was promoted to full professor on July 1st, 2024.

Dr. Simard has been actively involved on several committees over the years and is a member of the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies. He serves as chair of the Graduate Studies Committee and chair of Masters of Medical Studies Program Committee at NOSM University. He also served as a member of the Research Committee at NOSM University and previously the Graduate Studies Council at Laurentian University and the Graduate studies committee, PhD in Life Sciences at Université de Moncton.

With over 35 published refereed papers since 2001 and supervision of more than 30 students at all academic levels, Dr. Simard has demonstrated dedication to scholarly pursuits and student mentorship. He is also a strong advocate for developing strong international partnerships that promote opportunities for graduate students, research collaborations and serve to enrich learning and understanding.

Dr. Simard’s understanding of the graduate studies landscape in Ontario, his solution driven approach, collaborative demeanor, and commitment to Laurentian University’s tri-cultural mandate will position him well to successfully lead this new portfolio.

Dr. Simard will assume his new role as Dean of Graduate Studies and International on September 1, 2024.

Laurentian alumna and Master’s of Social Work student enjoys studying and working in Northern Ontario

Laurentian alumna and Master’s of Social Work student enjoys studying and working in Northern Ontario

Chloé Génier is passionate about youth, mental health, and education

(March 16, 2023) - Chloé Génier, a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) student, was born and raised in the small town of Cochrane, Ontario, located about four-hundred kilometers north from the city of Greater Sudbury. She graduated from École Catholique Nouveau Regard (2016) before attending Cambrian College where she earned her diploma in Community and Justice Services (2018). She went on to continue her undergraduate studies at Laurentian University, and is an alumna of the service social program (2022). 

“I’ve had a unique experience in post-secondary education,” explained Génier who earned about a year’s worth of transfer credits toward her Bachelor’s degree, thanks to her efforts at Cambrian College. “My undergraduate degree at LU was also completed fully online, which kept me on my toes as online programming requires students to make their own schedules but nevertheless work toward tight deadlines.”

For Génier, maintaining a positive mindset throughout her post-secondary journey has been a top priority. When she graduated high school, she admitted that she wasn’t initially sure if university was the route she’d want to take, however, upon earning her college diploma, she felt compelled to earn a degree. “I knew Laurentian was where I wanted to go, and even if I was a little nervous, an important mentor and a close family member once told me that we need to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. This mindset has helped me get to where I am today and to continue challenging myself and stepping outside of my comfort zone.” 

While the fact that Laurentian offered a degree for which Génier could earn transfer credits was enticing to her, that the program she sought to study was available in French was of equal value. A proud francophone, Génier enthused, “when I graduated from service social, I earned my certificate of bilingualism, which was pretty cool.” This certificate is a recognized acknowledgment of bilingual (English & French) competency that is sought after by the province’s employers.

Even though her undergraduate courses were accomplished online, Génier stressed that she has met some incredible friends at Laurentian. “I’ve been so lucky to have made such strong connections with my peers. My friends and family are so important to me - they have motivated me to reach my full potential.” Génier explains that supportive faculty members have also assisted her efforts, as have her experiences in placements better prepared her for career opportunities. 

As she works toward her Master’s degree, Génier keeps busy as a Probation and Parole Officer at the Cochrane Probation and Parole Office. “I’m also a registered social worker. Though I support all sorts of clients, I am especially interested in and passionate about mental health amongst youth and children.” Soon, Génier will select a topic of inquiry for her graduate thesis. “I’m not yet sure what my focus will be, but my interests in youth, mental health, and education are good stepping stones.” 

Once she completes her MSW, Génier, who lives with her partner in Cochrane, hopes to stay in the region. She has a special place in her heart for Northern Ontario and for contributing to her community. “I’m certainly open to opportunities, and am excited for what my future holds.”

Laurentian University appoints Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies

Laurentian University appoints Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies

Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Lesbarrères as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies

FEBRUARY 25, 2016 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Lesbarrères as Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies effective July 1, 2016 for a five-year renewable term. 

Dr. Lesbarrères has been acting Dean since the new Faculty of Graduate Studies was established in March 2014, reflecting the growing importance of the University’s 38 master’s and PhD programs. Prior to this role, he held the position of Director of Graduate Studies. 

“Dr. Lesbarrères has an impressive track record at Laurentian,” said Dominic Giroux, President and Vice Chancellor. “Under his direction since August 2011, Laurentian has seen growth in graduate student enrolment and in the number of programs offered. With David at the helm, we will continue to expand our reach and enhance opportunities in graduate studies.” 

Dr. David Lesbarrères came to Laurentian in 2004 following a PhD in Angers, France and a Post-Doctoral fellowship at the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Helsinki. He was Department Vice-Chair of Biology from 2005 to 2008. Since 2007, he has been a graduate coordinator at Laurentian University for the M.Sc. in Biology and is now on the executive of the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies. 

“I am proud to champion the Graduate Studies programs at Laurentian,” said Dr. Lesbarrères. “Our faculty and students are becoming internationally recognized for leading expertise in diverse areas and I look forward to seeing these successes multiply as we expand our program offerings in the coming years.” 

In its graduate expansion plan, Laurentian has identified the need to accelerate opportunities for graduate studies in three areas of excellence (environmental sustainability, mining innovation and exploration, rural and northern health) and in two areas responding to regional needs (Indigenous relations and governance, sustainable northern economic development). The University has identified enrolment growth from 589 students in 2014-15 to 859 in 2018-19. 

Programs to be expanded include Master’s programs in Architecture, Interdisciplinary Health, Geology, Biology, Humanities and Orthophonie, and PhD programs in Boreal Ecology, Rural and Northern Health, Natural Resource Engineering, and Mineral Deposit Geology, among others. 

University invests in research, technology & graduate expansion

University invests in research, technology & graduate expansion

2015-16 marks fifth consecutive year of balanced budgets at Laurentian

JUNE 19, 2015 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today approved a 2015-2016 operating budget of $147.7 million, marking the fifth consecutive year the University has achieved a balanced budget. The budget represents a $7 million increase over last year to fund key areas of priority for the University in capital projects, research, student services, graduate studies and information technology.

 

Budget highlights include:

  • A 42% increase in the budget of the University’s Office of Research Services in 2015-16 that will allow the university to facilitate grant preparation and establish a new online data management system to support research efforts.  Laurentian will also increase support to innovation and the management of intellectual property. “We are strengthening our support for research activities in all disciplines, through the Tri-council leaders program and through strategic matching funds for major grant applications,” said Laurentian University’s Vice-President, Research, Dr. Rui Wang.
  • The budget also provides for increased investments of 12% in graduate studies to support enrolment expansion from 589 students in 2014-15 to 859 in 2018-19.  “We will continue to expand our reach and enhance opportunities in graduate studies,” said Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dr. David Lesbarrères. Programs to be expanded include Master’s programs in Architecture, Geology, Biology and Orthophonie, and PhD programs in Boreal Ecology, Rural and Northern Health, Natural Resource Engineering, and Mineral Deposit Geology, among others.
  • An increased investment in information technology to ensure a progressive IT infrastructure now and for the future.  Improvements consist of higher-speed and robust networking, dense high-speed wireless, an institutional record management system, wireless classroom audio visual and continuation of administrative automation.  These and other upgrades will create a better student and faculty experience. The University’s investments in information technology will increase by 12% in 2015-16, a 70% increase over the past four years.
  • Investments in student services will also increase by 14% in 2015-16. Laurentian will again support continuous learning for its staff with the equivalent of 1% of salaries set aside for professional development. 
  • The 2016 completion of a $115.5 million physical transformation of the Sudbury campus with the renewal of 34 classrooms and five labs, the addition of an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, a University Club, an Executive Learning Centre, a world-class Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research lab, improved food services, new one-stop student services, renovations to the Single Student Residence, the new School of Architecture, and increased investments in deferred maintenance projects.

 

“In recent years, we have built a solid foundation to support the university’s aspirations,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “We are well-positioned to move forward with a balanced and strategically-focused growth plan that responds to the needs of the communities we serve today and in the future.”

 

This marks the ninth consecutive year of declining per-student provincial funding at Laurentian. For the first time, provincial grants constitute less than half of the University’s overall revenues. The Board’s unanimous approval followed a series of seventeen consultation sessions held in April with the Laurentian community in Sudbury and Barrie.

 

For more information about the University or its 2012-2017 Strategic Plan endorsed in a Globe and Mail editorial as “an excellent strategy”, please visit www.laurentian.ca.

 

Summary:

  • 2015-16 budget of $147.7 million, up $7 million over last year;
  • Budget balanced for fifth consecutive year, despite nine consecutive years of declining per-student provincial funding. For the first time, provincial grants constitute less than half of the University’s revenues;
  • Budget increases in 2015-2016 of 42% in the Office of Research Services, 14% in Student Services, 12% in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, 12% in Information Technology;
  • $115.5 million of capital transformation to be completed in Sudbury in 2016;
  • 1% of staff payroll allocated annually to professional development and training;
  • Establishment of a $1 million sustainability green fund: projects will be solicited from university community with main criteria being positive environmental impact and financial payback;
  • Balanced six-year forecast. During that period, major investments planned in deferred maintenance, graduate studies, research, the library and the Faculty of Management to support its international AACSB accreditation. 

Laurentian balances budget for fourth consecutive year

Laurentian balances budget for fourth consecutive year

Budget targets Strategic Plan, Graduate Expansion, Research and Barrie Campus

JUNE 20, 2014 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today approved a 2014-2015 operating budget of $141.2M, marking the fourth consecutive year the University has achieved a balanced budget. The Board’s unanimous approval followed a series of sixteen consultation sessions with more than 160 people from across the Laurentian community in Sudbury and Barrie. 

“As we enter the third year of our Strategic Plan, we continue to make investments to shape the future of Laurentian University,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “Despite increasing funding pressures, Laurentian has sustained investments to support the University’s aspirations. We thank those who took part in the consultation process for their contributions in helping us to achieve this goal.” 

The new Faculty of Graduate Studies is part of an ambitious graduate expansion implementation plan requested by the University’s Board of Governors to meet regional needs, nearly doubling domestic graduate enrolment between 2011 and 2018. This will include an increase in Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA). Fall 2014 master’s program applications have increased by 71%. 

Upcoming faculty appointments will include new research chairs in Cancer, Occupational Health and Safety, Sustainable Northern Development, Indigenous Relations and Governance, and Histoire franco-ontarienne. 


Other budget highlights include: 

  • Budget increase of $4.3M or 3.1% over 2013; 
  • $41.9M to support strategic plan outcomes from 2012-2020; 
  • School of Architecture Phase II on track, on budget; 
  • $44.6M to modernize the Sudbury campus including a University Club, an Executive Learning Centre and an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (partially supported by donations from Glencore and RBC); 
  • $25M commitment, up from $14M, to open a new satellite campus in Barrie; 
  • Great Hall on Sudbury campus under renovation and scheduled to re-open in September 2014 as Fresh Food Company; 
  • Completion of the rehabilitation of the Single Student Residence on the Sudbury campus; 
  • $3.3M in additional investments to support research through 2020; 
  • Stable faculty and staff complement; 
  • New Faculty of Health, new Faculty of Education, new Faculty of Graduate Studies, new School of Environment; 
  • New master’s programs in Indigenous Relations and Sciences infirmières;
  • $536K increase to support growth in the award-winning Bharti School of Engineering. 


“Our focus has always been to deliver an outstanding student experience,” said Carol McAulay, Vice President, Administration at Laurentian. “This budget backs that commitment and keeps us on track to deliver the 40 outcomes outlined in our Strategic Plan.” 


2013-14 Accomplishments include: 

  • School of Architecture welcomed first class of 68 students in September 2013; 
  • Centre for Academic Excellence well-established and supporting both pedagogy and student success; 
  • One-stop student service model developed and implemented. Centralized physical space will be reflected in Campus modernization capital plan; 
  • New food service outlets introduced (East Bistro, Starbucks, Subway); 
  • Re-introduction of men’s varsity hockey and introduction of women’s; 
  • New website launched: www.laurentian.ca ; 
  • Faculty of Management on its way to secure two prestigious international accreditations; 
  • Average entry grade reached 81%; 
  • Sudbury Campus is 100% wireless; 
  • Certificate of Bilingualism awarded growing number of students; 
  • Nine new Indigenous faculty members; 
  • 1% of payroll allocated to departments for staff training.