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Marine Institute of Memorial University Annual Review | 2012-2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS edgy enterprising educational expert excellent evolving eventful empowering explorational energetic expositional engaging
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Educate. Enable. Drive the economy. Those three descriptors go to the heart of the mission of the Marine Ins tute. They describe the founda on upon which this nearly 50-year-old ins tu on was founded. They inspire the work we do every day, on campus and in communi es sca ered throughout this great province and country. Together, they describe our “it factor” or, as we like to call it, our “E factor”– those intangible characteris cs that dis nguish the Marine Ins tute as a special post-secondary ins tu on. Our educa onal offerings, industrial exper se and energy have drawn students, industrial clients, researchers and collaborators to us from all over the world. Our drive to make a difference in their lives and their work has enabled them to reach their goals and ours. Our economic impact in the fields of aquaculture, fisheries, food, marine transporta on and ocean technology can be seen through the success of our graduates and the applica on of research and technology transfer to companies and individuals. This year we explore all of the E factors that have been the hallmarks of our success.
DR. GARY KACHANOSKI President and Vice-Chancellor Memorial University of Newfoundland
The ocean has given us endless opportuni es in this great province. Our undeniable a achment to the sea, combined with the steadfast determina on and crea vity of our people, has placed Newfoundland and Labrador at the forefront of Canada’s ocean technology industry. In the same way, our loca on in the North Atlan c has shaped the Marine Ins tute (MI). MI is a world-class centre of advanced marine technology, educa on and training. It is the most comprehensive marine ins tute in North America, with a plan to be a world oceans ins tute, se ng the standard in educa on, training, innova on and research. Considering the facili es we have developed and the interna onal experts and exper se we have gathered in the field of mari me educa on and training, we are well on the way to securing that reputa on. Universi es are centres of innova ve thinking. Research generates new knowledge, and helps us find solu ons to some of our most pressing issues. MI’s contribu on to Memorial University’s capabili es – and to its global reputa on – is unmistakable as it con nues to be a key player in the oceans sector with new programs on the horizon and more undergraduate and graduate students. As you will read in this annual review, it’s been an incredible year at MI, and in the months and years to come, we will con nue to build on our strengths in working with ci zens, communi es, government and industry, linking teaching and learning, and research and crea ve ac vity, with the needs and opportuni es across the province and beyond.
GLENN BLACKWOOD Vice-President Memorial University of Newfoundland (Marine Ins tute)
The Marine Institute’s (MI) success lies in its ability to recruit purpose-driven students, deliver stellar teaching, research expertise and attract worldwide industrial clients. MI’s focus on developing the education, skills and capabilities of our students allows us to create new opportunities and lead the province in the ocean industries. The MI community works in collaboration towards our collective vision of becoming a world oceans institute. With each passing year we strive to advance further towards MI’s Vision 2020 and achieving this global reputation. This year we have advanced our research capacity and expertise in ocean technology, ocean safety, aquaculture, fisheries and marine simulation. MI continues to strengthen its public engagement with industry and stakeholders throughout the province and worldwide. MI has a uniqueness which sets it apart from other institutions. Our faculty and staff work in conjunction with partners to identify needs and implement technology and training to address industry demands. Our teamwork is our best asset. It distinguishes us as lead researchers and is the basis for strong industry ties which continue to enable us to achieve our full potential as an institute which sets the standard for education, training, innovation and research.
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e DGY Perched on the tip of Canada’s east coast, the Marine Institute is an incubator for edgy technology and innovative approaches to our harsh ocean environment. A new Ocean Safety Research Unit has been added to the Marine Institute to work with industry and collaborators to identify and address knowledge gaps related to maritime safety and emergency response. With support from ACOA, the unit is building a cold water immersion tank which will greatly increase MI’s ability to engage industry in the development of new products, processes and technologies designed to improve safety at sea – including research into the science of human performance during emergency response in extreme environments. MI and the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association have created a new Aquaculture Real-time Integrated Environmental System (ARIES). Now fully operational, the ARIES system provides near real-time, 24/7 access to individual aquaculture cage sites in the Coast of Bays region. It gives operators a better understanding of the biophysical conditions such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and meteorological information. Further out to sea, MI’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research (CFER) is satellite tagging Atlantic cod for the first time. The satellite tags store latitude and longitude, depth and temperature data for one year or more, then release themselves from the fish and transmit their data via satellite back to a research station. Satellite tags are a new technology that has become an invaluable tool for researchers in studying the behaviour and inshore/offshore migration patterns of fish species such as Atlantic cod. For the Marine Institute, knowing how to push the boundaries of knowledge comes with living on the edge.
Marine Institute Annual Review 2012-2013
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eNTERPRISING Innovation is second nature to the Marine Institute’s Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS). CMS is collaborating with the National Research Council and Kongsberg Maritime on a fiveyear project to improve the safety and efficiency of oil and gas operations in ice environments through the development of dynamic positioning (DP) system technologies for ship operations in such environments. The $8.6 million project received approximately $3 million from the Atlantic Innovation Fund, and is also supported by the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador and Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador. A training simulator will be developed for prototype testing and for preliminary training of appropriate personnel. This will lead into the development of a commercial ‘DP in ice’ product for real time operations. Existing DP systems do not adequately account for the forces and movements of ice. It is these input variables that will be required by oil and gas operators to operate in ice and to extend the offshore drilling and production window. Ice tank testing will evaluate the design and operation of DP systems in ice and assess the limiting weather criteria for safe operations. The centre’s enterprising approach will enhance the participation of Newfoundland and Labrador researchers in the commercial exploitation of technologies and sustain Atlantic Canada’s position as an international leader in harsh environment engineering and sciences.
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e D U C AT I O N A L Growing up in a video game culture means one thing and one thing only: you are accustomed to instantaneous feedback. Instructors at the Marine Institute’s School of Maritime Studies (SMS) understand this mindset. That is why they have developed a teaching system that integrates the learning style of the video gaming generation. Maple T.A. is an online system used by instructors to create questions, assignments, quizzes and exams. Its uniqueness lies in its authoring capability where the instructor can create questions and have them programmed with randomized variables. The webbased software has the ability to sort through a database of these randomly generated questions and provide each student with slight variations of the same question. In an evaluation, students have multiple chances at answering each question. Each time an incorrect answer is submitted, the student is provided the correct answer along with the solution. The solution is always perfectly in sync with what they learn in the classroom because it is created by the instructor. The catch is that each time the student revisits a question; it is slightly different than the last but uses the same method to solve it. The software came about through an Instructional Development Grant from Memorial University’s Office of the President and Vice-president (Academic) as part of the university’s Teaching and Learning Framework. John Cross, John Pond and John Tucker are the tremendous trio of SMS instructors who are leading the integration of this software into their courses. Tucker also received the 2012 President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching. It’s these innovative educators who ask their students, what level can you reach?
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e XPERT How do you grow experts for the fishery of the future? If you’re the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research (CFER) you reach out to high school and university students to build your capabilities. Mentoring future generations for fisheries scientists is a core mandate for CFER. Having knowledgeable and skilled people conducting fisheries research is vital for a better understanding of our fish stocks and the productivity of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine ecosystem. The centre supports 15 graduate students who work with a team of biologists, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and research scientists, all of whom are cross appointed to departments within Memorial University. From analyzing lab data, to going to sea, to consulting with fish harvesters, graduate students are gaining valuable, career boosting experience, taking themselves to the next level as worldwide fisheries experts. The centre has also opened its doors for high school students to job shadow CFER scientists. It has provided advice to two female high school students who presented their findings on the invasion of green crab in Placentia Bay at the Eastern District School science fair. Youth, exposure, interest and opportunities are CFER’s ingredients for home-grown expertise for our province’s fishing industry.
Marine Institute Annual Review 2012-2013
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e XCELLENT For mariners, simulation training generates efficient and safe marine operations. Simulation technology allows individuals and teams to encounter dangerous even lifethreatening situations in perfect safety and to develop the necessary response skills. This is what makes the work of MI’s Centre for Marine Simulation (CMS) so vital. The centre’s ability to attract world-class expertise in simulation, produce innovative technology and foster strong partnerships made them deserving recipients of the 2012 Distinction in Innovation Award from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. CMS possesses the most comprehensive suite of marine simulation capabilities in North America. Its facilities include computer based part-task simulators and complex full mission simulators offering a range of training, educational, and research and development capabilities. Its expertise extends well beyond simulation-based training. Mission rehearsal, human factors research, equipment evaluation and port evaluations are also key activities. With the support of industry, CMS has assumed the leadership role within Canada in the area of harsh environment modeling and ice operations simulation. CMS continues to enhance its technology and training services, setting the standard for excellence and expertise in world-class simulation.
Marine Institute Annual Review 2012-2013
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e V O LV I N G Change is necessary for growth. And sometimes change is evolutionary. For the institute’s Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD), revitalization was essential. Over the span of seven years, CASD has evolved its physical and research capacity to gain international expertise in marine biotechnology. With a marine bioprocessing facility that provides pilot scale capabilities in biodiesel, it is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada. A research team with international expertise has been established to work out of CASD’s marine bioprocessing facility to undertake a two year applied research project (which implements a biorefinery strategy) to create quality products from the province’s seafood and aquaculture industry waste streams. Funded by the Department of Innovation, Business, and Rural Development, the team is conducting marine bioprocessing research to develop pilot scale methods to extract biodiesel from marine oils and chitin from shellfish. An investment from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has allowed CASD to install a new monitoring and pump system at its aquaculture facility, add key processing and analytical equipment at its marine bioprocessing facility and outfit its processing equipment development unit with computer assisted design workstations and fabrication equipment at the seafood processing laboratory. With the acquisition of a new high-pressure processing unit, CASD is well on its way to increasing its capacity in responding to the research and development, testing and skills development needs associated with the Newfoundland and Labrador aquaculture and seafood industries.
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eVENTFUL We make every event at the Marine Institute a meaningful experience. It’s a place to connect, a chance to network, an opportunity to learn and an avenue to explore. This year was no exception for the quality of events held at the Marine Institute – events that brought together students with industry and opened the community to the possibilities of the global oceans sector. As the only known competition of its kind in North America, the annual Nautical Skills Competition, hosted by the Company of Master Mariners of Canada (NL Division) challenged the ability of future deck officers and captains. Eight teams of nautical science students competed in a series of exercises in dynamic positioning, seamanship, cargo work, ship handling and navigation. The 11th annual MI Career Fair showcased 34 employers and attracted close to 400 students and alumni. National employers competed to hire MI students in all disciplines for work terms and permanent positions. MI hosted the launch of the annual Oil & Gas Week, connecting post-secondary and high school students with key players in the province’s oil and gas industry to explore career opportunities. The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Regional NL Competition attracted over 300 junior and high school students to build and pilot ROVs and execute underwater tasks in our flume tank. The top two high school teams advanced to the international competition in Seattle. They were accompanied by the post-secondary team from MI and Memorial University. Along with MI Ocean Net’s Youth and the Oceans conferences, World Oceans Day community event and our Holyrood Marine Base open house, Marine Institute events are the place to be.
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eMPOWERING Students and graduates of the Marine Institute continue to surpass industry expectations at every turn. Graduate students Daria Gallardi, Andrew Murphy and Truong Nguyen are no exception to that standard. Each is a recipient of this year’s Research & Development Corporation Ocean Industries Student Research Awards. Gallardi, M.Sc. Aquaculture, was awarded a $13,300 scholarship for her research on the biochemical parameters (lipids, glycogen, fatty acids) of blue mussels kept in holding facilities after harvest. Gallardi’s research focuses on the quality of the mussel and the final product that is shipped to the market. Murphy, M.Sc. Biology, was awarded a one year $20,000 scholarship to conduct research on the use of fish pots to capture flatfish species and reduce incidental catch of snow crab in the Green Bay region around Triton, NL. Nguyen, PhD Environmental Science, received a $70,000 scholarship to complete research on development of environmentally friendly bottom trawls capable of catching commercial quantities of shellfish but with reduced seabed impact compared to conventional bottom trawling systems. Empowered with their thirst for knowledge and supported by industry, these MI students are just a sample of those who demonstrate excellence at the Marine Institute every day.
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e X P LO R AT I O N A L Like real-world explorers, MI takes the road less travelled and it has made all the difference, academically and collaboratively, for those working in the oceans sector. The Marine Institute entered into a three-year agreement with the World Wildlife Fund (Canada) to utilize student research and professional expertise to address marine conservation, resource sustainability, as well as to open unique training opportunities for Atlantic Canadian students in ocean conservation. The Marine Institute, together with the College of the North Atlantic, signed a letter of intent and a memorandum of understanding with Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment to build capacity in the local oil, gas and mining sectors through the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc. MI will work with the country to support technical vocational education and training, post-secondary education and applied research in the areas of marine environment, safety training, ocean technology, offshore oil and gas, fisheries, coastal resources management, and distance delivery opportunities. The University of Trinidad and Tobago and Memorial University signed a MOU to advance the quality of that country’s education system through collaborative activities and exchanges, sharing of facilities and program articulation. The agreement provides for the Marine Institute to assist with development of marine education and training at the Chaguaramas Marine Campus of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. MI will help position the campus as the regional centre of excellence for marine education and training. Geography no longer determines our boundaries for exploring partnerships and growth.
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eNERGETIC A successful leader requires an intense focus, entrepreneurial spirit and boundless energy –characteristics that MI has found its new associate vice-president (Academic and Student Affairs) – Dr. Robert Shea. Dr. Shea brings to his new position a wealth of experience in post-secondary education, student affairs, experiential learning and academic programming, making him a perfect fit to advance MI’s leadership role in the oceans sector. In particular, Dr. Shea’s extensive knowledge in student services and faculty academics coupled with his experience in international development, through his role as president of the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS), strengthens MI’s position as a forward thinking organization. Dr. Shea most recently served as Memorial University’s acting deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president academic (undergraduate studies) as well as dean pro tempore to the Department of Student Affairs and Services. His personal approach and immense support for students, both on campus and off, are the reasons why we are delighted he has come to the Marine Institute.
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eXPOSITIONAL Deliberating amongst the greatest, brightest and prominent world leaders in the ocean industries is what placed St. John’s on the international map this past fall. The Marine Institute shifted the focus of the global ocean industry to Newfoundland and Labrador by way of three prestigious world conferences. The International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) Annual General Assembly 13, the International Association for Safety and Survival Training Conference and the Ocean Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2012 attracted hundreds of delegates from across the world to our doorstep. Researchers, regulators, policy makers and innovators explored the latest developments in training, knowledge and equipment, safety and survival in extreme ocean environments, harsh and ice-covered environments and the demand and opportunities for trade and marine transportation. But it doesn’t stop there. The seafood, ocean surveying and marine transportation industries will once again focus on MI as it plays host to the World Seafood Congress, the International Research Ship Operators Conference, the International Maritime Lecturers Association Conference and the Canadian Hydrographic Conference in the coming year. MI will also co-host the Oceans ’14 Conference, sponsored by the Marine Technology Society and the Oceanic Engineering Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. It is one of the world’s largest international forums for scientists, engineers and responsible ocean users to promote, disseminate and exchange their knowledge, ideas, applications and scientific-technical advances in oceanic engineering and marine technology. Exposing our region’s ocean expertise is one the most important roles the Marine Institute plays as a world oceans institute.
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e NGAGING We’re engaged! Not the marrying kind but we are in a serious relationship. Many in fact. The Marine Institute has always been closely partnered with our clients, students, alumni, collaborators and communities where we work. This year we made it official with the creation of a new Department of Development and Engagement to coincide with Memorial University’s public engagement framework. The new office oversees business development, major strategic projects, government relations, aboriginal affairs, regional engagement and alumni affairs and development. The merging of these activities into one department highlights MI’s responsive and collaborative culture that has been a defining factor of the Marine Institute since its establishment almost 50 years ago. For example, MI maintains long-standing relationships with the five aboriginal groups in Newfoundland, as well as groups in Northern Labrador, Northern Quebec, Nunavut and Nunavik to deliver customized training and expand research capabilities. Through our Community Based Education Delivery Unit and the Lewisporte Regional Fisheries and Marine Centre, the institute provides a variety of training courses throughout the province in aquaculture, environmental, fish harvesting and food processing sectors. MI’s Safety and Emergency Response Training Centre in Stephenville trains provincial firefighters and provides safety and marine emergency duty training to Newfoundland’s west coast, Labrador and Nunavut. MI holds firm in the belief that to be effective a mutual benefit must exist. That’s what makes us engaging. Marine Institute Annual Review 2012-2013
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eND DEGREE, DIPLOMA AND
CERTIFICATE
ENROLMENT
INDUSTRIAL
RESPONSE PROGRAM
ENROLMENT
R E S U LT S
1,064
Number awarded
119
Recipients
8,402
TUD EN T 374 S WORKTERMS
97
MI SCHOLARSHIPS
WORKTERM PLACEMENT EMPLOYERS
107
Amount Awarded
$101,550 Gross Revenue Total
55,324,000 $ $ $
GROSS REVENUE BY SOURCE (excluding Plant Funds)
MI Research Scientists
Tuition
7 MI Employees with PhDs
Industrial Training Research International Other
19
SUBTOTAL Grant
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
1.7m 12.3m 9.3m 0.9m 2.7m 26.9m 28.2m
MARINE INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Glenn Blackwood Vice-President, Memorial University (Marine Ins tute) Carey Bonnell Head, School of Fisheries Kevin Clarke Director, Corporate and External Affairs Catherine Du on Head, School of Mari me Studies Dwight Howse Head, School of Ocean Technology Ron Newhook Director, Research and Development
MARINE INSTITUTE INDUSTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2012-2013
Chair: Capt. Sidney Hynes Members: Glenn Blackwood Greg Pre y Iris Pe en Wayne Folle Alastair O’Rielly Margaret Allan Lakshmi (Nivi) Viswanathan Ross Butler James Baird Neil Chaulk Leonard Pecore
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland P.O. Box 4920, St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador Canada A1C 5R3 T: 1 800 563 5799 ext. 0200 F: 709 778 0672 E: public.relations@mi.mun.ca www.mi.mun.ca 066-358-06-13-2,000