December 11, 2013 Volume 46 Number 7
Publication Mail Registration No. 40062527
GAZETTE A M E M O R I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W F O U N D L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N
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ROLE MODEL Social work alumna named young humanitarian of the year by Red Cross.
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PHYSICAL LIMITS
FACULTY PROFILES A few of the newest faces who
Memorial researchers are guiding the development of the next generation of magnetic hard drives.
are bringing their talent and energy to Memorial.
All-around performance Science and music student province’s newest Rhodes Scholar By Kelly Foss
ANTHONY PAYNE of Pasadena is Newfoundland and Labrador’s newest Rhodes Scholar. Mr. Payne joins a distinguished list of past Newfoundland and Labrador Rhodes Scholars, including well-known personalities Bill Rowe, Rex Murphy, Robert Joy and Danny Williams. Currently in his fifth year of study at Memorial, Mr. Payne completed a bachelor of music in April and will finish a bachelor of science this spring. “I’ve been involved in music my whole life,” he said. “I play piano and have done a lot of choral singing. My parents both have math degrees from Memorial, so math has always been important in my life as well. “It essentially came time to choose between math and music when I went to university, but I managed to CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
arrange things so I could work on both degrees simultaneously. I did a bachelor of music with a minor in statistics and am finishing a bachelor of science in statistics with a minor in music history. So that allowed a bit of overlap.”
Anthony Payne will be studying at Oxford University next October.
See RHODES story on page 10
Extraordinary contributor John Lewis Paton Distinguished University Professorship awarded By Meaghan Whelan
outstanding legacy
of teaching, research and public engagement has been recognized with Memorial University’s newest and most prestigious award for faculty.
students and he has helped improve health-care delivery throughout the province.” In supporting Dr. Parfrey’s nomination, Dr. Johannes Mann, professor of medicine at Friedrich Alexander
The John Lewis Paton Distinguished University
University of Erlangen and chief of medicine at Munich
Professorship, named after the founding president of
General Hospitals in Germany, wrote: “Dr. Parfrey’s
Memorial University College, recognizes faculty mem-
original contributions to nephrology more often than
bers who over the course of their careers make extraor-
not led us to rewrite textbooks. In many aspects of
dinary contributions across the continuum of teaching
daily patient care, nephrologists worldwide refer to his
and learning, research and public engagement.
seminal papers. I do not exaggerate that I am using his
“Dr. Parfrey is an outstanding scholar and the
papers daily on my teaching rounds.”
ideal choice for the inaugural John Lewis Paton
Dr. Parfrey’s research has had a global impact on the
Distinguished University Professorship,” said President
management of cardiac disease in chronic kidney dis-
Gary Kachanoski. “He is an accomplished educator and
ease, treatment in end-stage kidney disease, hepatitis in
an outstanding community leader. His research has
end-stage kidney disease, contrast media induced acute
improved the lives of people worldwide. He has also mentored and inspired scores of medical and graduate
See PATON story on page 10
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
DR. PATRICK PARFREY’S
Dr. Pat Parfrey
AMY TUCKER PHOTO
YOUR NEXT PROJECT By Amy Tucker Special to the Gazette Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial
A view of Harbour Breton, Coast of Bays, on Newfoundland’s south coast.
to ask for research help. With hundreds of community-suggested opportunities to choose from, your next project is just a click away.
experiences and opportunities to offer tourists as a des-
The project:
Here’s one …
tination,” he said. “However, it must see that potential
Building regional capacity is one of Mr. Hickey’s main
itself and be able to lean upon the appropriate sup-
concerns.
The opportunity:
ports of government in order to leverage growth and
The south coast of Newfoundland may be considered
development.”
“In rural areas where individual initiatives have merit, how can synergy be brought across governing bodies,
the last undiscovered region, and when it comes to
There are numerous valid and perceived barriers to
agencies, organizations and the private sector to build
tourism development, some very easily call it the
entry into the tourism industry in the region, including
regional capacity?” he asked. He is also interested in
“forgotten coast.” However, as Memorial representatives
a lack of regional co-ordination. Individual groups have
learning about what models of leadership are most con-
who attended the recent Harris Centre regional
great ideas and recognize local potential and develop
ducive to inspiring people to invest in tourism develop-
workshop in the Coast of Bays can attest, both the
plans, yet there seems to be an invisible wall which pre-
ment for their region.
landscape and the culture of the region are stunning.
vents tourism from being seen as a holistic opportunity
Mr. Hickey hopes the research would contribute to the
By witnessing the spectacular fjords and beautiful bays,
with implications for the entire region, says Mr. Hickey.
region seeing itself as a whole. The current absence of a
workshop participants were able to envision the tourism opportunities.
“While a single effort may be great in a community,
regional governance body is an impediment, he says.
it will have a much greater chance of success if it is
“Such a body is larger than information sharing, it is as much development focussed as it is support focussed.”
As chair of the St. Jacques Island Lighthouse
integrated into a larger plan where all other players are
Corporation, president of the St. Jacques Harbour
aware of it and can factor it into their efforts. The south
Authority, and founder of the South Coast Arts
coast must be seen as a total destination and experi-
Interested in learning more about this project? Amy Tucker, co-ordinator
Community, Alex Hickey also sees this potential.
ence, but right now, it isn’t.”
of knowledge mobilization at the Harris Centre, would love to tell you
“I firmly believe that the Coast of Bays has unique
more. Call her at 709 864 6115 or email her at amy.tucker@mun.ca.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
GAZETTE
Fifty years of geophysics at Memorial: A celebratory reunion
A M E M O R I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W F O U N D L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N
By Jeremy Hall Special to the Gazette
SUBMITTED PHOTO
THIS FALL, the Department of Earth Sciences celebrated 50 years of geophysics at Memorial with a reunion event on Oct. 19. Approximately 60 alumni, current students, staff, faculty, and friends got together to reminisce, while Michael Rochester, professor emeritus, alumna Susan Webb, University of Witwatersrand, and Richard Wright, Nalcor
Alumna Dr. Susan Webb at the geophysics 50-year reunion.
Energy Oil and Gas, presented technical talks. The event was sponsored by Nalcor Energy Oil and Gas, Hibernia Department of Earth Sciences.
group’s relationship with the development of plate tec-
OBITUARY
tonic theory, and after lunch, the group reviewed posters
Dr. Janet Steer Story
of archival material and current research, to link the past
Dr. Janet Steer Story, an honorary graduate of
to the present and future,” said Dr. Jeremy Hall, University
Memorial University, passed away Dec. 3, 2013.
Research Professor, Department of Earth Sciences.
She was 89.
the early days of geophysics at Memorial, highlighting the
who was hired by the university in 1963 and was the first geophysics faculty member. The department grew into the physics department over the next 20 years, and Department of Earth Sciences. A physical merger occurred with the opening of the Alexander Murray (Earth Sciences) building in 1990. “After the initial buildup in the 1960s and 1970s, the number of geophysics faculty at any one time has varied
CORRECTION
In the Nov. 21 edition of the Gazette, the story ‘The long road here’ on page 12 contained an error. Machel Rayner is a student of biochemistry, not physiotherapy, as was stated.
around eight members, with only 16 geophysics faculty
Also in the Nov. 21 edition, the World Seafood
having been involved in those 50 years, a fact that speaks
Congress took place Sept. 28–Oct. 3, not Sept. 2–
to the longevity of service of many of them,” said Dr. Hall.
Oct. 3, as was stated on page 9.
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Laura Barron Rebecca Cohoe Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Paula Dyke Kelly Foss Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Janet Harron Jill Hunt Sharon King Jackey Locke Peter Morris
Cathy Newhook Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Melissa Watton Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Laura Woodford Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey
Photography Chris Hammond
Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709 864 2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline Jan. 8, 2014, for Jan. 15 publication. The Gazette is published 17 times annually by the Division of Marketing and Communications at Memorial University.
Geophysics at Memorial began with Dr. Ernst Deutsch,
then merged administratively with geology in the new
Regular Contributors
Classified Advertising Kelly Hickey
Management and Development Company and the “Over lunch, professor emeritus Joe Hodych reviewed
EDITOR GRAPHICS Mandy Cook Molly Baker
2
Material in the Gazette may be reprinted or broadcast without permission, excepting materials for which the Gazette does not hold exclusive copyright. Gazette, Room A-1024 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 Telephone: 709 864 2142 Fax: 709 864 8699 Email: mandyc@mun.ca ISSN 0228-88 77 With the exception of advertisements from Memorial University, ads carried in the Gazette do not imply recommendation by the university for the service or product.
www.mun.ca/gazette
Passion for justice Social work alumna named Red Cross Young Humanitarian of the Year By Laura Woodford and Jessica Tucker Special to the Gazette
BACHELOR OF social work graduate Ashley Gosse has
profile across the province and helped increase the partic-
been awarded the 2013 Red Cross Young Humanitarian of
ipation of individuals and communities.
the Year Award for Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Gosse has demonstrated her passion for social justice and community improvement issues, particularly
about homelessness among both university students and community members.
with her involvement in Sleep Out 120, a campaign that
“Sleep Out 120 and the people who actively participate
raises awareness of the issue of youth homelessness. The
in the campaign provide me with hope,” she said. “Hope
award was presented to Ms. Gosse at the Canadian Red
that there will come a day when every person has a safe
Cross Humanitarian Awards dinner held at the St. John’s
and consistent place to call home and all their basic needs
Convention Centre on Nov. 21.
are being met. I believe there will come a day when that
“Volunteering is rewarding to me in many different ways on a personal level,” said Ms. Gosse. “In particular
MITCH RUMBOLDT PHOTO
Ms. Gosse’s efforts have also helped raise awareness
happens and I know that we as a society can make that happen.”
my involvement with Sleep Out 120 has provided me a
Ms. Gosse graduated from Memorial’s School of Social
new perspective on what it means to be privileged within
Work in 2013. In recognition of her commitment to social
our society. I now consider having a safe place to call
justice and leadership efforts while studying, she received
home a privilege. We do not always recognize those basic
the Jackie Brown Memorial Scholarship. She was also the
things as something we should be grateful for until we do
recipient of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association
not have it anymore.”
of Social Workers student award.
Ms. Gosse became involved with Sleep Out 120 in
As a student, Ms. Gosse was a dedicated volunteer with
2011. Since then, the project has helped raise more than
many women’s organizations on campus. She also fulfilled
$30,000 and expanded locations to Corner Brook, Happy
the role of lunch and learn co-ordinator for the School of
Valley-Goose Bay and Memorial University. As a member
Social Work and served as president of the class of 2013.
of the team, she has worked hard to raise the program’s
Ashley Gosse
Celebrate the season at Joy to the World party By Marcia Porter
SPREAD A LITTLE joy with friends and colleagues at Memorial’s campus-wide Joy to the World party for faculty, staff and retirees Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Breezeway in the University Centre on the St. John's campus. Festivities get underway at 3 p.m. For the price of admission (a food or monetary donation to the Campus Food Bank) you’ll enjoy great company, complimentary pizza, soda pop and water, a chance to win great prizes and music provided by DJ Andrew Bouzan. There will also be a cash bar. Don’t miss the chance to mingle with friends and colleagues!
thing. In fact, it’s a perfect opportunity to figure out
Rite of passage
STUDENTVIEW Shannon Page
THERE ARE
a lot of things to dislike about the
holidays.
what this time of year means to me on a personal level. If I can’t participate in family festivities or traditions, then I’m going to have to make my own. It’s sort of like a rite of passage, and it’s something
who I spent most holidays with before I moved to
that everyone has to figure out at some point. Whether
There’s the music, to start with. The carols begin in
Newfoundland and Labrador, are in British Columbia.
it’s because you can’t be with your family, or because
mid-November and repeat endlessly for nearly eight
Sometimes I can scrape up the money to visit at least
your family has changed or because your partner or sig-
weeks until you almost begin to forget the creepy date-
some of them during the winter break — but most of the
nificant other’s family celebrates differently than yours,
rape undertones to Baby, It’s Cold Outside and find your-
time it’s just not possible.
or an infinite variety of other reasons — at some point
self singing along. There’s the mass consumerism. The
I’m not a religious person, so the main appeal of the
crowded shopping malls and department stores. The
holiday season has always been spending time with
commercials. The flyers piling up in the mailbox.
those I care about. In the past, I’ve more or less boy-
This year, I’m going to spend it with some good
in your adult life you’ll have to move a little bit beyond your family traditions.
And, for many university students struggling to make
cotted seasonal celebrations and festivities when faced
friends who are in the same boat and try to be a little
ends meet, there’s the realization that you won’t be
with the prospect of spending this time of year away
less cynical. I’m going to focus on the wonderful people
going home for the holidays. Whether it’s due to tight
from loved ones. I’ve sent the obligatory cards and
that I can be with, rather than agonize over the ones I
finances or other causes, students (particularly those
mailed presents for my cousin’s kids and then spent the
can’t. I’m going to make my own stocking and decorate
who attend school outside of their home province) often
rest of the holidays sulking and re-watching episodes of
my apartment with my own lights and make my own
find themselves away from their families. And it sucks.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, protesting my sorry situation.
traditions. That, and avoid the malls.
My family is scattered across North America: my Dad
But, not this year.
is in Mexico and my Mom’s side of the family live in
Because this year something new occurred to me:
Toronto. My high school friends and their families,
being alone during the holidays doesn’t have to be a bad
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
3
Shannon Page is a fourth-year double major in English and classics at Memorial. She can be reached at spep60@mun.ca.
www.mun.ca/gazette
Preparing for winter weather WHEN A WINTER
storm blows
And with a population of approximately
Information is also relayed to provincial
through, Memorial is ready with a
19,000 students and more than 5,000 fac-
media who are extremely co-operative in
detailed plan for informing people about
ulty and staff, news has to get out fast.
airing the news as soon as possible.
emergency cancellations and closures.
In St. John’s, when closures happen
Early closings during daytime will be
Safety drives the decision on closures.
midway through the day, a message is sent
announced at least one hour in advance.
When bad weather arrives, the decision to
around campus as quickly as possible. It is
Advisories for late openings and all-day clo-
cancel classes or close the St. John’s cam-
phoned or faxed to student unions, facul-
sures will be issued by 7 a.m. In addition to
pus rests ultimately with the university
ties, schools, departments and divisions
contacting the media and posting informa-
president (or his/her designate, should he/
and emailed to employees via the Newsline
tion to the university website, the Division
she be out of town). The president receives
email service. The closure message is also
of Marketing and Communications and, at
advice from a number of university units,
posted on Twitter, which you can follow at
the Marine Institute and Grenfell Campus,
particularly Facilities Management, which
@MemorialU, posted to the today.mun.ca
the communications co-ordinators, also
is in close contact with Environment
website and the main university website,
make early morning phone calls directly
Canada and the provincial Department
www.mun.ca. The same notice is posted
to the heads of key university units such
of Works, Services and Transportation as
to the cancellations site at www.mun.ca/
as the Childcare Centre and The Works in
weather systems develop.
main/cancellations.php, which is also
St. John’s and the Pepsi Centre and Ferriss
Similarly, in Corner Brook, the vice-pres-
accessible by visiting the main webpage,
Hodgett Library in Corner Brook.
ident (Grenfell Campus) (administration
and is posted to the university’s video
and finance) makes the decision in con-
screens (during daytime closures).
sultation
with
Facilities
Management
The Marine Institute notifies students,
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
(Grenfell Campus).
St. John’s campus
Changes to research support services
faculty and staff of closures and cancella-
Since Memorial is a residential institu-
tions on the main website www.mi.mun .
tion, it is a priority to maintain key opera-
ca, as well as Twitter (@marineinstitute)
tions and schedules to serve students who
and its several Facebook pages.
University emergency closing procedures: www.mun.ca/main/closures.php Office of Emergency Management’s severe weather procedures: www.mun.ca/emergency/know_ what_to_do/weather.php
live on campus, even when the univer-
Similar actions are taken at Grenfell
sity is experiencing emergencies such as
Campus via email, and information appears
poor weather. The university doesn’t close
on www.grenfell.mun.ca. Closures are also
except under unusual circumstances. In
posted on Twitter at Twitter:www.twitter.
the event of severe weather or other emer-
com/grenfellcampus or Facebook: www.
gencies, if Memorial has to cancel classes
facebook.com/grenfellcampus . In addition,
or close, information will be made avail-
Grenfell changes its main phone line mes-
able as quickly as possible through a vari-
sage to apprise students, faculty and staff of
ety of communications vehicles.
information as it becomes available.
service experience wherever possible.
the Canada Foundation for Innovation
consultations, the next step is to present
These recommendations will be imple-
(CFI) and the Canada Research Chairs
the Strategic Research Intensity Plan to
mented throughout the next 12 months.
Secretariat. Major Research Partnerships
the Board of Regents in March 2014,” said
will also fall within RGCS.
Dr. Marceau. “By April 2015, our target
The first recommendation to be implemented is the reorganization of research support services.
Personal emergency preparedness information: www.mun.ca/emergency/ prepareweek Parking information during winter weather: www.mun.ca/facman/parking_roads/ snow_ice.php
CREAIT, CRC and CFI Services (CCCS),
is to increase grant and contract success
led by Dr. Marlies Rise, will be the insti-
rate by 20 per cent and to expedite the
“During the review process, many
tutional point of contact for the Canada
opening of research accounts within one
stemming
researchers indicated that there was sig-
Research Chairs Program and CFI fund-
week.”
from the review of research grant and
nificant confusion related to the process
ing. CREAIT, Memorial’s pan-university
Consultations for the Strategic Research
support services have been approved by
of submitting grant applications or con-
network of major research equipment,
Intensity Plan will take place over com-
the Board of Regents as part of the effort
tract proposals,” explained Dr. Richard
will be a strategic part of this office.
ing months involving all faculties and
to build a Strategic Research Intensity
Marceau,
(research).
No positions were lost as a part of this
schools on the St. John’s campus, and the
Plan for Memorial University.
RECOMMENDATIONS
vice-president
“Based on the feedback we received
reorganization. In addition to the new
Grenfell and Marine Institute campuses
The plan calls for Memorial to identify
during the review and in consultation
units, the Office of the Vice-President
of Memorial University. The Labrador
and reduce the barriers to greater research
with stakeholders, we have prioritized
(Research) will be requesting a mod-
Institute will also be involved in this
intensity with the overall goal of attract-
making changes to research administra-
est investment in human resources and
consultation.
ing and retaining highly qualified faculty
tion to make it easier for researchers to
information technology software and
and students. The first barrier addressed
avail of our resources and to improve the
systems in 2014–15 in order to strengthen
in the course of this plan relates to the
customer service experience.”
the ability of the new units to provide
findings of the research support services
As of Dec. 5, 2013, the Office of
review and involves the need for superior
Collaborations and Partnerships and the
customer service and streamlined grant
Office of Research Services have been
A progressive transition to this new sys-
and contract processes.
dissolved and two new units have been
tem will begin on Dec. 16. While there
created to simplify the grant and contract
may be some slowdowns associated with
administration process.
the changeover, there will be no work
The board approved the 13 recommendations for improving research grant
superior customer services to all of their stakeholders.
and contract support services, including
Research Grant and Contract Services
streamlining and simplifying processes,
(RGCS), under the leadership of Dave
“The implementation of this reorga-
empowering academic units on all cam-
Miller, will be responsible for all grants
nization is the first priority and will be
puses and providing a superior customer
and contracts, except those offered by
complete by January 2014. Following
stoppages.
You can master today’s technology and software We provide one-on-one training tailored to your goals at your home or office. Your proficiency with your software, computer, iPad, etc will improve with our step-by-step personalized approach. Please visit our website to begin the process.
Tight deadline for that poster or website? Our team loves a challenge. Let us finish the project for you. On time. Give us a call.
PCC
PersonalComputerConsultants.ca Your Learning Partner Ph. (709) 771-4736
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
4
More information will be available online, www.mun.ca/research .
NOTABLE Glenn Blackwood, vice-president (Marine Institute), Dr. Derek Wilton, professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Dr. TA Loeffler, professor, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, and Frank Fagan, official visitor of Memorial, have been named fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s College of Fellows is comprised of nearly 600 individuals who act as the voting body of the society and elect its officers and governors. Dr. James P. Feehan, a professor in the Department of Economics, has been appointed to the editorial board of Energy Studies Review. The Review is an applied energy policy journal published by the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Dr. Linda Rohr was appointed associate dean (undergraduate studies) in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation for a three-year term effective Sept. 1, 2013.
www.mun.ca/gazette
FRAMEWORKS AT WORK: Memorial’s frameworks in action The three overarching frameworks guiding Memorial’s future
direction — the
Research
Strategy
Framework,
the Teaching and Learning Framework and the Public Engagement Framework — are the result of several years of consultations with the university community and the people and organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador. This regular feature will help showcase the frameworks in action by sharing projects and highlighting the successes that are
TEACHING AND LEARNING Project supports student and educator engagement
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
bringing them to life.
Dr. Geoff Rideout is participating in Project Engage in Teaching.
By Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey
A THREE-YEAR pilot project is supporting educators at Memorial to enhance their teaching skills. Project Engage in Teaching supports participants by assisting with redesigning their courses. A rede-
Faculty members deliver the revised course in the fol-
discover I’m doing some things right and also that there
lowing semester and the level of engagement in their
are opportunities to improve the student experience in
classrooms is then re-assessed, using the same standard-
my classroom. I want them to learn more, and retain
ized assessment tool originally employed.
more.”
sign involves research-informed teaching strategies to
“There are over 20 years of pedagogical research
Dr. Rideout feels if students can receive additional
improve student engagement and learning. Many par-
supporting the benefits of active learning,” said Anna
benefit from lecture time, then managing their own
ticipating educators teach in lecture halls, which can
Hicks, teaching consultant with DELTS. “Through this
time outside of class should be easier.
make active student engagement a challenge.
project we are focusing on the learner as we encourage
This project continues ongoing work to support the
opportunities for educators to engage their students and
recommendations of Memorial’s Teaching and Learning
foster relationships with their students.”
Framework, which supports further development of
To begin, project participants identify a course they teach to a large class, as defined by their departments and faculties. A baseline assessment of student engagement
Geoff Rideout is one of the educators participating
within their course is then obtained through classroom
in Project Engage in Teaching. He teaches an under-
observation and assessment by graduate students using
graduate course to 165 students in a lecture theatre. He
At Memorial, organizers welcomed the first cohort
a standardized instrument. Faculty members receive
wants to stimulate discussion and connect with stu-
into the program during the 2013 fall semester. In total,
their assessment and are then assisted through work-
dents in the classroom even though he acknowledges
30 educators will participate in the project. The first
shops and input from instructional development staff
the challenges.
cohort will teach their newly redesigned courses in the
in DELTS (Distance Education, Learning and Teaching
“I am curious to learn about, and apply, pedagog-
Support) to redesign their course for maximum student
ical research to improve engagement in future offer-
engagement and learning.
ings,” said Dr. Rideout. “Through this project, I hope to
Rethinking the skill set
teaching expertise for educators teaching undergraduate and graduate students.
fall 2014 semester. To get involved or for more information, please contact anna.hicks@mun.ca .
can be applied to numerous other career choices.
Learning project to develop student resiliency in changing global economy
“What we have discovered is students tend to define themselves by their degree, instead of the competencies they develop throughout their university program. When students comment on the difficulty of
By Karen Youden-Walsh
finding work, we challenge them to consider the com-
Special to the Gazette
petencies gained as they earn their degree. With a little encouragement, the light bulb comes on as they begin
RECENT FUNDING
through a $569,400 grant
“It’s all about preparing students for the future,”
from the Counseling Foundation of Canada will allow
explained Dr. Shea. “The reality is we have no idea what
For instance, when students present in class, they
researchers at Memorial to develop a system which
careers will be available 10 years from now. Ten years
develop valuable communication and public speaking
aids students in identifying career competencies
ago social media didn’t exist, 15 years ago Blackberries
skills; while writing reports and essays, they develop
established through their university degrees.
didn’t exist and look at the new career opportunities
problem-solving skills — types of transferable com-
that those two inventions have created.”
petencies that are desirable in virtually any career.
Implementation of this initiative will make it the
to reflect on their broader skill set.”
first Canadian system of career-integrated learning
Memorial defined graduating student competencies
Memorial wants students to look at course syllabi and
in post-secondary education. The project is led by
in its 2011 Teaching and Learning Framework. This
be able to see not only the course content, but also the
Dr. Robert Shea, associate vice-president, academic
project will help make the articulation of these com-
potential career competencies that may be developed.
and student affairs, Marine Institute; Dr. Rhonda Joy,
petencies a reality for students and instructors.
The project leaders are working in consultation with
associate professor, Faculty of Education; and Karen
“The 21st-century workplace requires students to be
faculty and staff to introduce graduating student com-
Youden Walsh, project co-ordinator, career integrated
able to articulate their skills, abilities and talents in
petencies in several courses. Moving forward, they
learning, Student Affairs.
order to be resilient in the face of changing job mar-
hope to expand this concept across the university.
The team collaborates with faculty to identify key
kets and a global economy,” said Dr. Joy. “Students
Interested in participating? Looking for further infor-
competencies for the students in the course syllabus or
graduating with degrees or diplomas should under-
mation? Please contact rshea@mun.ca , rjoy@mun.ca or
in experiential learning opportunities.
stand the significant transferable competencies that
karen.youden@mun.ca .
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
5
www.mun.ca/gazette
The blistering pace of the time-to-market for these new technologies is therefore critical to staying competitive. Keeping ahead in fundamental research is essential.” The main problem with increasing AD is that it affects the stability of the stored information and limits the increases in AD. The stability problem arises because to form a bit, all the tiny nano-magnets must be aligned in the same direction. “Unfortunately, the nano-magnets would rather align in opposite directions,” said Dr. Whitehead. “Just try holding two refrigerator magnets next to each other the wrong way. Fluctuations of the nano-magnets due to thermal agitation can cause random flips that degrade the bit pattern. Even at room temperature there is enough thermal energy to potentially flip a nano-magnet in a bit. “Over time, more and more nano-magnets flip their direction and the stored information is non-recoverable. For higher AD, you need smaller bits and smaller nano-magnets, which are easier to flip — that’s called superparamagnetism. Ten years ago, hard drives had a typical warranty period of five years. Now you are lucky to get a commitment that your thesis — or photos, or music — stored on your hard drive will still be there three CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
years later, and it’s all because of superparamagnetism.”
Drs. John Whitehead and Martin Plumer
The researchers’ computer simulations relate the stability of the nano-magnets in a bit pattern to the basic material properties of the thin magnetic films that make up a hard disc. Together with post-doctoral scholar, Dr. Tim Fal, part-time research assistant and PhD student Jason Mercer and Dr. Johannes van Ek, principal collaborator at Western Digital, the professors solve time-dependent equations for interacting nano-magnets or “micromag-
To the limit
netics” that include the effects of thermal fluctuations. “This is not an easy problem and we need the full power of the hundreds of processors available from the Atlantic Computational Excellence Network to get mean-
Using computers to make better computers
ingful results,” said Dr. Plumer. “Both Western Digital and Seagate recognize the importance of fundamental research and of funding university collaborations. Our
By Kelly Foss
collaborative research agreement with Western Digital
ABOUT 500 GIGABYTES
of data are created
“The driver of all this cheap storage is called areal
supports the development of numerical models that can
around the world every second, with the total amount
density (AD), which is how many bits you can store on a
be used to guide targeted research in materials science
of data doubling every two years. Approximately 600
square inch of a disc,” said Dr. Plumer. “AD has increased
to sustain the continued increase in AD over the next
million hard drives were sold last year to contain this
100 million times over the past 50 years, and for a few
decade. It has also brought over US$180,000 into the
data, creating $32 billion in revenue for the industry,
years in the early 2000s, the annual growth rate in AD
local economy by providing salaries for post-doctoral
with all of that information stored on a disc smaller than
was 100 per cent. Today it is down to about 20 per cent.
scholars and students.”
a compact disc through the marvels of nano-magnets.
To sustain even a modest growth in AD over the next
Dr. Plumer adds the collaboration has been a lot of fun.
But don’t expect this to continue. The laws of phys-
decade, manufacturers will need to bring new technol-
“We get to do the type of research that we love with
ics are being pushed to their limit in the quest for ever
ogies to market in a relatively short time frame, and
the added benefit that industry is interested enough to
decreasing bit size. The industry is looking to fundamen-
cheaply.”
help pay for it,” he said. “It is also a way for our students
tal research to provide a roadmap to guide the development of the next generation of magnetic hard drives.
He explains that while the capacity of a typical disc
and post-docs to get exposure to real-world problems
drive has increased exponentially with time, its price has
and to see first-hand how fundamental science makes an
At the leading edge of this research are Drs. Martin
remained relatively constant because of the fierce com-
impact. They get to present their results at applied mag-
Plumer and John Whitehead in the Department of
petition between manufacturers. However, these price
netism conferences, interact with industry researchers,
Physics and Physical Oceanography, currently in their
wars have taken their toll.
and also visit the research and manufacturing sites of
fourth year of a collaborative research agreement with
“Fifteen years ago there were eight or so such com-
Western Digital. In fact, the training in our group has
Western Digital Corporation, near San Francisco, Calif.,
panies in the U.S.,” he said. “Today, only arch rivals
even led to one of our former post-docs landing a perma-
in a project that uses numerical simulations to study the
Western Digital and Seagate remain and neither com-
nent position at Seagate in Minneapolis.”
stability of data stored with ever-smaller bits.
pany can afford to let the other take the technology lead.
Hebron Diversity Research Fund recipients announced By Kelly Foss and Jackey Locke
engineering, with the requirement that the research be
of teaching engineering courses such as digital signal
Moloney, a professor in the Faculty
led by a faculty member who is a woman, a member of
processing, which require students to integrate abstract
of Engineering and Applied Science, and Dr. Francesca
an Aboriginal group, a visible minority or an individual
mathematical theory with real-world application.
Kerton, an associate professor with the Department of
with an identified disability.
DR. CECILIA
Chemistry, are the recipients of the Hebron Diversity Research Fund Grants A and B, respectively. Grant A is valued at $40,000 and is given to a
Dr.
Moloney
and
Dr. Kerton co-supervises the Green Chemistry and Cecile
Catalysis Group at Memorial University. The team of
Badenhorst, Faculty of Education, and Janna Rosales,
co-investigators
Drs.
researchers has recently discovered a way to make a new
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, are
molecule from sugars, which could be obtained from
researcher to study the participation of women and/or
interested
fishery waste, such as shrimp, lobster and crab shells.
designated groups in math, science and engineering.
pedagogies to advance the participation of women and
The goal of Grant B, also valued at $40,000, is to
other diversities in engineering.
conduct research in the broad areas of math, science or
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
in
pursuing
research
on
integrative
Dr. Moloney is interested in developing new methods
6
The Hebron Project co-venturers are ExxonMobil Canada Properties (operator), Chevron Canada, Suncor Energy Inc., Statoil Canada and Nalcor Energy.
www.mun.ca/gazette
Learning to balance Human Kinetics and Recreation offers community-based fall prevention program By Michelle Osmond
SINCE MARY
Corbett had knee
their balance. During the program,
surgery nearly three years ago, she’s been
which wrapped up on Dec. 8, there was
terrified of falling.
also information on fall prevention,
“I was terribly off balance and I have
how to reduce the risk and what to do
a fear of ice, as I’m sure most seniors
after a fall. According to Ms. Corbett,
do,” she said.
simple advice such as proper footwear
Ms. Corbett also has fibromyalgia, which causes musculoskeletal pain. But a few months back she noticed an advertisement in the Holyrood town flyer about a fall prevention program, so she signed up.
Fourth-year
kinesiology
student
Rebecca Lau helped run the program. “We didn’t have trouble getting participants. A few weeks before our
“I didn’t really know what it was when
study began we hosted an information session at the Holyrood Community
can to stay active for my health and
Centre. Twenty-six seniors showed up
well-being.” What Ms. Corbett signed
to the information session and we had
up for was a fall prevention program;
22 participants.
balance-based
exercise
program
“Balance is very important as we age
for seniors run by School of Human
and our muscles get weaker,” added
Kinetics and Recreation professor Dr.
Ms. Lau. “Statistics show that as we
Jeanette Byrne and master’s student
age we are at greater risk for falling due
Megan Cummings. The program was
to a number of factors such as vision,
part of a research project Fall Prevention
hearing, medications, home-hazards,
in Community Dwelling Seniors: A
etc. Hopefully, the results of this
Quantitative and Qualitative Study.
study will show how important these
The researchers ran two groups: one
SUBMITTED PHOTO
mats was very useful.
I saw it advertised, but I do whatever I
a
which
received
balance-based
interventions are and how seniors can benefit from these programs.”
exercises and an information session
For Ms. Corbett, it means that when
and a second group which received
winter ice hits, she will have a lot more
only the information session. To make
confidence. “I feel safer and I’ve learned
recommendations for future programs,
a lot. I’m more relaxed now and not as
they wanted to know if the intervention
scared of falling.”
program affected how confident they
Holyrood resident Germaine Crawley participating in a fall prevention program headed up by Human Kinetics and Recreation.
around the house and getting rid of
Funding
for
the
program
came
felt and whether there were balance
from the Newfoundland and Labrador
improvements.
Healthy Aging Research Program, which
The exercise-based group met twice
is administered by the Newfoundland
a week for 10 weeks. They performed
and Labrador Centre for Applied Health
exercises and activities to challenge
Research.
@ ACCESS. ENGAGEMENT. LEARNING.
VISIT US ONLINE
“I LIKE BEING INVOLVED IN VARIOUS
ELEMENTS OF MEDIA PRODUCTION.
www.mun.ca/gazette
PEOPLE APPROACH US WITH THEIR IDEAS AND
WE MAKE THEM HAPPEN.” To assist in the development of learning materials, a team of producers and production technologists @DELTS work to create a collection of media resources. Visit us at delts.mun.ca
Adrian Collins Production Technologist
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
7
www.mun.ca/gazette
PEOPLE OF MEMORIAL Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK integrative praxis, leadership and social Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei is assistant
as a part-time professor at Centennial
professor with the School of Social Work.
College between 2012 and 2013.
justice, spirituality and social work praxis. He has two upcoming books: Emerging
Dr. Adjei received his undergrad-
His teaching and research interests are
Perspectives in African Development: Speaking
uate degree in social work from the
in the areas of critical race and anti-rac-
Differently, which he co-edited with George
University of Ghana and his PhD from
ism studies, anti-colonial and post-co-
Dei, and Indigenity, Violence and Character
the University of Toronto. Prior to taking
lonial studies, issues around Indigenity
Education: Reclaiming African Indigenous
his current position with Memorial, Dr.
and Indigenous knowledge, violent and
Knowledge for Youth Education, which he
Adjei was a lecturer at the University of
non-violent studies, HIV/AIDS and rural
is co-authoring with George Dei, Camille
Toronto for five years and he also taught
development,
Logan, and Jagjeet Gill.
social
work
skills
and
Michelle Kilborn SCHOOL OF HUMAN KINETICS AND RECREATION
University of Victoria, and spent several years as president of the B.C. Physical
Michelle Kilborn wants our children
teaching health and lifestyle-enhancing
to be healthy. Throughout her career
programs.”
Education Specialists’ Council. Her research centres on curriculum
she’s helped schools and teachers guide
Before moving to Newfoundland and
and pedagogy in school-based physical
children and families to healthy lifestyles.
Labrador, Ms. Kilborn spent 12 years
and health education. She is a member
“I have always been an advocate for
teaching health and physical education
of the Canadian Society for the Study
physical and health education,” said Ms.
in British Columbia. She completed a
of Education, as well as a consultant for
Kilborn. “I chose to begin my new career at
master’s degree in physical education
Physical and Health Education Canada,
Memorial because I wanted to join a team
and a bachelor’s degree in physical edu-
a pan-Canadian environmental scan on
of scholars committed to researching and
cation and biological sciences from the
physical activity.
Dr. Adam Dubrowski FACULTY OF MEDICINE Dr. Dubrowski earned his PhD in kineDr. Adam Dubrowski is an associate
“Although my primary appointment is
siology from the University of Waterloo in
professor in the Discipline of Emergency
with the Faculty of Medicine, my vision
2001 and joined the Wilson Centre and
Medicine.
is to network throughout university units
Department of Surgery at the University of
He will provide leadership and build
such as the School of Nursing and the
Toronto. From 2007 he was director of the
scholarship and research capacity in
School of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Centre of Research in Nursing Education
the development and evaluation of sim-
as well as the Marine Institute, with geo-
at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of
ulation programs in the new Clinical
graphical locations from St. John’s to
Nursing. In 2009 he joined the Sick Kids
Learning and Development Centre in
Corner Brook to Goose Bay, with scholar-
Learning and Research Institutes and the
the Faculty of Medicine.
ship in simulation.”
Department of Pediatrics.
Nicole Snow began her appointment at
primary interest are mental health-care
Snow is exploring the use of Community
Memorial’s School of Nursing in August
settings, ethical considerations inher-
Treatment Orders (mandatory community
2013.
ent in professional care, professionalism
treatment) for individuals with severe,
Nicole Snow SCHOOL OF NURSING
Her research is focused on exploring
and its praxis and interprofessional edu-
persistent mental illness in Newfoundland
the dimensions of professional nursing
cation and practice. In her doctoral the-
and Labrador.
interactions in a variety of contexts. Of
sis from the University of Alberta, Ms.
Dr. Allan Hall FACULTY OF ARTS
Dr. Alan Hall comes to Memorial
Dr. Hall specializes in the area of occu-
His current research involves injury
after several years in the University of
pational health and safety with broad
and hazard reporting by young workers
Windsor’s sociology department.
interests in labour, law and health and
and immigrants, worker health and safety
He was also the director of their labour
is currently teaching courses in unem-
representation and employment standards
studies program and is currently the pro-
ployment and policing in Memorial’s
violations.
gram co-ordinator of Memorial’s master
Department of Sociology.
in employment relations program.
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
8
www.mun.ca/gazette
FACULTY PROFILES Dr. Meghan Burchell FACULTY OF ARTS An assistant professor in the Department
interactions. Specifically, she studies
Bioarchaeology as well as Principles of
of Archaeology at Memorial, Dr. Meghan
the micro-structure and geochemistry
Archaeology and will be introducing a
Burchell spent several years in Hamilton,
of hard tissues such as shell, bone, teeth
new course, the Archaeology of Death,
Ont., as an undergraduate and graduate
and coral to derive information on past
in Winter 2014. This course will exam-
student at McMaster University.
climate, human settlement patterns and
ine the different methodological and
diet.
theoretical approaches to how we under-
Her research intersects archaeology, biology and geochemistry to under-
Dr.
stand long-term human-environmental
Burchell
is
currently
teach-
ing Introduction to Archaeology and
stand the history of human burials, and how we regard the deceased.
Dr. Ashrafee Hossain FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Dr. Ashrafee Hossain joined the Faculty
It was during his PhD that he received
with well-published researchers on joint
of Business Administration in July 2013
the 2013 Joe Kelly Graduate Award for the
research and publications. I am highly
as an assistant professor of finance.
best thesis produced by a student of the
motivated to further build my research
John Molson School of Business.
and publication output.”
He holds a bachelor of science in information technology and a master of
“My recently completed PhD has given
Dr. Hossain’s research focuses on var-
business administration in finance, both
me the tools and desire to develop a
ious areas of corporate finance including
from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.,
number of research streams on corporate
corporate governance, financial regula-
and a PhD in finance from Concordia
finance topics,” he said. “I have an existing
tions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate
University in Montreal, Que.
research pipeline and have already worked
social responsibility and sustainability.
Dr. Chansoo Park FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Dr. Chansoo Park joins the Faculty of
South Korea and has extensive interna-
Business Administration as an assistant
tional business experience with multina-
professor in international business.
tional enterprises (MNEs). His research is
business
in the area of knowledge transfer, alliances
University in Seoul, a top business school
and MNEs strategy.
in South Korea. He was a post-doctoral
Dr. Park worked for the Centre for International Business Studies at the
and Learning Award in 2011. He also holds a PhD in international and
strategy
from
Sogang
University of British Columbia as a research
Dr. Park holds a graduate certificate in
fellow at the Sauder School of Business at
associate prior to joining Memorial. He
executive coaching from Royal Roads
the University of British Columbia under
has taught courses in international busi-
University in Victoria, B.C., where he
the supervision of the eminent scholar in
ness and strategy in Canada, China and
received the Graham Dickson Leadership
international business, Dr. Ilan Vertinsky.
Dr. Erin McGowan SCHOOL OF HUMAN KINETICS AND RECREATION Dr. Erin McGowan is an alumnus of
and health psychology. She also has a
Dr. McGowan’s research focuses on
the School of Human Kinetics and
B.Sc.(Hons.) in human kinetics from the
promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours
Recreation with a master’s degree in
University of Ottawa. Most recently, Dr.
through theory-driven physical activity
kinesiology. Now, she’s back as an
McGowan was a Canadian Cancer Society
interventions, specifically the promo-
assistant professor of sport, exercise and
Research Institute funded post-doctoral
tion of physical activity to address three
health psychology.
research fellow at the University of Alberta
main issues: preventing cancer occur-
Dr. McGowan graduated from the
studying behavioural medicine in the
rence, mitigating the side effects of cancer
University of Western Ontario with a PhD
Department of Physical Education and
and its treatments and preventing cancer
in kinesiology specializing in exercise
Recreation.
recurrence.
Dr. Deanna Murphy FACULTY OF MEDICINE Dr. Deanna Murphy has been appointed
in 2010. She then completed a fellowship
post-secondary education with an inter-
assistant professor with the Discipline of
in reproductive endocrinology and infer-
est in using simulation in residency
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with a clinical
tility from the University of Ottawa in
training and is a member of the point of
cross-appointment to Eastern Health.
2012 at the Ottawa Fertility Clinic. She
care ultrasound faculty at Memorial. Dr.
Dr. Murphy graduated with her MD
has a clinical interest in infertility, fertil-
Murphy has completed research in the
from Memorial University in 2005 and
ity preservation, pediatric and adolescent
decline in antral follicle count with age,
went on to complete her residency in
gynecology and menopause.
and outcomes in teenage pregnancies on
She is commencing a master’s in
obstetrics and gynecology at Memorial
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
9
the Avalon Peninsula.
www.mun.ca/gazette
&
NEWS NOTES
Continued from RHODES story on page 1
Listed below is a selection of the funding opportunities for which information has recently
The recent announcement is so fresh,
and helped raise funds to endow a music
been received by the Office of Research Services. For links to further information on these items,
he says it’s really just starting to sink
scholarship for students in need. I know
visit Grant Funding Opportunities on the research website at www.mun.ca/research/overview/
in. His application was submitted in
he will make the most of the leadership
grant_opp.php .
October and he and three other local
and educational opportunities offered
students were invited to take part in a
by the Rhodes Scholarship.”
• Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region: 2014 Research Grants Competition
recent reception and dinner. After a for-
Being the next Rhodes Scholar means
• Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Literature Review and Research
mal interview the next day, Mr. Payne
Mr. Payne will attend Oxford in October
Proposal Development on the Effectiveness of Psychiatric Service Dogs in Treating Posttrau-
was informed of his selection the same
to begin work on a one year, course-
afternoon.
matic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans
based master of science degree in global
• CIHR Canadian Immunization Research Network
“No matter how much you prepare, or
health. It builds on the research in sta-
• CIHR Child and Youth Health Grant
how far along you get, it’s not ever some-
tistics he’s currently doing at Memorial
• CIHR Institute Community Support Grants and Awards
thing you actually expect,” he said. “The
focusing on obesity in Newfoundland
• CIHR Mental Health Network – Full Proposal
other students involved were wonderful
and Labrador.
• CIHR Open Operating Grant - Registration
leaders and talented researchers. They’re
“I’ve been working with a lot of data
all doing great things and I don’t believe
and modelling,” he said. “It’s very useful
• CIHR Science Policy Fellowships
I’m any better than they are.”
and practical research and this will give
• CIHR Science to Business
Rhodes
me a chance to take what I’m doing now
• CIHR SPOR Network in Primary and Integrated Care Innovations
Scholarships are postgraduate awards
and look at it from a worldwide scale
• CIHR Team Grant: Boys’ and Mens’ Health
supporting outstanding all-around stu-
… It’s basically a statistics-based public
• CIHR Team Grant: Circumpolar, wellness, resilience and suicide prevention
dents at the University of Oxford, pro-
health degree looking at trends and pat-
• Imperial Oil University Research Award
viding
terns of diseases and their prevention.”
• KRESCENT New Investigator Awards
Established
in
1903,
transformative
opportunities
for exceptional individuals. Dr. Ellen Waterman,
dean,
School
of
• CIHR Quantitative Imaging for Responses to Cancer Therapies Grant
“The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s
• KRESCENT Post-Doctoral Fellowships
Music,
most prestigious scholarship,” said Dr.
• SSHRC Insight Development Grants Competition
believes the Rhodes Trust made a wise
Andy Foster, associate dean, Faculty of
• The Foundation Fighting Blindness New Investigator Award
decision in their choice.
Science. “In this instance, it’s wonderful
• The Foundation Fighting Blindness Operating Grant – Full Application
“Anthony is not only a fine musician
that it provides Anthony the opportu-
• U.S. Department of Defence Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award
and scholar, he is also a very generous
nity to further his statistical modelling
• U.S. Department of Defence Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Neuromusculoskeletal Inju-
person,” she said. “During his time at
ideas with experts in the field to ulti-
the School of Music, he tutored students
mately make a difference in the world.”
ries Research Award • U.S. Department of Defence Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Research Program Regenerative Medicine Clinical Trial Award • U.S. Department of Defence Defense Medical Research and Development Program
Continued from PATON story on page 1
• U.S. Department of Defence Neurosensory Research Awards • U.S. Department of Defence Psychological Health/Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program
kidney disease and inherited cystic dis-
In public engagement, he has pro-
ease of the kidney. He played a lead role
vided evidence to the Government
in global randomized controlled trials of
of Newfoundland and Labrador that
therapies in chronic kidney disease. He
changed
has led or collaborated in national and
ery policies. His expertise and advice
Jan. 15
international interdisciplinary research
has influenced policy decisions for the
CNIB
teams that have determined the molec-
allocation of long-term care beds, acute
–– Baker Fellowship Fund
ular genetic bases of cystic diseases,
hospital sector restructuring, drug uti-
–– Baker New Researcher Fund
arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and
lization and other interventions to
–– Baker Applied Research Fund
colorectal cancer.
improve health-care delivery.
–– Barbara Tuck MacPhee Award
multiple
health-care
• U.S. Department of Defence Vision Research Program Translational Research Award
• IMMINENT DEADLINES
deliv-
Over the last 30 years, Dr. Parfrey
“Although this award validates the
has been an educator and mentor in
work that I have undertaken since
Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine in the
coming to Memorial in 1984, it was all
undergraduate and graduate programs.
predicated on the contributions of mul-
–– Conference/Seminars/Workshops Grants
He has trained more than 50 post-gradu-
tiple altruistic collaborators across mul-
–– Publication Subsidies
ate students in the clinical epidemiology
tiple disciplines who wanted to answer
program that he helped found, and past
research
students have credited him with help-
patients,” said Dr. Parfrey.
questions
of
relevance
International Union against Cancer –– Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial UICC International Study Grants Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange
Feb. 1
to
Royal Society of Canada
ing them develop critical thinking and
The John Lewis Paton Distinguished
communication skills. Geoff Warden,
University Professorship will be formally
PhD candidate and medical student, said
awarded to Dr. Parfrey at the president’s
The Harry Guggenheim Foundation
about his mentor: “Dr. Parfrey teaches
awards ceremony on Dec. 12. At that
–– Dissertation Fellowships
his students to develop a critical mind
time, awards will also be presented in
by pointing his students in the right
recognition of outstanding teaching,
direction, but allowing them to make
research and service. For a complete list
connections and draw their own conclu-
of recipients, please visit http://today.
Feb. 3
sions. His use of real-life examples in the
mun.ca/news.php?id=8657 .
Canadian Diabetes
–– McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science –– Konrad Adenauer Research Award (Germany)
Cystic Fibrosis Canada –– Summer Studentships
classroom leave indelible lessons.”
–– Operating Grants Competition –– Personnel Awards Competition National Kidney Foundation
Call for Nominations: Vice-President’s Grants Committee
–– Young Investigator Grants
Feb. 5 National Institutes of Health (U.S.)
The Vice-President’s Grants Committee is seeking to fill two vacancies: one in the area of humanities (Classics, English Language and Literature, Folklore, French and Spanish, German and Russian, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Music) and one from the Faculty of Education. This committee adjudicates applications to programs funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) institutional grant and the Vice-President Research Grant, which is administered through the Office of Research Services. If you are interested in serving on the committee, or if you would like to nominate a colleague, please contact Michelle Butt, internal grants co-ordinator, Office of Research Services (mbutt@mun.ca , 864-8368) by Friday, Dec. 20. Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
–– New Research Grants
Feb. 6 Memorial University, Office of Research Services –– SSHRC/Vice President’s Research Grant
10
www.mun.ca/gazette
OUTANDABOUT
AS OF JAN.1
For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit www.today.mun.ca
Wednesday, Dec. 11
MasterCard only credit card accepted
Wessex Society Christmas Program, 8-9:30 p.m.,
Hampton
Hall,
Marine
Institute,
Sponsor: Wessex Society
will be
Research Talks on Health Innovation, 7-9 p.m., IIC-2001, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: N.L. Centre for
the for student account payments through Self Service.
Applied Heath Research
Wednesday, Dec. 12 PhD Oral Defence of Rod Hobbs, 1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies The Critical Thinking Approach for Better Problem Solving, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., BN-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre
Monday, Dec. 16
For more information, please visit mun.ca/finance and click on the Cashier’s Office
Artificial Chemistry-Based Cell Replication Subjected to Evolution, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of Computer Science Collaborative Governance in Rural Regions: An Examination of Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., IIC-2014,
LORI LEE HOLLETT PHOTO
Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
TREE TRIMMING
From left, Chelsea Noel, president of the Grenfell Campus Student Union, and Dr. Mary Bluechardt, vice-president (Grenfell Campus), kick off the holiday season.
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Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
11
www.mun.ca/gazette
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
Engineering student Nathan Ash, Dr. Rodolphe Devillers and Dr. Arnaud Vandecasteele show off an open source remotely operated vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Drone potential
student Nathan Ash is assisting Dr. Devillers in assembling the open source remotely operated vehicles as part of his workterm. “This
Crowd sourcing geographic data by sea and by sky
initiative
has
turned
into
an
exciting
collaboration between our group in geography and a group from engineering interested in underwater vehicles,” Dr. Devillers said.
By Janet Harron
The current plan is to launch the UAV for the first time
DR. RODOLPHE
Devillers and his team are like
kids with new toys at Christmas.
can contribute by adding or modifying geographic data.
in the spring of 2014. After subsequent testing, both the
“Our research group studies how geographic data can
UAV and the ROV will be shared with researchers across
The associate professor of geography and Dr. Arnaud
be crowd sourced and is now starting to explore how
campus and in collaboration with communities and
Vandecasteele, post-doctoral fellow on his team,
new types of geographic data, such as aerial photos, can
small organizations in the province of Newfoundland
recently received funding from the Natural Sciences
be collected by the crowd using inexpensive UAVs or
and Labrador.
and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
ROVs and shared to the general public,” he said. “Our
“We anticipate such technology to play a key role
for two new pieces of equipment.
vision is that such inexpensive systems will become
in supporting research and environmental sciences,”
The new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and open
increasingly available to the general public and will
said Dr. Devillers. “For instance, a number of graduate
source remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV)
constitute a source of very interesting data for society.”
research projects from our geography department are
will allow Dr. Devillers and his team to test affordable
Although
satellites
and
airplanes
have
been
focused on Canadian Arctic communities’ vulnerability
technologies for crowd sourcing aerial photos and
historically used for collecting aerial photos, the recent
to impacts of climate change. Such research projects
underwater images.
development of drone technology opens up the potential
often require up-to-date topographic maps, accurate
According to Dr. Devillers, the collection of geographic
for citizens and communities to use UAVs in a number
digital elevation models and recent aerial photos, data
data by the general public has increased exponentially
of contexts, including mapping their communities and
that are often not available for most rural and remote
in past decades, but has been largely restricted
monitoring their environment.
places in Canada. A UAV could be used in this context
to traditional mapping, such as the increasingly
Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied
to both collect data for student projects and at the same
popular OpenStreetMap project. OpenStreetMap is a
Science has extensive experience with underwater
time test the potential benefit of using such equipment
collaborative mapping environment onto which anyone
vehicles.
for the community more generally.”
Mechanical
engineering
undergraduate
Bridging the gap
bridge between high school and post-secondary. Memorial
Partnership to provide technology-enhanced ocean education to high school students
University continually strives for excellence through its three frameworks: Teaching and Learning, Research Strategy and Public Engagement. The MOU will see pilot and joint programming take place at the three partner sites using existing infrastruc-
By Kelly Foss
ture, including touch tanks, wet labs, aquaria and presen-
MEMORIAL announced a partnership on an initiative
Memorial’s marine facilities — the Ocean Sciences Centre
tation theatres. It will also include at-sea excursions on
to enhance its public education and outreach activities
in Logy Bay, the Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point
in-shore tour/research vessels, providing hands-on, expe-
related to ocean education for secondary schools recently.
and the Holyrood Marine Base.
riential learning opportunities for students.
Led by Memorial’s Department of Ocean Sciences, the
OLP is a multi-stakeholder initiative that involves
The Digital Oceans Project, which expands the reach of
initiative will provide an expanded program of field trips
program partners from the provincial departments
the field program to schools all across the province through
and hands-on activities for high school students across
of Education and Fisheries and Aquaculture, the
a dedicated video streaming portal, was also announced.
the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District,
It will deliver live, locally relevant content about the
the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association,
coastal and oceans environment of Newfoundland and
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada.
Labrador directly to the classrooms from vessels, underwa-
At an event at Holy Spirit High School in Conception Bay South, the university signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Oceans Learning Partnership
Together, they will work with Memorial to deliver the
ter equipment and partner shore facilities, and allow stu-
(OLP). It will see the development of new, technolo-
Ocean Education Initiative, which aims to address the gap
dents to directly interact with Memorial or Department of
gy-enhanced programming to be delivered at three of
in ocean studies in the schools and create a much-needed
Fisheries and Oceans scientists about what they are seeing.
Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013
12
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