GAZETTE
April 3, 2013 Volume 45 Number 12
Publication Mail Registration No. 40062527
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
p3
p6-7
Equal terrain A new all-terrain wheelchair will help persons with physical and mobility issues enjoy the great outdoors.
spring convocation Memorial’s seventh chancellor will be installed and seven remarkable individuals will be honoured this May.
chris hammond PHOTO
Suncor Energy Hall The School of Music unveils a new name for Petro-Canada Hall — plus new funding for equipment upgrades.
p4
Moving target
Postville resident Tyler Edmunds demonstrates one foot high kick, a Labrador Inuit/Northern game. Mr. Edmunds was a participant in the United We Stand event presented by Memorial’s Aboriginal Resource Office to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. The objective of the game is to jump and kick the target (normally a miniature seal made of seal skin) as high as one can. The subject, however, must kick the target with one foot and land on the same foot. The record for the one foot high kick in the Labrador Winter Games is 8 feet and 11 inches high, set by Cameron Anderson of Makkovik in 1997.
World of engagement Governor general to deliver opening address at CU Expo 2013 By Pamela Gill
Individuals
with a passion for community-
university engagement can now register online for CU Expo 2013: Engaging Shared Worlds. Grenfell
Campus,
Memorial
In addition, the program includes keynote speakers Dr. Robert Greenwood, executive director, public
CU Expo 2013, June 12-15, is a joint initiative of
to the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
University
engagement at Memorial and of the Harris Centre,
of
Memorial University; Susan Ann Gust, co-founder
Newfoundland, and the City of Corner Brook, with
and chair, Phillips Neighbourhood Healthy Housing
support from the provincial Rural Secretariat. The
Collaborative; Dr. Joanna Ochocka, executive director,
conference will bring together hundreds of people from
Centre for Community Based Research and vice-chair
all over the world, who will network, learn and more
of Community Based Research Canada; and Dr. Vianne
fully participate in community-university engagement.
Timmons, president and vice-chancellor, University of
The organizers of CU Expo are pleased that David
Regina.
Johnston, governor general of Canada, will deliver the
Online registration is available at www.cuexpo2013.
opening address. This is particularly fitting given the
ca. To uphold this idea and increase public access to
fact that Gov. Gen. Johnston has a lifelong dedication
the conference, CU Expo 2013 has secured funding
to higher learning and believes in a “true democracy of
for
community
members may apply online on the CU Expo website.
knowledge,” to which he referred in his 2012 address
representatives with financial limitations; community
The deadline to apply for the bursaries is April 5, 2013.
several
registration
bursaries
for
David Johnston
A conservation legacy
Partnership advances fisheries and oceans education By Naomi Osborne
The Marine Institute
(MI) signed a
memorandum of understanding with World Wildlife
opportunities for Atlantic Canadian students in ocean conservation.
Fund (WWF)-Canada recently, which will provide
“WWF’s collaboration with the Marine Institute, with
a framework for the advancement of fisheries and
its world class reputation in applied marine research
oceans related education, training and research and
and education, will further our shared goals in marine
development.
conservation and sustainable resource use,” said Robert
“The Marine Institute’s partnership with World
Rangeley, vice-president, conservation, WWF-Canada.
From left are Dr. Arthur May, Glenn Blackwood, Dr. Robert Rangeley and Carey Bonnell.
Wildlife Fund will add great value to students and the
Through combined expertise, MI and WWF will
future of sustainable ocean uses in Atlantic Canada,
foster closer relationships with local industries related
specifically Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Glenn
to fisheries and oceans sustainability and enhance
Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine
outreach to address critical marine conservation issues.
province, the Arctic, Canada and internationally. Other
Institute). “Channeling the passion and enthusiasm of
“Our efforts will be focused on current and emerging
partnership opportunities will also look at advancing
today’s young thinkers towards the future of our ocean
ocean issues while also meeting student expectations
sustainable
resources and their value to communities will help
that their academic work will make a difference to long-
objectives.
build a legacy for oceans conservation.”
ocean
use
and
marine
conservation
term sustainable ocean use,” said Carey Bonnell, head,
WWF is an environmental organization whose
The new three-year agreement will utilize student
MI’s School of Fisheries. “Increased opportunities for
mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural
research and professional expertise to drive collaboration
research related to sustainable ocean uses will also be
environment and to build a future in which humans
and creative solutions for environmental issues facing
identified by MI and other university programs.”
live in harmony with nature. WWF-Canada has nine
oceans and the livelihoods dependent on them. It will
MI and WWF will work together to explore opportunities
also focus on supporting and creating unique training
for expansion of collaborative arrangements within the
offices in Canada, including St. John’s, Halifax and Iqaluit.
Correction
“They’re familiar with their own home and have neighbours that they can maintain contact with,” said
your next project
Mr. Brockerville. “That keeps them feeling like part of
In the March 13 Gazette, the Faculty of Arts was inadver-
the community. If they move out of the home they can
tently omitted from the list of units that received funding
sometimes become isolated.”
in the Feb. 28 RDC announcement.
He’s interested in getting a better sense of the prevalence of the situation, with the final goal of finding ways to
GAZETTE
help seniors stay in their homes even when their adult children are working in other provinces and regions.
By Rebecca Cohoe
“I believe it’s worth investigating and talking to people Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its
who commute — if it’s happening here on the peninsula
most significant jobs is to provide a way for people from
it may be happening in other regions of the province.”
outside Memorial to ask for research help. With hundreds
The project:
of community-suggested opportunities to choose from, your
“I don’t have statistics about the prevalence of this sort of situation,” said Mr. Brockerville. “It has been
next project is just a click away. Here’s one . . .
stated that this is an issue, but we need some research
The opportunity: Long-distance
to put a quantitative number on how much this is commuting
doesn’t
just
affect
individuals who accept jobs in Western Canada —
happening. I’d also like to see some qualitative study into how all parties are affected by it.”
there’s a good chance their families and communities
Mr. Brockerville would be willing to act as a regional
are also impacted. Gordon Brockerville, of Personal
liason for an interested researcher. He’s well connected
Active Lifestyles Training and Consulting, suspects
within the region, and could help set up meetings and
that the relatively large number of people on the Burin
interviews. Ultimately, he’s looking for someone who
Peninsula working away from home may be causing an
understands and appreciates the challenges facing
increase in the use of retirement homes and long-term
senior citizens, especially those in more rural areas of
care by the parents of those workers. The issue came to
the province.
his attention while completing a healthy aging needs
“I sense the person would need to have an interest
assessment for the town of Marystown several years ago.
in aging and seniors and an understanding of how the
“There was some anecdotal evidence that folks were
research could shed light on making independence
concerned about the well-being of aging parents while
sustainable and fulfilling for seniors as they move into
they were away, and looking at putting them into
their older years.”
retirement homes,” he explained. While many seniors thrive in retirement homes and
Interested in learning more about this project? Amy Tucker,
long-term care, he says, there are some who would
co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization at the Harris Centre,
prefer to stay put.
would love to tell you more. Call her at 709-864-6119 or email her at amy.tucker@mun.ca .
Editor Graphics Mandy Cook Helen Houston
Regular Contributors
Courtenay Alcock Laura Barron Jennifer Batten Rebecca Cohoe Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Paula Dyke Moira Finn Kelly Foss Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Janet Harron Jill Hunt Jackey Locke Classified Advertising Kelly Hickey
Virginia Middleton Peter Morris Shannon O’Dea Dawson Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Dave Sorensen Kimberley Thornhill Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Heidi Wicks Laura Woodford Photography Chris Hammond
Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709-864-2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline April 17 for April 24 publication. The Gazette is published 17 times annually by the Division of Marketing and Communications at Memorial University.
obituary Mary (Jeri) Clarke
Don Steele
Mary (Jeri) Clarke, a retired staff
Dr. Don Steele, professor emeritus
member with the Department of
of the Department of Biology,
Dr. Sankatha Prasad Singh
Human Resources, passed away
passed away March 16, 2013. He
Dr. Sankatha Prasad Singh, a
recently. She was 56.
was 80.
retired faculty member in the
(John) Daniel Mosher
William Francis Summers
Statistics, passed away March 28,
Dan Mosher, associate professor,
Dr. William Francis Summers, a
2013. He was 78.
Faculty of Business Administration
retired professor and the first head
and at Grenfell Campus, passed
of the Department of Geography,
away March 5, 2013. He was 60.
passed away March 25, 2013.
He was 94.
Department of Mathematics and
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
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
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
Musical leadership
chris hammond PHOTO
School of Music renames Petro-Canada Hall to Suncor Energy Hall
Dr. Ellen Waterman and Sandy Martin unveil a plaque in honour of the renaming of the School of Music’s Petro-Canada Hall to Suncor Energy Hall, as President Kachanoski looks on. By Laura Barron
The School of Music has renamed Petro-Canada
music technology in our School of Music, helping us
Dr. Ellen Waterman, dean, School of Music. “It’s a gem
Hall to Suncor Energy Hall.
better prepare the musical leaders of tomorrow. On
of a hall, and this new investment will ensure that it
behalf of performers, both current and future, I thank
continues to provide a superb concert experience for all
Suncor Energy for their generosity.”
of its users.”
In 2005 Petro-Canada, now a Suncor Energy business, invested $1.2 million in the creation of the School of Music’s Petro-Canada Hall. The hall was constructed
As part of the renaming celebration, a $50,000
Following the announcements, the Suncor Energy
and furnished to enhance the study and performance
contribution from Suncor Energy to Dare To: The
String Fellows Quartet delivered a moving performance
of music in Newfoundland and Labrador, and originally
Campaign for Memorial University was also announced.
at the event, further exemplifying the long and varied
opened as Petro-Canada Hall in March 2005. On
This contribution has supported repairs and upgrades to
partnership Suncor Energy has with Memorial.
March 20, in recognition of Suncor Energy’s continued
core technologies in the School of Music’s Suncor Energy
“Our support reflects the diversity of our organization,
relationship with Memorial, Petro-Canada Hall was
Hall, including audio recording, sound reinforcement,
and the community in which our employees live,”
officially renamed Suncor Energy Hall.
theatre-style lighting, and audio-visual presentation
said Sandy Martin, vice-president, East Coast, Suncor
and production. This contribution is helping to
Energy. “Suncor Energy Hall represents the quality of
maintain the hall’s status as a state-of-the-art facility.
our relationship with Memorial University, and the
“The renaming of Petro-Canada Hall recognizes the long and steadfast relationship we enjoy with Suncor Energy — a strong relationship as evidenced by its most
“Suncor Energy Hall is an important resource, both
recent investment in music education,” said President
for students and faculty at the School of Music, and for
Kachanoski. “With this support, we are enhancing
the many community groups who perform there,” said
Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!
pride we feel to be a part of this community.”
to graduate or are ready to leave your current job? What
With the provincial cutbacks occurring throughout Newfoundland and Labrador upcoming grads are
STUDENTVIEW
wondering, “What will I do?” Government layoffs,
Joshua Duff
hiring freezes, cutbacks and changes in the education
if your patience has run its course and you want to pay off that student debt? Grads may face the dilemma of having to search for work outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, or the rest of Canada. It is an unfortunate
and health sectors will discourage the job seekers who
circumstance. However, there is a positive insight
are coming out of MUN. Although these cutbacks may
in this job. Earning work awards, raises and accepting
to this. Get the job you have always wanted, gain the
be temporary, students need to fill their time to wait out
more responsibility (eg., supervising, being a team
knowledge and hands-on experience within that field and
this bumpy ride.
leader) adds to your list of skills. Keep in mind that
after a few years, you will have built a solid curriculum
“Do not expect to find employment within the first
the job is temporary until you find something else —
vitae that will help make you a leading candidate for
six months after graduating,” is what a prof told me
so make use of your time while waiting for the right
a similar position when opportunities arise in this
during my first year. Not being able to find immediate
opportunity.
province. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree coupled
employment is common amongst many. Therefore,
Returning to education is another option. Many enrol
in
master’s
or
certificate/diploma
with professional experience is seen as more valuable
patience is one of the key factors we need to learn
students
while searching. Take this time to build on your resumé
programs once they have completed their initial studies.
Nevertheless, we face tough times. Decisions will
and cover letter, upgrade your skills and explore your
It is a good way to wait out a looming job market. MUN
need to be made as to how we want our futures to play
options.
has a wide range of master’s and certificate programs
out. But we need not worry. Remaining open to a wider
than a higher level of education.
Do not remain unemployed! Many employers look
that offer hands-on learning along with the classroom
range of options can help alleviate the stress of finding
highly on someone who is employed, as opposed to
time. For certain positions, employers look highly upon
an amazing opportunity after graduation.
someone who is not. Temporary jobs say a lot on your
applicants with master’s and/or technical (job specific)
resumé. It shows that you are motivated. And if you
skills; therefore, your upgrade may be well worth the
Joshua Duff is a fourth-year student majoring in political science and
leave the job on good terms, usually your boss will back
extra effort and time.
English language and literature at Memorial University. He can be reached
that up by giving you a positive reference. Be successful
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
But what if jobs do not open by the time you are ready
3
at jrd218@mun.ca .
www.mun.ca/gazette
&
Hitting the trails
PAPERS PRESENTATIONS An essay by
Angela Hyde, a
third-year medical
student who completed a PhD in genetics last spring, has been published by the Chicago-based Hektoen International Journal of Medical Humanities. The essay, Passing on Compassion, is about the influence of her grandfather, Dr. Nigel Rusted, who graduated in medicine 80 years ago. This essay previously received an honourable mention in the 2011 Arnold P. Gold Foundation essay. Dr. Rusted died in March 2012 at the age of 104. The essay can be found at www.hektoen international.org/passing-on-compassion.html .
Dr. Roselyne Okech
of Grenfell Campus’s
tourism studies program was awarded the Best Paper Award for her paper Online Tourism Destination Marketing: Case Study of Canadian Atlantic Provinces, which she delivered at the International Conference on Tourism Development: Building the Future of Tourism, held at Penang Island, Malaysia, Feb. 4-5. Dr. Okech
From left are Shiann Park, Dawn Tulk, Dr. TA Loeffler and Taylor Marsh taking the TrailRider around Long Pond on the St. John’s campus for a test drive.
was awarded a 2012 SSHRC travel grant to attend the conference. There are a number of recent research publications from
By Michelle Osmond
A TrailRider,
Dr. Christopher Kovacs, Medicine. M.Sc. student Jillian
enrolled in HKR to be able to safely partake in the
the laboratory of
school’s outdoor recreation courses,” said Ms. Riche.
Faculty
of
an all-terrain wheelchair that
“I see its potential in teaching and making my outdoor
Collins is first author on the paper titled Lactating
allows persons with physical and mobility issues to
classroom more accessible, in research with potential
Ctcgrp Nulls Lose Twice Normal Bone Mineral Content
get out in the great outdoors, arrived at the School of
projects related to getting folks out into nature who
Due to Fewer Osteoblasts and More Osteoclasts,
Human Kinetics and Recreation (HKR) last week and it
might not ordinarily get there and with community
While Bone Mass is Fully Restored Post-weaning in
will open up a lot of doors for students like Kayla Riche.
engagement and partnerships,” noted Dr. TA Loeffler.
Association with Upregulation of Wnt Signaling and
Here at Memorial, the arrival of the TrailRider means
“It’s a piece of equipment that we are willing to share
Other Novel Genes. This was published in Endocrinology
that students with disabilities or low-mobility like Ms.
with others such as Easter Seals, recreation departments,
2013. Collaborators include Dr. Robert Gagel from the
Riche can now take part in outdoor recreation activities
schools and others. We don’t want it sitting idle and I’m
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr.
that they couldn’t before.
eager to start training students to use it.”
Cliff Rosen from Tufts University in Boston, and Dr.
“I think the purchase of a TrailRider is a great
For the full story, visit www.today.mun.ca .
advancement towards helping students with disabilities
Natalie Sims from the University of Melbourne. Other authors are Collins JN, Kirby BJ, Woodrow JP, Gagel RF, Rosen CJ, Sims NA, Kovacs CS. The first author on another paper is
Budget supports Memorial’s core mission: president president
Beth Kirby, Dr. Kovacs’ research
assistant. It is titled Upregulation of Calcitriol During Pregnancy and Skeletal Recovery after Lactation Do Not Require Parathyroid Hormone. It is being published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 2013. Dr. Andrew Karaplis from McGill collaborated on this research. The other authors are Kirby BJ, MaY, Martin HM, Buckle Favaro KL, Karaplis AC, Kovacs CS.
Dr. Kovacs
Gary Kachanoski said that he is very
Memorial is continuing to rise. In the period 2007-12,
is author of two recent invited review articles. The
pleased with the stability provided for the institution in
the number of Canadian students from other provinces
article Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency: Fetal and
the 2013-14 provincial budget.
enrolled at Memorial increased more than 23 per
Neonatal Implications is published in Seminars in Fetal
The budget, presented in the House of Assembly
cent [2,602 to 3,211] and the number of international
& Neonatal Medicine 2013. Bone Metabolism in the Fetus
March 26, includes a continuation of the tuition fee
students increased by an astounding 73.2 per cent [978
and Neonate is in press in Pediatric Nephrology 2013.
freeze for students, along with funding to help the
to 1,694].
Dr. Kovacs is also an author in a recent collaborative
university offset the freeze. There are also provisions
“So we’ve been attracting and educating more
research publication titled Meta-Analysis of Genome-
that will enable the university to continue its growth in
local, national and international students,” said Dr.
Wide Studies Identifies Wnt16 and Esr1 Snps Associated
areas of strategic importance to the province, including
Kachanoski, “and this budget will allow Memorial to
With Bone Mineral Density In Premenopausal Women.
science, oceans technology, engineering, medicine and
continue to play that vital role and carry out our mission
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research 2013.
the Marine Institute.
in support of the future growth and development of the
Dr. Kachanoski said the government is taking a
province.”
NOTABLE
long-term view as it relates to university education in
Overall, the president remained hopeful that with an
Newfoundland and Labrador and the budget provides
improved economy in the coming years, the provincial
Memorial with the resources it needs to continue to
government will continue to invest in priority areas
Dr. Catherine MacLean has been appointed
deliver academic offerings and maintain its educational
like the university that will pay dividends for decades
chair of the Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of
commitments and services to students.
to come.
Medicine, for a five-year term.
“Government is continuing to invest in the province’s
“The government recognizes that Memorial University
future, especially in university-bound young people,”
is of significant importance to the development of the
Dr. Sharon Peters has been re-appointed vice-
said Dr. Kachanoski.
entire province,” Dr. Kachanoski said. “An investment
dean of the Faculty of Medicine for a 16-month period.
Dr.
Kachanoski
explained
that
despite
the
in the university is an investment that benefits our
demographic challenges facing the province, Memorial
economy and our society. We now have frameworks to
Professor Andrew
University’s enrolment has grown and now sits at over
guide our teaching, research and public engagement
associate dean, undergraduate studies, Faculty of
19,000 students.
activities that we developed in consultation with the
Engineering and Applied Science, for a three-year term.
Fisher has been re-appointed
In the past year alone, graduate student enrolment
people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Our plans
increased by 8.6 per cent to almost 3,400. Undergraduate
anticipate growth throughout the university and
Dr. Mohamed Ravalia has been re-appointed
enrolment is remaining steady despite the drop in the
we look forward to working with the government to
assistant dean of the Rural Clinical School Medical
province’s high school population because the number
achieve those goals.”
Education Network in the Faculty of Medicine for a further three-year period.
of national and international students attending
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
4
www.mun.ca/gazette
Business team places second at world competition By Susan White-MacPherson
A team of four students from the Faculty of Business Administration has placed second at the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Worldwide Case Competition in Belgium. Consisting of bachelor of commerce (co-op) students Emily Byrne, Marie Daley, Laura Francis and Krystal Hobbs, and with support from their coach Prof. Peggy Coady, the Memorial group defeated teams from Germany, Thailand, Belgium, Finland, the United States and Canada to place second. Bishop’s University from Quebec won the competition. Ottawa’s Carleton University and the University of Prince Edward Island tied for third. “Although we didn’t win the final round, we were absolutely overwhelmed with the number of people, participants, coaches and judges alike who came up to us said Ms. Daley. “For me, and I believe for the other girls as well, this was the most rewarding part of the whole competition.” NIBS is a group of business schools from around the world that believe that the internationalization of business and the globalization of the economy are essential elements in the evolution of managerial
SUBMITTED PHOTO
to offer congratulations on such a strong performance,”
Memorial placed second at the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Worldwide Case Competition. From left are Krystal Hobbs, Marie Daley, Laura Francis and Emily Byrne in Belgium.
practices. Memorial has made it to the championship round every year and has the best record in the competition, including six first-place finishes.
students to apply the theories learned in the classroom
NIBS case competition for almost 20 years,” she said,
Ten teams faced off in the championship round,
to real business problems,” said Prof. Coady. “The team
noting the successes of previous coaches Dr. Asmo
hosted by KHLeuven University in Leuven, Belgium,
did an amazing job this year. At all times, they were
Palasvirta and Dr. Alex Faseruk. Prof. Coady has coached
from March 2-9.
excellent ambassadors of Memorial University, the
the team since 2006.
Six case studies were presented throughout the
province and the country.”
“Peggy is the most important member of the team,”
competition, each including an analysis of a business
Prof. Coady, who is an assistant professor of
said Ms. Daley. “It was not until I got to the competition
issue and a strategy for its resolution. The presentations
accounting and auditing as well as director of graduate
and saw that we really were competitive with most of
took place in front of a panel of judges made up of
programs at the Faculty of Business Administration,
the other teams that I realized how strategically she
business academics and executives from the Leuven
also received the Most Inspiring Coach Award.
had prepared us. The dedication it takes for her to come
business community. “The NIBS case competition is an ideal opportunity for
“The coach’s award was a nice recognition of Memorial’s commitment to coaching students in the
Rising star
back year after year, putting in so much time to coach a completely new team, is truly inspiring.”
Edinburgh Award, Ms. Halliday is an active community volunteer
with
extensive
fundraising
and
event
planning experience.
Arts major awarded prestigious advancement fellowship at Memorial
She is president of the Rotaract Club of Memorial University, a community non-profit club for young professionals between the ages of 18-30 which prides itself on service above self. Rotaract provides an opportunity for like-minded individuals to come together to bring about change in humanity. Rotaract
By Jennifer Batten
enables
Just two
people from across Canada have been
named TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Fellows in
and
Memorial University this spring with a bachelor of arts
Alumni Affairs and Development and the Division
and a certificate in regional policy and development. Funded by TD Bank, the TD Insurance Meloche
Sarah Halliday
Monnex Fellowship in Advancement supports the
assist the office with a variety of projects, including reunions and social media and marketing campaigns.
communicate
year of significant achievements. She will graduate from
Sarah Halliday will work with Memorial’s Office of
alumni relations outreach, development programs,
engage,
As president, Ms. Halliday has led the club through a
putting her skills to work at Memorial University.
duration of her fellowship, beginning June 3. She will
to
their society.
Advancement for 2013-14 — and one of them will be
of Marketing and Communications for the one-year
members
participate with both the physical and social needs of
Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education “Ms. Halliday has been very involved in Memorial activities beyond her academic pursuits with the
(CCAE) member institutions in attracting newcomers into advancement.
“I am honoured to be the recipient of this fellowship
Faculty of Arts,” said Dr. Blackwood. “This year alone
in advancement,” said Ms. Halliday. “The experience
she has organized many events with the Rotaract Club
will allow me the opportunity to further my skills and
of Memorial University, fundraised for the university’s
Now in its 15th year, the TD Fellowship program has
advance my knowledge in the development area. I am
food bank, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, Polio
opened doors to many successful new advancement
particularly excited to apply my education and skills to
Plus, various Christmas hampers, the Single Parents
careers while building capacity in the Canadian
assist the university in their alumni affairs initiatives.”
Association of Newfoundland and Rainbow Riders. I
advancement
offer my sincere congratulations to Ms. Halliday and a
financial support towards salary and professional
warm welcome to our team.”
development expenses for the 12-month period of June
According to Dr. Penny Blackwood, Memorial’s director of Alumni Affairs and Development, Ms. Halliday was the perfect candidate for the fellowship.
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
A two-time recipient of the prestigious Duke of
5
Two fellowships, each valued at $37,500, are awarded annually.
profession.
The
fellowships
provide
1, 2013, to May 31, 2014.
www.mun.ca/gazette
Spring convocation 2013
Honorary degree recipients Memorial University
has
Rotman and former chair of Memorial’s Board
announced the names of the individuals whom
of Regents Robert Simmonds. (Biographies of
it will present with honorary doctorates at the
all honorees follow.)
2013 spring convocation ceremonies. Memorial
The honorary doctorate degree recognizes
will present degrees honoris causa to seven
extraordinary
accomplished people during nine ceremonies
exceptional intellectual or artistic achievement.
to be held in St. John’s and Corner Brook this
Honorary degree recipients are chosen by
year. convocation
ceremonial
will
installation
also of
see
the
society
or
Memorial’s
body, after a very careful examination of the susan dyer knight
grounds for their nomination.
seventh chancellor, Dr. Susan Dyer Knight.
The awarding of honorary doctorates, an
The installation will take place at the 10 a.m. session of
important feature of Memorial’s convocation, serves to
convocation on Tuesday, May 28.
celebrate both the individual and the university, as well as
Honorary degrees will be awarded to theatre director Barbara Barrett, music teacher and community volunteer
to inspire graduates, their families and guests. Memorial’s spring convocation ceremonies will take place
Gary Graham, former Memorial chancellor General Rick
on Friday, May 10, at the Pepsi Centre in Corner Brook, and
Hillier, humanitarian Susan Patten, Cancer Society volunteer
from Tuesday, May 28, to Friday, May 31, at the Arts and
Margot Reid, businessman and philanthropist Joseph
Culture Centre in St. John’s.
Gary Graham For
his
exceptional
Named one of the best criminal lawyers in Canada several contribution
to
music
on
times, Mr. Simmonds was appointed Queen’s Counsel in
Newfoundland’s west coast, Gary Graham will receive an
2001 and has served on the Advisory Committee on Federal
honorary doctor of laws degree at the 10 a.m. session of
Judicial Appointments.
convocation on Friday, May 10, in Corner Brook.
ROBERT SIMMONDS
to
the Senate, the university’s academic governing
Spring
Gary Graham
contribution
Mr.
Simmonds
has
also
been
awarded
several
Music teacher, organist and choir director, Mr. Graham
community-based awards, including the Humanitarian
has been a force in the musical, cultural and artistic life of
Service Award from the John Howard Society, whose goal it
Corner Brook since arriving on the west coast in 1966.
is to understand and respond to problems of crime and the
As a music teacher at Herdman Collegiate and a director in a series of Western Newfoundland choirs, Mr. Graham has influenced generations of musicians and singers. The organizations that have benefitted from his time
criminal justice system. He served as chair of Memorial University’s governing Board of Regents from 2008–12, and oversaw the hiring of President Gary Kachanoski.
include the local AIDS committee, the Status of Women Anti-Violence Walk, the Cancer Society’s Tree of Memories,
General Rick Hillier (Ret’d)
the Radio Telethon in aid of Western Memorial Regional
For his achievements as a soldier and his contributions
Hospital Foundation, the Children’s Wish Foundation, the
to Memorial University, General Rick Hillier will receive
Corner Brook Rotary Club and the Gros Morne Summer
an honorary doctor of laws degree at the 3 p.m. session of
Music Festival.
convocation on Wednesday, May 29.
For his efforts and guidance, Mr. Graham was recognized
Born in Campbellton, Newfoundland and Labrador, Gen.
by the province in 2004 as one of the first recipients of
Hillier joined the Canadian Forces in 1973 and graduated
the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2009 the
from Memorial University with a bachelor of science
provincial government named the theatre of the Corner
degree in 1975. After completing his officer training, he
Brook Arts and Culture Centre as the Gary Graham Theatre.
joined his first regiment, the 8th Hussars in Petawawa, Ont.
Mr. Graham holds a bachelor of music and bachelor of
Subsequently, he served with, and later commanded, the
arts from Acadia University, located near his hometown
GENERAL RICK HILLIER (RET’D)
of Avonport, N.S. He also holds a postgraduate degree in musical theatre from McGill University in Montreal, Que.
Royal Canadian Dragoons in Germany and Canada. Throughout his career, Gen. Hillier has commanded troops from the platoon to multinational formation level within Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States. In
Robert Simmonds
1998 Gen. Hillier was appointed as the first Canadian
For his dedicated and passionate leadership as chair
Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, U.S. Army in
of Memorial’s Board of Regents for four years, Robert
Fort Hood, Texas, and in 2000 took command of NATO’s
Simmonds will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree
Stabilization Force’s Multinational Division (Southwest)
at the 10 a.m. session of convocation on Wednesday, May
in Bosnia. In May 2003 he was appointed as commander
29, in St. John’s.
of the army and subsequently, in October 2003, he was
A St. John’s native and one of the province’s leading
selected as the commander of the NATO-led International
criminal lawyers, Mr. Simmonds graduated from Memorial
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Gen. Hillier was
with a bachelor of commerce in 1976 and was awarded the
promoted to general and assumed duties as the chief of the
University Gold Medal for Academic Excellence. He received
defence staff in 2005 and retired from the Canadian Forces
his law degree from Dalhousie in 1979 and, after practising
in July 2008.
with a number of firms, and serving as Crown prosecutor
He was named chancellor of Memorial University in 2008
with the Department of Justice, in 1997 founded his own
and chaired the university’s Dare To fundraising campaign.
firm, Simmonds Kennedy, for the practice of criminal law,
The campaign, the largest in Memorial’s history, exceeded
principally.
its target goal of $50 million by more than $12 million.
JOSEPH ROTMAN Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
6
www.mun.ca/gazette
Spring convocation 2013
announced; chancellor to be installed
SUSAN PATTEN
MARGOT GRANT REID
BARBARA BARRETT and also served on the national board of directors.
Gen. Hillier holds an honorary degree from the
of the Order of Canada in 1995. He was inducted into
University of Calgary and in 2011 was made an officer of
the Canadian Business Hall of Fame as a companion in
She has also served with more than 20 volunteer
the Order of Canada.
May 2009, and awarded an honorary LLD from Western
boards, including long service on the board of the
University in June 2009.
Janeway Child Health Centre (1964-73) and on the
He now focuses on leadership development and contributing to his community and country through
Newfoundland Medical Board (1976-88).
honorary appointments and charitable endeavours
Susan Patten
to support a variety of causes, mostly centered around
Businessperson, philanthropist and community leader
YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction in 1988 and a member
soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen, special forces
Susan Patten will receive an honorary doctor of laws
of the Order of Canada in 2001.
troopers, veterans and their families.
degree at the 3 p.m. session of convocation on Thursday,
Ms. Reid was named Jaycee Citizen of the Year in 1973,
Barbara Barrett
May 30.
Joseph Rotman
Born in St. John’s and a graduate of King’s Hall,
For her significant contribution to the provincial theatre
A successful businessman who has brought his expertise
Compton, Que., Ms. Patten is chair of the board of the A.
scene, Barbara Barrett will receive an honorary doctor
to the service of research institutes on a national level,
Harvey Group of Companies, which includes A. Harvey
of laws degree at the 3 p.m. session of convocation on
Joseph Rotman will receive an honorary doctor of
& Co. Ltd., Browning Harvey and Harvey’s Oil. While
Friday, May 31.
laws degree at the 10 a.m. session of convocation on
chairing the boards of this giant of Newfoundland and
Born in Yorkshire, England, Ms. Barrett came to
Thursday, May 30.
Labrador industry, Ms. Patten has also long been involved
Newfoundland as a war bride in 1946. During the Second
in her community.
World War, she had served as an air raid warden and was
This native of Toronto, Ont., launched his business career in 1962 and has been involved in establishing a
She has served at the provincial, national and
awarded the Defence of Britain Medal.
number of private and public companies active in oil
international levels of the Girl Guides, as provincial
She studied drama at Bishop Otter College, Chichester,
trading, petroleum distribution, oil and gas exploration,
commissioner and also treasurer of the national and
England, and holds a certificate in theatre direction from
merchant banking, real estate and venture capital.
international Girl Guide organizations.
York University, Toronto, Ont.
He received his BA from the University of Western
Among her many leadership roles in the community,
She has been a force in theatre and community life
Ontario in 1957 and his M.Comm. from the University
she chaired the Canadian Mental Health Foundation,
during the past 60 years in Corner Brook, Stephenville,
of Toronto in 1960. During 1960-61 he studied at the
Newfoundland and Labrador, and in 2005, the Salvation
Gander and St John’s.
Columbia University Graduate School of Business in the
Army Red Shield Appeal.
PhD program. Today Mr. Rotman is chairman of Roy-L Capital Corporation, a private family investment company.
As a director, adjudicator and drama teacher, she is
Among her many accolades, Ms. Patten was named a
recognized as a leading authority by professionals and
life member of the Girl Guides of Canada in 1992, received
amateurs and has participated in the production of more
an honorary degree from Mount St. Vincent University
than 1,000 theatrical performances
Mr. Rotman was a member of the Canadian Institutes
in 1997, was inducted into the Order of Newfoundland
of Health Research governing council, the board
and Labrador in 2004, was awarded the Red Cross NL
and executive committee of the Canada Gairdner
Humanitarian Award in 2006 and was named a member
International Awards for outstanding achievement in
of the Order of Canada in 2006.
biomedical research worldwide, and co-led a major review of the state of brain research in Ontario, which
She was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador
Ms. Barrett is also the author of a book titled Theatre – My Other Love Affair. Her role in the Girl Guide movement has been no less important. Ms. Barrett has served as captain of the first Air Ranger Company in the province, area commissioner
Business Hall of Fame in 2007.
for Western Newfoundland and provincial ranger adviser.
Margot Grant Reid
Canadians, Ms. Barrett has presided at more than 20
term as chair of the Canada Council for the Arts. On
In recognition of a lifetime of service to charities
citizenship ceremonies, and has administered the Oath
July 1, 2012, he was appointed as chancellor of Western
and her community, Margot Reid will receive an
of Citizenship (in both official languages) to more than
University for a four-year term.
honorary doctor of laws degree at the 10 a.m. session of
300 new Canadian citizens.
led to the creation of the Ontario Brain Institute. In 2008 Mr. Rotman was appointed to a five-year
Mr. Rotman and his wife Sandra have made a long-
A longtime volunteer with the Association of New
convocation on Friday, May 31.
For her work in theatre and the community, she was
term commitment to promote the development of
Born in St. John’s, N.L., Ms. Reid attended Dalhousie
invested as a member of the Order of Canada in 1996 and
internationally renowned Canadian institutions in
University and the Royal Victoria Hospital School of
a member of the Order Of Newfoundland and Labrador
the arts, education and health care through active
Nursing. She came to Newfoundland in 1951 as the
in 2007.
involvement and financial assistance.
wife of a local businessman and immediately became
Her other awards include the YM-YWCA’s Woman of
The Association of Fundraising Professionals honoured
involved with the Canadian Cancer Society, taking part
Distinction, the Girl Guide Order of Merit, the Queen’s
the couple with its 2009 Outstanding Philanthropists
in all aspects of the fight against cancer, from door-
Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Award.
to-door fundraising to organizing the first Daffodil
Medal.
Mr. Rotman was awarded an honorary LLD from the
Campaign in 1970. From 1982-84 she was president of the
University of Toronto in 1994. He was appointed officer
Newfoundland Division of the Canadian Cancer Society
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
7
In April 2003 she was named an honorary life member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Society.
www.mun.ca/gazette
‘Give as good as we get’
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Isle aux Morts partners with Memorial to share its stories
Dr. Jamie Skidmore and his daughter meet some of the locals in Isle aux Morts. By Rebecca Cohoe
In the community of Isle aux Morts there are
organized a walk for us along the Harvey Trail with two
“I cast the workshop this past weekend via Skype and
Newfoundland dogs, which my five-year-old daughter
one of the actors is an eight-year-old boy, Cole Keeping,
absolutely loved.”
who is two years younger than Ann’s brother Tom, who
stories to spare. One of the most famous is the 1828 res-
Once Dr. Skidmore spent some time with the story of
cue of almost 200 shipwrecked sailors and passengers by
the Harvey’s, the play came together quite smoothly; in
the Harvey family, along with their trusty Newfoundland
fact, it’s almost complete. The story is told from the per-
That back and forth dialogue is one of the aspects
dog, Hairyman. Sadly, with the ferry to North Sydney
spective of the first mate on the Despatch, after he has
about publicly engaged work that Dr. Skidmore values
just 16 kilometres away, visitors to the region tend to
returned home after the shipwreck.
most.
drive right through rather than stopping to appreciate the long and unique history of the community.
helped with the rescue. He’ll be able to help me see if I captured the voice of a young boy.”
“It will take place in his family’s kitchen, and his fam-
“I think there are lots of connections that arts-related
ily will play the roles of those who were in the wreck.
departments can make with our many communities
Blanford Billard, former community development
Ann will be the hero of the story, and it will climax with
across the province. It begins with bringing more art into
assistant and member of the Isle aux Morts Heritage
her rescuing the survivors,” he revealed. “There will
the community and leaving something behind,” he said.
Society, believes that if people would only take the time
be a love story on the ship, and parallels will be drawn
“Of course, many scholars also go into the communities
to stop by, they’d be impressed with its beautiful views
between the woman in that story and Ann.”
to learn about our island culture and we bring out won-
and interesting residents. That’s why he raised the issue of tourism develop-
Throughout the process, Dr. Skidmore has been careful to include community perspectives and input.
derful stories, music and art, as well. We give as good as we get, I suppose.”
ment at the Harris Centre’s regional workshop in Port
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council is
If all goes as planned, Dr. Skidmore’s play will be per-
aux Basques last spring. In particular, he suggested that
supporting me to return to the community to share the
formed this summer during Ann Harvey Days, a 28-day
a stage play about the Harveys could be a great way to
script and give us their feedback. Although I’m the play-
annual event in Isle aux Morts that commemorates and
increase tourism to Isle aux Morts as well as providing
wright, we want this to be a community collaboration
celebrates the heroism of the Harvey family. The actors
jobs in the region.
and event,” he said. “We’re holding a script workshop
will debut the piece on stage at the Hairyman Café. Mr.
Dr. Jamie Skidmore from Memorial’s Department
in Isle aux Morts at the end of April and I’ll be working
Billard is optimistic about the play’s potential.
of English agreed. Dr. Skidmore read a Gazette article
with a combination of actors from St. John’s and Isle aux
regarding the opportunity and contacted Amy Tucker,
Morts.”
the article’s author and the Harris Centre’s knowledge mobilization co-ordinator. “The first thing that attracted me to this project was that a Newfoundland community was seeking help that
“This could be the start to a Newfoundland and Labrador theatre tour, which could entice people to go
Dr. Skidmore is particularly excited about working
along a specific theatre route that goes across the island,”
with the local participants, believing their understand-
he said. “We’re very excited about our community’s
ing and familiarity with the Harvey story will contribute
continued relationship with Memorial.”
to the authenticity of the production.
I thought I could provide,” explained Dr. Skidmore. “Secondly, I know the story of Ann Harvey and it was appealing to write a play with a strong female lead,
Spring Festival
and about such an important person in Newfoundland history.” Dr. Skidmore travelled to the region in the summer of
10 days of great music, storytelling and hiking
2012 to get a better understanding of the area and its history. Mr. Billard arranged a number of field trips during the visit. According to Dr. Skidmore, the trip featured many memorable highlights.
MAY 17-26, 2013
“Wilfred and Vera Seymour, who also gave my family
Norris Point
a bed to sleep in and wonderful meals, and their friend Tommy Harvey, a relative of the famous Harveys, took us out on a boat to visit the original Isle aux Morts site
Gros Morne
Featuring: Amelia Curran The Dardanelles Terry Kelly Kathleen Winter The Spinney Brothers The Benoit Family and many more!
Detailed schedule at
www.trailstalestunes.ca
and Wreck Rock, where Ann Harvey rescued the survivors of the wreck of the Despatch,” he said. “Blanford also
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
in
8
gowestern.com
www.mun.ca/gazette
‘Unprecedented’ achievement
Co-operative education celebrates banner year There was extra reason to celebrate at the Division of
Co-operative
Education’s
annual
student
and
employer recognition luncheon held recently. While honouring individuals and employers that make co-op work placements invaluable experiential learning opportunities, this year’s event also acknowledged a Memorial student and two staff members who were
chris hammond PHOTO
By Moira Finn
From left are Amanda Curnew, Lorna Roberts, Travis Kemp, and Matthew Yong Chung Hui.
honoured by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) with awards during the past year.
Albert S. Barber Award for outstanding contribution to
John’s were honoured for work in the area of employee
“Three national awards in one year is unprecedented
the advancement of co-operative education in Canada,
wellness; economics student Matthew Yong Chung Hui
in Memorial’s 40-plus years of co-operative education,”
was awarded to Anil Raheja, a co-operative education
was singled out for his report concerning unfunded
said Dr. Sandy LeFort, acting deputy provost (students)
co-ordinator in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied
provincial pension programs along with his work term
and associate vice-president (academic) undergraduate
Science.
employer, the St. John’s Board of Trade; and perennial
studies, at the awards luncheon. “These awards show that
“How rewarding it is for the co-op education team
co-operative education participants Husky Energy
Memorial’s co-op programs continue to be innovative
at Memorial to have this national recognition; for our
and student Amanda Curnew were selected as the
and a post-secondary education leader.”
people and our students to be singled out for excellence
engineering award winners.
Mechanical
engineering
student
Laura
Pittman
was chosen CAFCE Co-op Student of the Year — the
from a very competitive field,” said Dr. Peter Rans, director of the Division of Co-operative Education.
“Students like Laura, Travis, Matthew and Amanda, are the lifeblood of Newfoundland’s economic development
first Memorial student to ever receive the honour. Ms.
Dr. Rans went on to present Director’s Awards for
and the province needs to do everything it can to help
Pittman was also recently named Newfoundland and
Exemplary Work Term in Co-operative Education and
engage and retain such students and let them know
Labrador’s Rhode Scholar for 2013 and will attend
Employer’s Awards for Exemplary Learning Opportunity
they are valued,” Dr. Rans noted. “That means ensuring
Oxford in September.
recognizing the achievements of current Memorial
provincial government cost-cutting measures do not
co-op students and the employers who hire them.
unduly impact work placements for higher education
Rebecca Newhook, co-operative education co-ordinator for the faculties of arts and science, was recognized for
Bachelor of commerce (co-op) student Travis Kemp
her research work concerning risks and co-op work terms.
and
Ms. Newhook will have the opportunity to present her
chartered accountants firm, were recognized for the
findings at CAFCE conferences next year.
business co-operative program; Lorna Roberts, a human
Meanwhile, CAFCE’s most prestigious honour, the
employer,
MacKay
Landau,
an
Iqaluit-based
students. Such a move would be short-sighted and send the wrong message to students and employers.” For more information on Memorial’s co-operative education programs visit www.mun.ca/coop .
kinetics and recreation student and the City of St.
Engineering safety and integrity highlighted By Jackey Locke
Approximately 120 researchers and practitioners came together at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland in St. John’s recently for the first annual Workshop on Safety and Integrity Management of Operations in Harsh Environments. The workshop had a tall agenda and exceeded expectations, according to Dr. Faisal Khan, who is the Vale Research Chair in Process Safety and Risk Engineering and chair of process engineering at Memorial University.
Everyone drinks water. YOU study it.
“I wanted to bring together experts from industry and academia to share knowledge and to discuss risk-based solutions to the challenges faced in safety and integrity management in natural resource development in harsh and frontier areas,” said Dr. Khan. “We had a lot of interest and quickly reached our registration capacity.” The two-day workshop focused on two important themes related to the management of natural resource development in harsh and frontier areas, namely safety and asset integrity. The main topics of the workshop included safety and integrity challenges in harsh environments and potential solutions; corrosion under insulation; winterization methods; evacuation and rescue
Funding is now available for applied research on drinking water in Newfoundland and Labrador.
issues and methods to address them; production, processing and transportation challenges and potential solutions and risk assessment, and management challenges and potential solutions. “The development of natural resources in the Arctic and sub-Arctic is creating huge challenges,” said Dr. Khan. “These regions have some of the most severe harsh environment conditions in the world with unique features such as ice and permafrost, complex degradation rates, unpredictable climate changes and high uncertainty due to lack of knowledge in those areas.” Once Dr. Khan had the support of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University and industry partners, the planning for the workshop began. Dr. Khan acquired many of the resources for the workshop and was also instrumental in securing many of the workshop’s keynote speakers. Dr. Greg Naterer, dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, chaired the steering committee, which involved representatives from different industries. He praised Dr. Khan for placing the spotlight on such an important area. “The workshop was the perfect opportunity for key industry people to come together to talk about issues of safety and integrity in harsh environments and to collaboratively come up with possible solutions for improvement,” said Dr. Naterer. “It is important to be proactive when dealing with some of the concerns raised during the two days, and Dr. Khan is to be commended for his foresight and for the overall success of this workshop.”
The Harris Centre RBC Water Research and Outreach Fund will be open from April 5 – May 3, 2013. Funding is available to Memorial faculty, students and staff for applied research related to drinking water issues in Newfoundland and Labrador. We fund up to $15,000/project for creative, relevant, applied research projects on rural and remote drinking water issues. Projects must be a maximum of one year in duration, and we encourage interdisciplinary and publically engaged work wherever possible. For more information, visit www.mun.ca/harriscentre
Questions? Attend an information session: Monday, April 8 Engineering Building (SJ Carew Bldg) Room 1004 from 2-3pm. Register for the session at www.mun.ca/harriscentre
The workshop was the result of collaborative efforts from Memorial University, Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Research and Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador, American Bureau of Shipping, Vale Newfoundland and Wood Group of Companies.
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
9
www.mun.ca/gazette
Biomedical researcher named Terra Nova Young Innovator By Meaghan Whelan and Sharon Gray
Dr. Mani Larijani,
an assistant professor of
immunology and infectious diseases and oncology in the Division of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine, has received the Terra Nova Young Innovator Award in recognition of his research.
whose innovative work has the potential to significantly impact society. The prestigious award, valued at $50,000, is funded by the Terra Nova development, an offshore oil field operated by Suncor Energy. Dr. Larijani is a leading young researcher in the areas of immunology, infectious diseases and oncology. His research focuses on DNA-mutating processes which modify human and virus genomes. These processes
chris hammond PHOTO
The Terra Nova Young Innovator Award recognizes and supports an outstanding and emerging researcher
From left are Sandy Martin, vice-president, East Coast, Suncor Energy; Dr. Mani Larijani; and Dr. Christopher Loomis, Memorial’s vice-president (research).
are involved in immune responses, evolution of viruses and cancers, particularly very aggressive leukemia and
economic and ecological impacts provincially and
including an operating grant and a salary award from
lymphomas.
nationally,” he said. “It will generate multiple high
the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, a Canada
Research in Dr. Larijani’s lab has four main aims:
impact publications and I have every expectation that
Foundation for Innovation leaders opportunity fund
to determine the molecular mechanisms of these
it will seed new research funding to pursue an exciting
grant, operating funds from the Industrial Research and
DNA mutating enzymes, to understand how they are
new and collaborative strength.”
Innovation Fund of Newfoundland and the Research
regulated inside cells, to elucidate their contribution to
Sandy Martin, vice-president, East Coast, Suncor
and Development Corporation, an operating grant
cancer and immunity and to harness this knowledge
Energy, said Suncor is pleased to announce Dr. Larijani’s
from the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research and
towards anti-cancer therapy and the development of
achievement of the 2013 Terra Nova Young Innovator
the Wallace Ingram Award for New Faculty, funded by
novel anti-viral therapies.
Award.
the Medical Graduates’ Society.
Dr. Larijani is building on a recent publication from
“His research to better understand the factors that
Dr. Larijani’s research has also been recognized
his lab which described the discovery of differences
make the cod fish vulnerable to disease could have
through invitations to speak at various universities, as
between humans and fish, in a key molecule involved
important economic and ecological implications. And
well as to serve on several national and international
in orchestrating the immune response. Dr. Larijani’s
that is the intent — research that has the potential to
grant-review panels. He has recently been invited to
winning proposal aims to extend this work in a broader
create a positive impact for society.”
chair the grant review panel for the Beatrice Hunter
way to the immune system of other fish, in particular the Atlantic cod.
In December 2012 Dr. Larijani received the President’s
Cancer Research Institute. His work has been published
Award for Outstanding Research. Since he joined
in journals such as Nature, Molecular Cellular Biology, the
“This work will not only generate new knowledge using
Memorial in mid-2009 as a new faculty member, he
FASEB journal, Immunogenetics and Retrovirology .
innovative approaches, but will also make far-reaching
has been recognized through multiple other awards,
&
News notes Listed below is a selection of the funding opportunities for
• NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience
– David Hawkins Lectureship in Health Research
which information has recently been received by the Office
(CREATE) Program – Letter of Intent: Memorial Phase II –
(Nomination)
of Research Services. For links to further information on these
LOI Internal Review
items, visit Grant Funding Opportunities on the research web-
• NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience
Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
site at www.mun.ca/research/overview/grant_opp.php .
(CREATE) Program – Letter of Intent
– Partnership Award (Nominations)
• NSERC Discovery Frontiers – Letter of Intent • Brain Canada Multi-Investigator Research Initiative LOI
• NSERC Chairs in Design Engineering (CDE)
Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research
• CIHR Other – Health Research Communications Award
• SSHRC Digging into Data Challenge
– Post-PhD Research Grants
(2012-13)
• SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Grants
– Dissertation Fieldwork Grants
• CIHR Master’s Award – HIV/AIDS Community-Based
• TRAM – Transformation Research in Adolescent Mental
– Hunt Postdoctoral Fellowships
Research (2013)
Health
• CIHR Catalyst Grant – Environments, Genes and Chronic
• Killam Research Fellowships
Disease • CIHR Knowledge Synthesis Grant – Spring 2013 Competition
May 15 The Canada Council for the Arts – Killam Research Fellowships
IMMINENT DEADLINES
– Grants to Media Arts Organizations: Initiatives
• CIHR Catalyst Grant – HIV/AIDS Community-Based
April 1
Research (2013-14)
Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (Tree Fund)
• CIHR Other – Mental Health Network
– Hyland R. Johns Grant Program
• CIHR Operating Grant – Discovery Frontiers
May 17 Huntington Society of Canada
• CIHR Operating Grant – Collaborative Health Research
May 1
– Navigator Research Program
Projects (NSERC Partnered) (2013-14)
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
– New Pathways Research Program
• CIHR Team Grant – HIV Cure Research
– K.J.R. Wightman Award of Scholarship in Ethics
• CIHR Other – CIHR Café Scientifique Program (2013) • CIHR Operating Grant – E-Rare-2 Joint Transnational Call
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Office of the
on Rare Diseases Kanishka Project Contribution Program
Vice-President (Research)
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
10
www.mun.ca/gazette
Bojan Furst photo
OUTANDABOUT
Organic research From left are graduate student Khoshrooz Kazemi, Dr. Helen Zhang, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and Ashley Burke and Gordon Murphy of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB). Dr. Zhang and her team are using the large composters pictured to investigate optimal conditions for composting in cold weather climates. The project is being funded by Harris Centre-MMSB Waste Management Research awards. For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit
Rural, 3-4 p.m., SN-2025, Sponsor: Department of Geography Structure-Property Relationships in Pulse Starches, 1-2 p.m., SN-
Wednesday, April 3
Wednesday, April 17 Gigantic Used Book Sale, 7-9 p.m., Arts and Culture Centre, St.
www.today.mun.ca
John’s, Sponsor: Canadian Federation of University Women
4015, Sponsor: Department of Biochemistry
Thursday, April 18
Hydroacoustic Assessments of Lakes and Reservoirs: Avoidance, Densities and Size Spectra, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Hampton Hall,
Renewable Sources Based Micro-grid Control Schemes and
Gigantic Used Book Sale, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Arts and Culture
Marine Institute, Sponsor: Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems
Reliability Modelling, 3:30-5:30 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre
Centre St. John’s, Sponsor: Canadian Federation of University
Research
for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate
Women
Studies
Friday, April 19
Reconstructing Proto-Semitic Tense and Aspect, 3-4 p.m., SN3058, Sponsor: Department of Linguistics Faculty Bible Study, 12-12:50 p.m., HH-2005, Sponsor: Philip
Saturday, April 6
Half Price CFUW Book Sale, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Arts and Culture
Family Skating, 1-3 p.m., Mile One Centre, St. John’s, Sponsor:
Centre, St. John’s, Sponsor: Canadian Federation of University
Alumni Affairs and Development
Women
Caroline Schiller Voice Studio Recital, 12-2 p.m., Suncor
The Role and Expression of Integrin-Linked Kinase in
Energy Hall, Sponsor: School of Music
Trophoblast Differentiation, 1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre
Heath
Thursday, April 4
for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate
London Affinity Dinner, 7-10 p.m., House of Commons, London, England, Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development
Tuesday, April 9
Studies
The Blue Castle: Conversations on Women, Culture and the
MUN Cinema Series: On the Road, 7-9 p.m., Empire Theatres,
spaces of the Imagination, 8-9 p.m., The Ship Pub, St. John’s,
Avalon Mall, Sponsor: MUN Cinema
Sponsor: Department of Gender Studies
Growing From Seed: From Garden to Campus Brown Bag
Wednesday, April 10
Series, 1-2 p.m., The Landing, UC-3018, Sponsor: MUN
Adult Learner’s Week, 10-10:30 a.m., location to be announced,
3 bedroom, fully furnished home in Churchill
Botanical Garden
Sponsor: Department of Human Resources
Square,
Who Are Memorial’s Learners?, 2-3:30 p.m., ED-2030B, Sponsor:
Mary Pratt: Fredericton-Salmonier-St.John’s-Fredericton, 8-9:30
office, deck off master and 4-piece ensuite, 3100
DELTS
p.m., Hampton Hall, Marine Institute, Sponsor: Wessex Society
square feet. 01 July, 2013-30 June, 2014. $2,400/
CLASSIFIED walking
distance,
to
MUN
and
Confederation Building. Gourmet kitchen, home
month & P.O.U. gibbbj@gmail.com Skolem-type Sequences: Applications and Related Topics, 1-2
Thursday, April 11
p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of Computer Science
MUN Cinema Series: The Gatekeepers, 7-9 p.m., Empire
Professional looking to share centrally located
Theatres, Avalon Mall, Sponsor: MUN Cinema
three bedroom house with one or two other single
Friday, April 5
professionals. Previous homeowner but would
Are We Globalized Yet? Historical Perspectives on Globalization
Tuesday, April 16
like to experience better proximity to down
and Development, 7:30-8:30 p.m., The Rocket Room, 272 Water
Hippo Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer Development and
town living. Rent range- $1500-$2200. Minimal
St., Sponsor: Department of History
Chemotherapeutic Drug Response, 4-5 p.m., Health Sciences
furnishing okay, no pets, no smoking. dhc.inc@
Centre, Theatre B, Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences
gmail.com
Characterization of Oncogenic Human Pygopus2 Expression
Men/Women over 38, university or equivalent,
and Regulation, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for
interested in small informal walks listening to
Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
birdsong for joy of it, no dogs/children please
Legality and the Ethics of Strategic Lawbreaking, 2-3:30 p.m., A-1045, Sponsor: Department of Political Science Leveraging International University Rankings for Marketing,
and/or small informal group watching a film,
Recruiting and Performance Improvements, 2-3 p.m., ED-5004, Sponsor: International Centre
Screening: Surviving Progress, 7-9 p.m., A-1046, Sponsor:
then talking about it, describe yourself and your
Cinema Politica St. John’s, Department of Sociology
interest at walksnfilms@gmail.com.
Grounding Global Challenges and the Relational Politics of the
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
11
www.mun.ca/gazette
‘Best prize’
Business students land GM internships at national competition; duo first Memorial students to make top 10 By Susan White-MacPherson
Two bachelor
of commerce (co-op) students
landed four-month internships with General Motors at a national competition recently. Laura Francis and Krystal Hobbs won two of the coveted internships during Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec, a sity students run by McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. Ms. Francis and Ms. Hobbs were top 10 finalists in the competition, held March 26 in Toronto, Ont. “To me, this is really the best prize I could have won,” said Ms. Francis. “There was a lot of fantastic talent at the competition and to be chosen for an internship is
submitted photo
national business case-study competition for univer-
From left are Laura Francis and Krystal Hobbs, who recently earned marketing internships with General Motors at a national competition.
simply incredible. I am ecstatic about this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”
the submitted proposals are covered by a non-disclosure
The top 10 finalists delivered 30-minute presentations before a panel of judges.
The internships are for four months and will take
agreement that prevents contestants from discussing
place this spring with the vehicle manufacturer’s mar-
the details of their ideas, but Ms. Francis and Ms. Hobbs
keting department in Oshawa, Ont.
were pleased with their presentation.
All finalists were provided with networking opportunities with top industry executives and about $30,000
“I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity,”
“We gave it our best and we were proud of the work
added Ms. Hobbs. “I can’t wait to apply my skills that
that we presented to the judging panel,” Ms. Francis
Teams from the University of Guelph, Queen’s
I’ve developed through the co-op program, and I look
said. “The business program at Memorial really grooms
University and York University placed first, second and
forward to the challenges and learning opportunities
the presentation skills of students and I feel that this
third, respectively.
that working for GM will provide.”
has been really beneficial to us with regards to this
The duo is the first team from Memorial to make it to
competition.”
in prizes and scholarships were up for grabs.
“This was a truly fantastic networking experience,” said Ms. Hobbs. “We got to meet so many people in the
the final round of Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec, now in
This year, 141 submissions from 30 schools were
industry and in marketing that were genuinely inter-
its seventh year. The competition challenges post-sec-
received from students vying to be Canada’s Next Top
ested in learning more about us. I believe that there will
ondary students from across Canada to develop inte-
Ad Exec. Competitors submitted an elevator pitch plus
be ample opportunities for everyone in the top 10, even
grated marketing campaigns for a major sponsor, which
a comprehensive report outlining the key elements of
if there wasn’t a win directly from the competition.”
this year focused on the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. All of
their marketing strategies to make it to the final round.
Inaugural international student community service awards handed out By Mandy Cook
When asked
Nuclear safety
Visiting lecturer to discuss safe storage and disposal of nuclear waste By Kelly Foss
just minutes after she accepted a
to the event to celebrate their positive impact on the
A public lecture
$3,000 cheque at the inaugural International Student
community through their demonstrated leadership and
Memorial’s St. John’s campus
Community Service Award ceremony how she felt,
involvement.
on Thursday, April 25, will
Iman Tewfik managed to say one word through a huge smile: “Excited!”
In addition to Ms. Tewfik, education student Anne Fernando, environmental chemistry student Rumbidzai Kanyangarara and business student Muhammad Munir were all presented with cheques.
Dr. Sandy LeFort, Iman Tewfik and Dr. David Wardlaw.
Ten students in total were nominated and invited
Gazette | Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Canada’s
nuclear
future. Dr. David Shoesmith, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/Ontario Power Generation Industrial Chair
valuable,” said Tom Brophy, director, Department
in Nuclear Fuel Disposal Studies at the University of
of Student Success Programs, Student Affairs and
Western Ontario, will deliver the lecture, titled The
Services, and emcee for the event. “It has recently
Nuclear Future: Can We Make It Safe?
been emphasized through our launch of the Public
“Contrary to public perception, research on
Engagement Framework that our students not only live
the safe storage and disposal of nuclear wastes has
within the broader community, they enrich it. Our
been underway in Canada for over 35 years,” said
international students come to this country, province
Dr. Shoesmith. “It is part of a major collaborative
and city to learn and many quickly realize that so much
international effort to design, and assess the safety
of the learning occurs outside the classroom. We want
of, disposal scenarios for individual nations.”
our international students to recognize that they have
His talk will address the geologic properties
so much to offer to the community and that it is a win-
required of potential disposal locations and how
win for all involved because they learn and grow while
various
at the same time the community at large is better for
technically and socially.
their skills, talents, cultures and energy.”
nations
approach
site
selection
both
Dr. Shoesmith has a PhD in electrochemistry and
When asked what she plans to do with the money, Ms.
has served as a principal research officer with Atomic
Tewfik says she will be sending it home to her family in
Energy of Canada. He is currently a distinguished
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
research professor at the University of Western
“My dad will be very happy,” she said. “It will help pay the tuition for next semester.”
recent breakfast presentation at R. Gushue Hall on the St. John’s campus.
on
“Memorial recognizes that community service is
The process engineering student was one of four international students singled out for a cash award at a
focus
on
at
Ontario where he works to solve industrial corrosion and environmental contamination problems.
More information regarding the award can be found
The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Bruneau
www.mun.ca/scholarships/internationalstudents/
Centre for Research and Innovation (room IIC-2001).
intlcommunityserviceaward.php .
12
A reception will follow.
www.mun.ca/gazette